Edition: Concierges' Favorite Attractions, 2006
Quintessential St. Louis ... Scoops & Festivals
Author: Judy Kupsky
Soda Fountain Square and Fair St. Louis
St. Louis Scoop
Did you know the ice cream cone was invented during the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair? St. Louis carries on that great frozen treat tradition with some top notch ice cream spots. At the legendary Ted Drewes Frozen Custard (4244 S. Grand, M4;E5 and 6726 Chippewa, M4;E2) the lines are often long, but the concretes and sundaes are always worth the wait. If you're old enough to remember when soda fountains were the best place for ice cream, don't miss Soda Fountain Square in Lafayette Square (1801 Park Ave., M4;C7). Old fashioned ice cream sodas are a favorite here. If you're in the University City Loop area, be sure to stop in for a famous root beer float at Fitz's (6605 Delmar, M4;A3). The combination of premium vanilla ice cream and microbrewed root beer is perfect for a hot St. Louis day. On the lighter side of frozen desserts, don't miss The Gelateria (1327 Washington Ave., M2;B3). Fresh gelatos in tantalizing flavors make this Italian treat a refreshing and healthy ice cream choice.
Fun Festivals
On July 1st and 4th, Fair St. Louis kicks off with a parade (July 1, 10a.m.), free concerts (Jason Mraz on July 1 and Hootie and the Blowfish on July 4, both 8 p.m.), and lots of food and drink, topped off with a spectacular fireworks display after dark. The LIVE on the Levee concert series features live music every Friday and Saturday from July 14 - August 12. Both Fair St. Louis and LIVE on the Levee events are free and are located on the Gateway Arch grounds (M2;C5). The Whitaker Music Festival at the Missouri Botanical Garden (M4;D5) offers free concerts every Wednesday evening June 7 - August 9 at 7:30 p.m. Admission to the garden is free after 5 p.m. on concert nights, so enjoy a stroll through paradise before you put out your blanket or lawn chair for this popular concert series.
Ted Drewes Frozen Custard
6726 Chippewa Street, St. Louis, MO 63109
Ted Drewes is famous in St. Louis and across the nation for its frozen treats.
Soda Fountain Square
1801 Park Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63104
This neighborhood soda shop serves up a blast from the past with diner favorites, blue plate specials, ice cream sodas, shakes, malts, and sundaes.
Fitz's
6605 Delmar Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63108
Fitz's serves up classic American food as a traditional St. Louis eatery on the Loop, brewing its own root-beer and offering a great family experience.
