This is a bookstore with real personality. Owner Keith Peterson decorates the place with photos from his many globe-trotting expeditions. In homage to the store's large crime genre section, manager Charles Simmons calls himself the Lord High Commissioner, a reference to a 1930s-era hit-man called the Lord High Executioner by the newspapers. But don't think the store focuses so much on personality that it forgets about the merchandise. While the selection is general interest, it has sections of fiction, humanities, philosophy, anthropology and psychology sections. Cookbooks and sheet music are also featured. The store, in its new location on the Loop, offers wonderful views of the gardens of Grant Park.

Run by the Chicago orchestral association, this is your place for rare classical recordings of performances that are not available anywhere else. The store also has posters, lapel pins and ties. Find books on musicians, sheet music and a huge variety of symphony-related merchandise. The store offers hordes of great gift ideas for the musical aficionado, including unusual gourmet, holiday and office items and presents for the kids.

Operated by the Daughters of St. Paul, Pauline Books & Media has a large selection of religious and inspirational books as well as compact discs and cassette tapes, more than 650 videos available for purchase or rental and a plethora of card and gift items. It also has Spanish-speaking employees available to translate for orders and materials in Spanish. Additionally, it offers a decent stock of software and will arrange for mail order purchases.

George Lauterer Corp.is a specialty bookstore that has been in business since 1881 and has everything for your religious and ceremonial needs, including usher badges, accessories, society badges, awards, plaques, sashes, bookmarks and fans. It has special holiday supplies too, including wares for Feast Day, Women's Day, Pastor's Day and provisions for all of your fund-raising needs. The Loop showroom gives an adequate impression of the stock currently available.

Since 1857, this tobacco shop has been highly-vaunted for its family-owned service. With more than 100 cigar brands in stock and more than 20,000 pipes to choose from, as well as Chicago's largest selection of smoking accessories, even the most elusive of tastes should be satisfied. The walls are hung with decorative and antique pipes, with the back wall lined in walk-in humidors bursting with premium cigars. Smokers can also fill their accessory needs, ranging from lighters to pipe stands.

Featuring more than 300 department and specialty stores, this world-class shopping center located near O'Hare Airport is one of the largest enclosed retail centers in the United States. Anchored by Nordstrom, Marshall Field's, Lord & Taylor, JC Penney and Sears, the mall houses several upscale shops and more than 40 restaurants. A sprawling IKEA store is perched across the street from the mall. Daily shuttles are available from downtown Chicago. Accepted credit cards vary by the establishment.

In business for more than 50 years, this smokers' paradise offers a new brand of cigars for each year it has been in business. The shop stocks all of the accessories you will need, including lighters, pipes and various grades of tobacco to stuff in them. As the sign above the door announces, 'Thank you for smoking'.

Used record stores are a dime a dozen in this city, but this one stands out above the rest, making it worth a mention and worth a visit for those who are looking for music rarities. The store is really two stores in one. There is the typical used CD section, which is average and a 33" album collection, which is outstanding. Every style of music is covered here, and there is a lot of space devoted to classical and popular music of the 1950s and 1960s. Most of the records are priced to sell, but a few of the more collectible ones may cost a few bucks more.

Lori's Shoes is a fantastic shop for your feet. With a great selection of designer shoes on display, it seems there is always something to buy. They offer a great selection of stylish shoes that changes all of the time. The styles on sale include comfortable flats and Italian exclusives. There are a few handbags and some jewelry on sale as well.

This store caters to all of your Mac and iPod needs. Stop in to check out the latest games, software, and accessories. If you're traveling, the staff can direct you towards all the adapters you need for your electronics. Many locations also offer workshops on how to use their various products. See their website for more information and a calendar of events.