My Chicago Vacation: Exploring Bucktown/Wicker Park
Tara Posted on Wednesday, September 1, 2010 at 1:15PM My Chicago Vacation is a series where I am sharing what I would do and where I would go if planning a vacation to Chicago with the perspective of a resident. There will be a mix of attractions and neighborhood/local spots to give that only-in-this-city experience.
If planning a trip to Chicago and striving to get a cross-section view into what makes up this city, in addition to a few of the major attractions and north side 'hoods, one must include a trip to the west side.
Walking around the west town neighborhoods will give a glimpse into the diversity of neighborhoods in transition. Sure, there are more strollers in Wicker Park than there were five-seven years ago but there is still a nice blend of artsy types, hipsters (or wanna-be hipsters), etc mixed in with the jcrew crowd. There is still a bit of urban decay mixed in with the new construction and local-owned next door to the Nanette Lepore type of shops. All of this makes for a very fun afternoon of exploring. In addition to soaking up the atmosphere, there is ample fun people watching! :)
Must Go in Bucktown/ Wicker Park
- Paper & Print
- Grasshopper 510 (an awesome shop focused on reclaimed, sustainable, repurposed goods)
- Olivia's Market (the bonne maman jams are excuse enough to make the stop)
- Lovely Bakeshop
- Myopic Books (this is an absolute treasure chest for book nerds like me)
- Wicker Park (during warmer months this park is a very pretty little spot and is ideal for a rest while touring the area)
- Una Mae's
- Renegade Handmade (a nicely curated selection from etsy shops and artist)
- Psycho Baby (cool stuff or the kids in your life)
- Green Heart (eco friendly, fair trade shop- such cool stuff to be found here)
- The Needle Shop (even just kind of thinking about sewing or fabric projects? then you have to stop here, lovely curated selection of fabrics & such)
- Asrai Garden (such an awesome place to wander through, just lovely)
Ok, I could go on and on as there is just so much goodness in the Bucktown/ Wicker Park area but these are my favorites that I visit. Seriously though, there is a ton to see over here and lots of fun shopping. I would plan on a good long afternoon of walking around the area, making sure to walk down Damen St, Division, and Milwaukee. Most of the shops/ stuff to see are concentrated just south of Armitage Ave and north of Division... that is a pretty rough guide but a quick glance at a map and you will see the sections that I am talking about.
And I wouldn't miss heading down a few side streets in this area! There are such awesome apartment and condo buildings, from vintage brick three flats to renovated factories. And the feel of this area is quite different from most of the north side so it gives a whole new perspective of the city. There is also an abundance of good eats over here... but I am saving foodie talk for a post of its own that is coming soon!
Chicago readers, what would be on your Must See list in Bucktown/Wicker Park?
*****
Coming up next in the series is the last neighborhood and then it will be the foodie must go list!
Previous posts for the My Chicago Vacation series:
My Kind of Vacation in Chicago
Chicago Attractions: Must Go, Maybe, Skip
My Chicago Vacation: Exploring Old Town
My Chicago Vacation: Exploring Lincoln Park
My Chicago Vacation: Exploring Lake View
{photographs were all taken in the Bucktown/Wicker Park neighborhoods}
Reader Comments (6)
My neighborhood! :) I love what you have posted!! And, I didn't know about The Needle Shop. This is perfect timing because I'm going to attempt a DIY project next week and need fabric! Thank you! I enjoy stopping by Lenny & Me every now and then to check out what new merchandise they have.
We spend quite a bit of time in Wicker Park. The farmers market on Sunday morning is great. I can't wait to see what restaurants you blog about!
Another great post - love all your pics! I'd have to add big star - I can't get enough of their tacos!
We love Wicker Park/Bucktown ! I've lived around here for almost 15 years. Myopic is a great used bookstore.. one of the best. You didn't mention Red Hen Bread which has been in the neighborhood for a long time and bakes the best bread and scones in the city. We ride our bikes to the park for the farmers market, and yes, now to the playground too.
I love Paper & Print! I'm always a tourist in the neighborhoods. I think I would like to live in Wicker Park, but the commute would be a dealbreaker.
My WP faves:
Grilled cheese at Hollywood Grill at the end of a late night (it's hopping around 3am!)
A dark hot chocolate at Hot Chocolate
Looking at the pretty old houses around Wicker Park proper
Mojo Spa on Milwaukee
A house brew at Piece
Shopping for hi/lo fashion at Akira
Sitting at the bar at Violet Hour
Brunch at Bin Cafe
Lenny & Me Home for vintage gifts
The Southern, for being unique
...I could keep going because it's my 'hood, but I think 10 is enough!