There’s something exciting about discovering a new place around town. Maybe it’s a restaurant you’ve passed a few times, a shop tucked into a familiar downtown street, or somewhere you’ve been meaning to visit since hearing about its opening.

For this week’s Explore Summerville, we’re highlighting five destinations worth getting to know, plus one that’s still on the way. Some have opened within the past few weeks; others have been welcoming visitors for a few months. Each offers something a little different.

Smallcakes Summerville — Something Sweet on Ladson Road

Sometimes the hardest part of stopping at a cupcake shop is deciding which flavor to try first. Smallcakes Summerville brings gourmet cupcakes, homemade ice cream, and other sweet treats to the Ladson Road area.

The bakery offers everyday favorites alongside rotating monthly specialties. You’ll also find cookies, cake pops, ice cream, and pupcakes for four-legged family members, along with coffee and tea.

Its location in the Ladson Oakbrook shopping area, near Cinemark Theatres and Stars & Strikes, makes it an easy addition to a movie night or afternoon with the kids. Of course, you don’t need an occasion to pick up a cupcake.

Southern Surcees Collective — Local Finds Under One Roof

Downtown Summerville has another place to discover small businesses, and this one brings several of them together. Southern Surcees Collective, on South Cedar Street, celebrated its grand opening on October 17.

Inside, shoppers can browse a mix of clothing, jewelry, accessories, personalized gifts, candles, home décor, and creations from local makers and merchants. It’s the sort of shop where you might walk in looking for one gift and discover three businesses you didn’t know about.

The collective format helps independent sellers connect with customers they might not otherwise reach. And with holiday shopping around the corner, it’s another reason to browse downtown and keep more of that spending local.

FU-O BBQ — Make Dinner Part of the Activity

Most dinners out follow a familiar routine: order, wait, eat. FU-O BBQ in Downtown Nexton offers something different — guests become part of the cooking experience.

Inspired by Japanese yakiniku, the restaurant uses smokeless tabletop grills so diners can cook selected meats and vegetables themselves. Share different cuts, try sauces, and make the meal an experience rather than simply an entrée.

It’s an appealing option for a date night, gathering with friends, or an occasion when you want a little more interaction around the table. The menu also includes Japanese-inspired dishes, appetizers, and drinks.

Dulce Churros Ice Cream + Cocktails — A Sweet Addition to Nexton

Ice cream is reason enough for a stop, but Dulce Churros Ice Cream + Cocktails offers a few more. Its One Nexton location combines handcrafted ice cream, churros, coffee, milkshakes, specialty beverages, and savory options.

The Summerville location opened in September, joining the concept’s other Lowcountry locations. More than a scoop shop, it’s somewhere to catch up over coffee, take the family for dessert, or finish an evening with something sweet.

As the Nexton Parkway corridor continues to grow, Dulce offers another convenient place to try while you’re already exploring nearby businesses.

Dog Park Bar Nexton — A Social Outing for You and Your Pup

Who says your dog has to stay home when you’re heading out to socialize? Dog Park Bar Nexton, at the GoDog campus on Scholar Way, combines off-leash playtime with a gathering place for dog owners.

The park opened during the summer as an addition to a campus offering daycare, boarding, bathing, and other pet services. Trained staff monitor the play environment while owners have a place to relax, enjoy refreshments, and connect with other dog lovers.

Unlike an ordinary public dog park, entry for dogs requires a day pass or membership and compliance with registration and health rules. Check those details before arriving with your pup.

The team behind downtown’s Swank Desserts has another sweet project in the works. Swank Creamery is planned for South Cedar Street, with a focus on scratch-made ice cream, cookies, and espresso.

It’s a natural extension for a business already known for specialty desserts. While it’s too soon to plan a visit, it’s one to keep on the radar when exploring downtown.

No confirmed opening date has been announced for this article. We’ll share more when one is available.

Five Different Reasons to Get Out and Explore

These businesses don’t all offer the same experience, and that’s exactly what makes the list interesting. You can shop downtown, take the kids for cupcakes, share a tabletop grill, meet up for dessert, or give your dog an outing of its own.

You don’t have to visit all five in one weekend. Choose one you haven’t tried, take someone along, and tell a neighbor about it if you enjoy the visit. Recommendations like that help local businesses reach new customers.

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Hours, offerings, admission rules, and opening schedules may change. Confirm details with businesses before visiting. Photo placeholders are for the editor and should be replaced before publishing.