Best Neighborhood To Go On A Shopping Spree In Chicago

Stroll through just about any neighborhood in Chicago and chances are you'll find more than a store or two for all sorts of shopping, from clothes and shoes to kitchen stores and more. While the Mag Mile is one of the most frequented destinations for shopping, don't overlook State Street and the surrounding area. The stretch, particularly in the Loop, offer plenty of shops and dining options, and it's all extremely accessible and walkable. Here are just a few of the many attractions and shops (that are in addition to the variety of chain stores like Macy's).

Block 37
108 N. State St.
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 261-4700
www.blockthirtyseven.com

No matter what you're shopping for, chances are you'll find it at Block 37, from an AMC movie theater to a Latincity restaurant, as well as plenty of clothing shops. In other words, a five-story mall that takes over an entire block of State Street. While a newer shopping center to the neighborhood, the name Block 37 harkens back to the original city layout when there were just 58 city blocks. Some of the women's apparel shops include Akira, Anthropologie, and Zara; some of the men's apparel includes Bucketfeet, beauty and health shops like L'Occitane en Provence and so much more.

Merz Apothecary
17 E. Monroe St.
Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 781-6900
www.merzapothecary.com

For a wellness store unlike any other, swing on by Merz Apothecary, which is located right around the corner from State Street on Monroe. While the store offers a variety of medicine, it's become a landmark destination that tourists even make a detour to visit (both in the Loop and their Lincoln Square location). Part of the attraction is that its offerings aren't anything like your typical corner drug store. They even boast one of the largest assortments of natural and luxury soaps!

P.O.S.H.
613 N. State St.
Chicago, IL 60654<
(312) 280-1602
www.poshchicago.com

Vintage shopping downtown? It seems like an unlikely pairing for the business-centric heart of Chicago, but P.O.S.H. is a delightful shopping experience, one that's always new and different... which means, if you see something that catches your eye, grab it fast. That's because the unique store doesn't have a lot of any one item, and their "flea market finds" easily, and often, do sell out. The shop features everything from china and silverwear to bags, jewelry, aprons and even hotel silver! While they do offer pieces online, it's worth the journey to visit the store in person, too.

Related:  Best Shopping Along Chicago's Magnificent Mile

Akira
122 S. State St.
Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 346-3034
www.shopakira.com

If you're looking for an awesome pair of shoes, head to Akira. The store also has clothing stores (you can stop at one at Block 37), but this shop just south of Madison on State is packed to the brim with all sorts of shoes, including heels, boots and everything in between. The staff will gladly help you pick out the perfect stiletto. Just be sure to check out the clearance section too, as they offer unique shoes at a great deal.

Atwood Cafe
1 W. Washington St.
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 368-1900
www.atwoodrestaurant.com

For a unique and delicious dining experience -- and a wonderful place to take a break between shopping excursions -- head to Atwood Cafe in the stylish Hotel Burnham. Savor the flavors of elevated dishes such as crispy braised bacon sliders for dinner and cranberry sage scones for breakfast and brunch. That's because they offer just about every menu, including bar snacks, making it a wonderful destination no matter where you're at in your shopping spree.

Related: Best Shopping Malls in the Chicago Area

Elizabeth SanFilippo is a freelance writer, who enjoys trying new foods from all over the world. But her favorite city for culinary treats will always be Chicago. When not blogging about food, she's working part-time at a culinary vacation company, The International Kitchen, based in the Windy City, as well as repping Younique cosmetics and skincare products. Some of her writing can be found at Examiner.com.