If you can cook an egg on the sidewalk, the idea of walking outside is as appealing as the layer of sweat clinging to your skin. It is summer, and anyone living in Arizona knows the struggle associated with that simple phrase. Currently, there are news segments and warnings dedicated to informing Arizonans about heat protection. Don't get me wrong, summer in Arizona can be paradise; if that paradise resembled a fire on a spaceship crashing into the sun. However, many people indulge in their favorite activities (like eating ice cream) to distract themselves from the exhausting heat. Ice cream shops that are intriguing and unique have surfaced all over and they are serving some amazing treats. Here are five ice cream shops offering sweet treats that will surely satisfy the craving of any sweet tooth junkie- and help you escape the heat!

1. Wait, I thought polar bears liked Coca-Cola?

Very recently, a local Californian ice cream shop graced Arizona by opening a Baked Bear in Scottsdale. Baked Bear is known for their mouth watering ice cream sandwiches and their extensive options, which often leads to some pretty funky creations. For the 'bread' of the sandwich, you can choose from a variety of brownies, donuts or cookies. After you select that, there are the limitless choices of ice cream flavors and toppings. If you decided to have the donut as your "bread of choice," you my friend have made the right decision. After they warm it up a little, Baked Bear will drizzle a delicious glaze over the sandwich; it's like they managed to package Heaven in a bottle. With their ingredients being made fresh daily, the Baked Bear never disappoints in the rich and creamy factor.

2. Classic Churn...

Conveniently located next to GCU, Churn is the obvious go-to treat for a late night fix. Perfect for a dessert binge, Churn offers fun treats that are loaded with ice cream, candy, and cookies. While their combinations seem a little odd at first, each ingredient compliments the other and results in a tasty explosion. With sundaes, milkshakes, and freezies, Churn is guaranteed to find your sugar weakness. However, it isn't their ice cream that completely steals your heart, it's their unique, nostalgic decor. Creating a classic ice cream shop vibe, Churn decorates the shelves with old candy and toys that we all remember from childhood. Their amazing ice cream and interesting decor gives you the feeling of touring Willy Wonka's Chocolate factory. What could be better than that?

3. MELT in your mouth!

An ideal word to describe the ice cream from Melt is... bizarre. More of hole-in-the-wall pitstop, Melt concocts strange ice cream infusions that burst with savory flavors. Acting as a Dexter's laboratory for ice cream, Melt discovers unique ice cream choices, such as strawberry jalapeño, mangonadas, and captain crunch. To top it off, your ice cream will be packaged in an adorable Chinese take-out box with a fortune cookie. Or, if you want to sample a lot of their flavors, they will package it in a cupcake tray. Melt's intriguing twist of flavors and Chinese take-out boxes definitely outshine a plain ole' ice cream cone.

4. Give it a chance.

Okay, so Culver's isn't a glamorous ice cream shop that ma and pop opened up on the street corner. And no, you hipsters won't be able to post a photo for Insta mentioning its quaint authenticity that rebels against mainstream culture. You should still give it a chance. While it seems like another fast food joint, Culver's offers homemade, creamy custard that definitely sweetens up summer. Culver's has released several new treats for the summertime, such as a strawberry smoothie and lemon ice with fresh raspberries. These treats are a perfect refreshing pick me up for a day on the lake.

5. #FlashbackFriday

Still rocking the 1950's vibe, the Sugar Bowl clearly stands out in Old Town Scottsdale. From the wall decor to the presentation of their ice cream, Sugar Bowl makes you want to dust off that old poodle skirt and pile on that hair grease. By offering an adorable menu, Sugar Bowl advertises their classic ice cream treats, such as the banana split sundae. Honestly, it's the little details that truly define Sugar Bowl's character. Each piece of intricate creativity embodies that 1950's vibe and enhances the overall experience. But, the banana split is really why we all come...