Monday, June 14, 2010

Neighborhood Spotlight: Wicker Park


Developed by European entrepreneurs moving to the outskirts of the city after the great Chicago fire of 1871, Wicker Park is rich in history. Walk the quiet, tree-lined streets to look at beautiful Victorian era homes along Hoyne, Pierce, and LeMoyne Streets. After a process of gentrification and renovation in the 1980s and 90s, the main arteries of Milwaukee, North, and Damen streets now host an upbeat, artistic, and stylish urban population.

- KNOWN FOR: Endless nightlife options; trendy restaurants; funky boutiques; resale shops; art galleries; eclectic residents; and Victorian-era architecture.

- DON’T MISS: Violet Hour (1520 N Damen Ave) for the best cocktails in town in a speak-easy atmosphere; Double Door (1572 N. Milwaukee Ave) a classic medium-sized music venue; Piece (1927 W North Ave) a pizzeria/brewery with live music and karaoke; Myopic Books (1564 N Milwaukee Ave) one of Chicago's oldest and largest used bookstores; Smoke Daddy (1804 W. Division St) for awesome BBQ food and live blues or jazz music every night.

- GET THERE: Take the Blue Line train (towards O’Hare) to the Damen or Division stop.

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