Forest Park

Oak Park’s neighbor was once known more for its many fun-filled pubs rather than as a great shopping destination. However, this up and coming village is now taking the shopping world by storm. 

Situated just a stone’s throw from the Chicago Loop, Forest Park’s convenient location about 10 miles west of Downtown makes it easily accessible to city dwellers and suburbanites alike.  

From family-owned businesses that have been around for generations, to some of the most outstanding new hip boutiques west of the city, ongoing revitalization efforts throughout this village have paved the way to make Forest Park a true hidden shopping gem that is quickly outshining its trendy Oak Park neighbor.

The main shopping thoroughfare along Madison Street, from Harlem to Des Plaines Avenue, has had a major facelift over the last few years. Now, amongst the still happening pubs, charming restaurants and newly erected urban dwellings stand a plethora of adorable clothing boutiques such as M. Santana that carries some of the hottest designer denim in town and Afkara Shoes who’s great shoes are matched only by the cutest selection of handbags.  

   

Just across the street, you will find yourself caught up in the extensive collection of handcrafted and exceptionally unique jewelry and other great items from various artisans at Team Blonde, a working jewelry studio. Create your own distinct pieces using your old jewelry or start from scratch. A quick stop can turn into an all day affair.

The Treehouse Boutique is an adorable children’s shop that carries some of the cutest and hippest kid’s clothes and shoes that are not over the top in style or price. The owner has designed the store to be kid friendly, with a great play area included.  

The latest addition to this fantastic fashion strip is Heels, an adorable shoe store with an amazing selection of shoes, purses and trendy tees!  

There is something for everyone in Forest Park. From Run Chicago for the fitness fanatic to Flavour Cooking School for the culinary addict to Todd & Holland Tea Merchants and their 100+ teas for the tea connoisseur, you will definitely find what you need in this charismatic village, and some great gifts too!

2006-2007
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What you’ll find here:

Antiques: At Home with Antiques, Forest Park Emporium, Krenek's Antiques

Art: Accents by Fred, Boulevard Fine Arts, Jeanine A. Guncheon Gallery Etcetera, Harlem Art Galleries, Painted Board Studio, Plan B Gallery, Two Fish Art Glass

Clothing/Accessories: Afkara, Girlicious, Heels, M. Santana, Shoes in the Park Boutique, Team Blonde Jewelry

Food/Beverage: Blue Max Coffee, Pastries by Kays Bakery, Todd & Holland Tea Merchants

Home Furnishings: Flavour Cooking School, Trage Bros. Appliances & Electronics

Kids: Krazy About Kids, Treehouse Boutique

Specialty: Baby Blue Records, Centuries & Sleuths Bookstores, Chix With Stix, Military and Police Supply, Moss Modern Flowers, My Best Friend Groom & Board, The Old School Records, Quitsch Florist, RUN Chicago 

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Neighborhood Associations: www.shopoakpark.com

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Nearby Shopping Destinations: LaGrange, Oak Park

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SeeMore Shopping Contributing Writer - C. O’Neill.

Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by SeeMoreShopping.   Publ. 10/06.