Armitage Ave.

A shopping excursion down hip, diverse Armitage Avenue is a perfect way to spend a weekend afternoon

By Casey Nunes

Although Lincoln Park is a well-known, hip part of town filled with college students and 20- and 30-somethings, one street in particular stands out among the crowded neighborhood. Armitage Avenue is filled with plenty of boutiques, bars and bistros for the daily visitor to enjoy just minutes from downtown.

Starting at Armitage and Kenmore, the small western boutique Out Of The West (1021 W. Armitage) offers a surplus of denim, cowboy boots, hats and jewelry. Out Of The West, which originated as a denim store, has a little bit of something for everyone. Although funky women’s clothing is more prevalent throughout the store, Out Of The West also sells men’s and baby’s clothes for the urban cowboy.

Heading west, a small high-end women’s clothing boutique with the inviting name of Mint Julep (1013 W. Armitage) draws me in. Offering colorful summer dresses and swimwear, Mint Julep’s mod interior keeps customers at ease while shopping for the upcoming season. The store showcases a Chicago-based jeweler named K. Amato and reasonably priced necklaces, bracelets, headbands and earrings all for under $100.

Before heading back to the hotel, stop at Barker and Meowsky’s Paw Firm (1003 W. Armitage) to pick up a treat for your four-legged best friend. Before Paris Hilton landed on the scene with her little chihuahua, Barker and Meowksy owner Alice Lerman’s career as a dog walker inspired her to create personalized dog handbags and organic pet treats. The most colorful store on the block has been offering grooming, nutritional treats, fashionable accessories and all around furry fun since 1998.

The CBA (953 W. Armitage) provides the perfect excuse for a break from all the shopping. The Chicago Bagel Authority’s unique and tasty steamed sandwiches like the Hoosier Daddy and the Dirty Swede will keep you coming back for more. This is one meal you’re guaranteed not to forget.

For the sweet tooth and the wine afficionado, a visit to Vosges Haut Chocolat shop (951 W. Armitage) is the perfect fix. Every mouth will water at the caramel toffees, peanut butter bonbons, mini red velvet cakes and organic chocolate bars, especially when paired with Vosges’ selection of wine, beer, champagne and cheese. The wood communal table next to the Japanese wishing tree is the perfect place to sit with the girls.

From clogs to cookbooks and perfumes to pillows, Art Effect, a modern-day general store, has everything a woman could think of. With its floating wine goblets and apothecary table, Art Effect (934 W. Armitage) has gathered a collection of interesting knickknacks and baubles from its 25 years in business.

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