coming to Chicago?

Here is a list of places I like to visit here in Chicago.
I encourage readers to post a list of their home-town favorites on their blogs.

Timeless Toys
4749 North Lincoln Avenue
http://www.timelesstoyschicago.com/
WONDERFUL selection of toys--my kids loved this place. Last week I was able to go back to purchase a toy for my new grand-niece.

Floriole
1220 West Webster Street
http://www.floriole.com/
Great tea, great pastries. They use local ingredients, and had a quiche made with ramps that was so good this spring.

Julius Meinl at any of their locations, I usually go to the one at Montrose and Lincoln
4363 North Lincoln
http://northamerica.meinl.com/
I am not a coffee drinker, but the tea and hot chocolate are great here too. I love their breakfasts.

Fishman's Fabrics
1101 South DesPlaines Street
http://fishmansfabrics.com/
Not a quilt shop--hang out here and see the clothing and interior designers at work. Beautiful suitings. You can find fabric for suitable for quilting as they have a nice selection of lawns and shirtings. I bought tulle here to make a wedding veil for my nephew's bride. I bought my Bernina here.

Textile Discount Outlet
http://megafabrics.com/
2121 West 21st Street
The store with the BEST ADDRESS EVER (meaning, I can remember it). It is a warehouse a block long. A very odd place with wonderful fabrics and trims. Lots of theater and costume designers come here; our Bible Story Theater costume design group shops here every year. Make sure you check out the basement.  Closed on Saturdays.

Patio Theater
6008 West Irving Park Road
http://patiotheater.net/
Shows films 3-6 weeks after release. Well worth the wait to see a movie in a 1927 theater with velvet seats, floating clouds and twinkling stars on the ceiling, and great popcorn, all for $5 a ticket.

The Portage Theater
4050 North Milwaukee
http://www.portagetheater.org/Home/
A revival and special events/theme theater. Has an organist before the feature. I love the silent movie series.

Grant Park Music Festival
at Millennium Park
http://grantparkmusicfestival.com/
Bring a blanket and a picnic. Beautiful, just beautiful.