Tucked into the heart of downtown Inman, South Carolina, there’s a little corner shop that feels like it wandered straight out of the 1960s. Kempson Rexall Drugs is part pharmacy, part ice cream parlor, and part old-fashioned diner, all rolled into one cozy spot.
People drive from as far as Columbia just to sip a milkshake and grab a chili dog here. If you love places where the past still feels alive, this one belongs on your list.
A Corner of Downtown Inman That Wears Many Hats
Walk through the doors at 27 N Main St and you quickly realize this isn’t your average corner store. Kempson Rexall Drugs is a working pharmacy, a vintage soda fountain, an ice cream parlor, a diner, and a little gift shop, all sharing the same address in the middle of Inman.
Regulars love that they can pick up a prescription, grab a hot dog, and leave with a candy bar or a gift, all in one stop. One longtime visitor described it as your best hometown drug store that somehow carries it all.
The mix might sound unusual today, but it’s exactly what made these old drugstores the heart of small towns for generations. Here in Inman, that tradition is still going strong.
Stepping Straight Into the 1960s
More than one visitor has called walking inside like stepping out of a time machine. The decorations, the counter, the whole feel of the place take you back to a drugstore soda fountain from the 1960s, right down to the little details.
People mention the authentic look again and again, saying it feels like a long-gone time has been carefully kept alive. A retired pharmacist who stopped in said it brought back memories, because this kind of pharmacy used to be everywhere but is a rare find today.
What makes it special is that the nostalgia isn’t a gimmick. The soda fountain has been here for decades, and folks who came as children still return to enjoy it as adults.
Milkshakes, Malts, and the Real Soda Fountain Fizz
Ask anyone what to order here and the milkshake comes up fast. Made the old-fashioned way, these shakes have been earning praise for years, with one visitor calling theirs very tasty and well done.
The soda fountain also pours real soft drinks, the kind made right at the counter instead of poured from a can. Malts join the lineup too, giving you plenty of reasons to linger on a stool.
There’s a sweet story here as well. One customer who’s now nearly 68 remembers being left at the counter sipping a milkshake as a small child while their grandfather visited buddies at the old train depot across the street.
All these years later, that same person still enjoys a good milkshake here from time to time.
Scoops of Ice Cream Worth the Drive
Ice cream might just be the biggest star of the show, with more mentions than anything else on the menu. Sundaes, banana splits, cones, and cups all come out of this little parlor, and folks rave about how good they are.
The flavor list keeps things fun too. One family drove in just to find their all-time favorite, a bright flavor called Superman, and another visitor happily raved about a scoop called the Fat Elvis.
A Hot Fudge Sundae gets a special shout-out from regulars, and more than a few reviews simply end with someone saying they can’t wait to come back for more. When the ice cream alone pulls people off the highway, you know it’s doing something right.
Hot Dogs and a 60-Year-Old Chili Recipe
Now for the savory side of things. The hot dogs here have a serious fan club, showing up in review after review as a must-try, often paired with all-beef franks, mustard, and onions.
The secret weapon is the chili. Visitors describe it as top-notch and outstanding, and it comes from a homemade recipe said to be around 60 years old, originally from a Mrs. Jackson.
That kind of history you can taste is hard to find anywhere else.
One guest stopped in just for a classic hot dog with really good chili and onions and left grinning about the vintage vibe. Cheeseburgers round out the diner menu, so there’s a proper meal waiting between the sweet treats.
A Full-Service Pharmacy With a Personal Touch
Behind all the fun of the fountain, Kempson Rexall is a real, working pharmacy. You can fill prescriptions, grab over-the-counter medicines, and pick up everyday supplies like bandages and chapstick, all handled with the personal care of a locally owned store.
Newcomers mention how helpful and friendly the pharmacist was, sharing general knowledge and making them feel welcome. A retired pharmacist who visited said he couldn’t tell you how much he enjoyed the store and wished them many years of continued success.
Regular customers call it a breath of fresh air compared to the big box pharmacy chains. Whether you need medicine or a hot fudge sundae, folks say Kempson checks all the boxes.
A Little Gift Shop Full of Hard-to-Find Finds
Save a little browsing time before you leave, because there’s a cute gift shop tucked inside too. Shelves hold an assortment of classic items, candies, toys, and gifts for all sorts of occasions.
Part of the charm is the treasure-hunt feeling. The store stocks older products and hard-to-find items you won’t easily spot anywhere else, including specialty drinks like Dr. Enough pulled from the cooler.
Customers love that a quick stop for a soda can turn into finding a beloved bottled drink from childhood or a fun little gift. It’s the kind of place where you walk in for one thing and walk out with three.
Friendly Faces and a Welcoming Feel
Warmth is something people notice the moment they walk in. The welcoming, small-town atmosphere shows up in review after review, with visitors describing the place as homey and the service as kind and caring.
The staff earn regular praise, from a greeter named Scott welcoming folks in to the pharmacist patiently answering questions for first-timers. Owners get plenty of love too, described as wonderful people who are active in the community and genuinely care about Inman.
Not every experience has been perfect. One visitor left disappointed after a rude interaction and a poor restroom situation, which is worth keeping in mind.
Still, the overwhelming majority describe hospitality that keeps them coming back, with one guest saying every visit is an amazing experience.
Planning Your Visit to Kempson Rexall
Ready to go? You’ll find Kempson Rexall Drugs at 27 N Main St in Inman, SC, right in Historic Downtown Inman.
It’s an easy stop while strolling the walkable downtown area.
Hours run Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 6 PM, with a shorter Saturday window of 9 AM to 1 PM. The shop is closed on Sundays, so plan around that.
To reach them ahead of time, call 864-472-2136 or visit kempsonrexall.com.
With a 4.7-star rating across 50 reviews, this little piece of Inman history has clearly won people over. Whether you come for the milkshakes, the chili dogs, the pharmacy, or just the feeling of stepping back in time, it’s the kind of place worth building a small-town day around.
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