Maps for sale in Chicago

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OK, I'm a map junkie.  Whenever I travel somewhere, I need to go out and find a map of the city or area.  As I'm reading the guide books about the city, I like to lay out the map and get a feel for the surrounding area.  Sure, the little maps in the guide books will do in a pinch.  But for me, there's nothing better than laying out a full size map to get a big picture of the area I'm reading about (or ready to travel to). There used to be a bricks and mortar Savvy Traveler on Michigan Avenue, but they are only online now.  I'm sure they still have the great selection they had at the store, but sometimes you like to walk into an actual store and check out the goods.  Rand McNally used to have a beautiful store on Michigan Avenue (444 N Michigan) as well, but that has since closed. The various Barnes and Noble stores have a respectable map section.  If you're looking for good travel books and maps, try these folks out before they go the way of Bord...
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Fun bars in the South Loop

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Wabash Tap
Headed home from the Bears game but in the mood for another drink (or two)? Maybe you left early because it was just too darn cold but want to watch the end of the game. Head west on Roosevelt from Soldier Field, then south on Wabash to 1233 S. Wabash. The Wabash Tap is a fun neighborhood bar for watching the game or meeting friends. They have a wide variety of beers on tap, pool table, HDTVs for watching the game, and Golden Tee, if that's your thing (video golf). Tonight we left the Bears game early and were able to watch them pull off a win against the Broncos: Go Bears! It was good being able to warm up, order up a cheeseburger and a basket of tator tots, wash it all down with a pint of Guinness and watch the end of the game!

Kasey's

This is another great neighborhood bar in the historic Printer's Row neighborhood (701 S. Dearborn). The tavern is over 100 years old! The crowd here is diverse: sitting at the bar you may have a trader off work sitting on one side (Financial District is nearby) and a college student on the other (Columbia College, DePaul and Roosevelt University share a 'super' dorm at Congress and State Street, just around the corner). The drinks are reasonable, the staff friendly, and there are plenty of screens to watch the game. When the weather's nice, you can sit outside and enjoy your beer! This place also has a pool table and Golden Tee, if that's important to you. And Guinness on tap (that's important to me!). They've also got a CD jukebox, if you're in the mood for a song. Their motto: Be Nice or Be Gone!

South Loop Club

Been out all night and find yourself hungry for hot wings, or a tasty burger? My favorite place in the South Loop for late night grub has always been the South Loop Club. There is an extensive menu, so you won't go away hungry! Plenty of screens to watch the game, dart board, and the Golden Tee (is that important to folks?). They have 60 different beers from around the world, so I trust you'll be able to find one (or two) that you like! This bar is just around the corner from many hotels in the South Loop: Chicago Hilton Towers, Best Western Grant Park, Congress Hotel, Essex Inn.

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Maps for sale in Chicago

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OK, I'm a map junkie.  Whenever I travel somewhere, I need to go out and find a map of the city or area.  As I'm reading the guide books about the city, I like to lay out the map and get a feel for the surrounding area.  Sure, the little maps in the guide books will do in a pinch.  But for me, there's nothing better than laying out a full size map to get a big picture of the area I'm reading about (or ready to travel to). There used to be a bricks and mortar Savvy Traveler on Michigan Avenue, but they are only online now.  I'm sure they still have the great selection they had at the store, but sometimes you like to walk into an actual store and check out the goods.  Rand McNally used to have a beautiful store on Michigan Avenue (444 N Michigan) as well, but that has since closed. The various Barnes and Noble stores have a respectable map section.  If you're looking for good travel books and maps, try these folks out before they go the way of Bord...
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