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World Guide  | |
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The World | |
North America | |
Chicago | |
Shopping |
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Chicago,
Shopping Find interesting architecture and a huge merchandise selection at Marshall Field’s (the original store) and Carson Pirie Scott on State Street. But no visit would be complete without a shopping trip on the Magnificent Mile (North Michigan Avenue). The street, crowded with upscale malls (Water Tower Place, 900 North Michigan Avenue, The Shops at North Bridge), fashionable boutiques and big name stores such as Bloomingdale’s, Marshall Field’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Lord & Taylor, Nieman Marcus and Nordstroms, is also a people watching paradise. For bargains shop Filene’s Basement, 1 North State or 830 Michigan, Mark Shale Outlet, 2593 Elston, or the Gap outlet, 2778 North Milwaukee, for clothes, the Wabash Jewelers Mall for discounted baubles and Crate and Barrel Outlet, 800 North Avenue, for housewares. The best souvenir selection is at Accent on Chicago, 875 North Michigan, or City of Chicago Store at the Chicago Waterworks Visitors Center, 163 East Pearson, and Tastes of Chicago.com, 877 90 TASTE (82783) will ship authentic Chicago food like hot dogs, pizza and Eli’s cheesecake anywhere in the USA. Art galleries are clustered on both the Magnificent Mile and at River North. Find the latest information on art exhibits in Chicago Gallery News, available at any of the galleries. Taylor’s Guide to Antique Shops in Illinois and Southern Wisconsin (available in bookstores, or tel: (847) 465 3314) will direct you to area antique dealers. Many are located in the Lake View, Lincoln Square, Ravenswood and Edgewater areas. For music, visit the cool Virgin Megastore, 540 North Michigan Avenue, but find a better selection at Tower Records, 2301 Clark Street. Search the back walls of the legendary Rolling Stones, 7300 Irving Park Road, for the best deals, Jazz Record Mart, 444 North Wabash Avenue, for jazz, Reckless Records, 3157 North Broadway or 1532 North Milwaukee Avenue for alternative, new and used sounds, and Second Hand Tunes, 800 Dempster, Evanston, for used records. Except for special sales or the holiday season, malls and regular stores hours are usually Mon – Sat 1000 – 2100 and Sun 1100 – 1800. North Side neighbourhood stores that cater to young people often open later. Chicago state and local taxes are 8.75%, aside from food (2%) and pharmaceuticals (0%). |