Noted writer Anne Fadiman declared that hot weather isn't a requirement for consuming ice cream, but it sure doesn't hurt. Celebrate the arrival of summer with a visit (or several) to these great ice cream shops near St. Louis homes for sale.

• Crown Candy Kitchen - 1401 St. Louis Ave., St. Louis, MO 63106
  When people speak wistfully about the "good old days," they're thinking about places like Crown Candy Kitchen. The family-owned restaurant, now owned by third-generation member "Candy Andy" Karandzieff, has been a St. Louis institution for over a century. Their house-made ice cream is available by the scoop or in specialty treats, such as their signature Johnny Rabbit malt made with fresh bananas. If your sweet tooth still isn't satisfied, Crown Candy Kitchen makes their own gourmet chocolates. Hours are 10:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. every day but Sunday.
  
  
• The Fountain on Locust - 3037 Locust St., St. Louis, MO 63103
  The Fountain on Locust may have opened in 2008, but it's steeped in St. Louis history. As part of Historic Automotive Row during the early 20th century, the building was an auto showroom that displayed the legendary Stutz Bearcat, one of the first high-performance sports cars. Art deco decor provides added retro appeal, perfect for enjoying an egg cream or chocolate phosphate soda. Decadent ice cream martinis set the mood for a romantic date night. The Fountain on Locust is open 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sunday.
  
  
• Ted Drewes Frozen Custard - 6726 Chippewa St., St. Louis, MO 63109
  Ted Drewes Frozen Custard maintains icon status in St. Louis, but their fame extends across the nation. The beloved shop, which has been serving their tasty frozen custard since 1930, has been featured in shows on Food Network, Travel Channel, and History Channel. More than a dozen specialties, such as Terramizzou, made with a secret blend of chocolate and pistachios, are available as sundaes or concretes, a super-thick shake-like concoction. Ted Drewes is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.
  
  
• Clementine's Naughty and Nice Creamery - 1637 S. 18th St., St. Louis, MO 63104
  A hand-crank ice cream machine purchased for $2 at a yard sale created a lifelong passion for Tamara Keefe, founder of Clementine's Naughty and Nice Creamery. When life in the corporate world proved unfulfilling, memories of enjoying homemade ice cream with her family inspired a pivot into entrepreneurship. "Nice" flavors include one patterned after St. Louis's famous gooey butter cake, while adults can savor "naughty" flavors such as Maple Bourbon with Candied Pecans. Hours are noon - 10 p.m. daily except Friday and Saturday when doors close at 11 p.m.
  
  
• The Soda Fountain - 201 S. 18th St., St. Louis, MO 63103
  You know those nostalgic scenes of starry-eyed couples sharing a milkshake with two straws? The 22-ounce Freak Shakes at The Soda Fountain, described as large enough to "feed a family of four," take things to a whole new level. For the ultimate extravagance, go with Everything But..., a chocolate shake that includes chocolate-covered potato chips and pretzels, a kitchen-sink brownie, and a peanut butter cup. The menu includes more traditional ice cream specialties as well as fountain drinks enhanced with Lambrusco, orange vodka, and other adult beverages. Hours are 11 a.m. - p.m. daily.

These ice cream shops make perfect pit stops while you're viewing open houses around St. Louis. Get in touch with RedKey Realty Leaders for up-to-the-minute market information.