Eyeworld

51 EW AAO CHICAGO 2014 EW T ake a break and get out to do some shopping at one of the many stores and shopping areas in Chicago. The Magnifi cent Mile Many of the topnotch stores in Chi- cago are located on this mile-long area of North Michigan Avenue. Many of the stores are also located in malls in the area. Shopping cen- ters here include 900 North Michi- gan Shops, which features a 6-level Bloomingdales, 10 restaurants, and 70 retail stores; The Shops at North Bridge, which covers 6 blocks and a 4-level shopping center; and Water Tower Place, featuring an 8-level atrium and more than 100 stores. Garrett Popcorn Shop 625 N. Michigan Ave. 312-944-2630 www.garrettpopcorn.com Get a snack and explore one of Chicago's most famous staples. Many have argued that they sell the best popcorn in the U.S. Ralph Lauren 750 N. Michigan Ave. 312-280-1655 www.ralphlauren.com The world's largest Polo store is located in the "Windy City." This 4-story store is complete with wood paneling and resembles a small mansion. Oak Street This Chicago shopping area is home to many designer label stores in con- verted townhouses. It's located at the northern end of the Magnifi cent Mile. Stores include Giorgio Armani, Hermes, and Louis Vuitton. Bravco 43 E. Oak St. 312-943-4305 This is one place that you may be able to shop for a deal on Oak Street. This drugstore is popular among Chicago hairstylists and makeup artists. Pratesi 67 E. Oak St. 312-943-8422 www.pratesi.com Pratesi boasts that it uses the best cotton in the world to create its deluxe bed, bath, and table linens. It also supplies linens to some of the top hotels in the world. River North This Chicago shopping area is espe- cially popular for emerging artists and art dealers. There are a number of galleries and home stores in the area. It has expanded immensely since the 1960s when it fi rst began to attract attention for art in the area. Lightology 215 W. Chicago Ave. 312-944-1000 www.lightology.com This lighting store offers lamps, chandeliers, and other lights from a number of different man ufacturers. Manifesto 755 N. Wells St. 312-664-0733 www.manifestofurniture.com The furniture here is custom de- signed and imported from Austria and Italy. Wicker Park This neighborhood is known to be artsy and is popular for its gift shops, furniture stores, antique shops, and clothing stores. Pagoda Red 1714 N. Damen Ave. 773-235-1188 www.pagodared.com This stores sells Asian collectibles and art objects, including rugs, Tibetan chests, and ceramics. Stitch 1937 N. Damen Ave. 773-782-1570 www.stitchchicago.com Open for more than 15 years, Stitch is a popular shopping destination in the Wicker Park neighborhood. It has accessories for men, women, and the home. EW It was designed by Jaume Plensa, a Spanish artist. Lurie Garden www.luriegarden.org Lurie Garden is located within Millennium Park and was designed by Gustafson Guthrie Nichol, Piet Oudolf, and Robert Israel. Visitors are welcome to take guided tours (from May to September) or self-guided tours of the gardens. The garden pays homage to the motto of the city, "Urbs in Horto," or "City in a Garden." It has a 15-foot-high "shoulder" hedge, a footbridge, and the physical representation of Carl Sandburg's description of the "City of Big Shoulders." Shedd Aquarium 1200 S. Lake Shore Dr. 312-939-2438 www.sheddaquarium.org The Shedd Aquarium has thousands of aquatic animals to see, including stingrays, dolphins, sea lions, and turtles. Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during the week in the winter). The Field Museum 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr. 312-922-9410 www.fi eldmuseum.org The Field Museum was originally called the Columbian Museum of Chicago and was opened in 1893. It explores how the world came to be and how it can be made better. Open daily (except Christmas) from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Willis Tower 233 S. Wacker Dr. 312-875-0066 theskydeck.com Formerly the Sears Tower, when the Willis Tower was completed in 1973, it was the tallest building in the world. The tower features 108 stories, coming in at 1,451 feet. The Skydeck allows visitors to take a trip up to fl oor 103. "The Ledge" experience is 1,353 feet in the air, with glass boxes that expand 4.3 feet from the Skydeck for unique views of the city. Admission prices are $19 for adults and $12 for children (ages 3–11). The Willis Tower is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. from October to March. EW Chicago shopping

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