Gut Reaction | Indulge in sweetness at new Sugar Life Ice Cream and Candy Bar

Setting the table

Stepping through the doors of this brand new candy shop is kind of like walking into a Willy Wonka store.

There is fun music playing and the open, clean layout is engulfed by bright colors. But naturally, the most impressive part of this store and no doubt the reason for the name is the stunning array of candies and sweets.

The Sugar Life Ice Cream and Candy Bar opened only last month but is already being frequented by families, kids and adults alike. With such a friendly and colorful atmosphere, plus all the sweets one could think of, it’s not difficult to imagine why. Even though Sugar Life isn’t the first of its kind, least of all on the Grand Strand, it’s doing its part to bring sugary options to the beach.

There are workers on the floor almost constantly, making sure all the candy bins are filled and answering any questions customers may have.

Don’t forget to check out the ice cream bar, where they showcase 32 different flavors of this dreamy dessert. After a selection is made, be it ice cream, candy, chocolate or even a doughnut, consumers can sit at a few of the indoor tables or venture outside to enjoy their sweet treat.

Down the hatch

Because there are so many different kinds of candy coupled with the option of choosing only the kinds you like, the chances of being disappointed at Sugar Life are pretty low.

For instance, when trying a new candy, you only need to put one in your bag for you to decide if you like it or not. Or you can simply fill a bag with your favorite candy – it’s all up to you.

When you’re all candied out, check out the selection of chocolates in the corner, where they have more options to fill a bag with, or chose box of truffles or international chocolate.

Then mosey your way on over to the ice cream bar, where the employees will happily let you sample any flavor. This is important because out of all those flavors there’s bound to be one you haven’t tried yet, and that may be your new favorite.

The ice cream can be put on a cone or made into a milkshake, both tempting options. However, the milkshake, while a little more expensive than the waffle cone, is deliciously creamy and mess-free.

The turtle cheesecake ice cream, for example, was decadent without being overwhelming in either flavor. Consumers also have the option to make the dessert even more decadent with cookie crumbles or sprinkles or whipped cream. It seems like the possibilities are endless at Sugar Life.

Check, please

A quarter of a pound of candy is $3.24, while a half-pound is $6.48. The bigger treats, like giant lollipops or giant gummy bears, all have individual prices. Depending on which cone you choose for your ice cream, the price can be between $3 and $4, while the milkshakes are a little over $5.

Sugar Life may not be as big as some of the other candy stores, but it sure packs a punch and doesn’t break the bank. This sweet and cool store is the perfect juxtaposition to the salty and hot beach a few blocks away.

This story was originally published July 22, 2015 at 3:36 AM with the headline "Gut Reaction | Indulge in sweetness at new Sugar Life Ice Cream and Candy Bar."