Chicago’s Southport Corridor – Chicago’s Lakeview Neighborhood.
Today I’m joining a group of home decor/diy/craft bloggers to do something we don’t typically do …
sharing the sights and some favorite places outside of our homes!
A big shout out to Jennifer at Town & Country Living for getting us all up from our couches — and away from our screens — to take a little adventure around our neighborhoods.
And away we go …
As those of you who’ve hung around this lil old blog for awhile know, I’m not originally from Chicago. Or even the Midwest.
I’m a Jersey girl.
And when I was a working girl in New York City (no, not that kind of working girl; I was the Melanie-Griffith-sneaker’s-with-shoulder-padded-power-suit-commuting-in-via-bus/train-to-New York working girl) I had the opportunity to visit most major market cities.
Some I love (hello San Francisco and Boston) and some not so much (sorry Phoenix and Dallas).
But I never, ever visited Chicago. And at the time, I never, ever really gave it much thought. I mean, I was born-and-raised east coaster and Chicago was just part of fly-over country.
Right?
Oh how wrong I was!
The truth is, I fell in love with a Chicagoan before ever stepping foot in his city. But when I did finally visit, I fell in love …
for the second time in my life!
And when said Chicagoan and I decided to tie the knot, where we would live was a no-brainer. Chicago won hands down.
I always tell people that Chicago is such a livable city. Mostly because it’s so spread out. And mostly because Chicago is made up of so many different neighborhoods.
We live in a neighborhood called Lakeview (though there is no view of the Lake where I live). Sometimes it’s referred to as West Lakeview. We’re north of downtown and less than a mile west of Wrigleyville (and Wrigley Field). I shared some shots around Wrigley at this link.
I’ve also shared a little walking tour around my block at this link …
but today now we’re going to venture a few blocks farther to an area I think of as our very own little main street.
Chicagoans spend the majority of their time in their own little neighborhood pockets — especially those (like me) who have an abundance of shops, restaurants, and grocery stores within walking distance.
This area is referred to as the Southport Corridor …
hence Corridor Brewing. 🙂
I can personally attest that Benefit does offer great brows. 😉
After a long, cold, and dirty winter cars line up down the block at this little car wash joint.
Most of the boutiques along this stretch are a bit pricey for me, but it’s always fun to window shop with my daughter.
I had forgotten that on Thursdays there’s a farmer’s market at the Low Line …
Which is located just under the Southport stop L tracks.
I left my purse at home, but hopefully there may still be a Thursday or two left before they close up shop for the winter!
This is a favorite new restaurant of mine. During the warmer months, I like dining outside …
Inside they have a huge bar and cozy atmosphere that will be perfect in the winter.
One of my favorite things about this area is some of the old architecture.
Schiltz used to open their own bars around the city and you can still find some old buildings with their logos.
This is a true Chicago dive bar, co-existing with fancy restaurants and boutique shops. Located just across the street from a Chicago Park District site that offers pre-school classes …
Gotta love Chicago where the old and new comfortably co-exist!
Sadly our days of dining al fresco are numbered. But this place has a nice cozy interior that’s perfect for a cold, snowy day!
I hope you enjoyed this little stroll through my Lakeview neighborhood …
and be sure to check out the amazing places my fellow bloggers live. There’s a little bit of everything, from coastal to country and small town to big cities …
MONDAY
Town and Country Living / Finding Silver Pennies / Southern Hospitality
TUESDAY
My Sweet Savannah / Hymns and Verses / It All Started with Paint / The Happie Housie
WEDNESDAY
Creative Cain Cabin / In My Own Style / Duke Manor Farm / Hearth and Vine
Chicago is a 4 hour trip south from my place and it’s a great place to visit for sure. It’s an amazing place filled with things to do and places to shop. Everyone needs to experience Chicago a least once int their lifetime. Loved all your pic today!
My daughter lived in Lakeview until a year ago and my niece was there before her. So many of our favorite places here! Jeni’s is a great stop for ice cream and I love the grocery and bakery items at Southport Grocery (which is really more restaurant than grocery). Try their homemade granola there – one of my favorites! Warmed my heart to see these familiar sights!
Linda, what a great tour! My daughter went to college in Chicago but I know there is so much more to see than what we have done in the handful of trips while she was there. Definitely adding your sweet town to the list next time we visit.
Thank you! Yes, Chicago is pretty large. And most of the attractions are downtown. But exploring the various neighborhoods can be fun!
I really enjoyed your tour around your neighbourhood . I have never been to Chicago , but I would really like to visit one day. The buildings are so full of life and interesting. Thanks for sharing.
What a beautiful city! I confess I’ve only been to the Chicago airport – but I’d love to visit the city one day!
I always admire people who love where they live. What a nice feeling to be at home. I grew up in Illinois and due to a difficult early life can barely even visit there with comfort. Your photos are quite nice. We live in a very beautiful area of Colorado (Boulder) with lovely mountain views and lots of space. I would have to say my heart loves California best though, I have so many wonderful memories of time there.
Linda, I so loved your tour! Both of my kids lived in the midwest a few years back and talked about how great visiting Chicago was. I’ve only been there once myself, and only for a few hours, but your tour proved it would be great to spend time there. I love the neighborhood feel of your section!
So funny that you’re a Jersey girl… lol!
I knew I would enjoy your post, Linda! When my daughter lived in Wrigleyville, I remember driving through Lakeview and thinking we needed to go back and explore on foot. Loved the old Schlitz sign! I didn’t know they had their own bars in the city. Thanks for sharing your amazing city neighborhood!
Linda- I just loved your tour of your Lakeview hood. Since I found my place in the country visiting big cities with all the conveniences is such a treat especially to have a cocktail, dinner and then be able to walk home. When I get back to chicago one day soon we are having dinner and then a drink at Langes!
I have never been to Chicago; but it sure does like a beautiful area.
I loved your tour and hearing about your background. We have some similarities… I have lived in NJ all of my life and when I met my husband (also from NJ), he was on assignment in Chicago. He flew me out there to spend the weekend with him a few times so I have so many fond memories of Chicago. It really is a beautiful city!
Shelley
Thanks for the kids of my o!d home town, I moved in 1978 and love to see the changes
I had a 6-hour layover between trains in June and spent the time walking around downtown Chicago! It’s a great city. I happened upon the main public library and enjoyed exploring inside it.
Your neighborhood seems to offer a lot of the urban features I love here in Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh. Being able to walk to lots of pleasant and useful places improves my life so much, I never want to live in suburban sprawl again!
Agree!!!
What a wonderful tour! I live in St. Louis and have visited Chicago a couple of times. They were great visits that made me want to return. It’s only about 5 hours from me, I think. I have a family member who just bought a condo in a highrise in downtown Chicago, and she absolutely loves it. Thanks so much for sharing with us at Thursday Favorite Things!
I really enjoyed this glimpse into your neighbourhood! It looks like a lovely place to live! Thank you so much for sharing with the Hearth and Soul Link Party.
I was in Chicago last weekend, and I’ll be there tomorrow. Great post, you have made Chicago look more intriguing
Thank you and hope you enjoy your trips! 🙂
Really enjoyed learning more about your home in Chicago. It looks like you have gorgeous shops and restaurants in you neighborhood. I’m sad that al fresco dining days are coming to an end here in New England, too. xx