If you are like me in that you love dessert and have a tendency to get a song stuck in your head, a word of caution: this article could be hazardous. As I sit here writing this, that old U2 song, “The Sweetest Thing,” is on repeat inside my head. Of course, this has nothing to do with dessert.
It does have something to do with the fact that finding something relatable is a big part of what I do, and in many cases, this involves sharing some of my favorites. I’ve written a lot about how proud I am of the Pawleys Island ‘food scene.’ And, as my husband and those who are close to me already know, I love to have a little something sweet after dinner.
There are even a few resources out there that suggest having a little dessert can help to ease the digestive process. Many also believe that indulging in something sweet can send a message to the body that the meal is over, which can help to avoid overeating. Also, dessert can help to increase the level of serotonin in the brain, creating higher levels of happiness.
What’s the point? There’s no need to feel guilty if you feel the same way I do and like to visit the sweeter side of life, so without further ado, here are my favorite local ‘Sweet Spots.’
My all-time favorite dessert is ice cream so I have to feature Gilbert’s Ice Cream as one of the top Pawleys Sweet Spots. They make small-batch ice cream DAILY with a dozen flavors that are always on the menu. (My favorite is the bourbon butter pecan.)
The cool thing (see what I did there?) about Gilbert’s is that they will also typically have around a dozen or so unique creations from their in-house ice cream maker, depending on the availability of certain ingredients, the ice cream maker’s preferences, holidays, etc. This helps to make sure it’s never boring! Of course, they also carry all of the tried-and-true favorites, such as hot fudge sundaes, banana splits, and more. And, they even can create custom sugar cookies; we have had the create cookies for several of our events and they were as precious as they were scrumptious!
If you aren’t convinced, check out this delectable, super creative sundae, the Banana Pudding Sundae! (Pictured)
Speaking of ice cream… Did you know Bistro 217 makes it from scratch? (In fact, all of their desserts are made in-house.) And, they offer a Flight of Ice Cream on their dessert menu, so you can try a few different flavors, plus there’s no concern about who will drive home afterward. (My favorites are Chocolate Cayenne and Roasted Banana.) Some flavors are even available for purchase by the pint, located next door at Driftwood Mercantile in the Island Shops.
My longest-running favorite place for sweets has to be Landolfi’s Italian Bakery. This is a family-run business with pastries made daily by father and son. The recipes are not public and remain under lock and key, having been passed down for four generations, so you know it has to be good!
Landolfi’s is a favorite for SO many reasons, not the least of which is the “Cheers-style” atmosphere where everybody knows your name. (This was a popular TV show, in case you were born after the 1980s.) My husband and I are fixtures there on Thursday nights, so please say hello if you see us having dinner at the bar and enjoying our friends—the other “Thursday regulars.”
My absolute favorite dessert of all time anywhere is Landolfi’s profiterole. In case you didn’t know, a profiterole is similar to a cream puff, but different in that it is filled with hazelnut cream and dipped in chocolate. And, if you’ve never had one and are wondering if the calories are worth it, I have to encourage you to rush over, right now. The Strawberry Cake is a really close second for me. Here’s a pro-tip: order dessert as soon as you get there. If you wait to order through the lunch or dinner rush, they may run out of your top choice, and then I would be so sad for you!
I would be remiss if I didn’t include Parlor Donuts. Parlor is a craft doughnut and coffee shop that offers a variety of unique bakery items, including layered doughnuts; vegan, gluten-friendly, and keto-friendly products; artisanal breakfasts; juice, Kombucha, and milkshakes.
My favorites are the Sandy Beach and the Coconut Cream. My husband can’t resist the maple bacon. I’m also proud the commercial contractor that my husband works with, Coastal Structures, did the renovation and upfitting for this inviting space!
In thinking about sweet spots, I can also get distracted by thoughts of my time watching my son play baseball. The “sweet spot” on a baseball bat, of course, is the place to make contact with the ball to know it out of the park! In real estate, the sweet spot could refer to selling or buying at the perfect time. Or, in terms of finding the sweetest possible spot to fit your goals and dreams, it could mean connecting with a local expert who has access to hidden, ‘pocket’ listings that are not available on the open market.
Moving into a new area can be challenging and the definition of the perfect sweet spot is likely going to vary from one individual to another. Having someone in your corner who will take the time to get to know you and find the right place can be the icing on the cake—a difference-maker. Also, it’s worth pointing out that the ride through Pawleys Island on Hwy 17 can be somewhat deceiving. One may wonder where people live. Where are the neighborhoods? It’s not obvious from a quick drive through and, it may not be apparent.
Pawleys has so much to offer and there are a large variety of neighborhoods and subdivisions. Doing the research to find the perfect restaurants, amenities, marinas, tennis courts, art galleries, beaches, history, and cultural offerings would be really time-consuming, so I have to ask, why do it yourself?
I was raised in this area and one thing I love is helping my clients #LiveLikeALocal. Sharing the knowledge I’ve built is something I love to do and I’m certain I can find what you’re looking for, whether it’s a golf course property, a community on the Intracoastal Waterway, a community with few restrictions, or one that is quiet and located on the marsh. Whatever your needs, goals, and preferences, I can match you with the sweetest possible spot…believe me it’s here!
If you want to learn more about the sweet spots in Pawleys, receive updates when I post new content, or just chat about your all-time favorite desserts, please follow along here and on all of my social media channels!