Where to Find a Cold Treat on Tybee
by Chantel Baul
Scientists have confirmed it, 2016 has been the planet’s hottest year on record. But you probably didn’t need an expert to tell you that. Anyone who steps outside can feel the sizzling summer heat. Fortunately, Tybee Island has everything needed to handle the overly-warm weather with ease: the cool Atlantic waters, the crisp ocean breeze, and lots of options for ice cold treats to help out with homeostasis. If you’re craving something cool and creamy to satisfy your summer sweet tooth, head to these celebrated Tybee vendors.
Seaside Sweets
It’s no hyperbole that the sisters at Seaside Sweets proudly proclaim to have the ‘World’s Best Ice Cream’ – operative word being the underlined ‘best’, of course. Having received praise from Oprah Winfrey herself, Seaside Sweets is definitely entitled to the bold declaration. Lovingly made from scratch with natural and recognizable ingredients, Seaside Sweets’ gelato features real fruits, roasted nuts and handpicked spices, chocolates, coffees and teas. And the best part? The cool, creamy goodness doesn’t end with the gelato. Seaside Sweets’ also vends tasty smoothies, shakes, frozen lemonade and, the Lowcountry favorite, alligator ice! So it should be pretty clear by now; this creamery is your one-stop shop for all things frozen and saccharine on the island.
Sugar Shack
At the aptly named Sugar Shack, ice cream aficionados are delighted to find all their childhood favorites: classic soft serve, shakes and malts, root beer floats, sundaes and the iconic old-fashioned banana split. The Sugar Shack has been satiating summer sugar cravings since 1971 and has become a hallmark Tybee Island life. And with more than 20 ice cream flavors to choose from, you’re sure to find the right scoop for you.
Tybean Art and Coffee Bar
Tybean Coffee & Art Bar is the physical manifestation of everything you love about coffee shops without all the pretentiousness of a place like ‘*$’ – give it some thought, you’ll get the reference. The familiar beach shack feel so ubiquitous on the island is fully intact at Tybean, so feel free to relax while the baristas brew up your favorite café staples. While the coffee house is apt to serve up steaming cups of joe, you can also enjoy cold brews, frozen frappes and refreshing smoothies. Thanks to the cool coffee creations and the laid back artsy vibe, Tybean is the perfect summer chill out spot, figuratively and literally!
Tybee Time Sports Bar
If you prefer a cold treat with a little adult flair, then head to Tybee Time Sports Bar for the best daiquiris on the entire island. The oceanfront bar boasts 13 big-screen TVs and a whopping ten daiquiri machines, each spinning tropical flavor favorites like piña colada, mango and more. You can enjoy singular flavors or have the baristas combine a daiquiri that’s uniquely for you. Whether you keep it simple or mix it up, you’re sure to cool off and relax with your frozen cup of fun at Tybee Time.
