Wicker Park & Bucktown

Once the purview of Nelson Algren, Wicker Park and Bucktown have been disparaged as "hipster central" but take it from someone who grew up in the hoods pre-gentrification - this is cool, too - and safer. Browse Japanese and Danish design at Moth; on-trend clothing, apothecary home decor and gifts at Una Mae's; great vinyl at Reckless Records or Shuga Records; and p.45 for a curated collection of emerging and nationally recognized designers. Enaz, unique to the Chicago area, has a new location here offering denim, sweaters, t-shirts, dresses and accessories. Asrai Garden, since 1999, stocks fine jewelry and "magical curiosities." The area is a magnet for artists who work on canvas and the plate so don't leave without having a bite and a pint. Better yet, plan to visit during one of the annual events like the WPB Summer Sidewalk Sale and Wicker Park Fest.