Speaking of the popular 31-flavor outlet, there are multiple national chains on the Grand Strand for those with a personal favorite – like Ben & Jerry’s, Cold Stone Creamery, Dairy Queen, Sweet Frog, TCBY and more. But to experience the unique flavor of Myrtle Beach, we recommend you take your taste buds for a rare treat at one of the locally owned and operated mom-and-pop shops. Here’s the scoop on five of our guests’ favorite places to go for ice cream during a dreamy Myrtle Beach vacation:

* Kirk’s 1890 Ice Cream Parlor: Walk through the doors and back in time at this nearby soda shop. Located only two blocks from The Strand, this shop allows our guests to enjoy a timeless treat to beat the heat of the day. Offering old-school classics like sundaes, banana splits and old-fashioned malts, Kirk’s also scoops a wide variety of flavors right in front of your eyes. An old-timey décor and arcade add to the experience.

* Mad Myrtle’s Ice Creamery: This downtown institution has been serving cold treats to visitors for decades, and the walls have the photos on display to prove it. Enjoy a couple of scoops of something cold and sweet, and check out the old photos that show the changing landscape of Myrtle Beach over the years. Fresh waffle cones and ice-cream desserts are favorites at this hot spot.

* Original Painters Homemade Ice Cream: There are folks who will drive past five ice cream parlors to get to this one in North Myrtle Beach. As the name implies, the ice cream is made fresh on-site and served to loyal customers who swear they can taste the difference. Enjoy all the classic flavors – like strawberry, vanilla and chocolate – straight from a cup or a cone, or get adventurous and try key lime pie or another unique flavor.

* Peaches Corner: Celebrating its 80th year on the downtown oceanfront, this popular Myrtle Beach mainstay is best known for its burgers and hot dogs. Wash down your grub with a thick milkshake or a root beer float – it’s the perfect way to cool off after a long stroll down the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. Or get a cone to go and enjoy it while you go for a stroll along the scenic, 1.2-mile oceanfront walkway.

* Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream: Half the fun of visiting this new shop in Socastee is watching them make your frozen treat. Using a unique liquid nitrogen system that makes ice cream thicker and creamier, Sub Zero flash freezes its products on site for a fresh flavor you can design with your own mix-ins. Sub Zero also makes yogurts that are lactose-free, sugar-free and gluten-free for folks with special dietary restrictions.

The best part about The Strand Resort being so close to so many frozen-treat parlors is that you can get yours to go without worrying about it melting on the way back to the resort. That allows you to enjoy your treat in your luxurious room or on your private oceanfront balcony – the perfect spot for a summer ice cream dream.