Gold Coast

Designer boutiques and expensive eats. This is the Gold Coast, the pricey stretch of downtown Chicago real estate where high-rise condos share prestigious street addresses with single-family homes.

Within walking distance of it all are the brainy resources of Newberry Library, Chicago History Museum (formerly Chicago Historical Society), and Loyola University of Chicago.

As you would expect, first-class shopping and dining choices are abundant here. The Rush/State/Division area is home to famed restaurants and nightclubs where locals, tourists, and media stars go to see and be seen.  Dining at an outdoor cafe during the summer is a popular way to sightsee - the local fashion "trends" that is.

The Gold Coast is where coveted designer labels have their own houses. No sharing the shelves here. World-renowned and locally-owned boutiques fill the tree-lined streets of Delaware, Oak, Rush, State and Walton.

Adriano Goldschmied, Furla, Hermes, Kate Spade, Prada, Tod’s and YSL are just steps from Bulgari, Chanel, Louis Vuitton and St. John.

If you prefer your designer brands all under one roof, check out the selections at Barneys New York, Ikram, Jake and Ultimo, or the upscale shopping center at 900 N. Michigan Ave.

Where to go when your favorite label has four wheels? You're in the right place, as there are no less than four automotive dealerships located here, including Gold Coast Bentley.

If your wallet is a little lighter, and you still need casual clothes for an afternoon at North Avenue beach, step into one of these national chains: Adidas Heritage Store, American Apparel, Anthropologie, Puma and Urban Outfitters.

Now that you have those new threads to show off, it’s time to strut your stuff. For a high-priced night on the town, this area won’t disappoint. Neither will the people watching or occasional celebrity sighting.   

Newly Opened: Blake, Flight 001

What you’ll find here:

Accessories: Aldo Shoes, ps: Accessories

Automotive: Fletcher Jones Imports/Mercedes Benz, Gold Coast Bentley, Perillo BMW  

Clothing & Accessories: Adidas Heritage Store, American Apparel, Anthropologie, Blake, Chico’s, Diesel, Madison & Friends/Denim Lounge, Puma, Urban Outfitters 

Designer Boutiques: Adriano Goldschmied, Bottega Veneta, Giorgio Armani, Ikram, Jake 

Fine Jewelry: Geneva Seal  

Grocery, Gourmet & Specialty Foods: Dominick’s, Jewel, Potash Bros. Market,TeaGschwendner, teuscher Chocolates, Treasure Island

Home Furnishings: Sur la Table

Shopping Centers: 900 N. Michigan Ave., Water Tower Place  

Specialty Stores: Barnes & Noble, Children in Paradise Bookstore,Flight 001, Tails in the City, Underdogg 

Nearby Shopping Destinations: The Loop, Magnificent Mile, Oak Street,  Old Town, River North, Streeterville