Performance Bicycle
This shop is located in one of the many strip malls located around the Fox Valley Mall. The store has many items that a rider would need,tools, water bottles, cloths, and any other gear. They always have some sort of sale going on with some really good buys. I would recommend this store if your looking to upgrade your equipment or just getting some accessories. The store has more to offer than a big sporting goods chain does with a nice little shop feel.
PROS: Nice selection, can order stuff online, frequent sales
CONS: bicycles they sell are pricey, sales people not up to date on brands
Fry's Electronics
If you ever wanted an Electronic superstore that even makes Best Buy look tiny, then go to Fry's! This store has everything you could ever want. You can find great computer parts, supplies, software, hardware. You can also find lots of tools and things like transistors and all the like that a Radio Shack has. Fry's even has a large DVD and music area. Basically this store is a techno-geeks dream come true. I would also say that the prices are very reasonable as well. Go there if you have a hard to find item that your looking for, you'll probably find it at Fry's.
PROS: Great selection, Good prices. HUGE store
CONS: Out in Downers Grove, maybe a little hard to find
Apple Haus Of Long Grove
The historic and charming town of Long Grove hosts an apple festival each fall, but avoid the crowds and go to Apple Haus anytime during the year. You'll find delicious baked goods, alcoholic and non-alcoholic cider, jams and other apple and non-apple treats and gifts. Cider donuts and apple cinnamon bread are soft, moist, and absolutely heavenly. Don't miss the apple brown-bag pie, in large and small sizes. Lines can be incredibly long during summer weekends and festival periods.
PROS: Delicious apple treats in lovely Long Grove
CONS: Crowds can be unbearable during peak times
Roy's Furniture
This is a hidden gem for those looking for affordable but chic furniture. Warehouse format, not a flashy showroom. Some styles may be limited to what's on the floor, so if you see it and like it, get it fast. Some items can be ordered in different colors if you don't mind waiting, so be sure to ask. There are some great bargains to be had here. Furniture runs the gammut of modern and traditional styles, but more of the trendy styles like you'd find at Pottery Barn or Pier One, rather than antique or Colonial styles. Don't miss the hike up the stairs to the top floor, where you'll find some gently bruised items, clearance merchandise, and unmatched odds and ends. Floor sales staff can be difficult to locate if you have questions, but there are some great bargains to be had here. Delivery available for extra charge. Small parking lot and limited street parking makes it a bit of a challenge in this busy Lincoln Park neighborhood.
PROS: Affordable, stylish furniture
CONS: Selection may be limited, parking difficult
Riva
While Riva's upscale restaurant at the same location upstairs has had some acclaim, I can't recommend its street-level cafe on Navy Pier. Views of the water and pier are nice in terms of atmosphere, as is the bar waiting area inside. However, I found the service terrible, and the food was overpriced and nothing special. When I asked my waitress if they had any type of light dressing available for my Seafood Salad Louis, she sneared at me and said it only comes with what's listed on the menu. Then she practically slammed down napkins at my friend and I when we requested some (we didn't have any on the table). Perhaps the constant influx of demanding tourists had given our server a bad day, but still....The food was mediocre, one dish we ordered wasn't even fully cooked. Skip it and head elsewhere on the pier, or head upstairs and give the main restaurant a try.
PROS: Nice waterfront views in this cafe
CONS: Terrible service, mediocre food
Holiday Inn Chicago North-Evanston
Basic, clean accommodations within walking distance of downtown Evanston and Northwestern University. Located 4 blocks from Lake Michigan and about 20 minutes to downtown Chicago (you can walk to the purple line CTA line or the Metra station for trains to the city). Several restaurants across the street and within a short walk. Small, rather univiting pool on a concrete deck. The water was freezing cold on my visit and no atmosphere/landscaping to speak of, just a couple of chairs nearby. Certainly no luxury here, but fine for the budget conscious as hotels in Evanston tend to be very pricey.
PROS: Clean, walk to restaurants/bars/shops
CONS: No extra ammenities/luxuries here
Wikstrom's Scandinavian Food and Gifts
Founded by a Swedish immigrant over 38 years ago, Wikstroms' is an Andersonville neighborhood fixture. Large deli features traditional Swedish specialities, including a variety of breads, cheeses, seafood items, meatballs, salads and other sides. Sandwiches made to order, coffee, and a few hot plates available if you want to eat at one of a few tables in the shop. Interesting food specialities from Sweden, including candies, cookies, coffee and tea, canned and dried goods. Where else can you find fish paste in a tube? Small selection of gifts too.
PROS: Hard to find Swedish foods
CONS: Cramped during peak periods, limited seating-- better for take-out
Websters Winebar
Quiet, candle-lit wine bar a nice spot for a date. Good selection of wines by the glass, priced comparably to other bars/restaurants in the area. Food selection is limited, pricey, and unimpressive, which has me bordering on giving this place a lower rating. However, they also offer wine tastings on weekday evenings in a separate part of the bar that are a great value and a good meeting place for singles looking for mingling opportunities. Taste portions are very generous and you can go back for more. They include food and feature various types of a particular kind of wines, or a region. You get an education about the type of wine you are tasting. Must reserve tastings in advance.
PROS: Nice date spot, and wine tastings good value
CONS: Mediocre, overpriced food
The Sweden Shop
Located in the West Andersonville neighborhood of Chicago, this unique little gift shop is worth a stop for one-of-a kind Scandanavian gifts and wars. The Sweden shop is owned by a husband and wife of Nordic descent, who travel to Sweden and Norway in search of new merchandise to sell in the shop. Crystal, linens, childrens toys, decorative items, and even small food selection. Come by during the holiday season for a wonderful Christmas selection. They also run the Tre Kronor restaurant next door, so shop by the shop after your meal!
PROS: Unique Scandanavian gifts and wares
CONS: Street parking limited
Swedish American Museum Ctr
If you are of Nordic heritage or simply exploring the Andersonville neighborhood, this small museum is worth a visit. Free to members, or donations suggested. The Swedish American Museum Center maintains a permanent collection of history, art and artifacts dating back to the mass immigration of Swedes to the Chicago area nearly 200 years ago. Also a hands-on children's museum and small gift shop with some unique wares worth a look. See web site for special exhibits and concerts. Stop by in December for a wonderful Chirstmas market throughout the building for hand-made crafts, art and foods from local and Swedish vendors and artisans.
PROS: Interesting exhibits and unusal gifts
CONS: Small museum, an hour is enough to see all
