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Chicago: Authentic Shopping Guide Part of the Places of a Lifetime series from Traveler magazine

The best local handicrafts and artisanal items, from our online worldwide Authentic Shopping Guide.

Great local finds as identified by Lisbeth Levine, Chicago-based contributing editor, In Style magazine:

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Handmade Handbags and Jewelry
“Renegade Craft Fairs has made crafting hip.” Though they hold popular shows in New York and Chicago seasonally, they operate their only store here, selling locally made handbags, jewelry, printed paper, clothing, and more at 1924 W. Division Street.

Popcorn
Garrett Popcorn is a locally beloved snack in caramel, cheese, and butter flavors. “People line up down the block; the smell of caramel and corn wafts down the street.” Purchase at downtown shops.

Limited Edition T-shirts
Groundbreaking graphic design retailer Threadless T-shirts has a worldwide Internet following and their only shop in Chicago at 3011 N. Broadway Avenue. “Unusual designs; many subversive.”

Vienna Beef
Chicago’s favorite hot dog maker operates a deli and a store at its North Side factory, 2501 N. Damen Avenue “It’s very authentic; a great mix of people from factory workers to Gold Coast residents.”

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