Best of Clemson, an annual contest hosted by The Tiger, allows the Clemson community to vote for their favorite local businesses, restaurants, stores, people and much more. While the categories and nominated locations are determined by The Tiger, students, faculty and local residents are responsible for picking the winners.

As a brief introduction to the best places — and people — in Tigertown, The Tiger has gathered the top 10 Best of Clemson winners from this year to give you a crash course on what to do come August!

Below, you’ll find each business, along with the category it won and a brief description of the location. For the complete articles and more information on each winner, see thetigercu.com/category/best-of-clemson/.

Best Ice Cream: Andee’s

Located just behind College Avenue, Andee’s Custom Blended Ice Cream — better known as Spill the Beans — allows customers to create their own unique ice cream. Begin by choosing a vanilla or chocolate base, then customize your ice cream by adding mix-ins from their large menu. Open until 10 p.m. seven days a week, Andee’s is a favorite sweet treat spot among students.

Best Coffee: All In Coffee Shop

The pinnacle of coffee shops downtown, All In has been voted the best coffee shop six straight years in a row. Inspired by Dabo Swinney’s famous motto, All In prides itself on including the cultural background of each of its customers. Inside their store, you’ll find a mural spanning the entire ceiling that depicts landmarks from all over the world. In addition to coffee, All In also serves baked goods, breakfast and lunch.

Best Pizza: Todaro Pizza

With a recipe brought directly from New Jersey to Clemson in September 2000, Todaro’s has been a staple of Clemson’s downtown for over two decades. Thanks in part to its late hours — sometimes until 3 a.m. during the week — Todaro’s has made a name for itself, with lines often out the door late at night. The recipe, featuring handmade New York-style dough, keeps students coming back for more, time and time again.

Best Dining Hall: Douthit Hub

Unlike most college dining halls, the Douthit Community Hub has a unique approach to its food: food court style. Douthit Hub features five different stations—Chopped, Pies & Wedgies, Smokehouse, Fusion and Bento Sushi—each with different food options. Chopped serves as a make-your-own salad bar, while Pies & Wedgies presents individual pizza. Smokehouse has a rotating menu of burgers, fries and Southern cuisine, and Fusion offers food from a variety of cultures, including Italian, Mediterranean, Latin and Asian. Lastly, Bento Sushi (the only station where students cannot use a meal exchange) offers bento boxes, poke, udon and sushi.

Best Study Spot: Cooper Library

It’s inevitable — at some point, you’ll have to hit the books and get some serious studying in. Look no further than Cooper Library when that time comes, as the six floors of the library boast many studying locations and the perfect spot for everyone. You’ll find private study rooms, booths, tables and more! If you desperately need caffeine, head to the Starbucks on the fifth floor, and for a snack, go to the P.O.D. Market on the fourth floor.

Best Nail Salon: Aloha Nails and Spa

Looking for a new nail salon but unsure which is most popular? Look no further than Aloha Nails and Spa, which won Best Nail Salon for the second time this spring. Aloha provides practically every service you need, with gel, french tips, acrylics, manicures and pedicures. Even better, students save 10% on their nail services, making Aloha a convenient and affordable salon.

Best Off-Campus Housing: 114 Earle

Though it may seem way too early to start looking for housing for next year, it’s never a bad idea to be aware of your options. 114 Earle, conveniently located in downtown Clemson, is one you should definitely keep on your radar when it comes to off-campus housing. With apartment floor plans ranging from studios to five bedrooms, Earle has something for every individual or group of friends. Amenities include group study spaces, a pool, a gym and a parking garage.

Best Outdoor Spot: The Dikes

The Dikes have been a staple of Clemson’s outdoor scene for many years now, with their fantastic lake view a frequent photo spot. The best time to visit the Dikes is at sunset when you’ll have a gorgeous view of the pink and orange sky and purple mountains in the back. The Dikes is popular with both students and other Clemson residents — you’ll almost always pass someone walking their dog, going for a run or catching up with their friends as they stroll up and down Lake Hartwell. The Dikes are only a few minutes away from campus, so make sure to check out this beautiful spot!

Best Clemson ‘Celebrity’: Buddy the dog

This year’s Best of Clemson featured a new category—Best Clemson “Celebrity” — and the race wasn’t even close. Once you step foot on campus in the fall, you’ll very quickly become acquainted with Buddy the dog, a familiar face who is always ready to get some pets from stressed students. Buddy and his owner come to Clemson to walk around campus several times per week, and the pair can often be found around Library Bridge, walking through Core Campus or by Martin Hall. When you see Buddy in the fall, make sure to come and give him some love!

Best Clemson Store: Tigertown Graphics

Need to stock up your wardrobe with more Clemson merch but don’t know where to go? Check out Tigertown Graphics, located just off campus in downtown. Tigertown Graphics offers plenty of unique T-shirt designs that are well-loved by fans and students alike. In addition to T-shirts, Tigertown Graphics also carries polos, jackets, hats, stickers and decals. Whatever Clemson-themed item you need, Tigertown Graphics is sure to have it, with several design options to choose from.