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We love a good spot to enjoy some delicious ice cream. We had been talking for a while about trying Smiling Scoops in Downtown Florence, SC. So on September 21, 2025, we decided that the time had finally come. We have enjoyed Ice Cream from a Chain Restaurant in the area, but were excited about the opportunity of finding a Family Owned Ice Cream Shop. But, was what we found the best ice cream shop in Florence, SC?
History, Location, and Atmosphere of Smiling Scoops
Smiling Scoops started as a dream many years ago, but became a reality when they opened their doors on July 13, 2024. It is located in the heart of Downtown Florence, SC. The shop can be found on Evans Street, just one shop in from where it crosses Irby Street. It offers curbside parking out front, and is located within walking distance of Shops and Restaurants. Check Out their Facebook Page to keep up with News, Specials, and maybe some Inspiration.
The Outside of the Shop is adorned with the Smiling Scoops Logo, and features a table and chairs for outdoor seating. Weather permitting you may even find a few stands out front displaying their offerings and specials. Upon entering the Shop, you will proceed to the back to get in line to order your Ice Cream. After ordering, you will then move up to the Register Area, which is also where you purchase and pick up your Ice Cream as well as Candy and Merchandise.
The Inside of the Shop feels like an Ice Cream Parlor and a Candy Store collided. The Aftermath is this bright, open and inviting space where guests can enjoy some delicious treats, while picking up a Candy Stash for the Road. There is a Variety of Seating Options: the Counter which has four stools, a High Top Table with Stools, and a Large Cushioned Bench that features four tables and accompanying chairs. You will also find a few arcade style games, including Pac-Man.
Food
Menu Features
Smiling Scoops has a Large Menu for Visitors to choose from. They offer Hand-Dipped Ice Cream, mostly Blue Bell, over a Dozen Flavors. They also offer Soft Serve Ice Cream, but only in Vanilla or Chocolate. Both Options are available in Small, Medium, or Large Cups. You can also choose to have your Ice Cream served in a Waffle Cone, Dipped Waffle Cone, or Waffle Bowl. If you would like to try multiple flavors of ice cream, you may want to consider an Ice Cream Flight available with Four or Nine Flavors. They also have over Two Dozen Topping Options to choose from. You may also prefer their Ice Cream Nachos or Ice Cream Tacos, which feature Ice Cream, Sauce and Toppings. They also offer Milk Shakes as well as Six Flavors of Italian Ice. If you would like to enjoy your treat in a more edible bowl, consider having your Italian Ice, Ice Cream, or Milk Shake served in a Pineapple Cup. Also, be sure to look for or ask about their Monthly Specials.
Also, be sure to check out their candy selection. It features lots of great options like Baby Ruth Candy Bars, Blow Pops, Nerds, Gum, and Gummy Worms. You can also choose from a selection of Freeze Dried Candy.
Sweet Treat Thoughts
For Our Visit, Mama and Daddy both decided to have Strawberry Sundaes. The Lady taking our Order asked if they wanted nuts and what kind did they want. Their Sundaes were served with Two Scoops of Hand-Dipped Vanilla Ice Cream, Strawberries, Wet Walnuts, and Whipped Cream. Mama did not want a Cherry, so she had them put hers on Daddy’s, giving him two. They both enjoyed their Ice Cream, and said that they would get them again. They also talked about the fact that they enjoyed the Blue Bell Vanilla Ice Cream. Daddy also commented that he saw some other options that he would consider trying in the future.
For Myself, I ordered a Small Soft Serve Vanilla Ice Cream in a Cup. Soft Serve Vanilla Ice Cream is my favorite, and theirs did not disappoint. It was mixed well and had a very good flavor. I was also surprised and happy by how much Ice Cream I got even though I ordered a Small.
Final Thoughts
Our Family very much enjoyed our visit to Smiling Scoops. The Ice Cream was Delicious. The Staff that we dealt with was very friendly and helpful. But, was it the Best Ice Cream Shop in Florence, SC? Yes, for multiple reasons. The First Reason is a little obvious: There are no other solely Ice Cream Shops in the Florence Area. Which brings us to reason Number Two: While there are Many Places to get Ice Cream from in Florence, None of Them feature the Variety and Options available at Smiling Scoops. Plus, many of them Specialize in other Sweet Treats. Reason Three: We enjoy supporting Local Businesses when we can. Reason Four: We enjoyed having a nice place that we can go, sit and chat, that also offers each of us something we enjoy. Will we be treating ourselves to this Delightful Spot again? Definitely.
Looking to Enjoy a Bite to Eat before Your Ice Cream Treat?
Check Out some of our Favorite Eating Options in and around Florence, SC. Stefano’s has a Large Variety for Great Food. 1720 Burger Bar has Delicious Grilled Burger and Homemade French Fries. Jumpin’ J’s has a Large Menu of Wonderful Food with some Great Specials. Lil D’s Dugout offers both a Menu and Buffet to choose from, both feature Amazing Options. The Mayflower Seafood Restaurant has a Wonderful Menu that features some Delicious Seafood.
A Hui Hou Aku! See You Again Soon!
Your Thoughts
How Many Scoops are You? Have you ever tried Smiling Scoops? What did you think and What did you have? Will you be making plans to try Smiling Scoops? Let Us Know in the Comments.