Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Pop on In
Across the street from Niketown, you'll probably see a line of people trail-
ing 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.
Tips
see the review of Active Kids on p. 229.
853 W. Armitage Ave. (between Sheffield Ave. and
Halsted St.).
&
773/281-8100.
Subway/El: Brown Line to Armitage.
Kozy's Cyclery
A Chicago favorite, this third-generation family-owned busi-
ness has been selling and servicing bikes for 56 years. You'll find name brands, a
vast collection of accessories, and store personnel with opinions you can trust. If
you're a Chicago resident, you can count on complete servicing for your bikes,
and the staff will connect you with all kinds of cycling resources. Check out
Kozy's online catalog (www.kozy.com), complete with photos, to get an idea of
what the shop carries. (For out-of-towners, shipping is available.) The store has
four locations.
(1) 601 S. LaSalle (at W. Harrison St.).
&
312/360-0020.
Subway/El: Blue Line
to LaSalle. (2) 1451 W. Webster (at N. Clybourn Ave.).
&
773/528-2700.
Subway/El: Brown Line
to Armitage. (3) 3712 N. Halsted (at W. Waveland Ave.).
&
773/281-2263.
(4) 219 W. Erie.
&
312/266-1700.
Subway/El: Red Line to Addison.
Niketown
When Niketown opened some 10 years ago, it was truly
something new: A store that felt more like a funky sports museum than a place
hawking running shoes. In the days when Michael Jordan was the city's reign-
ing deity, Niketown was the place to bask in his glory. These days Niketown is
no longer unique to Chicago (it's sprung up in cities from Atlanta to Honolulu),
and the store's celebration of athletes can't cover up the fact that the ultimate
goal is to sell expensive shoes. But the crowds keep streaming in—and snatch-
ing up products pitched by Niketown's new patron saint, Tiger Woods.
669 N.
Michigan Ave.
&
312/642-6363.
Subway/El: Red Line to Grand.
Sportmart
The largest sporting-goods store in the city, the flagship store of
this chain offers seven floors of merchandise, from running apparel to camping
gear. Sports fans will be in heaven in the first- and fifth-floor team merchandise
departments, where Cubs, Bulls, and Sox jerseys abound. Cement handprints of
local sports celebs dot the outside of the building; step inside to check out the
prints from Michael Jordan and White Sox slugger Frank Thomas.
620 N. LaSalle
St. (at Ontario St.).
&
312/337-6151.
Subway/El: Red Line to Grand.
STROLLERS, CRIBS & FURNITURE
Bellini
Outfitting your dream nursery? Head to this high-end boutique for
furniture with Italian design and a distinctly contemporary flair. (And even if
some prices are a bit out of your budget stratosphere, you'll at least find inspira-
tion.) Cribs, changing tables, armoires, and rocking chairs are on offer, plus
items to achieve just the right decor. Clothing and accessories for baby top off
the selection here.
2100 N. Southport.
&
773/880-8840.
www.bellini.com. Subway/El: Brown
Line to Fullerton.
Cella for Baby
If you're planning to visit the North Shore and are outfitting
your first nursery and find yourself overwhelmed by stores, brands, and friends'
recommendations, here's a place to find a little clarity. Cella's buyers have sorted
through all of the baby paraphernalia on the market and stocks what they have
Overrated
