30 April 2009

The EEE Artropolis Travel Guide

If you are also going to Chicago for Artropolis, here are a few recommended sights to see, boutiques to shop, and restaurants to dine courtesy of lady-on-the-scene and fellow Sotheby’s Institute alumna Mia Lewisman.

To See

The Chic Chicago exhibit is going on which is a great way to see some of the costume collection from the Chicago History Museum. The museum is a great way to get a sense of Chicago’s past and the Great Fire. 1601 N. Clark St
Tel: 312.642.4600

The Chicago Architectural Boat Tour ….Mia’s fave thing to do in the city."If the weather is nice…it will be fantastic." Ticket booth directions: Go to 465 N. McClurg Court (just south of Illinois Street and McClurg) and walk east on the River East Art Center’s promenade to the Ticket Office. Tel: 312.527.1977.

A walk through Millennium Park

The Driehaus Museum Access to museum at 50 Erie Street. Tel: 312.932.866 You may remember the photo of Mr. Driehaus' living room in the Neoclassical Moderne chapter of RR.

To Eat

Blackbird 619 West Randolph Tel: 312.715.0708

Avec 615 West Randolph Tel: 312.377.2002

Le Colonial937 No. Rush Street (between Oak and Walton Streets) Tel: 312.255.0088 an old favorite, right across from the newly opened Barneys which in turn is located at 15 Oak Street St and does have a Fred’s

RL ….great ambiance and great people watching. You can do lunch or dinner there. [Editor's note: Yes, RL as in Ralph. Located adjacent to the world's largest Polo store] 115 East Chicago Avenue Tel: 312.475.1100

Tempo… an old fashioned Greek diner with reasonable eats on the corner of State and Chestnut. The omelets are huge and amazing! Open 24/7. 6 East Chesnut Street Tel: 312.943.4373

To Shop

Ikram – of course! [Editor’s note: too bad you can’t buy Mrs. Obama’s biceps as well] 873 North Rush Street

Blake…It is located in an old post office and on Chicago Avenue near the gallery district (River North). 212 W Chicago Ave (between Franklin St & Wells St)

If you are at Blake…head up to Wells street to walk around and see some of the new galleries and shops popping up. This area is not far from the Gold Coast…so all easily walking accessibility. Both beautiful stores with fantastic clothes…..

Branca 17 East Pearson Street (two short blocks west of Michigan Avenue- between Wabash and State) Tel: 312.787.1017

Further Afield….

Buck Town/Wicker Park - Great little boutiques and restaurants and you can see the old punk shops and thrift shops on Milwaukee. However…this area has changed in the last two years with Scoop NYC and Marc by Marc Jacobs opening…more “trendy” now than arty but still a cool area. Francesca Forna is a great place for lunch/brunch or dinner. Hejfina is a cool store/gallery…cool clothes (Comme, Maison Martin Margiela, etc) coupled with furniture, books, etc.

5 comments:

Mrs. Blandings said...

We had the most amazing meal at Avec this summer. We almost couldn't speak - the whole conversation took place with our eyes while our mouths were full. I love Chicago.

Anonymous said...

The west loop neighborhood is not only great for eating (see avec, blackbird, publican) but also great for galleries and shopping! check out pivot (eco-boutique), bess & loie (handbags/accessories), koros among others for great shopping in the city's coolest, most up and coming neighborhood. all great shops and fun for a wander.

Pigtown*Design said...

The Architectural Boat Tour was one of the best things I've done. It was an overcast day, but I got some brilliant pictures.

Rose C'est La Vie said...

Chic Chicago, ohhhh. oh well. I very much like the abstract nature of that image of the dress.

pve design said...

Chicago - I am going to illustrate a wedding at the Four Seasons, so thanks for this.
pve