There truly is nothing better than a cool ice cream cone on a hot summer day here at the beach, and the Grand Strand has no shortage of delicious ice cream shops around every corner waiting for you and your family to come try some samples. With seemingly so many options, it might seem like a difficult decision, but don’t worry, here are six of the very best ice cream shops around The Grand Strand!
The Crazy Mason
Known for their creative and extreme milkshakes served in a Mason Jar, The Crazy Mason has become a local favorite since opening its doors in both Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach. Though technically a milkshake bar, this delicious eatery just had to be included on our list for the sheer possibilities in their over 30 signature flavors full to the brim with delicious toppings. Some of the favorite flavors currently found at The Crazy Mason include Build Me Up Buttercup and Have Your Cake and Eat It Too just to name a few, so there is no doubt everyone in your family will find a delectably instagram-able milkshake to suit their craving! They also feature incredible other creations such as their ice cream sandwiches known as Crazy Bombs, classics with a twist sundaes, and their waffles with ice cream. Both locations are in the 810 Bowling, the perfect atmosphere for a fun loving night ended with a sweet treat!
The Dairy Hut
The Dairy Hut, with its iconic red roof has been a staple at the Cherry Grove Beach since 1972 and has been delighting locals and visitors since then! My family and I have even enjoyed ourselves at The Dairy Hut over the years while enjoying a beautiful day on the beach. Right off the beach, this iconic shop comes with not only mouth watering ice cream made fresh with local ingredients, but also great prices and an even better view from their outdoor deck. The Dairy Hut offers rich, soft serve ice cream cones, thick old fashioned milkshakes, and their famous banana split that has customers coming back for more and more! They also have heartier offerings including fresh hot dogs, soft pretzels, popcorn, and even old fashioned candy apples, making this a great place to grab a quick and picturesque dinner and dessert!
Kirk’s Ice Cream Parlor
Here’s another familiar favorite of mine that my family and I have been going to since I was a child. Kirk’s on N Kinds Highway serves up enticing ice cream as well as an outstanding atmosphere to complete the visit. With over 40 “deliciously creamy” flavors to choose from and an even wider array of toppings, you might need a minute to two (and maybe even a few samples) before deciding on exactly what flavor you like the best. This family owned business also has heavenly milkshakes, floats, and chocolate frozen bananas all with huge portions. The classic ice cream shoppe atmosphere is topped off at Kirks with their retro dining parlor that includes a small arcade to keep the entire family happy!
Melt
Just a few steps off the beach on Main Street you’ll find Melt, the newest ice cream parlor here on the Grand Strand that made our list. Another family owned shop, Melt first opened in 2017 and since then has become one of the most popular stops for sweet treats in North Myrtle Beach! Even more, Melt was awarded Best Ice Cream in South Carolina by Food & Wine. A true success story of a family with a sweet tooth and a dream, Melt has melted the hearts of anyone that visits and tries their award winning desserts. With their deliciously inventive flavors and fresh ingredients, Melt has us all screaming for their craft ice cream!
Original Painter’s Homemade Ice Cream
A local staple since its opening in 1952, and still as popular now as it celebrates its 70th anniversary, Original Painter’s Homemade Ice Cream is a small stand that is known almost as well for its long lines as it is for its outstanding, old fashioned, homemade ice cream. Have no fear though, after 70 years in business there’s no doubt the Painter’s has their customer service down to a science, and the lines seem far more daunting than they really are. Plus, even if the wait was hours I assure you the product is well worth the wait. This landmark of both Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach continues to be one of the favorites around The Grand Strand, and if their chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream has anything to do with it, then I have to agree.
Sweet Molly’s Creamery
Named after the family’s beloved rescue dog Molly, Sweet Molly’s ice cream offers incredible flavors for you and your furry friend! That’s right, they have a flavor for dogs too! Located at both Barefoot Landing and Broadway at the Beach, Sweet Molly’s Creamery has been serving up smiles for over 16 years! Made to order and with over 50 different toppings, fruits, and sauces, theres no end to the crazy delicious combination you and your family can make! Plus, in honor of their namesake and mascot Molly, portions of revenue goes towards local animal shelters. Enjoy that ice cream, guilt-free and knowing you’re making a difference!