When someone asks me where to go if they are looking to spend a few hours somewhere full of character and charm, I always suggest Andersonville. Between the eclectic clothing shops and top-notch brunch spots, Andersonville has the food, the shopping and the cultural hubs to keep you entertained and well-fed for days on end. However much time you have to wander through this neighborhood, make sure to check out the boutique shopping spots and historic buildings along Clark Street.

Andersonville has historical ties to the Swedish community.

In fact, the Swedish American Museum is at the southernmost point of Andersonville and is a great spot to get introduced to the community.

The museum recently opened a new exhibit called “We Are America.”

This interactive space tells the story of how people from Sweden immigrated to Chicago and have since left their own mark on the city.

As you are walking around Andersonville, be sure to take in all of the artwork lining Clark Street.

There are plenty of benches all around this area, and you won’t be surprised to see people posting up with a book on a sunny day.

As you keep walking north after learning about the evolution of this northside neighborhood, be sure to stop into the Andersonville Galleria.

Once inside, you’ll be surrounded by unique works of art from 110 local vendors. This is my favorite spot to frequent in this neighborhood, as it gives you a sense of the diverse styles of the creative minds at work in this area.

No visit to Andersonville is complete without wandering through Andersonville Antiques.

I can never pass up the chance to peruse an antique shop, but this one of my favorites in Illinois. The curated selection of antiques will transport you back in time. All the knick-knacks reflect the stories of the people who owned the objects before. The Brown Elephant and Mercantile M just down the street are two other great spots for thrifting in this area.

For a quick Fika break, visiting the Lost Larson is a must.

The café fare here is always evolving, but if you stop in and see them in the display, you must try the cinnamon rolls. You never know what is going to be on offer, so an impromptu visit here is always worthwhile.

If you are looking for something a little different than the Nordic offerings, stop by JB’s Deli for a quick bite to eat.

This Jewish deli is known for its hearty pastrami sandwiches and fresh bagels.

You will reach the end of Andersonville when you approach Gethsemane Garden Center.

This building is one of the oldest buildings in the area, and a colorful spot to reconnect with nature even in such close proximity to the city.

One of my favorite activities when visiting Andersonville is to wander off onto one of the side streets, particularly Berwyn and Glenwood Avenues. There you can really soak up the eclectic houses that people in this neighborhood call home. The greystones and charming walk-ups in this area are a joy to walk around. To get the full experience of this area, you must make time to visit the one-of-a-kind store, Wooly Mammoth. If you are intrigued by the history of Andersonville, check out this book to learn more about Chicago’s distinct neighborhoods. If you’ve been to Andersonville before, let us know your favorite spot to visit!