Ice cream is nothing new. Parlors, trucks, even gelaterias populate the area. But there is something to be said for nostalgia—and, ironically, nostalgia never grows old.

Clemson University is a destination for ice cream, churning out the icy stuff of summer in addition to its academics and sports programs, and, of course, its blue cheese.

The student-run ice cream program began sometime in the 1920s inside the Dairy Building, which once stood behind Sikes Hall next to the amphitheatre. The original flavors were peach, vanilla, strawberry, chocolate, and lemon custard. A cone or a Dixie cup would set you back 5 or 10 cents. The ice cream was sold—along with milkshakes, bottled milk, one-pound blocks of butter, and glasses of buttermilk and chocolate milk—out of a room the size of a small closet.

Though times have changed, and the small closet is now the ’55 Exchange, a retail center located inside the Hendrix Student Center, the spirit and quality remain the same. Between 16 and 20 flavors are on rotation, running the gamut from traditional—such as chocolate, vanilla, peach, strawberry, and butter pecan—to student custom-creations—such as Heather’s Goober Goo, Sigma Kappa’s Tiger Tracks, and JoAnna’s Double-Up Cupcake. Beyond the scoop is the frozen Tiger Slab (orange, naturally) where customers can choose their own mix-ins. Hand-spun milkshakes, sundaes, real-fruit smoothies, and coffee chillers are also for the taking (or slurping). Maybe not a departure—but well worth a sundae drive.
 

By Blair Knobel originally published on May 28, 2012 by Town Greenville

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