North Michigan Avenue, the Magnificent Mile, is one of the world's best shopping destinations, rivaling US streets like 5th Ave. in New York and Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills.
Shopping centers such as... more
I do not find anything especially unique or interesting about Water Tower Place. It's a big mall, that is about it. I would have you go to State and Washington for the 'original' department store (now... more
The custom fitting and the attention to detail that is provided the second you walk into the store is really an exceptional experience. They go out of their way to make sure your clothing is custom... more
A question I see frequently on forum boards is regarding outlet shopping, mainly from visitors from overseas. There are no outlet malls located within the city of Chicago, most of them require that... more
One of my favorite things to do when I arrive in a foreign city is check out their grocery stores, whether it be to stock up on cheap water and soda, grab an inexpensive lunch or check out the candy... more
Last visit August, 2012
The new Maxwell Street market is a misnomer as it's not on Maxwell Street at all. The original market area, which was on Maxwell Street, was taken over by the expansion of the... more
Carson, Pirie Scott was one of the 2 major department stores in Chicago with a long local history. It was closed a number of years ago, but recently was taken over by Target. The discussions on how to... more
UPDATE - ALL BORDERS STORES ARE NOW CLOSED. Again, not a unique store to Chicago since there are any number throughout the United States. The Borders we visited last evening in Chicago is a little... more
The hype on their website is a little overstated, the Randolph Street Market is nowhere near as large as Portobello Road in London or the Marche aux Puces in Paris but I think this is as close to... more
I originally heard about Lush products on a travel website, they were available only in London at the time and people raved about their fresh handmade bath products, made with natural... more
This is THE Desitination place for little girls between the ages of 5 and 12. A venue for selling the American Girl dolls.
The store has its own theatre- The Circle of Friends- a musical which... more
IKEA isn't so much a store as it is a way of life. Inexpensive home furnishings for the masses, displayed in clean, well-lit and spartan surroundings - a formula that has worked around the world. The... more
Whenever I see the word "paperie" in a title, I am almost guaranteed to shop there! So here's a lovely little paperie in Lincoln Park in its lovely little... more
At several farmers' markets in Chicagoland, you can find the artistic creations of Flora Lazar, whose pate de fruit look so beautiful -- shimmering squares of... more
So it was Christmas, or nearly, and while flying out to the Midwest, I happened to be reading an article in some magazine on an Austrian wine I'd never heard of... more
When I was growing up, pharmacies (some of which still bore the old title of apothecary) were not like the combination cosmetics counter-grocery-seasonal... more
Wines & Beer & Spirits from all over the World !!!Sam's Wines and Spirits is the biggest wine retail shop in the whole US. Customers come from all over the... more
It is the ultimate treat for people who think that they are bargain hunters for clothes, mens, womens, childrens, shoes etc. Some people can spend hours in... more
It contains many of the "leading high street brands" with a shop, such as fashion stores Banana Republic, Gap, Abercrombie & Fitch...but also department stores... more
Hazel is an awesome accessories consignment shop. Some of the female staff of the Old Town School of Folk Music steered me to it...it's a short walk away from... more
Do not be fooled by the name. This place has tons of unusual clothing for clubbing, hanging out, or the third world military strong man or woman.
Trendy shoes,... more
Having lived in the Chicago suburbs most of my life there are so many areas that I haven't seen or been to that when I get there it seems like I'm on a mini... more
the Navy Pier is a shoppers delight if you are a shopper but if you are a cheapskate, this would be in the tourist trap pages hehehe! Navy Pier offers dining... more
Target is a store for everyone. They have everything here! Clothes, shoes, toys, games, books, music and movies, gifts, jewelry, home furnishings, even... more
Macy’s is a chain of mid-to-high range American department stores; this is one of their Flagship stores. From 1924 until June 2009, the New York store was the... more
I'm having fun in my hometown of Chicago. Summer is my favorite time of the year in Chicago, the city really comes to life from Memorial Day until Labor Day with a multitude of festivals every...
"I have struck a city--a real city. And they call it Chicago. The other places do not count." Rudyard Kipling
I recently took this photograph (July, 2006) on a beautiful day in the city when my...
Chicago is a great city in so many ways - and the locals will be glad to share with you many ways to make your stay in their metropolis memorable! Why else do you suppose that it's called "The Windy...
A Chicago institution closed its doors. It's the family-owned Berghoff Restaurant [see my restaurant tips] -- parts will remain open, but the old main dining room will be used for private...
My connection with Chicago goes back to February 1994 when I visited there for the first time. Though a much too long story to mention here, I became best friends with a wonderful grandmother named......
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