Welcome to Bucktown and Wicker Park, a neighborhood at the North West of Chicago… The name Bucktown comes from the term “bucks” that means male goats. They were the ones that prevailed in the open fields of the area in the Eighteenth century.

From the Loop (downtown of Chicago) take the Blue Line subway to North. Damen is the subway station where you have to drop off to visit Bucktown.

The eclectic mix of old and new or classic and hip are everywhere like in this shoes shop with an old sign.

Historic buildings are now residence of artists, fashion designers and students.

North Milwaukee Ave has the best shops and it’s the livelier street.

The vintage shops are one more reason to visit. But at Damen Ave  you will also find from small boutiques of new designers to bigger names.

Do you remember the record store from the movie “High Fidelity” with John Cusack? Well, it’s inspired by the record stores of Bucktown. The movie is a homage to the indie Chicago and it’s community. My favorite record store is Reckless Records (1532 N Milwaukee Ave). The Championship Vinyl – the store of the movie – is now an empty place on the same block as Reckless.

The windows are always charming like this one that announces the Fall with trees and red leaves.

Graffitis are not so common in Chicago but here you can find some interesting Art Street.

Wicker Park – that you can see a bit far away in this picture – is also a cool place to visit and relax after walking around. But be aware of the traffic jam or full trains you may face around 6pm.

MORE:

Debonair Social Club: 1575 N Milwaukee Ave. The trendiest nights with a fashion crowd are there.
Plan B: 1635 N Milwaukee Ave. A option for those who want to avoid the gay neighborhood of Boystown.
The Flatiron Arts Building: 1579, N Milwaukee Ave with N Damen. Galleries and some artist’s studios.
Marc by Marc Jacobs: 1714 N Damen Ave. The same as others stores of the designer.

Photos: Hermano Silva