Due to the never-ending frozen yogurt craze, my mind doesn't drift past the countless "froyo" shops scattered around Charleston whenever a sweet tooth creeps up on me. Sure, piling up candies and fruits on top of scoop after scoop of frozen yogurt does the trick, but whatever happened to good, old-fashioned ice cream?
With shops in just seven cities countrywide, we were lucky enough to have Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams grace our presence with an opening in Charleston, South Carolina. Even better? This delectable and extremely eccentric ice cream shop is located on the historical King Street, where it is impossible to be ignored.
My expectations of Jeni's Ice Creams were high due to many positive reviews, yet I extremely underestimated the deliciousness and friendliness I would experience there. I could spot the line pouring out of the front door from a block away. When it was finally my turn to enter through the glass doors, I was pleasantly shocked by the modern and chic, yet comfortable atmosphere of the shop. With lights strung across the ceilings and abstract paintings covering the walls, Jeni's is a unique spot to sit and enjoy your frozen treats for sure.
Upon my arrival to the counter, I was immediately greeted with a sample plate of salty caramel ice cream sandwiches with smoked almonds. Yes, please! The bite was absolutely delightful; I couldn't wait to see what was in store next. A few short minutes later, a cheerful associate asked me how many flavors I would like to sample. You mean I get to try multiple ones!?! I think we all know the feeling of being "annoying" when asking to try the whole case of ice creams at ice cream shops, but not here. At Jeni's, their love for the flavors and the business encourages customers to find the flavor that they like best.
My sample of the Roasted Strawberry Buttermilk (sounds mouth-watering, right?) sold me right away. To accompany it, I chose Wildberry Lavender. These two fruit flavors topped with freshly smoked almonds was pleasing to both the eyes and my taste buds. I finished the whole bowl and will definitely be back for more.
The only less than perfect aspect of my experience at Jeni's was choosing which flavors to order! It was like the chalkboard menu was staring at me, tempting me to order every single one of them. There are creative flavors such as Goat Cheese with Red Cherries, Brown Butter Almond Brittle, The Milkiest Chocolate in the World, Sweet Corn and Black Raspberries, and many more, which are all crafted with whole and natural ingredients. And that's only the ice creams! Jeni's also offers frozen yogurt, sorbets, and ice cream sandwiches; the decision is tough. And luckily, many packaged items are sold there as well, so cravings can also be satisfied in the comfort of one's own home.
I highly recommend all those in Charleston taking a walk up King to experience what I did. The flavors, the atmosphere, and the friendly associates of Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams are unbeatable, and I doubt anyone would think differently.
