Second City. Mud City. The Windy City.
Whatever you call it, there's no place like Chicago! Ranking as the third-largest city in the U.S. and renowned for its vibrant music scene, stunning architecture, world class museums, winning (and sometimes not) sports teams, and famous food and drink (Chicago-style pizza, anyone?), it’s no wonder the Midwest City by the Lake is such a popular travel destination.
Souvenirs and mementos are a great way to remember every moment and detail of your visit to Chicago by. Here are five Chicago shops if you’re looking for unique shopping experiences:
I Love Chicago – Magnificent Mile
You can’t visit Chicago and not walk the Magnificent Mile. The Magnificent Mile is a stretch of downtown that includes some of Chicago’s finest shopping, dining, hotels and landmarks including the Chicago Water Tower, Tribune Tower, Wrigley Building and John Hancock Center. Just south of the Magnificent Mile is the also iconic Millennium Park and the Cloud Gate sculpture, more commonly known as “The Bean.” If you’re hoping to find some gifts or keepsakes of your trip, stop into I Love Chicago on Michigan Avenue. There, you’ll find Chicago-forward apparel, drinkware, keychains, stickers and more. You’ll also find uniquely Chicago products like Al Capone-themed books and hot sauces or Chicago Bulls, Cubs and Bears apparel. You’ll definitely find something you’ll love at I Love Chicago.
The Neighborhood Urban Gift Shop – Navy Pier
Located not far from the Magnificent Mile is Chicago’s popular waterfront destination – Navy Pier. Currently home to 50 acres of shopping, dining and attractions like Centennial Wheel, Children’s Museum and Shakespeare Theater, Navy Pier has welcomed guests to the City by the Lake for over 100 years. The Neighborhood Urban Gift Shop located inside Navy Pier offers a uniquely local shopping experience, featuring a variety of gifts, home goods and artwork either made by local Chicago vendors or dedicated to specific neighborhoods of Chicago. The Neighborhood Urban Gift Shop offers great items for visitors and locals alike!
Art-K-Texture – Navy Pier
Located right next door to The Neighborhood Urban Gift Shop is Art-K-Texture, a unique shopping experience dedicated to the architecture and design reflective of Chi-Town. There, you’ll find apparel, drinkware, toys and more inspired by Chicago’s skyline, museums and landmarks. Ever seen a giant Centennial Wheel made entirely out of K-NEX? You can here!
Lake Michigan Outfitters – Navy Pier
Lake Michigan Outfitters, also located inside Navy Pier, is a nod to the mighty Lake Michigan, from which Chicago earns its nicknames City by the Lake and The Third Coast. If anchors, pirates and Good Vibes Only are your thing, you’ll love the variety of boating-style apparel, headwear, eyewear, footwear, drinkware, toys and more available at Lake Michigan Outfitters.
I Love Chicago – O'Hare International Airport
There’s so much to see and experience in Chicago that you may find there's not enough time to shop for the perfect gift or memento to remember your visit by. If you’re flying out of O’Hare International Airport, don’t sweat it! I Love Chicago located in Terminal 5 carries a great selection of products including jewelry, apparel, fashion accessories, prints/paintings, home goods and more that capture the spirit of Chicago.
Chicago is a city of unique contrasts -- of historic and modern, of urban and maritime, of industrial and natural. It's a city that ages and yet doesn’t grow old. Whether your visit is business or pleasure, short or brief, you’ll find the perfect token to remember it by at these five Chicago shops.
