Powell's Bookstore is a third of the three Chicago Powell's locations is 8,000 square feet of used books encompassing a typically large range of general topics. fInd books in all genres from fiction, academic topics, fine art, politics, psychology, philosophy, and a generous offering in children's books. The décor of the store is classical and handmade. All three of the locations have a distinct emphasis on used academic nonfiction.

It is a pet utopia for humans as well as animals . The owner's a pet-lover and former dog-walker. You won't find too many pet basics here; this place is known more for offering "special accessories" for your furry friend, like designer dishes, comfy pet beds, cute frames, quality chew toys, pet artwork, fancy collars and catnip treats. The list is endless. Animals are welcome, so bring Fluffy or Fido along with you.

If you like baseball, you will love Wrigleyville Sports! Located across from historic Wrigley Field, the shop is packed with a huge selection of authentic jerseys, caps, T-shirts, jackets and other major league baseball merchandise. Cubs and Wrigley Field collectibles include a special line of autographed items, featuring some pieces signed by Sammy Sosa. There are special sections just for kids and baseball history buffs. You can also find items related to other sports teams.

Nuts on Clark is a 30,000-square-foot warehouse that houses dozens of varieties of nuts, candy, dried fruit and popcorn, caramel corn, cheese corn and gourmet popcorn. Buy them by the bag, or buy them by the bulk-just buy them.  Without a doubt, this is the best source for licorice, pastas, coffee beans, and almost any other goody you can fathom.

From the outside House of Fine Chocolates may not look like much. In fact, you may think that the glory days are well behind it. However, on the inside, you will find a terrific assortment of pastries and cookies to choose from, perfect for an after lunch or dinner snack if you still have room left over from your kishka at Bagel (The) next door. House of Fine Chocolates also offers a full-service bakery and makes cakes and other desserts to order.

If you need to sell your guide books in order to finance your way home, head over here. Most used book shops take great pride in raking you over the coals when they do you the favor of purchasing your books. If the economy is good and this shop is doing a good business and in need of books, the owner will give you a very fair price for your things. If you are only looking to buy, you will find one of the most organized and well stocked used book shops in Chicago. There is a case full of interesting antiquarian books and a section with first editions. A small used CD collection rounds out the store.

If you like leather, motorcycle jackets, Grateful Dead paraphernalia, and "smoking novelties," then you have just found paradise here. This vast store sells just about every alternative gadget and gimmick. People flock to this shop more than any other store in the "Alternative Shopping Complex." If you have ever wondered where that grungy guy on the street picked up his Looney Toons smoking questionable substances T-shirt, wonder no more. A huge collection of underground T-shirts can be found among the chaos of other clothes and skull and crossbones knickknacks.

Although Dr. Wax the shop, is quite cramped, it always seems to have a bit of everything, from Broadway scores to underground punk, making this one of the better used record stores that have been cropping up all over the city. The prices tend to be more reasonable than the others as well. Stop by if you are in Lincoln Park, you might find that vintage Ink Spots album you have been looking all over for.

Over 25 separate antiques dealers are represented in this huge Chicago Antique Mall where you can find anything from a World War II bomber jacket to a vintage 1940s Disney cartoon. Expect to get lost as you wander through the many aisles. There are a number of antique shops in the area, but, for sheer comprehensiveness, this is the best. Salt and pepper shakers, eyeglasses, stereopticons and much more can be found here. Perhaps the best feature of the mall is that wonderful antique smell. Some find it stale, but the rest of us smell much more: a feeling of history, of being tied to the real people who once treasured and loved the items now for sale.

You just might find that old magazine you have been wanting for the past 15 years in the Brown Elephant. Or maybe that retro blender you have always needed. Or that oak bedroom set. Or that nifty sport coat. Or virtually any other long-lost item. The list of what you can find here goes on and on, and it is all for a good cause. All proceeds go to the Howard Brown Health Center, a center that specializes in AIDS medicine and research.