When summering in the South Strand, indulging in an ice-cold treat is an obligation, really. Think about it: 90-degree heat, intense humidity, days spent in the sun — that ice cream becomes mandatory. We’ve assembled a list of some of our favorite local spots to get a frozen snack— both for kids and grown-ups — within minutes of your accommodations at Litchfield Beach & Golf.
Brain freezes sold separately.
1) Paradice: This is, naturally, your first line of defense. A traditional ice cream shop in every sense, Paradice serves dozens of flavors of ice cream, frozen yogurt, floats, hurricanes, shaved ices, smoothies, frappes and malts. Toppings and syrups seem limitless, and prices are quite reasonable. For those in your crew ready to indulge, how about a couple of scoops of red velvet cake ice cream topped with chocolate chips and whipped cream? Or maybe a riff on a Southern staple: banana pudding ice cream with a vanilla wafer topping? Those looking for something a little lighter won’t have any problems: dairy free shaved ices made with real fruit offer refreshment without all that fullness (or guilt), and fruit smoothies offer optional “boosts”of fat burner or protein for a dollar more. Best of all? It’s within maraschino cherry-tossing distance of Litchfield Beach & Golf, right there on Ocean Highway.
2) Island Treats: This joint is just…adorable. Accessible by a water-spanning walkway, patrons love dipping in for one of their flavors of Hershey’s Premium hard ice cream on a pretzel cone (yum!) and sitting on their covered porch to enjoy their treat in the out of doors. There’s a real family vibe about this place, and visitors may very well find their photo on Island Treats’Facebook page. Not feeling like ice cream? Premium Italian ices, soft serve and frozen yogurt, hot and iced coffee and tea, and bulk candy are also available. Have one of their servers shake you up a topping-filled Tsunami for an extra indulgence. They love animals, too: be it the ducks and turtles inhabiting the water outside the shop, or your own pooch —after all, they make a mean doggie sundae.
3) Village Deli and Creamery: This place was made for a mid-day respite. Bring the family in for one of their crazy good sandwiches, wraps, burgers and panini made with, among other top-of-the-line ingredients, premium Boar’s Head meats and cheeses. I mean, who could resist a Fried Green Tomato BLT with their remoulade sauce? Or a French Dip with au jus? Oh man, we have to stop talking about this — it’s about the ice cream, isn’t it? Just like all their other offerings, their treats are top notch. They serve 20 flavors of the gourmet brand Ashby Sterling that can be single- or double-dipped, or made into shakes or sundaes. Like everything else on their menu, expect quality. But more important expect flavor. They’re located adjacent to Hammock Shops Village.
4) Sweet Cups: You know how when you arrive in Pawleys Island for vacation, you need to drop your stuff off at your rental and then hit the grocery store to stock up on food for your stay? You may also know that this is about the time when your kids have an epic meltdown because the beach/pool/lunch/nap is just not happening fast enough. This place is your get-out-of-jail-free card. This pristine ice cream and frozen yogurt spot is situated right next to the Lowe’s grocery store, so it serves as a perfect bribe for the kids not looking likely to abide by your shopping. A delicious cup of ice cream or froyo smothered in fruit or candy? You’ve just bought yourself at least 30 more minutes of errand running. Or at least some peace and quiet.
5) Habaneros: Ok, this one is for mom and dad only. Save the confections for the daylight; now that the sun has gone down, it’s margarita time. Locals and visitors love Mexican mainstay Habaneros for their food but also for their excellently priced frozen house margaritas. Sit at the outdoor bar and sip a few of these and, trust us, whatever the kids put you through earlier will become a distant, citrusy, salty memory.
(Posted: 7/29/15)
