The Sweetest Win on Main Street: How Melt’s “Granddaddy Caddy” Became a Southern Star

There’s a certain electricity on Main Street these days—the kind that drifts out the door of Melt Ice Cream Shop right along with the scent of fresh waffle cones. Locals have always known the little shop as a place where summer memories are made one scoop at a time. But now, thanks to a national competition, that hometown favorite has stepped into the spotlight.

At this year’s 2025 Cone-A-Con, a gathering of ice cream makers from across the country, Melt’s signature flavor, “Granddaddy Caddy,” was crowned Flavor of the Year for the Southern Region. Small batch, big win.

A Flavor with Southern Soul

“Granddaddy Caddy” is as Southern as a front-porch story—salted butterscotch ice cream, roasted pecans, and a buttery swirl that ties everything together in a way only coastal craftsmen could conjure. It’s familiar yet surprising, sweet with just enough salt to remind you of the ocean breeze just a few blocks away.

Customers have loved it for years, but Cone-A-Con’s recognition confirms what locals already believed: this is a flavor with staying power.

A Win That Hits Close to Home

Inside Melt, the excitement feels almost unreal. The team is grateful, humbled, and still trying to wrap their heads around the idea that their small Main Street shop now stands among the best in the nation.

For a business rooted in community—serving families after beach days, kids after school, and visitors discovering North Myrtle Beach for the first time—this award is more than a trophy. It’s a moment of pride for everyone who has ever stood in line with sandy feet and a sunburned smile.

A Must-Try Stop on Your Next Beach Vacation

For guests staying with Thomas Beach Vacations, Melt is just the kind of local treasure that turns a good trip into a great one. After all, vacation should be about savoring moments—and what better way than with a scoop of award-winning Southern craftsmanship?

Whether you’re wandering Main Street at sunset or taking a break from the beach, make time for a stop at Melt. “Granddaddy Caddy” is waiting, and now the whole country knows why it’s special.

Vacation Starts Here – North Myrtle Beach!

Find your perfect rental, explore Main Street, and taste the sweetness that put local ice cream on the national map.
Book your stay today with Thomas Beach Vacations at (866) 249-2100 or visit www.northmyrtlebeachvacations.com

Romantic Off-Season Getaways in North Myrtle Beach: Where Love Meets the Ocean Breeze

🌅 Love by the Shore: The Magic of the Off-Season

When the summer crowds fade and the air turns crisp, North Myrtle Beach takes on a quieter kind of beauty. The waves roll in steady and unhurried, the sunsets linger longer, and the boardwalk lights reflect off near-empty sands. For couples seeking time together — real time — there’s no better place than here, during the off-season.

The beach slows to a heartbeat. You can walk for miles without crossing another path, find a café table without a wait, and hear the ocean whispering just for you. It’s the kind of escape where you rediscover not just the beauty of the coast, but the joy of unhurried connection.

🏖️ Stay in Style: Cozy Condos & Oceanfront Escapes

The perfect romantic getaway starts with the perfect view — and no one offers more breathtaking choices than Thomas Beach Vacations.

Couples can choose from over 400 properties, including oceanfront condos where mornings begin with the sound of waves and coffee on a private balcony. For something even more secluded, pet-friendly cottages and classic beach homes provide cozy comfort with full kitchens, fireplaces, and that home-away-from-home feeling.

Many resorts, such as Ocean Bay Club or Windy Hill Dunes, feature heated pools, indoor hot tubs, and fitness centers — perfect for unwinding together after a beach stroll. And with special off-season rates, you’ll find luxury living that’s surprisingly affordable.

🍷 Dining by Candlelight: Coastal Flavors & Intimate Views

Romance lives in the details — and few places serve it better than North Myrtle Beach’s dining scene. Imagine oysters on the half shell with the tide just beyond your table, a candle flickering in the sea breeze, and a slow glass of wine that lasts as long as the conversation.

Start with a classic: SeaBlue Restaurant & Wine Bar, one of the area’s most awarded fine dining spots. Its soft lighting and exceptional seafood make it a perfect choice for anniversaries or simply a quiet night for two.

For a waterfront experience, Greg Norman Australian Grille at Barefoot Landing combines upscale dining with breathtaking views of the Intracoastal Waterway. Their wood-grilled steaks and seafood pair beautifully with a sunset over the marina.

Prefer something more casual and local? Flying Fish Public Market & Grill offers lively coastal charm, while Hoskins Restaurant — a North Myrtle Beach institution — delivers comfort, history, and Southern warmth with every plate.

🌾 Romantic Adventures: From Sunsets to Strolls

Every couple’s ideal getaway looks a little different. Some chase excitement, others seek quiet. Here, you can have both.

Stroll hand in hand down Main Street, stopping for coffee at Melt or live music at Duck’s Beach Club. Walk along the Cherry Grove Pier, where pelicans glide by and the horizon glows like molten gold at sunset.

If you love nature, explore Heritage Shores Nature Preserve, a hidden gem where boardwalk trails wind through salt marshes alive with egrets and fiddler crabs. Rent kayaks together from Great Escapes Kayak Expeditions and paddle through the peaceful waters of Waites Island, one of the last untouched barrier islands on the Carolina coast.

And for a touch of sparkle, plan your visit to coincide with The Great Christmas Light Show — a dazzling drive-through experience that turns the park into a wonderland of twinkling lights and festive music.

💆 Relax & Reconnect: Spas, Serenity, and Self-Care

Few things rekindle connection like a day of complete relaxation. Book a couples’ massage or a full spa day at Cinzia Spa at North Beach Resort, where ocean-inspired treatments and saltwater rituals soothe body and mind.

Prefer a slower pace? Try a gentle beach yoga session, a sunrise meditation on the sand, or simply sit together by the water and let the rhythm of the waves do the healing.

The off-season in North Myrtle Beach offers space — for peace, for stillness, and for remembering what matters most.

📅 Plan Your Escape with Thomas Beach Vacations

Whether you’re celebrating a honeymoon, an anniversary, or just each other, North Myrtle Beach welcomes you with open arms and quiet beauty.

Stay close to the shore, dine under the stars, and fall asleep to the hush of the Atlantic. The crowds may be gone, but the warmth remains — in every sunrise, every walk, and every smile shared by the sea.

✨ Book your romantic escape today with Thomas Beach Vacations at NorthMyrtleBeachVacations.com or call (866) 249-2100.

Your love story deserves an ocean view. 🌊