River North: Creativity and Glam

For a hip alternative to the Gold Coast, check out River North, an area once known as a warehouse district and recently rebuilt into an arts district. River North is home to tons of galleries and studios, and design, photography, and publishing businesses, and the famous Merchandise Mart, a very upscale interior design mall. This neighborhood is in easy walking distance of the Loop and schools like the Illinois Institute of Art and the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, so it attracts both rising professionals and students. The massive number of bars and nightclubs probably helps too.

Many warehouses have been converted into interesting loft spaces; there are the usual high-rise apartments, and you can probably find town homes for rent as well. Typically in River North, a studio will cost you about $1,300, a one bedroom apartment around $1,600, a two bedroom apartment $2,400, and a three bedroom near $3,200.

Head to 10pin bowling lounge, where the drinks are way more sophisticated than the level of bowling you’ll see, learn the oddities of Chicago with a Weird Tour, or check out one of the many art galleries in River North. If you’d rather sit back and be entertained, the energetic female impersonator shows at the Baton Show Lounge will fit the bill, as will a play at the Building Stage theatre. If you’re a festival fan, summer brings the Gold Coast River North Art Fair and the River North Summerfest.

The Brown and Purple Lines have stops at Merchandise Mart and at Chicago, and the Red Line stops at Clark/Division. The Clark bus will be helpful if you’re traveling in from the Loop or from the North Side, and the Chicago bus will take you east to Michigan Avenue or you can head out to the West Town. Cabs can be spotty depending where you are, but eventually you will find one.