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Yum Yum Shop in Charleston: Hand-Dipped Ice Cream and Frozen Yogurt Since 1970

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

What Yum Yum Shop offers

Yum Yum Shop is a family-owned ice cream parlor in Charleston that has been serving hand-dipped ice cream and frozen yogurt since 1970. The shop makes its own ice cream in small batches and stocks roughly 30 flavors at any given time, rotating seasonal and specialty options alongside year-round favorites like butter pecan, mint chocolate chip, and cookie dough. You can order cones, cups, sundaes, and shakes, and the shop also sells pints to take home.

The space itself is casual and nostalgic—the kind of neighborhood spot where regulars have been coming for decades. Yum Yum Shop is located on King Street in the heart of Charleston's downtown, making it an easy stop while exploring the historic district or shopping nearby. The shop is open year-round, though hours vary by season.

Key Takeaways

  • Yum Yum Shop makes its own ice cream fresh in small batches with roughly 30 flavors rotating regularly.
  • The shop has operated continuously since 1970 and is family-owned, giving it deep roots in Charleston's food culture.
  • You can order cones, cups, sundaes, and shakes on-site, or purchase pints to take home.
  • The location on King Street puts it within walking distance of downtown Charleston's historic attractions and shopping districts.

Flavors and seasonal specials

Yum Yum Shop rotates its menu regularly, so what's available changes with the season and the shop's production schedule. The core lineup includes traditional flavors—vanilla, chocolate, strawberry—alongside more adventurous options like salted caramel, cookie dough, and butter pecan. Seasonal specials have included peach, pumpkin spice, and peppermint flavors, though the exact offerings shift year to year.

The shop also makes frozen yogurt for customers who want a lighter option. Like the ice cream, the frozen yogurt comes in multiple flavors and can be topped with mix-ins and sauces. Calling ahead or checking the shop's current hours and flavor list before you visit is a good idea, especially if you're looking for a specific seasonal flavor.

Sundaes, shakes, and pints to go

Beyond single scoops, Yum Yum Shop builds sundaes with toppings like hot fudge, caramel, sprinkles, whipped cream, and nuts. You can also order milkshakes blended to order. If you want to bring ice cream home, the shop sells pints of its house-made flavors, which you can store in your freezer for later.

Prices are moderate for a hand-dipped ice cream shop in a downtown location. A single scoop cone or cup costs less than a sundae or shake, and pints are priced competitively with grocery store ice cream, though the quality and freshness reflect the small-batch production.

Location and hours

Yum Yum Shop sits on King Street in downtown Charleston, a pedestrian-friendly area with abundant street parking and nearby lots. The location makes it convenient to visit before or after exploring nearby shops, galleries, and restaurants. King Street is also accessible by the CARTA bus system if you prefer not to drive.

Hours vary seasonally—the shop typically stays open later during summer months when foot traffic is highest, and may have shorter hours in winter. It's worth checking the shop's current hours before you visit, especially if you're planning an evening trip or visiting outside the peak summer season.

Why Yum Yum Shop matters to Charleston

Yum Yum Shop is one of Charleston's longest-running food businesses, and its longevity reflects both the quality of its product and its role in the neighborhood. For over 50 years, it has been a gathering spot for families, tourists, and locals—the kind of place where generations of Charlestonians have celebrated milestones and cooled off on hot summer days. The commitment to making ice cream in-house, rather than serving a commercial product, sets it apart in an era when many ice cream shops rely on pre-made inventory.

The shop also represents the kind of independent, owner-operated business that gives Charleston's downtown its character. While chain restaurants and national brands have expanded into the city, Yum Yum Shop has remained a local fixture, continuing to make ice cream the way it did in 1970.

Nearby attractions and dining

Yum Yum Shop's King Street location puts you within a few blocks of some of Charleston's most visited spots. The historic district is walkable from the shop, and you can easily reach Rainbow Row, the Battery, and Fort Sumter ferry access. King Street itself is lined with galleries, boutiques, and restaurants, so you can build a full afternoon or evening around a visit to the ice cream shop.

If you're planning a day downtown, consider visiting Yum Yum Shop as a dessert stop after lunch or dinner at one of the nearby restaurants. The casual, quick-service format makes it ideal for a between-activities break, and the outdoor seating area (weather permitting) gives you a chance to people-watch on one of Charleston's busiest streets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Yum Yum Shop have dairy-free or vegan options?

The shop specializes in traditional ice cream and frozen yogurt made with dairy. If you have dietary restrictions, call ahead to ask whether the shop offers any non-dairy alternatives or can accommodate your needs. Hours and product availability can vary, so a quick call ensures you get accurate information.

Can I order online or call ahead for pints?

Yum Yum Shop is a walk-up counter service location. You can call to ask about flavor availability and pint inventory, but orders are typically placed in person. Calling ahead is a good idea if you want to make sure a specific flavor is in stock before you visit.

Is there parking near Yum Yum Shop?

Yes. King Street has street parking, and several paid parking lots are within a short walk. The area is also accessible by CARTA bus if you prefer public transportation. During peak tourist season, parking can be competitive, so arriving earlier in the day or on weekdays may make parking easier.

What's the best time to visit?

Summer afternoons and evenings are the busiest times, especially on weekends. If you prefer a shorter wait, visit on a weekday morning or early afternoon. The shop is open year-round, so you can visit any season, though winter hours may be shorter.