Many
of Andersonville
’s original settlers were
Swedish and their heritage still thrives in the neighborhood today. Just take a
walk down North Clark Street
by Foster Avenue
.
It’s near this bustling intersection that you’ll find the SwedishAmericanCenterMuseum
,
one of the real gems of this north side community. The museum has gained even
more popularity over the years with its concerts by Swedish singers, fine art
exhibits, and offering of Swedish language classes. After a trip to the museum,
you’d never guess that this cultural hub was once nothing more than a large
cherry orchard.
As
you might expect, there are also a number of Swedish-inspired restaurants
here,
but if you’re looking for something truly authentic head to Svea
. This 1930s
diner specializes in cheap Swedish breakfast plates. The Viking, for one, comes
with two eggs, sausage, toast, two Swedish pancakes and potatoes for less than
$6. Those with a hankering for something sweet will love the Swedish Bakery
,
one of Chicago
’s
most delicious dessert locales. Get here early for the good stuff. The bakery
gets so packed in the mornings that you have to take a number and wait it
out, like in a meat market — but the free samples will certainly help curb your
hunger.
If
it’s just a cup of Joe you’re in the mood for, stop by Kopi. This
traveler’s-themed cafe doubles as a shopping center where you’ll find an
eclectic assortment of items from Moleskine journals to worldly maps—everything
you need before beginning a long journey. Fans of the bohemian one-stop shop
swear by the hummus plate, served with pita wedges and fresh veggies. There are
plenty of other delicious Andersonville
dining
options, including Korean, contemporary American, Italian and Catalan cuisines.
When
you’re not busy tasting the local fare or browsing Andersonville's
cultural nooks, you can head over to one of the neighborhood’s many parks. Be
sure to stop by its namesake playlot at the corner of Ashland Avenue
and Farragut Street
. In the summer, you can
spend sunny days at FosterAvenueBeach
(an extension of Lincoln Park
in the nearby Edgewater
neighborhood), it’s complete with restrooms and
concessions. And during the winter months, the area is used to cross country
ski and snow shoe – always some entertaining outdoor activity going on in this
laid-back north side section of Chicago
.
Andersonville's
residential streets are some of the city’s most beautiful. Big
shady trees, three-story flats, rehabbed condos and single-family homes make
for an attractive combination of established environment and modern touches.
Victorian-style homes
amp up the neighborhood scene with their vintage charm
and European courtyards, while contemporary developments move in next door with
just as much character and appeal. One and two bedroom units in the older brick
buildings average around $280,000. But you can also find very affordable condos
for between $150,000 and $200,000. Private, single-family homes are rarer in Andersonville
, but there are some very nice places that
will put you in the $600,000+ price range.