For my family, summertime means ice cream time! Fortunately, Columbia has several cool ice cream and dessert places.
Scoopy Doo Gelato Shop
A cute little gelato shop in Five Points, Scoopy Doo has a lot to offer — awesome flavors (yeah, they have Nutella!) as well as gluten free and vegan options if you or your children have food allergies. Using the hot process, they make their own gelato, sorbetto and granita … and they are all DELICIOUS! Stop by on a Tuesday to take advantage of their buy one get one free cones!
Sweet Cream Company
Sweet Cream is a downtown ice cream shop open on Main Street every day of the week except for Tuesdays. The store offers a variety of original handmade flavors and, according to their web site, they use organic dairy and local blueberries (among other creative ingredients). They offer frozen treats for dog owners and donate a large portion of their pet treat proceeds to local animal rescues.
Nonnah’s
A dessert and coffee restaurant, Nonnah’s is an awesome Columbia dessert spot located in the Vista. In addition to ice cream, Nonnah’s has delicious cakes, brownies, and cupcakes, as well as a selection of gluten free desserts. I can sit there for hours lingering over coffee and a brownie à la mode. Perfect for an after dinner treat, celebrating a special occasion or just enjoying time with friends or family.
Kaminsky’s
I was beyond thrilled to hear that a Kaminsky’s was opening in Columbia. Located in the Vista, Kaminsky’s offers delicious coffees, desserts, and yes, ice cream. Kaminsky’s is one of my favorite dessert date places. They have some great adult milkshakes — my personal favorite, the Wake Up Call, combines coffee, ice cream, and a splash of Bailey’s Irish Cream. Mmmm…
My Backyard
Yes, my all-time favorite ice cream is the homemade kind. There’s nothing more satisfying on a long, hot summer evening than a scoop of homemade ice cream. My personal favorite recipe is a version of a paleo ice cream recipe from Deliciously Organic. Try my delicious recipes below and you’ll quickly find out why this one of the most requested summer treats from my family.
Paleo Ice Cream
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 3 cups full-fat canned coconut milk
- 1/2 cup of pure raw honey
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
Whisk together all of the ingredients and put them in your ice-cream maker (you know, the one you received as a wedding gift that sits in the back of your cabinet). Usually it’s ready in 20-30 minutes. Serves 6.
Summer just got a whooooole lot better! What ice cream places would you add to the list?
What about Ben and Jerries? No air in their products, unlike the rest. Live in Ballentine do not know if they are still open.
Definitely great ice cream! We’ll have to double check and see if there is still a local store in the Midlands!
If youre the place we ordered ice cream pies from. Omg soooo good. Im hoping you are.