Manyof Andersonvilles original settlers wereSwedish and their heritage still thrives in the neighborhood today. Just take awalk down North Clark Streetby Foster Avenue.Its near this bustling intersection that youll find the SwedishAmericanCenterMuseum,one of the real gems of this north side community. The museum has gained evenmore popularity over the years with its concerts by Swedish singers, fine artexhibits, and offering of Swedish language classes. After a trip to the museum,youd never guess that this cultural hub was once nothing more than a largecherry orchard.
Asyou might expect, there are also a number of Swedish-inspired restaurants here,but if youre looking for something truly authentic head to Svea. This 1930sdiner specializes in cheap Swedish breakfast plates. The Viking, for one, comeswith 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 Chicagosmost delicious dessert locales. Get here early for the good stuff. The bakerygets so packed in the mornings that you have to take a number and wait itout, like in a meat market but the free samples will certainly help curb yourhunger.
Ifits just a cup of Joe youre in the mood for, stop by Kopi. Thistravelers-themed cafe doubles as a shopping center where youll find aneclectic assortment of items from Moleskine journals to worldly mapseverythingyou need before beginning a long journey. Fans of the bohemian one-stop shopswear by the hummus plate, served with pita wedges and fresh veggies. There areplenty of other delicious Andersonville diningoptions, including Korean, contemporary American, Italian and Catalan cuisines.
Whenyoure not busy tasting the local fare or browsing Andersonville'scultural nooks, you can head over to one of the neighborhoods many parks. Besure to stop by its namesake playlot at the corner of Ashland Avenue and Farragut Street. In the summer, you canspend sunny days at FosterAvenueBeach(an extension of Lincoln Parkin the nearby Edgewater neighborhood), its complete with restrooms andconcessions. And during the winter months, the area is used to cross countryski and snow shoe always some entertaining outdoor activity going on in thislaid-back north side section of Chicago.
Andersonville's residential streets are some of the citys most beautiful. Bigshady trees, three-story flats, rehabbed condos and single-family homes makefor an attractive combination of established environment and modern touches.Victorian-style homes amp up the neighborhood scene with their vintage charmand European courtyards, while contemporary developments move in next door withjust as much character and appeal. One and two bedroom units in the older brickbuildings average around $280,000. But you can also find very affordable condosfor between $150,000 and $200,000. Private, single-family homes are rarer in Andersonville, but there are some very nice places thatwill put you in the $600,000 price range.
