Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
without spending a fortune, the $80 sterling-silver key chains are the
least expensive items in the store).
A few doors south are
Neiman Marcus,
737 N. Michigan Ave.
(
&
312/642-5900
), and at 669 N. Michigan Ave. (
&
312/642-
6363
), the hugely popular
Niketown,
a multilevel complex that
helped pioneer the concept of retail as entertainment. Across the
street, you'll probably see a line of people trailing out from the
Garrett Popcorn Shop,
670 N. Michigan Ave. (
&
312/944-2630
),
a 50-year-old landmark. Join the locals in line and pick up some
caramel corn for a quick sugar rush.
At the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Erie Street is the
appropriately barrel-shaped
Crate & Barrel,
646 N. Michigan Ave.
(
&
312/787-5900
). Crate & Barrel was started in Chicago, so this
is the company's flagship location. Countless varieties of glassware,
dishes, cookware, and kitchen gadgets for everyday use line the
shelves. The top two floors are devoted to furniture.
Continuing south, you'll find
Burberry,
633 N. Michigan Ave.
(
&
312/787-2500
), where the classic beige plaid shows up on chic
purses, shoes, and bathing suits (if you're looking for luxury sou-
venirs, check out the collection of baby clothes and dog accessories).
THE MAGNIFICENT MALLS
Many of the Magnificent Mile's shops are hidden inside high-rise
malls, most of which take up a whole city block. Here's a quick guide
to what you'll find inside.
Chicago Place
This mall's main claim to fame is as the home of
upscale retailer
Saks Fifth Avenue
(p. 141). The rest of the stores
here are not as exclusive; in fact, the mall as a whole lacks a clear
identity. You'll find a few home-decor and clothing stores here—but
the main draw is the food court on the top floor.
700 N. Michigan Ave.
(between Superior and Huron sts.).
&
312/642
-
4811.
Subway/El: Red Line to
Chicago.
900 North Michigan Shops
The most upscale of the Magnifi-
cent Mile's four vertical malls, 900 North Michigan (often called the
Bloomingdale's building, for its most prominent tenant), avoids the
tumult of Water Tower Place by appealing to a more well-heeled
shopper. In addition to about 70 stores, there are a few good restau-
rants and a movie theater on the lower level.
The Chicago outpost of
Gucci
(ground floor;
&
312/664-5504
)
has the same hip attitude as the label's sexy clothing and much-in-
demand purses. Also on the ground floor is
MaxMara
(
&
312/475-
9500
), the Italian women's fashion house known for elegantly
