Got a sweet tooth? Here are some places around campus you should visit.
- Insomnia Cookies
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This ultimate cookie shop seems to be catered specifically to college students. They have twelve different kinds of cookies, three of which are “deluxe” cookies. They also sell cookie cakes, brownies, ice cream and “wiches” which are two cookies with ice cream or icing sandwiched between them. You can order individual cookies, or you can get them in a pack of 6, 12, 18, or 24. And the best part of this cookie place? They deliver until 2 A.M. every night. Seriously, whoever came up with this place knew what they were doing.
- Manny’s Shaved Ice
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Manny’s has a wide variety of desserts. The Mexican dessert shop serves shaved ice, ice cream, frappuccinos, fresh fruit cups with Tajin and lime juice, elotes (Mexican corn on the cob), and so much more. This is a great dessert shop to visit during warmer days, but they serve shaved ice all year round!
- Kaminsky’s Dessert Cafe
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Kaminsky’s is definitely one of the best and most popular dessert places in Columbia. The Columbia store is one of three locations in SC, and they serve ice cream, floats, coffees, milkshakes, and so much more. They also have cakes, cheesecakes, pies, and other baked goods. This is the ultimate traditional dessert shop, and it is definitely worth a visit.
- Cupcake Downsouth
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This shop’s cupcakes were voted as the best in South Carolina, and the shop was featured on a number of T.V. shows such as Cupcake Wars, The Ellen Show, and Southern Charm. They make over fifty flavors of cupcakes every year, including the “pupshake” for dogs, and the “cake-shake” which is a cupcake blended with soft serve vanilla ice cream. There is also a rewards special, so if you’re unsure about spending money on their treats, sign up for their rewards and you can try a cupcake for free!
- Sweet Cream Co.
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This ice cream shop opened in 2012 and prides itself in serving handcrafted and unique flavors. They have 16 flavors, including Rose Dark Chocolate (who’s ever heard of rose as an ice cream flavor?) and make them one small batch at a time. They are definitely a more upscale dessert shop, but they provide a unique take on ice cream that everyone should try at least once.
Make sure to visit these dessert shops while you’re in Columbia–your tastebuds will thank you!