Categories: Transportation

CTA: Chicago's Blue Line

Author: Amy Kistner

If you start your journey out by O'Hare, there are many fun places to shop, dine and catch a show. Start by stopping at Rosemont. There you will find some interesting sights. One place you should see is the Allstate Arena, the home of the Chicago Wolves hockey team. Stop by the arena box office to see what events are coming up be it your favorite band or a special event. If you come to the Allstate Arena on a Saturday or Sunday during the summer be sure to stop by early in the morning to check out some of the bargains at Wolff's Flea Market. The flea market opens at 6 a.m. with up to 600 vendors from all over. Children 6 and under are free. Once you have shopped for your favorite collectables, check out the Donald E. Stephens Museum of Hummels and Village Gift Shop located within the Donald E. Stephens Convention & Conference Center Lobby. It holds one of the world's largest collections of Hummel figurines. It is free to visit, but you must call ahead to schedule a tour. 

After shopping, get back on the Blue Line and head to Jefferson Park. This town offers several choices for lunch, dinner, or a quick snack. The Gale Street Inn, located across the street from the Jefferson Park terminal, features mouth-watering ribs, fresh seafood, and an assortment of salads, soups, and sandwiches. The inn is open for both lunch and dinner. If sweets are more to your taste, check out the numerous pastry shops, delis and bakeries in the area. Two that have gotten rave reviews are Bittersweet Pastry Shop and Cafe and Pasieka Bakery. Both have yummy desserts that will make even the most health conscious people succumb to temptation. Also, catch a show at the acclaimed The Gift Theatre Company. This theater, located kitty corner from the stop, features poignant plays with deep social and emotional themes.

Still not enough shopping? Get back on the Blue Line and head to the Cumberland stop. This stop has two great malls, the Golf Mill Shopping Center and the Harlem Irving Plaza. Each one features several department stores and specialty stores. Both are just a short bus ride from the L station itself. Bus schedules are posted at the terminal. If you want to take a break from shopping, see some of the hundreds of animal species featured at the Brookfield Zoo. Walk around its 216-acre campus and explore the numerous exhibits including "Butterflies!", "Bear Grottos", and "Habitat Africa".

If you are getting hungry again, the Addison and Damen stops both offer some unique food fare. At the Addison stop, check out Aigre Doux Restaurant and Bakery. This restaurant is a casual dining experience featuring contemporary American cuisine including delectable lunch options like the "Nine Vegetable Chopped Salad" featuring grilled chicken, wood-oven-roasted vegetables and bacon. They also have scrumptious options for dinner and an ambrosial dessert menu. At the Damen stop, check out the new restaurant Mado. Mado features Mediterranean-inspired cuisine served in small plate portions in a cozy atmosphere perfect for a night out with friends or a romantic evening on the town. Its menu features many locally grown ingredients as well as sustainable products.

After diner, get back on the Blue Line and head toward Forest Park. Stop at Washington, the heart of Chicago's theater district to catch a play or Broadway musical. The Cadillac Palace Theater features many current Broadway shows including "Wicked" and "Jersey Boys". Check out their website for ticket prices and show schedules. Also, the Goodman Theatre features numerous plays by world-famous playwrights, some of which have a history in Chicago.

For more dining options, check out the stop at Racine, the home of Little Italy. Featuring numerous restaurants and nightlife locales, Little Italy has something for every taste. Some of them are La Vita, Bar Louie, Hawkeye's Bar & Grill, Honky Tonk Barbeque, RoSal's Cucina, Rosebud on Taylor, Chez Joel, Francesca's on Taylor, Moto, Tuscany, and Franconello Italian Restaurant.

Just a short walk from the Pulaski stop, is the Garfield Park Conservatory. It features numerous flowers and plants from all over the world. The special exhibits currently featured are "Flower Power", "The Legacy Music Series" and "Origami Open House".

Check out places of interest near CTA: Chicago's Blue Line:

Cans Bar and Canteen
1640 N. Damen Ave., Chicago, IL 60647

Bucktown favorite Cans Bar and Canteen serves 34 different canned beers as well as premium liquor, wine, and various bottled beer. The locals crowd mixes with high-end tourists looking to get a taste of one of Chicago's coolest neighborhoods.

Cans Bar and Canteen
1640 N. Damen Ave., Chicago, IL 60647

Bucktown favorite Cans Bar and Canteen serves 34 different canned beers as well as premium liquor, wine, and various bottled beer. The locals crowd mixes with high-end tourists looking to get a taste of one of Chicago's coolest neighborhoods.