Searching for best milkshakes in Spartanburg, SC?
Love a good milkshake? We here at Kidding Around were tasked with the difficult (self-imposed) job of seeking out the best milkshakes in Spartanburg, SC. Grab one of these great milkshakes in the lovely Hub City.
Looking for the best milkshakes in Greenville, SC?
Who doesn’t love sipping on these creamy, delicious treats? Finding them is not usually difficult, but we wanted to find out who served up the best milkshakes Greenville, SC has to offer.
Yummy hand-scooped ice cream mixed with milk and possible fruit or other treats will never sound like a bad decision! So round up the kids, hop in the car, and head out to enjoy one of these decadent dairy treats – and tell them Kidding Around sent you!
The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar is hands-down one of our readers’ favorite places to grab a milkshake in Greenville. Their milkshakes and desserts are unique (think donuts, brownies, popsicles, and cake slices sitting on top!), and as a bonus—you get to keep the jar your milkshake comes in!
Dillard’s Ice Cream in Greer is another top favorite with our readers. Our milkshake afficionados say the shakes and ice cream are simple, yet delicious. And many say visiting Dillard’s brings up feelings from their childhood. NOTE: They do not accept credit cards, so be sure to bring some cash.
Dillard’s I’ve cream in Taylor’s/Greer the ice cream is delicious and the staff are very friendly too
Nora JThey also have their farm’s market there which has some great produce etc
Allison C.Andy’s Frozen Custard in Greer was another fan-favorite this year. They serve frozen custard and offer a variety of milkshakes and malts. You can get any of your favorite Andy’s custard flavors blended into a milkshake. Don’t forget to add toppings!
Grill Marks is a favorite with readers for not just milkshakes but their juicy burgers too!
Grill Marks is delicious. And their shakes to match are so tasty
Lacey
Cook Out got an overwhelming vote from our readers again this year!
There are many locations and ton of options and they are thick and delicious!
TheresaReaders also recommended the following places as their favorites and shared why with us.
The Ice Cream Station in Simpsonville is a favorite with readers. This outdoor shop next to the train tracks downtown has milkshakes, and a fan favorite is their Dole Whip.
Ice Cream Station in Simpsonville. Tasty and affordable!
Amy CPink Mama’s Ice Cream is another fan favorite. Their Travelers Rest location is located next to the Swamp Rabbit Trail and is a great break from walking the trail.
Pink Mama’s Ice Cream! Yummy ice cream and awesome customer service! She ROCKS!
Dawn PGood Karma Ice Cream serves 32 flavors of Hershey’s ice cream – and readers love it!
I get the Instant Karma where they use cold brew coffee instead of milk and then use a coffee based iced cream. They have a couple to chose from. Amazing! And a great excuse as to why I can not share with my kids, haha!
McKenzieGood Karma is our go-to to get a sweet tooth fix! Lots of Ice cream flavors. They are very creative with their milkshakes and ice cream desserts. Never had something we didn’t like
Nikki WheelerHunter Farms for fresh Strawberry shakes when they are open (which they are now)
Lisa FThe Pickwick has the best chocolate malts in town!
Kristy RKidding Around is always seeking to be your go-to for the best kid-friendly recommendations in Greenville. We’ve discussed the best places for ice cream, snow cones, and much more.
Before you head out for milkshakes, why not grab lunch or dinner at one of the many restaurants near Greenville, SC?
Tucked away just behind WestGate Mall, a quiet surprise awaits: 121 Coffee, Spartanburg, SC’s newest locally owned spot with more to offer than just great drinks. What was once a bait shop has been completely transformed into a serene and scenic coffee destination with family-friendly charm, quiet places to sit, and a whole lot of heart. All it took was one peaceful morning by the water for this to become my absolute favorite place in Spartanburg to slow down and sip a drink.
Quick Look at 121 Coffee
📍 Location: 121 Bellew Carver Rd, Spartanburg, SC
🕒 Hours: Mon–Sat: 7 am – 10 pm | Sun: 3 pm –11 pm
🚗 Access: Drive-through + walk-up counter
🪑 Seating: Outdoors only | sun + shade available
🚻 Restrooms: ADA-accessible | men’s + women’s
🐾 Pets: Leashed dogs are allowed outside
🚭 Rules: No smoking on the property
🎁 Extras: Gift cards + event rentals
When I walked into 121 Coffee and told the baristas it was my first time there, they were so sweet and talked me through so many of their great drinks and yummy treats! I’d seen many mouth-watering photos of their colorful cold drinks on their Facebook page, but even in the heat of summer, I am—at heart—a hot-coffee kind of girl.
A hot chai latte is my go-to at any new place, ever since I first tried one and felt like I was drinking Christmas in a cup. The girls behind the counter made it fast and fresh, and after just one sip, I knew I made the right call going with their largest size.
121 Coffee carries Roseline’s Oro blend, which brings together beans from Mexico and El Salvador to create coffee with notes of caramel and chocolate in the flavor. You’ll catch those tastes in many of their drinks, especially the espresso, but from what I hear, their cold drinks are also something special: sharp, fruity, and refreshing!
I took my cup and headed back outside to find a seat, just taking in the view.
With a fountain in the middle of the main pond and reflections of the surrounding trees and sky, all the water features have such pretty hints of teal and turquoise in every ripple. When I visited, I found a shady spot in the grass on the far side of the pond and just took in the view. I saw geese going into the water for a dip, the tiniest baby turtle sunbathing near the water’s edge, and countless dragonflies dancing over the water. It was genuinely mesmerizing.
The ponds are surrounded by walkways which are primarily gravel, but do include some paved and natural portions. I saw a couple people walking their dogs, one group of friends walking together, and a few families letting children run along the paths. I have little ones, so I made a mental note to bring our chest carrier or all-terrain wagon for easy navigation over the gravel. It was so relaxing to just sit on the grass, but I plan to bring a picnic blanket next time so my kids can relax and play a safe distance from the water.
The seating area nearest to the coffee shop is by far the most popular. It features a small deck looking out over the water and family-friendly music playing in the background. White linen curtains in the breeze and tiny string lights overhead created such an atmosphere of class and simplicity in that little space! There are several 4-person tables with umbrellas, perfect for a quick coffee date or even a business meeting. There is also a comfy corner couch and table that was perfect for the large family occupying it during my visit!
A stone’s throw away, near the primary parking lot, you’ll find another cozy seating area with several picnic tables in full sun. This is a gravel area with a great view of the smallest pond, access to the giant white heart swing, and close proximity to the restrooms. The restroom building is so well designed, too! It completely matches the look of the coffee shop, and right outside it sits a classic carriage—another one of the top photo spots at this location!
On the far side of the ponds, where I spent the majority of my visit, there are scattered benches along the trail. These may be in sun or shade depending on the time of day. The trail wraps around to a small dock where you could sit and dangle your feet over the water. Or, venture a little farther to find a paved platform with picnic tables and umbrellas to beat the summer sun.
Pro Tip: If you want privacy for your coffee date or conversation, head to the farthest seating area across the pond. There tend to be fewer people the farther you get from the coffee shop, and that particular seating area is set back from the water so sound will not carry across the ponds!
The answer is YES! Not only does 121 Coffee regularly host public events like car shows and holiday celebrations, but you can also rent their incredible outdoor spaces for private events and occasions. Depending on your rental arrangement, you can even take advantage of the fire pits, grills, and pizza oven onsite!
If you love the atmosphere around here, then go ahead and plan your next workout by the water, get-together with the girls, lively family reunion, romantic photo shoot, or anything else your heart desires with our new friends at 121 Coffee!
121 Coffee is owned by Gene Zakharov and Viktor Altuhov, and Alla Maga is their delightful store manager. We reached out to get a few extra details from the owner’s perspective!
What are your most popular menu items? Raspberry Dream Matcha, Lattes, and Scones!
What makes your establishment truly unique? We are in town, but the property feels like it’s in the middle of the country. We have ponds with ducks and geese, walking trails, our famous heart-shaped swing, plenty of space for kids to run around, and a pet-friendly environment.
What can customers do to show their appreciation? Review us on Google, share and tag us in Instagram and Facebook stories, and you can always tip your favorite baristas!
121 Coffee
Hours: Mon-Sat, 7 am – 10 pm | Sun, 3 pm – 11 pm
Address: 121 Bellew Carver Rd, Spartanburg, SC 29301
Website: www.121latte.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/121coffeespartanburg
Instagram: @121coffeespartanburg
If you are looking for good hot dogs in Spartanburg, SC, we have you covered! With several popular spots, we are listing our readers’ favorites. Chime in and let us know if we missed your favorite hot dog spot in Spartanburg.
As a hot dog aficionado, the high number of places to get a fancy frank makes me happy. Once upon a time, I visited Old Salty Dog in Florida, a place featured on Man Vs. Food, just to try the famous hot dog. It’s “salty dog” is a hot dog dipped in a beer batter that is deep-fried and served in a bun, and it is topped with onions, mushrooms, sauerkraut, bacon, and a whole lot of cheese. Get in my belly.
(more…)If you are looking for a restaurant with delicious food and a place to have some family fun, or enjoy a rare date night – The Farehouse inside of Taylors Mill is where you need to go! This locally owned restaurant tucked away in a repurposed mill in Greenville, is part of what is becoming a one-stop entertainment destination in the Upstate!
(more…)Craving something sweet and wondering where to find the best ice cream near me? If you’re searching for a delicious scoop (or two!) of Greenville, SC ice cream, you’re in luck! Local mom Kristina Hernandez has the inside scoop on all the best spots in Greenville and Spartanburg Counties. From an ice cream shop tucked inside a peach stand to a retro soda fountain in a local pharmacy and a downtown parlor serving up trendy rolled ice cream, this list is full of cool, creamy adventures your whole family will love. Info on vegan and dairy-free options included.
Craving some great BBQ? Greenville, SC has been named one of the best cities in the nation for barbecue – yet another reason why this place is so great. But wow, Kidding Around readers have lots of opinions on the BBQ scene in this town and were quick to give props to their favorite eateries when asked. So we figured – hey, why not have a list of our readers’ favorite places to enjoy one of the best kinds of cuisine in the south. So here it is. Discover the slow-cooked perfection that is the best BBQ: Greenville, SC-style.
Having sampled a good deal of BBQ here, my own favorite is Bucky’s, but I can’t wait to try these others!
Are you wanting to plan a picnic? Greenville, SC has dozens of restaurants that offer picnic-worthy food for takeout. Summertime means dining outdoors and dining outdoors equals picnics. We’ve gathered 10 of the best options for procuring picnic provisions in Greenville, SC. These places will provide you with things to eat and drink, whether your picnic is happening lakeside, poolside, or at the park. We also have some of the top tips for planning a picnic, so that your outside meal goes perfectly.
Have you tried the shaved ice at Ohana’s in Duncan? We visited and loved the beachy decor, fun outdoor setting, and of course, the ice was delicious. The kids enjoyed picking some candy toppings for their icees to compliment their syrup flavor choice, creating their own custom dessert. This is one spot we’ll be back to visit again.
Sometimes, when life gets busy, it’s best to make a little time for something simply enjoyable with the people you love. That’s how we found our way to Ohana’s one afternoon. My husband had been out of town for work all week, the kids were grumping at each other, and had definitely a bit too much Minecraft for the day, so I decided it was time to try that cute shaved ice spot we’d been driving by. Their beachy set-up looked so fun, and, we needed a little break.
We probably don’t need to explain this part to you. The menu board beside the window has your flavor options and topping choices. But, do take a look at the specials posted on the window, though. You’ll find unique creations like a blueberry donut icee, strawberry cake flavor, or even a coffee-flavored shaved ice. If none of those are quite what you’re looking for, go ahead and pick your flavors and toppings.
My kids chose:
Are these combinations that sound appetizing to me, as an adult? Nope, nope, nope. I picked the boring pina colada with no toppings. And I walked away without a brightly colored blue tongue. A fact, which I was very happy about. I, however, am not a kid. And the whole point of this small excursion was simple fun, and apparently, when you’re 10, a blue tongue is just that. So, they had at it with their choices and I wasn’t going to stop them.
Ok, you’ve ordered your icee. You get to sit back and relax at the pretty teal picnic tables with bright umbrellas, or kick back in an Adirondack chair and wait for the delicious magic to happen inside that colorful little building. But wait, what’s this? Your shaved ice creations are being delivered to you on a wooden surfboard-shaped platter? How cool is that? Beach theme through and through.
Take your time, enjoy your ice, and maybe play some ladder toss, climb up in the big chair for a photo, or make some chalk art on the sidewalk. The Hawaiian music is playing, and getting back to the real world will come soon enough.
Ohana’s
128 West Main Street, Duncan
Open 12 pm to 9 pm daily
Bonus, Your Summer Day in Duncan, SC: Shipwreck Cove, the popular waterpark at Stoneledge Park, is just a minute or two from Ohana’s. Both are super popular with our readers, and Ohana’s will make a nice treat after an afternoon at the park!
Love Snow Cones and Shaved Ice? Try some more!
Are you looking for discounted kids’ meal deals at restaurants where kids eat free? Greenville, SC has some options to fit what your kids are craving. You may be wondering, “What about deals where kids eat free near me”?
We have all the location information you need! Finding meals that your kid will enjoy is made easy at these local restaurants that offer meal deals throughout the week. Grab your calendar and add these restaurants to your meal plan routine for a cheap and stress-free dining experience with the family! We do attempt to keep this list accurate. Also, specific locations may not participate in deals. Call or check with a restaurant before ordering to be sure that the deals listed here are still current.
