Distance from downtown: 7.5 miles Via: Green Line, Bus #53 Best for: Art, coffee Go: Daytime
HUMBOLDT PARK BOATHOUSE In addition to being Chicago’s vibrant Puerto Rican hub, Humboldt Park holds one of the few places a person can escape the city. Visit the boathouse (off Humboldt Boulevard / Sacramento Avenue) for unrivaled views of the park’s waterways, islands, and walking paths.
CAFE COLAO Find some of the city’s best coffee and pastries at this Puerto Rican-owned cafe on Division Street. The guava-and-cream-cheese turnovers are to die for, and the lively vibe inside will make you forget you’re in Illinois.
AN ORANGE MOON New to North Avenue is Lynne and Ty McDaniel’s epicenter of midcentury modern furniture. Lovers of all-things vintage will be charmed by the variety and inspired by the curator’s exquisite eye.
TOM ROBINSON GALLERY A frequent collaborator of revered performing-arts group Redmoon, Tom Robinson recently helped fabricate set pieces for Amon Tobin’s 2012 tour. His gallery of portraits, paintings, lighting, and furniture is open 1-4 p.m. on Saturdays.
CUP AND SPOON Across the street from the previous two hotspots, don’t miss Cup and Spoon, Humboldt Park’s newest cafe (with a beautiful counter by Robinson himself). Offerings at the charming, light-filled space are sourced from local purveyors, so support the Chicago culinary scene and order an espresso and a coconut macaroon.
