Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
241
Moments
Taking a Break in Wicker Park
Teens will get a thrill when you settle down at a local coffeehouse and soak in
Wicker Park's artsy vibe.
Earwax Café,
1564 N. Milwaukee Ave. (
&
773/772-
4019
), attracts the jaded and pierced set with a no-frills, slightly edgy atmo-
sphere.
Filter,
across the street at 1585 N. Milwaukee Ave. (
&
773/227-4850
), is
a little more welcoming; comfy couches fill the main dining room, which is
adorned with paintings by local artists. Both cafes are near the bustling intersec-
tion of North, Milwaukee, and Damen avenues—the heart of Wicker Park—and
draw a steady stream of locals. It's here you'll realize that Wicker Park is really just
a small town—with cooler hair and funkier shoes.
now this is what Wicker Park used to be: a place wher e rents are still cheap enough for
eager young entrepreneurs.
Start at the D ivision El stop on the B lue Line, and head w est along D ivision; most
stores are concentrated between Milwaukee and Damen avenues (a round-trip walk will
take about a half-hour). Along the way, you'll stroll past eclectic clothing and shoe bou-
tiques, bath-and-beauty shops, and home-decor stor es such as
Porte Rouge,
1911 W.
Division St. (
&
773/269-2800
), which is filled with F rench antiques and house wares
(they'll even offer you a complimentary cup of tea). The mix of people living here—from
working-class Latino families to self-consciously edgy y
oung singles—makes the local
cafes great for people-watching.
While singles make up most of the population, West Division Street is full of options
for kids too, including a
Building Blocks Toy Store
at 2130 W. Division St. (
&
773/
235-1888
) and
Bullfrogs and Butterflies
(again, toys) at 2124 W. Division St. (
&
773/
661-1632
).
9
2
SHOPPING A TO Z
As you might expect, Chicago has shops selling just about anything your kids could want
or need, be it functional or ornamental, whimsical or ex otic. The follo wing list only
scratches the surface, but it will give you an idea of the range of mer chandise available.
ARTS & CRAFTS
1154 Lill Studio
Finds
Purse-aholics and wannabe designers will find fashion
heaven at this custom-handbag shop. Pick a style (which includes everything from evening
purses to diaper bags), and then br owse the huge selection of fabrics to cr eate your own
custom interior and exterior . Your finished cr eation can be picked up in a fe w weeks or
shipped to your home. Not feeling particularly creative? There's also a selection of premade
bags. Personal handbag parties can be arranged for groups of five or more.
904 W. Armitage
Ave. (at Fremont St.).
&
773/477-LILL
(477-5455). Subway/El: Brown Line to Armitage.
Pearl Art and Craft Supplies
Graphic designers, artists, and arts and crafts aficio-
nados flock to Pearl for every art supply known on earth. If you need to pick up supplies
for a rainy-day project, you'll love Pearl.
255 W. Chicago Ave. (at Franklin St.).
&
312/915-0200.
www.pearlpaint.com. Subway/El: Brown Line to Chicago.
