froyo chicago

I admit that I'm a little biased in saying that my neighborhood is the best, but really it is.  Southport Corridor is like a suburban pocket in the middle of city limits with the combination of independent boutiques, retail chains and notable restaurants.  So as you can imagine when a new business opens on my street, and I find it to be truly life changing, for sure you can expect me to share the good news.  While I'd like to keep Froyo Chicago as my own little secret, the people have spoken , the word is out and it's spreading like wildfire.  If you think that this is just another frozen yogurt shop, think again - this is a genius concept for everyone in the family to enjoy!

u.s. apothecary

Welcome to the Southport neighborhood U.S. Apothecary.  If you've ever found yourself meandering more in the home goods section of Anthropology, then you'll want to listen here.  This little boutique shop recently opened on Southport Avenue and I've welcomed it with wide open arms (and wallet).

cafe tola

If I could eat empanadas daily without any guilt I would.  Sadly, empanadas don't love me as much as I love them (I know TMI) and we had to break up, but I don't deprive Liam from eating these fried dough pies stuffed with amazing fixings.  In fact, I probably would have one hang-gry child if I eliminated it from his life.  We live down the street from one of the most amazing empanada joints called Cafe Tola and I'm telling you everything from food to coffee get two very enthusiastic thumbs up.

life (lahyf) | southport corridor

It's been over a month since we moved into our new home and while our place is still a work in progress, our neighborhood is truly un-matched.  We live in Southport Corridor which is a strip of the Central Lakeview neighborhood and still considered part of the "city", but has a unique suburban-like feel.  For every 5 adults walking down the street at least 3 are trotting along with children, if not pregnant, and I feel right at home pushing little Liam along in his Radio Flyer Tricycle.

Southport Corridor is the kind of neighborhood where you get the best of both worlds.  You have a ton of amazing restaurants to choose from that are super kid friendly, buzz worthy coffee shops, as well as bakeries, plus a unique combination of one-off boutiques and larger retail with stores.  But what I love the most about this neighborhood is that although you're literally blocks away from Wrigley Field, and no more than 5 miles away from city center, there is so much to do within a 1 mile radius that you never feel like you have to go very far.  Everything I need is right outside my door like the teeny tiny taco joint Cafe Tola that has killer empanadas....

Or Julius Meinl the amazing coffee franchise from Austria we experienced repeatedly while we were in Vienna...

Or the Music Box theater that offers an eclectic mix of old classics and newly released indies....

And mainstream shops that you can experience at any mall like Anthropologie, Lululemon, Athleta, Free People, Benefit and Gap...

But also, unique quirky shops like Candyality which is every kids' dream.

Throughout the main street you'll also find installations of art such as this bench...

And on Thursdays the Low Line Thursday evening Farmer's Market makes it easy to support the local farmers.

All in all - this neighborhood has it all and not once, despite the plumbing issues, oven issues, and hardwood floor issues did we question whether or not moving was the right choice because we are right where we should be for this moment in life.