Shopping - Chicago - page 126

A NORTH MICHIGAN AVENUE SHOPPER'S STROLL
This shopper's stroll begins at Oak Street at the northern end of the
avenue and heads south toward the river. It just hits the highlights;
you'll find much more to tempt your wallet as you meander from
designer landmarks to well-known chain stores. (In general, this is
not the place to pick up distinctive, one-of-a-kind items—other
neighborhoods described later in this chapter cater more to shoppers
searching for something unique). North Michigan Avenue's four ver-
tical malls—each a major shopping destination in its own right—are
discussed below under “The Magnificent Malls.”
The parade of designer names begins at the intersection of Michi-
gan Avenue and Oak Street, including a couple housed in The Drake
Hotel, such as the legendary Danish silversmith Georg Jensen, 959
N. Michigan Ave. ( & 312/642-9160 ), known for outstanding
craftsmanship in sterling silver and gold, including earrings,
brooches, watches, tie clips, and flatware; and Chanel, 935 N.
Michigan Ave. ( & 312/787-5500 ). One block south is another lux-
ury emporium, the spacious Louis Vuitton store at 919 N. Michi-
gan Ave. ( & 312/944-2010 ), where you'll find trendy handbags and
the company's distinctive monogrammed luggage.
On the other side of the street, opposite the dark, soaring Han-
cock Building, you'll find a quiet oasis that's worth a quick peek. The
Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E. Chestnut St. ( & 312/787-
4570 ), looks like something out of an English country village, with
a Gothic stone exterior and a peaceful, flower-filled courtyard (per-
fect for escaping the Mag Mile crowds for a few moments).
Giorgio Armani 's sleek boutique, 800 N. Michigan Ave., in the
Park Hyatt Hotel ( & 312/573-4220 ), faces the small park next to
the historic Water Tower. Across the street, a few doors west of
Michigan Avenue, is one of Chicago's hottest family destinations:
American Girl Place, at 111 E. Chicago Ave. ( & 877/AG-PLACE ).
The three-story doll emporium attracts hordes of young girls (and
parents) hooked on the popular mail-order company's line of historic
character dolls. A stage show brings stories from the American Girl
books to life, and the store's cafe is a nice spot for a special mother-
daughter lunch or afternoon tea.
The next block of Michigan Avenue has a New York vibe, thanks
to the world's largest Polo Ralph Lauren, 750 N. Michigan Ave.
( & 312/280-1655 ), a four-floor, wood-paneled minimansion, and
Tiffany & Co., 730 N. Michigan Ave. ( & 312/944-7500 ), with its
signature clock, jewels, and tabletop accessories (if you want to get
your hands on one of the coveted robin's-egg blue shopping bags