It’s cold and gray outside, which makes most folks want to crawl back under the blankets. But it’s also the perfect time to get out and about.
MORNING
Take a brisk walk or hop on the No. 72 North Avenue bus to NYC Bagel Deli (1001 W. North Ave., 312-274-1278) in Lincoln Park for a lightly toasted bagel and a schmear. (There’s also an “L” station on North Avenue at Clybourn. Driving in the well-shopped area can be hairy on weekends.) The bagels at NYC are boiled — not baked, as they are most other places — and you won’t find blueberry in this joint. Space is scarce, as are empty tables, but the bagels are tasty. Try the pumpernickel with chive cream cheese.
One block west is Blick Art Materials (1574 N. Kingsbury St., 312-573-0110), where aspiring Monets and Miros can find the goods to create their masterpieces. In addition to necessities such as watercolors and clay, the store holds occasional workshops on things such as framing or crafts. The wide selection of brushes can be overwhelming, if you’re new to the pursuit — ask for help if you need it. The store also carries stationery, journals and photo albums.
AFTERNOON
Heading back east one block on North Avenue and about half a block north is Transitions Bookplace (1000 W. North Ave., 312-951-7323). This serene outpost is easy to miss among the chain stores, maddening traffic and neon along this strip. It’s worth seeking out, though, for its eclectic offering of books on art and other creative projects. On the second Saturday of each month at 8 p.m., the bookstore shows a movie free of charge. (This weekend it’s “An Inconvenient Truth,” the Al Gore documentary that offers some possibilities as to why winter hasn’t been colder or grayer lately.) Grab a cup of tea at the store’s cafe and enjoy the meditative music often playing.
EVENING
For dinner, try Sangria Restaurant and Tapas Bar (901 W. Weed St., 312-266-1200), just a few blocks east and south. Take some friends and sample the variety of tapas: try the warm goat cheese, marinated Spanish olives or skewer of shrimp. The chorizo-stuffed peppers are a favorite, and you can’t go wrong with a traditional rojo (red) sangria. If you’re in the mood for more substantial fare, go for the grilled skirt steak and a mojito.
