Ice Cream Stops in The OED: A Sweet Summer Road Trip Guide
Summer in South Carolina’s Olde English District is made for backroads, small-town exploring, and discovering hidden gems along the way. And after a day of adventure, nothing hits quite like a cold scoop of ice cream.
Across the region’s charming towns you’ll find everything from family-owned farms serving fresh, homemade flavors to nostalgic ice cream shops tucked into historic downtowns. Whether you’re craving classic vanilla, farm-fresh strawberry, or something creative and unexpected, there’s a sweet stop waiting just around the corner.
Here’s your guide to some of the best ice cream destinations across the Olde English District.
PJ’s Soft Serve & More – Richburg, SC
PJ’s Soft Serve & More is a local favorite known for its “Flavor Burst” ice cream and classic sweet shop offerings. In addition to frozen treats, guests can browse sweets and retail items, making it a fun roadside stop for families traveling through the area.
Stoplight Ice Cream & Deli – Chester, SC
Located in historic downtown Chester, Stoplight Ice Cream & Deli is a veteran and family-owned shop featuring Hershey’s Ice Cream plus a full deli menu with sandwiches, salads, and soups. Whether you’re craving a scoop or a savory lunch, it’s an easy downtown stop for both.
Cotton Hills Farm – Lowrys, SC
Cotton Hills Farm is a multi-generational family farm offering fresh produce, seasonal U-pick experiences, and family-friendly events throughout the year. Guests can enjoy a sweet scoop of ice cream on-site while taking in the farm views. It’s a great stop to slow down, explore the farm, and enjoy a classic summer treat all in one place..
The Caffeinated Cow – Cheraw, SC
The Caffeinated Cow is a cozy downtown stop known for its ice cream and sweet treats, along with coffee and offerings from local bakeries. A standout favorite is their affogato—espresso poured over creamy vanilla ice cream. Be sure to try this for the best of both worlds, where rich coffee meets smooth, cold ice cream in one unforgettable treat.
Polly’s Coffee & Ice Cream Shoppe – Pageland, SC
Polly’s Coffee & Ice Cream Shoppe is a downtown favorite serving 50+ flavors of ice cream and milkshakes, along with banana splits, sundaes, cheesecake, coffee, and other sweet treats. It’s a go-to stop for classic desserts with plenty of variety. Located right next to the historic Ball Theatre, visitors can easily pair a sweet treat with a movie or live event.
Dairy-O – Pageland, SC
A local favorite, Dairy-O serves classic ice cream treats and hand-spun milkshakes in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. Known for “FOOD • FOLKS • FUN,” they offer a nostalgic modern 50’s vibe making it a perfect stop for a sweet treat in Pageland.
McLeod Farms – McBee, SC
McLeod Farms offers a roadside market ice cream stop featuring a variety of classic and seasonal flavors like peach, butter pecan, black walnut, strawberry, lemon, and grape, perfect in a milkshake or served in a homemade waffle cone. With so much to see and do at the farm year-round, it’s an ideal stop to enjoy a sweet treat while exploring all that McLeod Farms has to offer. Be sure to check out our full blog on McLeod Farms to learn more about everything happening on the farm.
River Bottom Dairy – Jefferson, SC
River Bottom Dairy offers a true farm-to-table dairy experience where visitors can enjoy fresh milk, ice cream, and dairy products right where they’re produced. Guests can also see the cows and interact directly with the farmers.
Creighton’s Creamery – Kershaw, SC
Creighton’s Creamery is a local family-owned shop serving fresh, homemade ice cream in a variety of classic and seasonal flavors. Everything is made in-house, including the waffle cones. Guests can also enjoy coffee, donuts, and pastries, making it a great sweet stop with plenty of variety. It’s a cool local spot with a relaxed vibe and fun branded merchandise to take home.
Fat Cat Creamery & SnoBalls – Lugoff, SC
Fat Cat Creamery is a friendly, family-focused stop offering a wide variety of hand-dipped ice cream flavors, from classic favorites to more unique seasonal options. Guests can also enjoy creamy soft-serve yogurt with a variety of toppings, allowing for a fully customizable sweet treat. It’s a great place to cool off and enjoy a classic ice cream stop in Lugoff.
Scoop of Heaven – Elgin, SC
Scoop of Heaven is a locally loved ice cream shop built on creativity and quality, serving handcrafted, small-batch ice cream with unique and rotating flavors that keep every visit fresh and exciting. It’s a go-to stop for a sweet treat that always offers something new to try.
Five Grands Creamery – Lancaster, SC
Five Grands Creamery serves handcrafted premium coffee and ice cream made with a focus on freshness and quality, because fresh always tastes better. This family-owned shop is dedicated to serving the community and creating a welcoming space where guests feel cared for. It’s a great local stop to enjoy a sweet treat and a warm, friendly experience.
Jalisco’s Sweet Scoops & Sips – Lancaster, SC
Jalisco’s Sweet Scoops & Sips is a family-owned ice cream and coffee shop in Lancaster, originally starting as a mobile coffee truck in 2022 before opening its brick-and-mortar location in 2024. They serve ice cream, milkshakes, sundaes, smoothies, and acai bowls, along with a variety of specialty treats. It’s a fun local stop known for generous portions, creative desserts, and a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere.
Peace on Earth Consignment & Café – Winnsboro, SC
Peace on Earth Consignment & Café offers a cozy stop featuring ice cream treats and sweet desserts alongside its café offerings. It’s a relaxed, small-town destination where visitors can enjoy a cool treat while browsing and soaking in the unique local charm.
Bush-N-Vine – York, SC
Bush-N-Vine, one of York County’s beloved family farms, offers fresh produce and some of the best ice cream in the Olde English District. Established in 1979, this family-owned farm has long been known for providing high-quality produce to the community and has expanded to include refreshing, farm-fresh ice cream made with seasonal ingredients. Their strawberry ice cream is a longtime crowd favorite and a must-try when visiting the farm.
Springs Farm – Fort Mill, SC
Springs Farm is a historic Fort Mill farm known for its fresh, seasonal ice cream that highlights local flavors. Established in 1938, this family farm has become a longtime community favorite for its simple, high-quality ice cream offerings made to celebrate the taste of the season. Their strawberry ice cream is a standout and a must-try for visitors looking for a classic farm-fresh treat.
P W’s Gourmet Ice Cream – Rock Hill, SC
P W’s Gourmet Ice Cream is a Rock Hill favorite offering a wide variety of rich, creamy flavors from classic vanilla and strawberry to fruity sorbets and creative specialty options like the Fudge-Ana. The owners are always introducing new flavors and rotating treats, including homemade cobbler and fun creations like ice cream nachos. It’s a must-stop for anyone looking for a fresh and creative ice cream experience.
Ninety’s Dessert Bar – Rock Hill, SC
Ninety’s Dessert Bar is a nostalgic ice cream destination in Rock Hill serving over-the-top, creative desserts inspired by 1990s favorites. From loaded milkshakes stacked with childhood snacks to indulgent ice cream creations and cookies made to spark memories, every item is designed to be fun, bold, and unforgettable. It’s the perfect stop for a sweet treat that brings a little nostalgia with every bite.
Junior Varsity Ice Cream – Rock Hill, SC
Junior Varsity Ice Cream is a local favorite known for handcrafted ice cream in a fun, welcoming setting with creative flavors and a relaxed atmosphere. In addition to its sweet treats, they also serve sourdough pizza, making it a unique stop for both dinner and dessert. Come for the pizza, stay for the ice cream, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy the best of both worlds..
Dairi-O – Union, SC
Dairi-O is a classic diner-style stop known for its hand-spun milkshakes and ice cream treats served in a nostalgic, family-friendly setting. Along with its frozen desserts, guests can enjoy a full menu of comfort favorites, but the real highlight is its sweet, creamy shakes that make it a go-to stop for an old-fashioned ice cream experience.
A Sweet Way to Explore the Olde English District
From farm-fresh scoops to nostalgic dessert shops, the OED is full of places worth slowing down for. Whether you’re road-tripping through small towns or exploring backroads between destinations, there’s always a sweet stop nearby.
