Antonia’s guidebook
Food scene
Café 23
2219 West Lake StreetCash is best since there is a fee associated with using a credit card.
Another cash only spot. They do have an ATM on site in case you don't have any. Don't let that stop you, they have the best gorditas and burritos in town. However, this is not your typical burrito. It's slightly bigger than a taco. So you may want to order a few.
Las Gorditas De Don Angel
100 North 19th AvenueAnother cash only spot. They do have an ATM on site in case you don't have any. Don't let that stop you, they have the best gorditas and burritos in town. However, this is not your typical burrito. It's slightly bigger than a taco. So you may want to order a few.
Abruzzo's Italian Restaurant
1509 Division StreetGreat spot for authentic Italian food.
Sightseeing
Take the Metra into the city. It's about a 15 minute walk to the station and about a 20 minute ride in plus you don't have to deal with traffic. Check the schedule and buy your ticket online before boarding since you can't buy a ticket on the train. Weekend passes are available online.
Melrose Park Metra Station
51 North 18th AvenueTake the Metra into the city. It's about a 15 minute walk to the station and about a 20 minute ride in plus you don't have to deal with traffic. Check the schedule and buy your ticket online before boarding since you can't buy a ticket on the train. Weekend passes are available online.
City/town information
Oak Park has some amazing mansions and some very old trees. Take a short drive there and take a Frank Lloyd Wright Tour followed by a nice lunch in one of their many cafes.
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Oak Park
Oak Park has some amazing mansions and some very old trees. Take a short drive there and take a Frank Lloyd Wright Tour followed by a nice lunch in one of their many cafes.
Neighborhoods
Grocery store and eateries can be found on our Main Street (Broadway AKA 19th Ave.). You'll feel like you just crossed the border into Mexico. You can even stop at the Western wear store and get yourself a pair of boots and a hat.
Main Street
Main StreetGrocery store and eateries can be found on our Main Street (Broadway AKA 19th Ave.). You'll feel like you just crossed the border into Mexico. You can even stop at the Western wear store and get yourself a pair of boots and a hat.
My favorite hiking place without having to drive.
If you want to spend the day walking in the woods, head over to Thatcher woods. You'll enjoy walking on unpaved trails along the Des Plaines River. There are plenty of deer, chipmunks and there's even a trailside museum you can visit. It is walkable but you may want to drive to the starting point. There is a parking lot.
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Thatcher Woods Pavilion
8030 Chicago AveIf you want to spend the day walking in the woods, head over to Thatcher woods. You'll enjoy walking on unpaved trails along the Des Plaines River. There are plenty of deer, chipmunks and there's even a trailside museum you can visit. It is walkable but you may want to drive to the starting point. There is a parking lot.
Tipps für Reisende
Verkehrsmittel
Metra, Pace Buses or walking.
There are plenty of restaurants and shops you can walk to. If you want to head into the city or Oak Park, you can take the Metra train or catch a Pace bus on Lake Street. The Metra is right next to the Melrose Park police station. Both are within walking distance.
Was einpacken?
Comfortable walking shoes and a sweater are a must.
If you plan on going to the museums or just walking around the neighborhood I recommend bringing some comfortable shoes. The weather has also been a little strange. It goes from 80 degrees to 60 in a week. Pack at least one sweater or sweatshirt.