On a work trip to Chicago, I was able to make time to pop up to Lakeview East and spend half a day in one of my favorite neighborhoods. The morning started at one of my most loved cafes, Maison Marcel. The French bakery and cafe has delicious pastries, incredible lattes, and an atmosphere to make you want to linger all day. I ordered my favorite latte and the acai bowl. Everything they make is amazing.
After breakfast, I headed across the street to two of the best shops on Broadway, Four Sided and Inkling. I really miss these shops since I moved from the area. Four Sided is a frame shop (I've had numerous prints framed) and gift shop with Chicago souvenirs, art prints, cards, and other stationary dry goods.
Inkling is a similar style gift shop with the best cards, wrapping paper, planners, and gifts. I purchased necklaces for all my friends in this store over the years! This trip I walked away with a Chicago hotdog pencil set, rose hand cream, and a handful of birthday cards for future use. The people that work at Inkling are so friendly and helpful and spending a hour in this store was always part of my Saturday ritual when I lived in Lakeview East.
After a couple hours of shopping, it was time to eat again. I don't consume gluten often, but made an exception for the best doughnuts at Stan's. I am obsessed with all the old fashioned flavors, specifically the original, blueberry, and pistachio. I went with pistachios this morning and every single bite was as delicious as I remembered. The shops are a fun pop of color on a cold winter day as well.
After peeking into a few alleys to photograph the street art, I jumped on the 151 bus and headed south into Lincoln Park. My first stop in the park was one of the best places to spend a frigid cold day, the Lincoln Park Conservatory. One of my top favorite places in Chicago, the conservatory is magical. There are endless plants and flowers to ogle but this time of year, the real star of the conservatory is the Orchid House. The orchids were in peak bloom and were beautiful to see in a month where there not many flowers.
Unfortunately the Lincoln Park Conservatory was between shows in the Show House (another amazing part of the Conservatory) so I wasn't able to explore the biggest and brightest room in the green house, but the orchids made the entire trip worth it anyway. After enjoying all that nature inside, I decided it was time to see nature outside! Despite the cold, a walk on the Lincoln Park Nature Walk is always worth it. Another favorite spot in all of Chicago, the Nature Boardwalk meaders around the Lincoln Park Zoo, the pond, and all the wildflower meadows of Lincoln Park. The views are incredible in any season.
I have so many favorites in the Lakeview East neighborhood, but was happy to spend a few hours reuniting with some of the best. I miss living in Lakeview and still think of it as the best neighborhood in Chicago!
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