Why You Should Visit the South Shore Community in Chicago

Tasty Southern Dining, Quaint Café's And Cultural Expressions Await You!

Pamela Osbey
Pamela Osbey, Yahoo! Contributor Network
Sep 25, 2006 "Share your voice on Yahoo! websites. Start Here."
Do you love being by the beach and enjoy the pretty blue seas, hearing the call of the birds, or being able to enjoy cultural events? Then Chicago's South Shore Community might be up your alley. The community is located within mere twenty-minutes from the Downtown loop area and very easy to get to. Simply take the scenic route down Lake Michigan from Downtown and coast by and do not forget to bring lots of energy, your cameras, and have time dedicated to enjoy the community.

Instead of being crowded in the Downtown loop area, you can be away from most of the crowded areas, and enjoy natural scenery, starting with our first stop, the relaxing and fun 63rd Street Beach and has a large park and beach area. Bring the kids and the lawn chairs. Be prepared to hear live artists perform jazz and other music while you are relaxing and enjoying your tranquil day. Located at the Beach is an onsite restaurant where you can nibble on light refreshments and beverages. For the adventurous, there is a boat area where boats are docked and the bike and walking path for those who want to do a little activity while they are visiting.

Another must-see for South Shore Community, is the South Shore Cultural Center, located at 7059 South Shore Drive. For the golfers who love to take a swing or two, this is the perfect spot for you to find your rhythm and enjoy natural elements. The cultural center is centrally located to a beach area as well, and the calming seas will be the background melody to your golfing session. Hungry? Then wait no more, there is the wonderful Parrot Cage Restaurant, which is onsite at the Cultural Center and serves American cuisine. If you want something local, then take a stroll down 71st street to Soul Express on the corner of 71st and Crandon Avenue, and try your hand at juicy Fried, Smothered or Baked Chicken with southern favorites - creamy Macaroni and Cheese, Mashed Potatoes, String Beans, Spaghetti and homemade desserts. Small entrees start at $2.99, while the larger ones are priced at $5.99 plus tax and higher. The regular meals come with two sides, cornbread or dinner rolls. Soul Express is located at 2236 East 71st Street; Hours are Tuesdays - Sunday from 11 am to 10 pm; call 773-493-7685 to place your order early!

Thirsty for coffee? Well, you have two highly recommended places that are both wireless, which means you can get your hot joe and you can surf the web at the same time. For the Starbuck junkies, you can stop by 7100 S. Stoney Island Avenue and get your café latte or whatever is your fancy, call 773-643-6520 for store hours. For those who love poetry, on Friday nights, Disco poet (Khari B.) hosts the poetry sessions, every Friday from 7pm until 12pm. Another great coffee spot is the beautiful and very quaint Exchange Café, located at 7201 S. Exchange Avenue, and it is right up the alley of those who like to sit and write in their journals, grab tasty muffins, or open their laptops and relax. Log on to www.exchange-cafe.com for special events and happenings at the café or call 773-336-8592.
Artistically speaking, ETA Theatre (better known as eta Creative Arts Foundation) is one of the most established artistic platforms in South Shore that has housed quality theatre for years and works with emerging and established artists. It is located at 7558 S. South Chicago, Avenue and this wonderful venue has been around since 1971. Call 773-752-3955 to get the line up of special events.

If viewing great art is your interest, then Studio 71 is another place to check out. It is located on the corner of 71st Street and Paxton, and they host all types of special events. Enter the shop and view authentic African-American artistry at its best. Do not forget to bring your checkbook; you might want to make a purchase.

Are your holistically tuned with your spirit? Need some great aromatherapy tips, then stop by The Scentuary and host Robin will customize African-Oils and body lotions for you. Her shop is located at 2154 E. 71st Street or call 773-643-1425 and let the aromas take those stress and blues away. Log on to www.thescentuary.com to order online.

There is a lot to explore in South Shore, including other parks like the Rainbow Beach Park, libraries, and underground activities. Just stroll on by to the community and discover hidden treasures while you are off the beaten track, while visiting Chicago.

Enjoy the uniqueness of this South Side favorite!

Published by Pamela Osbey

Pam Osbey works with a nonprofit program that serves foster youth. Currently, she acts as an editor to authors on new works. She writes about publishing and the arts. She lives in New York where she is worki...  View profile

  • South Shore is centrally located from Hyde Park and the downtown area.
  • South Shore is easily accessible by using South Shore Drive.
  • View the downtown area from 67th and Lake Shore Drive. It's perfect.
The average theatre ticket at eta Creative Arts Foundation is cheaper than a concert ticket. Generally, arts in South Shore is very diverse and fun. For families, they can take their children to the parks and enjoy a day of leisure. For singles, they can check out the scenery at the beach. For poets, they can drop in to the lively discussions and open mic sessions at the Scentuary, Studio 71 or Starbucks. There are also in the-hole wall places where you can listen to live jazz or blues. It's all your choice.

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