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Published at 7:52am
On a clear day, the Sears Tower is in constant view as you walk east on Madison Street in Forest Park. It’s a nice reminder that even though you’re in a suburb, the city isn’t too far away—only ten miles, in fact. Although, between the sweets, grub, brews and boutiques you’ll enjoy, you won’t miss being outside of the city limits for an afternoon.
2–2:45pm
Take the Blue Line to the Harlem stop and head about four blocks north to Madison Street. (Parking is easy if you drive: There are plenty of spots and meters, which only cost a quarter per hour.) Kick off your adventure with a sweet treat at Brown Cow Ice Cream (7314 W Madison St, 708-366-7970). Those feeling really indulgent—and fearless— should order the namesake dish, which is three scoops of chocolate ice cream, hot fudge, peanut butter and chocolate sprinkles served in a milk pail. (A sugar coma should soon follow.) If you head there before the end of April, you’ll be one of the final customers to visit its original location. The parlor will move down the street sometime in May.
After finishing your scoop, head across the street and get to shopping. It might not be tea time just yet, but you can stock up on elegant pots and other tea accessories at Todd & Holland Tea Merchants (7311 W Madison St, 708-488-1136). The charming shop also hosts events and seminars; the next one, an oolong tea seminar on April 12 at 11am, will include tastings of light, amber and dark versions of the tea. (The class costs $15, which includes 15% off of merchandise for the day, and reservations are suggested.)
2:45–4pm
Other shops on the street worth visiting include M. Santana (7247 W Madison St, 708-488-1882) for its selection of high-end denim. Boutique shoppers could easily walk right by the Army-Navy Surplus store (7351 W Madison St, 708-366-9711), but it’s worth checking out even though you might not be in the market for a camouflage shirt or replicas of army guns. The no-frills storefront offers a nod to Forest Park’s blue-collar side, and the personal photographs of employees and customers dressed in their gear serve as a mini armed-forces exhibit.
Foodies and aspiring chefs will find kitchen tools and lessons to be learned at Flavour Cooking School (7401 W Madison St, 708-488-0808, flavourcookingschool.com). As the name implies, Flavour offers cooking lessons and supplies for wannabe top chefs. Topics planned for this weekend’s classes include knife skills and pork 101. Neighboring art shop TwoFish Art Glass (7401 W Madison St, 708-366-6800, twofishartglass.com) not only sells decorative lamps and art glass (most merch in the shop is 20% off through April 5), it also offers classes on mastering the arts of stained glass and beadmaking, which you can register for online. You’ll be tempted by the antique stores sprinkled throughout the street (like At Home with Antiques and Little Treasures), but your next must-visit venue is a record store called The Old School Records (7446 W Madison St, 708-366-7588). This corner music shop is straight out of movies like High Fidelity and Pretty in Pink. The used record selection is impressive, as are the CD and DVD choices. We saw seasons of The Sopranos in mint condition going for about $30.
4–5:36pm
To finish your afternoon in Forest Park, grab a bite and some brews at one of the many Irish bars along Madison Street. If you’re not into the bar scene but still want a drink, stroll into wine shop House Red (7403 W Madison St, 708-771-7733), which hosts vino tastings every Friday (6–9pm) and Saturday (1–5pm). You also could end the day with a service at Spa Skin Care Company (7249 W Madison St, 708-366-8264). In March, you’ll get a free manicure with the purchase of a lavender spa pedicure ($60). Still want more? Catch a performance of Can-Can, which is playing at the Circle Theatre (7300 W Madison St, 708-771-0700) through April 6.
John B
Tue, Apr 08, at 11:21am
Flavour Cooking School is the best!! Finally, I can cut an onion with almost no tears! I also now can't live without some of the ingredients they sell - and I can't find them anywhere else. What a great place to learn to enjoy food!
Peggy Goodman
Tue, Apr 01, at 07:02pm
You didn't mention Baubo's Garden, a fabulously well stocked lingerie store with all of the wonderful lines of lingerie that you don't find in the department stores. Plus, they have bras in every size imaginable. The owner, Eden DeGenova is delightful and will lead you to exactly what you are looking forward. Baubo's is a terrific spot for lots of beautiful lingerie.
molly
Fri, Mar 28, at 11:45am
Chix with Stix is an adorable shop in Forest Park - not to be missed. They carry supplies for knitting and crocheting, as well as great bags, books and other items. So friendly and warm - great store.
Wren
Thu, Mar 27, at 09:47pm
look no further for well selected Asian antiques, architectural artifacts,and
KellyK
Thu, Mar 27, at 04:48pm
Dont forget to stop at Chix With Stix next door to Brown Cow if you
Cec Hardacker
Thu, Mar 27, at 03:59pm
Just a little more info about what's going on at Two Fish Art Glass. The SALE is their biggest of the year, now until April 6th. All in-store merchandise and special orders are 20% off (another 5% off if you mention the article!) Enter to win a free drawing for a stained glass lamp, a beginning stained glass class and a wine and design party. Shopping at Two Fish on the weekend is a blast with music, food and refeshment. And make sure to save time for dinner at a local eatery in Forest Park!
Judith Sullivan
Thu, Mar 27, at 03:56pm
FOREST PARK THE "BUCKTOWN" OF THE WESTERN SUBURBS. MANY VISIT THE MADISON STREET AREA AND FIND GREAT FOOD AND GREAT SHOPS. BUT WHAT MAKES IT SO UNIQUE ARE THE BUSINESS OWNERS. THEIR VISION IS TO OFFER MORE THAN A SERVICE OR PRODUCT BUT AN EXPERIENCE! TOGETHER THEY WORK TOWARD A COMMUNITY OF FUN. VISIT O'SULLIVAN'S PUBLIC HOUSE AND YOU WILL PERSONALLY EXPERIENCE THE MOST FRIENDLY SERVICE AND PATRONS, AS WELL AS, THE COLDEST BEER IN TOWN AND FRESHEST IRISH PUB FOOD AVAILABLE.
MJ
Thu, Mar 27, at 03:25pm
Don't miss the most original boutique of all, deedee & edee! It's just west of Schauers Hardware, next to Chris Gillion Photography. The owner of this boutique carries her own private label jackets, dresses and skirts along with fashions from other well known designers. Really cute stuff from jeans to dresses!
KellyK
Thu, Mar 27, at 02:49pm
Dont forget to stop at Chix With Stix next door to Brown Cow if you are yearning for yummy yarn or crave knitting company!
Al DeGenova
Thu, Mar 27, at 12:55pm
This artilcle is right on about Forest Park's Madison Street "strip." Among other things already mentioned the Forest Park potpourri also includes a great lingerie boutique called Baubo's Garden...great personalized service and a wide selection of gift ideas (guys!).
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