You all know the tale about the cow kickin’ over a lantern and starting the Great Chicago Fire. Well, millionaire Potter Palmer looked on the bright side and saw an opportunity to rebuild. He moved to the Gold Coast and filled in a swampy area (which we all know now as Lake Shore Drive). He even built a castle for his wife in the area. Other rich folks moved in and pretty soon The Gold Coast became one of the most affluent and beautiful neighborhoods in the US.

If you are looking for historical highlights, check out the Astor Street District and the Charnley-Persky House, which you can visit on Wednesday and Saturday. Hungry? Try a steak at Gibson’s (1028 North Rush Street) or a beer at Dublin’s (1050 N State Sreet). Feeling fancy? Try Fred’s at Barney’s. Want to shop? You are walking distance to the famous Magnificent mile with hundreds of shops. Rumor has it that Michelle Obama likes Ikram (873 N. Rush). Jake (939 N. Rush) is a great clothes store for guys and Madison and Friends (43 E. Oak) is must for your little darlings.

North Avenue, Lake Shore Drive, Oak Street, and Clark Street roughly bound this area.