Some consider Old Town to be a neighborhood within a neighborhood.
Technically they’re probably right, it’s in the greater Lincoln Park area.
However, once you experience all that this historic, bustling and inviting community has to offer in the way of shopping, eating and entertainment, I think you will feel as most of the residents do: Old Town stands on its own as one of the best neighborhoods in the city of Chicago.
Old Town has something to offer everyone, especially those of us who love to shop. Be prepared to make a day of it, because even the most reluctant shopper will get lost in the racks of the quaint, independent boutiques that line Wells Street from Division to Clark.
This strip is filled with some of the best in fashion from start to finish. Everything – from the hottest and hippest designer tags, to ready-to-wear, to straight-off-the-runway – can be discovered at Old Town's upscale boutiques.
Top-notch specialty stores like UpDown Tobacco for the tobacco connoisseur, the renowned Fudge Pot for the true chocoholic, or Village Cycle and Fleet Feet Sports for the athletic, are definitely worth the trip.
You won’t find any of the everyday shopping center staples like The Gap, Banana Republic or Nine West here, so if those are your shopping meccas, you will need to head to North Avenue in Lincoln Park or to Michigan Avenue to get to your comfort zone.
But if you are looking for that latest pair of “it” jeans, a gift for the person who has everything, or even the hardest to find item, my guess is you will find it here…and then some!
2006/2007:
Newly opened: Chicago Blooms (relocated from Gold Coast), Eliana Lily, Gray, Greer, Nicole Miller, One Yellow Shoe
Newly closed: Etre, Pine & Design Imports
What you'll find here:
Accessories: Fabrice, Josephine
, One Yellow Shoe
Clothing & Accessories: Eliana Lily, Gray, Haberdash (men), Handle with Care, Lili Boutique, Nicole Miller, Sara Jane, Trend for Men, Wildflowers
Home Furnishings: Chicago Kitchen and Design, Finishing Touches, Scandinavian Design
Specialty Stores:Chicago Blooms, Fleet Feet, Greer, The Fudge Pot, Jumbalia, Pulp & Ink, The Spice House, String A Strand, UpDown Tobacco, Village Cycle Center
Summer Highlights:
57th Annual Old Town Art Fair (June) - Old Town Triangle Park
The country's oldest juried outdoor art fair features 260 invited artists displaying paintings, sculptures, photographs, ceramics, jewelry and more. Also includes a neighborhood garden walk, live music, kids' activities and food vendors.
The Wine Crush in Old Town (September) - North Wells Street, between North Avenue and Schiller Street.
Wells Street becomes a European-style market for this annual festival. Don’t miss a weekend full of wine, food, cooking demonstrations, arts & crafts, live music – even a grape-stomping competition. Mostly, it is just another excuse to enjoy this great neighborhood and all of its delights.
Neighborhood Association: www.oldtownchicago.org
Nearby Shopping Destinations: Gold Coast, Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Magnificent Mile/Michigan Ave., Oak Street
For more information, visit Chicago Traveler to see an Old Town Neighborhood Guide.
Photo courtesy of The Spice House.
SeeMore Shopping Contributing Writer - C. O’Neill.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. SeeMoreShopping incurs all expenses associated with reviews. Publ. 10/06. Updated 05/07.
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