Getting to Know the Windy City - Chicago - page 26

Water Works Visitor Center (see “Visitor Information” on p. 23).
You can also print out maps from the Chicago Convention and
Tourism Bureau website, www.choosechicago.com .
THE NEIGHBORHOODS IN BRIEF
The Loop & Vicinity
Downtown The Loop refers literally to a core of high-rise build-
ings contained within a rectangular loop of elevated train tracks.
Greater downtown Chicago overflows these confines and is
bounded by the Chicago River to the north and west, by Michi-
gan Avenue to the east, and by Roosevelt Avenue to the south.
The North Side
Near North/Magnificent Mile North Michigan Avenue from
the bridge spanning the Chicago River to its northern tip at Oak
Street is known as the Magnificent Mile. Many of the city's best
hotels and shops are to be found on and around elegant North
Michigan Avenue.
River North Just to the west of the Mag Mile is an old warehouse
district called River North. These formerly industrial buildings
have been transformed into one of the city's most vital commer-
cial districts, with many of the city's hottest restaurants,
nightspots, and art galleries.
The Gold Coast Some of Chicago's most desirable real estate and
historic architecture are found along Lake Shore Drive, between
Oak Street and North Avenue and along the adjacent side streets.
Old Town West of LaSalle Street, principally on North Wells
Street between Division Street and North Avenue, is the residen-
tial district of Old Town, which boasts some of the city's best-pre-
served historic homes. The neighborhood is one of the most
expensive residential areas in the city.
Lincoln Park Chicago's most popular residential neighborhood
for young singles and urban-minded families is Lincoln Park.
Stretching from North Avenue to Diversey Parkway, it's bordered
on the east by the huge park of the same name.
Lakeview & Wrigleyville Midway up the city's North Side is a
one-time blue-collar, now mainstream middle-class quarter called
Lakeview. It has become the neighborhood of choice for many
gays and lesbians, recent college graduates, and residents priced
out of Lincoln Park. The main thoroughfare is Belmont Avenue,
between Broadway and Sheffield Avenue. Wrigleyville is the name
given to the neighborhood in the vicinity of Wrigley Field.