So, we've officially surpassed the one year mark of Covid-19. Vaccination efforts are underway, and restrictions are loosening one-by-one. At some point, the world is going to re-open. Like, fully.
(Okay, maybe not entirely...but it feels like we've breached!) More importantly, friends, let's not be unprepared for this time. AKA, let's get into the great outdoors and patronize the shit out of some really cool places in the city. This was the inspiration for my 'A Day In...' series. The plan is to feature a few different neighborhoods in Chicago and provide a walking tour/field trip of sorts. Make a full day out of it, or pick a part or two which interest you. They're designed for a weekend day, but of course, could be adapted to suit your schedule. I'm going to start close to home, with my current 'hood. Because it's cool, naturally, but also because I think it gets overshadowed by trendier neighbor West Loop.
Begin your day with a coffee or tea at Aglaïa Coffee & Tea Co. Their lattes are delicious and if you're lucky, you may even leave with some words of wisdom from friendly owner, Jesse. He added this one after one of our chats, which I found particularly inspiring!
As you sip on your beverage walk west on Chicago Ave., turning right onto Carpenter St., to marvel at the iconic St. John Cantius Catholic Church. You don't even have to go inside; truthfully, I haven't. Just sitting on the steps is profound enough, and really lovely on a nice day. Continue down Carpenter St. and make a left on Fry St., then another left onto Elston Ave., and a final left onto Milwaukee Ave. for your first glimpse of street art ('biker babe'). [full disclosure: these are my nicknames to help you find them, not official in any way!]
This will be the first of several.
Head back down Chicago Ave. You'll pass over the highway, and shortly thereafter, come across Eckhart Park. Feel free to detour through, especially if you enjoy saying hi to dogs. Back to Chicago Ave., for several blocks, heading west. Just after Wolcott Ave. will be your second street art mural ('flower power').
Across the street from there you will find yourself at Lost Girls Vintage (see what I did there?). Filled with funky hair accessories, cool jewelry, and clothes from eras gone by, it's definitely worth a perusal.
Turn left on Damen Ave., and again on Hubbard St., where you'll run into District Brew Yards (which is also conveniently street art site #3). They have taps from breweries across the city, and you can enjoy your beer inside looking at the cars pass by on Ashland, or outside in a giant parking lot-turned-patio.
At this point, it's gotta be about lunchtime. In this area, Tempesta Market is the frontrunner, and their sandwiches are phenomenal. But I'm going to go with an underdog here: Coalfire - West Town (on Grand Ave.). I just had their Meatball Dip for the first time (thanks to a tip from a friend!), and I have thought about it often since then, if that's any indication of how good it was. One is big enough for two people to split, BTW. My suggestion is to get it to go and have a little picnic at Bickerdike Square Park, about a 5-minute walk away.
Pick Grand Ave. back up and walk east, where you'll run into Steve's Flower Market. If you have the patience to deal with carrying flowers, it will be worth your while to stop in. They have the most colorful, beautiful selection, and best of all - you can create your own bouquet. (If minding cost, ask for staff assistance, as some of the varieties can be pricy! They can also pack with water to keep longer.)
Continue east on Grand Ave. to Kingsbury St. You'll run into Montgomery Ward Park, which will lead you to a nice stroll along the Riverwalk.
If you continue to head north, you'll find yourself back at Chicago Ave. Take a left on Halsted St., a right on Erie St., and another right on Milwaukee Ave. Heading north, you'll find The Dandy Crown on your left. It's a woman-owned "neighborhood" cocktail bar that is somewhat off the beaten path, but should not be underestimated. The patio features some great artwork and as it's fenced in, feels like a total oasis. Am I right or am I right?
This could be a great stopping point for the day. But if you want more art, I have an addition for you. Take Milwaukee Ave. south to Green St., and head south on Green St. to Fulton St. (This is *almost* West Loop, but in my estimation, not quite!) All along Fulton, there are murals set into the overpass structure painted by various artists. This one caught my eye the other day:
If you have managed to make it to dinner time, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Opart Thai House. Those who know me know that Thai is my favorite ethnic cuisine, and I take it very seriously. This is one of a handful of spots I would order again and again from, and it would be the perfect cap to the day (plus if you take in all the art along Fulton St. to Ashland Ave., it's just a 20-min. walk north). Everything on the menu is good, but don't miss the Yum Woon Sen.
Well, there you have it! A day in River West/West Town; all in all, ~7 mi. walk. I hope you enjoy, and please stay tuned for vol. 2, Ravenswood. If you complete the tour, please let me know, I'd love to hear your thoughts. And if there's a neighborhood you want to see, comment on that as well.
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