In 1984, without controversy or protest from either side of the aisle, then U.S. president Ronald Reagan declared July National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday of said month to be National Ice Cream Day. His proclamation read, “I call upon the people of the United States to observe these events with appropriate ceremonies and activities.”
Since that momentous day in American history, options and innovations for flavors and flairs of this all- and any-occasion treat have expanded our creativity (and sometimes our waistlines) beyond anything that Ronald Reagan could’ve imagined.
According to the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), the average American eats roughly 20 pounds of ice cream each year, or about 4 gallons. Most ice cream companies are family owned and have been in operation for more than 50 years. Ice cream has historically been a part of American communities, and not surprisingly, ice cream companies help support the U.S. economy, contributing more than $13 billion directly to the national economy and supporting nearly 29,000 jobs that generate $1.8 billion in wages, according to IDFA’s Dairy Delivers. In 2021, ice cream makers in the U.S. churned out more than 1.3 billion gallons of ice cream.
Carolanne O’Fee is phototgraphed next to The Moosual Suspects, a mural she painted at The Ice Cream Cone in Coligny Plaza.
So, what is the U.S.’s favorite ice cream flavor? According to IDFA’s 2024 Ice Cream & Frozen Novelty Trends Survey, vanilla is America’s flavor of choice in ice cream, followed by chocolate and strawberry. And according to Statista.com, Ben & Jerry’s is the most popular ice cream brand in the U.S. However, aside from the store-bought brands that we enjoy at home, Americans also enjoy visiting their favorite ice cream shops and are pretty loyal with their patronage.
We pulled together a list of some of the most popular ice cream shops and confectionaries on the island to give you some ideas about where to find the dessert that unites us. Read on for more about the sweetest and smoothest dessert on the planet and what makes each of these island shops unique.
Sno Cones by Chris, 114 Helmsman Way, (843) 683-0592
For 14 years, Chris Sudduth has been making his own ice (with the texture and consistency of sorbet) and concocting his own flavors (40 in all) that are free from nuts, dairy, and high fructose corn syrup. He also offers sugar- and dye-free options. Sno-Cones by Chris isn’t just a dessert shop; it’s the only custom Lego gallery in the Lowcountry with more than 300 custom-built creations inside. For the past decade, he’s been the highest rated Hilton Head dessert shop on Trip Advisor, and he has a perfect five-star rating on Google.
Hilton Head Ice Cream, 55 New Orleans Road, (843) 842-6333
This island institution has been making award-winning ice cream since 1982, and the store manager, Jeff, has been there for 20 years. Everything in the store has always been homemade in the back by islanders using the best ingredients to produce the highest quality product. Based on tradition and consistency of product, there are no shortcuts or fillers here, which means no ice crystals or freezer burn, just great taste. The three most popular flavors are Oreo (made with real Oreos), banana pudding (made with real bananas), and salted caramel fudge brownie (made with real salt, caramel, and chocolate).
Ryker and Paisley enjoy ice cream cones at Captain Jax on Palmetto Bay Road.
Kilwins, 28 Shelter Cove Lane, Unit 112-B, (843) 785-2727
With recipes and methods that haven’t changed since the first store opened in 1947, people love Kilwins because they have all the good stuff- ice cream, cased chocolates, hand paddled fudges, caramels, other confectionary creations, and amazing waffle cones. The Kilwins heritage was built on the simple premise of creating products from the finest ingredients and providing customers with great service. The most popular ice cream flavors are vanilla sea salt caramel and vanilla toasted coconut in those famous waffle cones. Kilwins also offer ice cream cakes for birthdays and other special occasions.
The Frozen Moo, Coligny Plaza, 1 N. Forest Beach Drive, (843) 842-3131
The Frozen Moo is a family-owned dessert parlor serving more than 90 flavors of ice cream, frozen yogurt, and sherbet- the largest selection on the island, maybe even the East coast. It is custom-made in Florida using special pasteurization and homogenization processes specifically for ice cream with fresh, raw (not frozen and thawed) milk and cream. Frozen Moo ice cream is frozen once, which means your ice cream hasn’t been over-worked and over-processed.
The Ice Cream Cone, Coligny Plaza, 1 N. Forest Beach Drive, (843) 785-4440
Another island institution, The Ice Cream Cone has been scooping up their famous ice cream, sundaes, frozen yogurt, malts, banana splits, and ice cream cookie sandwiches since 1971. The thing that sets this dessert destination apart is the fun and inviting atmosphere, which includes top-notch service with a smile from some of the friendliest local kids on the island. Along with local artifacts, like shark teeth and arrowheads from our beaches to the one-of-a-kind cow/movie art on the walls. The most popular flavor is their Sea Turtle Ice Cream.
Nonna Marie’s Gelato & Coffee Bar, The Village at Wexford, Suite. G1, (843) 593-0096
Nonna Marie’s Gelato & Coffee Bar opened in 2019 when Nonna and Tom Klinect decided to share their Italian family artisan gelato with the folks on Hilton Head. With lower milk fat and sugar content, this homemade daily treat is more easily digestible than traditional ice cream. They also offer a full Espresso bar, teas, Italian pastry, cookies, cannoli, tiramisu, and cheesecake. What started as a treat they made for their kids at home has now grown to more than 60 flavors that they share with the community. The most popular gelato flavors are the Italian Dark Chocolate or the refreshing Pear and Fig.
The Salty Dog Ice Cream Shop, South Beach Marina, 232 S Sea Pines Dr #304, (843) 671-2233
At the Salty Dog Ice Cream Shop in South Beach Marina, every day is the perfect day for ice cream. Jackie, the ice cream creator, is always busy cooking up fun, new, seasonal flavors unique to the Salty Dog that are served up in bowls, cones, or waffles along with your favorite toppings. In fact, making a flavor choice may be the toughest decision you make all day. If you’re craving something special, email icecream@saltydog.com to request it.
Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, Coligny Plaza, 1 N. Forest Beach Drive, (843) 341-5587
Rita’s is celebrating their 31st season on Hilton Head this year as a sweet treat island icon. Their famous Italian ices are made fresh daily and when it’s hot, there may be nothing more refreshing. Their soft serve custards, too, are a big hit. If you can’t decide between the two, no problem! Just order a combination of the two in either a shake or gelati. The most popular flavor is mango, followed by lemon and cherry, but if you love chocolate, then you’ll love the Rita’s chocolate. With a rotating selection of more than 95 flavors, you’re sure to find your favorite. “Have an “ice” day!!”
The Cinnamon Bear Country Stores, Harbour Town, 149 Lighthouse Rd.
For more than 25 years, The Cinnamon Bear has been helping guests make special memories with their unique variety of local gifts, gourmet foods, children’s toys, apparel, and their delicious ice cream and frozen yogurt. Their claims to fame are delicious ice cream, generous servings (single, double, and triple scoops), and free toppings served in a waffle cone, sugar cone, or bowl. Feeling adventurous? Try their floats, milkshakes or slushies… you won’t be disappointed.
Captain Jax, 24 Palmetto Bay Road, Suite G, (843) 715-0737
Captain Jax is Hilton Head’s newest destination for all things comics, ice cream, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a casual reader, or just have a sweet tooth, there is something for everyone, including comics for all ages and interests- from the latest superhero releases to classic graphic novels. They serve up Blue Bell ice cream in a variety of flavors along with light, fluffy, mini pancakes, bubble waffles, and a variety of Boba Tea flavors. Captain Jax is also constantly expanding their selections with fun toys, unique finds, and exciting new treats, as well as weekly events and performances.
