Distance from downtown: 6.1 miles Via: Brown Line Best for: Sightseeing Go: Morning, afternoon
HERITAGE GENERAL STORE / LINCOLN AVENUE PEOPLE SPOT This bright, welcoming space serves up both Stumptown Coffee and custom-made bicycles (in addition to sweet and savory goodies sourced from some of Chicago’s best local kitchens). Grab a latte and relax in their side yard or in the Lincoln Avenue “People Spot,” which transforms two on-street parking spots into a public parklet each summer. It and another spot on Southport are part of Mayor Rahm Emanuel and CDOT’s“Make Way for People” program, launched in June of 2012.
WRIGLEY FIELD The second oldest stadium in Major League Baseball and the home of the Chicago Cubs celebrates its 100th birthday this year and finds itself on the cusp on a transformative (and controversial) renovation that would both restore the historic facade and add seven new electronic outfield signs, while expanding facilities for both players and fans. Plans are also in the works to remake the surrounding neighborhood with new plazas and mixed-use developments. Take in a game (or just take a tour) to see the hand-operated scoreboards and ivy-covered outfield walls as the Cubs take on the Washington Nationals 6/26-28.
ALTA VISTA TERRACE DISTRICT This charming block of 40 single-family row homes was developed by Samuel Gross in 1904 to replicate a street in London’s Mayfair area. Tucked away just blocks from Wrigley Field, this idyllic architectural showpiece feels like a trip back in time. The one block long street is located between W Grace Street on the south and W Byron Street on the north.
HOME BISTRO This tiny BYOB American bistro may not win any design awards with its orange faux-finish walls (check out WOOD a block away if a design-savvy spot is more your style), but this small spot serves up delicious food with wonderful service that that keeps people coming back for more. Grab a bottle of wine from Paired (3325 N Halsted St) down the street and enjoy the people watching on this bustling stretch of Halsted known as “Boystown.”
THE MUSIC BOX THEATER When this gem of a theater was built in 1929, most movie palaces in Chicago sat upwards of 3,000 people. While the Music Box only seats 800, it is now the largest theater space operated full time in the city, screening foreign and independent films daily. If you don’t have time for film, simply take in the towering neon marquee and ornately decorated lobby.
