Exploring Neighborhoods

It was one of the first nice days in a very long time, so I took the opportunity to walk instead of drive to run my errands. With any luck, the weather is only going to get nicer, which means more chances to go wandering around the city. The beauty of Chicago is its diversity, and there are 77 distinct neighborhoods each of which has a unique history and tradition. The best way to see these neighborhoods is to explore them on foot. Of course, it's difficult to know where to begin, especially with so many places to see. That's where Chicago Neighborhood Tours comes in.

Each tour is designed to allow visitors--and even locals--to experience different areas of the city that they may not have thought to see. Among the most popular tours is Chicago's Magnificent Churches, which visits some of the city's amazing houses of worship. The locations vary from tour to tour, but each church has its own intricacies, history and customs. The Taste of the Neighborhoods is another popular tour, which takes guests on a delectable journey to some of the city's best eateries. Tours include two restaurants and a dessert stop, and destinations change every two months. Other tours this year include Uptown & Argyle Street, Wicker Park & Ukrainian Village, and Columbus Park & Garfield Park. All tours go by motor coach and foot, and last anywhere from two to four hours. Prices and dates of each tour vary.

While I am opposed to paying to do something I could probably do on my own, I would consider doing one of these tours mostly because the guide will provide more information and background about places that I would not learn otherwise. When you go exploring by yourself, you can certainly discover a lot, but having someone who is familiar with the area allows you to connect on a deeper level. I think the weather is still too iffy to schedule a tour this month, but maybe once summer rolls around I can participate in one. Now I just have to figure out which one I want to go on, there are way too many great choices. 

A City's Hidden Places

I found myself in the Fulton Market area last week, a grungy looking industrial neighborhood with meat packing trucks lining the streets. It didn't exactly feel like a hip locale, at least not at first. Sprinkled in amongst the desolate buildings and vacant lots are a handful of quaint restaurants, galleries and boutiques that would otherwise go unnoticed if it weren't for the energetic crowds out front. The Publican was my first indication that life did exist here. This unique gastropub is famous for their pork dishes, communal dining and signature brews.And while I was intrigued to enter this bustling food mecca, I walked on past the outdoor tables and toward my destination. Another block up and I faced a building front made completely of glass windows and doors, with a small fluorescent sign that read Otom. It took me a moment to register that this was the place where I was meeting my friend, it seemed so quiet, practically dead. But after some intoxicating cocktails--practically couldn't put mine down--and an incredible meal--a delicious spin on mac and cheese--I was hooked on this place, and the neighborhood where it resided.

Much to my chagrin, it seems other people have known about this area for years. How it is possible I had never ventured here before? The whole experience made me realize that there are way too many places around Chicago that I've never visited, who knows what I'm missing out on. But it made me think about the hidden gems in other cities. So I went online to search on the secret neighborhoods of major metropolitan areas, and I came across an article about a quaint area in East London. It talked about all the unique shops, bars, markets and restaurants that were hidden from London's more touristy locales. I am a huge fan of London--in fact it's probably the European city I would most likely live in, apart from Rome--and I had honestly never heard of Regent's Canal or the old industrial sector of the city, not to mention neighborhoods like Shoreditch, Bethnal Green and Hackney Wick. (Yes, those are their real names, it's England after all.) And even though I have never been to this part of London, I can certainly appreciate what it has to offer. Because it seems to me that some of the best places are off the beaten path, they make a city what is it, add a little more flare--as if there wasn't enough.

I fully intend to visit this part of London when I have the privilege of returning. For now, I might try to venture further outside my comfort zone in Chicago. And I encourage everyone else to do the same, you may be surprised with what you find.

Two Worlds, One City

People often ask me why I love living in the city so much. My go-to responses include: I grew up in the city, so I'm used to the atmosphere; I like being able to walk anywhere I need to go; I like that the houses don't all look the same; and there's just more to do. But now I can add another reason to my long list: You can experience completely different worlds without leaving the city limits!

Allow me to explain the happenings of this past weekend and how I came to appreciate the city of Chicago even more than I already do.

On Friday night I met up with some friends at a hip, downtown rooftop bar. After standing in a line downstairs for a couple minutes, our ids were checked by a pair of well dressed men, who then gave us wrist bands to indicate our appropriate age. We were ushered into the elevators that took us up to the top floor. We stepped out onto black tile flooring, speckled with flecks of blue and silver. White leather couches were grouped together throughout the large room, with fancy rugs flung out underneath them. A fire place sat quaintly in the corner next to a larger grouping of chairs and couches. The cubed tables donned little "reserved" signs, indicating we were not important enough to sit there. My friend and I walked out to the patio section, where two fire pits roared in the middle of the action, as thirsty patrons sipped their drinks and nibbled on small appetizer plates. Booth tables made of dark, paneled oak lined the sides of the patio. All of these were filled with groups of people chatting away.

A quick once around of this trendy spot, and I had the general clientele pinned: successful, well-dressed professionals in their late twenties and early thirties. While I am neither successful nor in this age range, I felt quite at home as I sat at the glowing neon-green bar and ordered a $10 glass of Argentinian wine. My outfit was no where near as nice as the suits and cocktail dresses worn by the rest of the crowd, but I certainly fit the part of young socialite with designer jeans, a fitted deep cut top and Jessica Simpson heels. (Wow, do I ever feel pretentious.) Despite my wardrobe and the pricey drink in my hand, there was still this sense of being an outsider, like I was visiting a different world. My Friday nights usually consist of dining at a local sports bar or making food at home while enjoying a movie. It's safe to say I live within my means most of the time. But every once and a while, like Friday night, I like to take a trip to the world I imagine I could one day live in; one with fancy parties and bottle service, expensive clothes and high-class acquaintances. It's a fantasy world, a lifestyle that is full or privilege and prestige. I believe it's the kind of life I would have if I ever wrote my book and became a best-selling novelist. But for now, for one night at least, I got a nice glimpse into another world, another culture and class I don't get to experience very often.

Then Saturday night came, and I found myself on the train heading in a different direction. Instead of hitting up the trendy, overpriced clubs and bars downtown, I ventured north to the outskirts of the Irving Park neighborhood. My friend and I walked along the nearly deserted streets to this small dive bar. It was lucky we knew the address, because there was no sign or anything announcing the name of this place. The space had no garnishes, no flashy decorations, just dingy windows that allowed you to peer into the dark room. As we entered, the bouncer took our ids and stamped our hands, as my friend informed me that the bar also served as a liquor store--in case one beer wasn't enough and I wanted to purchase a six pack. Classy.

As I wandered down the bar to where most people were sitting, I suddenly realized what it reminded me of: a house basement. Perhaps it was the scratched linoleum floors, or the fake wooden paneling on the walls, but I felt like I was back in high school when I would spend afternoons studying in my friends cluttered basement because her mom was occupying the kitchen. In the back corner, one spotlight was focusing on a singer and drummer performing for the tiny crowd. As I approached the bartender, I pulled out a $20, but soon realized this was far too much than what I needed. I ordered a bottle of amber wheat beer, and the price: $2.50! Even compared to my considerably frugal purchasing, that was super cheap. My friends and I made our way to a fold out table surrounded by wooden chairs that felt like they would break as I sat down. As for the people, it was quite an eclectic group. The young students who were groupies for the bands that were performing crowded together in little circles, while the older regulars sat at the bar further away just observing the action. The only couches in the bar were located right in front of the makeshift stage. The faux-leather cushions were worn and faded, so whenever anyone sat in them, they sank down deep into the couch.The occupants of said couches were some young couples, dressed in revealing clothing that left little to the imagination. It felt like a complete turnaround from the night before. I looked down at my clothes, and sure enough, they pretty much matched the feel of the evening. $10 flip flops paired with skinny black pants from H&M and a top that was over 2 years old that I got on sale.

How did this happen? Within 24 hours, my world had changed, I was somewhere else completely. But despite the dilapidated conditions and somewhat creepy bar occupants, the experience thrilled me. I had traveled to a different world entirely. What a contrast! It occurred to me that this was something I had experienced before, though in a much more subtle way. Just venturing from one neighborhood to another opens the door to another world, or at least a slightly different one. Ukrainian Village features stores and restaurants that differ from those in Logan Square or Wicker Park. Lincoln Park and Lakeview have a different mood and feel than the Gold Coast or River North. Each area offers something different; so no matter what you feel like doing, what kind of life you want to live for one night, you can find it in the city.

I wonder what world I'll visit tonight...