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GI 296 How to Enjoy an Affordable Day in Lincoln Park
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6 Recommended Things to Do Like a Local From
Lincoln Park -- with precise borders between North Avenue in the South, Lake Michigan to the East, Diversey Parkway to the North and the Chicago River to the West -- offers numerous entertainment options, not all of which reflect the community’s up-market residential demographics. Below are six recommended experiences to ensure a memorable day in Lincoln Park on virtually any budget. 1. Breakfast at Nookies Too 2114 N. Halsted St. (Between Webster & Armitage), 773-327-1400 Nookies Too opened its doors in 1982 as the successful offshoot of Lincoln Park’s original Nookies (on Wells St. in Old Town) and caters to Lincoln Park residents. While dinner and lunch fare are available, Nookies Too specializes in breakfasts and brunches. The strawberry and blueberry pancakes are local favorites, as well as the Cajun eggs, corned beef hash and seasonal menu offerings (e.g. Oatmeal Banana Toffee Pancakes!). More Info
2. Grab a Chicago Reader and Stroll Through Oz Park 2021 N. Burling St., 312-742-7898 Christened Oz Park in honor of local resident Lyman Frank Baum, author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, this peaceful, clean garden and recreational park has served local residents since 1976. Amble through the grounds and find Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, Scarecrow and, of course, Dorothy and © Tom Wagner
Toto. Peruse the Chicago Reader, Chicago’s Free Weekly since 1971, while secluded within the Emerald City Gardens. Or burn off the oatmeal banana toffee pancakes you just enjoyed across the street at Nookies Too with a pickup game of basketball, soccer or kickball on any one of the ball fields. More Info
3. Midday at Lincoln Park Zoo 2200 N. Cannon Drive, 312-742-2000
© Tom Wagner
Head North up Geneva Terrace at the Northeast corner of Oz Park -- where Lincoln, Webster and Geneva intersect -- and take a right on the tree-lined, leaf canopied Belden Avenue to soak in the beauty of this quiet, secluded residential street. Shortly, you will cross Stockton Drive and emerge at the Lincoln Park Conservatory. Pop in to appreciate the botanical paradise, explore the parks, visit the lily ponds and view the animals at Lincoln Park Zoo, all free to the public seven days a week, 365 days a year. And just because it’s free, you certainly don’t get what you pay for; this world-class zoo advances the highest quality of animal care, education, science and conservation. More Info
4. Lunch at the Original Potbelly’s 2264 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-528-1405 Take a short walk back to 2264 N. Lincoln Avenue and indulge in A Wreck®, Potbelly’s trademarked original sandwich that started the rapidly growing Potbelly Sandwich Shop chain. Yes, this is the original Potbelly’s, founded in 1977 when the owners of a small Chicago antique store decided to boost their sales by strategically selling toasted sandwiches to customers seeking vintage stoves, old books and eclectic antique shop fare. While you can get a Potbelly Sandwich across the country today, nothing matches the vibe of this original Chicago institution. It uses only quality ingredients and toasts its sandwiches to perfection. Oh, and don’t forget to get a chocolate malt! More Info
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7/16/12 5:08 PM
Welcome to Lincoln Park, a beautiful, up-market urban neighbo...
http://gi296.about.com/od/sightseeingandtours/tp/How-To-Hav...
5. An Afternoon on the Lakefront Between Fullerton Pkwy & North Ave., 312-742-7529 Walk off that delicious Potbelly’s chocolate malt by enjoying a leisurely afternoon along the shore of Lake Michigan. Locals will be jogging, riding bikes, © Tom Wagner skateboarding, walking and sunbathing up and down the lakeside paths, parks and beaches (weather permitting, of course). You can easily spend many hours enjoying the sun, surf, sounds and sights along Lake Michigan’s turquoise blue waters. Rest in the shade, lie out on the beach, take a brisk swim, perhaps enjoy a professional beach volleyball tournament or sip on cold drinks with a side of live music at Castaways. More Info
6. Sundowners at The Old Town Ale House 219 W. North Ave., 312-944-7020 Since 1958, The Old Town Ale House caters to local beatniks who neither died nor left the community. With The Second City theater around the corner, this pub serves as a long-standing favorite haunt for local comedians. Famous patrons such as Alan Arkin, Dan Aykroyd, John © Tom Wagner
Belushi, Chris Farley, Bill Murray, Harold Ramis and George Wendt all claimed The Old Town Ale House as their favorite local watering hole. This rundown shack of a bar has many stories -- some true -- and affords visitors a great way to get a cheap beer at the end of a lovely day in affluent Lincoln Park. You might even run into a B-list celebrity. Just know the Old Town Ale House doesn’t serve food, nor martinis, and you must pay in cash. More Info
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