Devoted exclusively to the sale of fine decorative and art glass, this large, corner shop is a standout from its Michigan Avenue neighbors. A wide-ranging selection of decorative glass items are available, from elegant paperweights and perfume bottles to graceful vases, figurines and sculpture are on tasteful display. Feel free to browse or ask the very knowledgeable staff for assistance. A perfect place for gift shopping or spending some time after a visit to the Art Institute, which is located just across the street.

This small, independent music store in the Loop specializes in sheet music. Music lovers and musicians alike can choose from a wide selection of scores for piano, including music for piano duet and two-pianos. Coulsons also carries a line of accessories including magazines, music stands, piano lights and metronomes and other assorted stuff. This little gem is a fun place for both aspiring and polished musicians to browse, right in the middle of downtown.

Here you will find quite impressive, unusual creations designed and crafted by young area talent. Art as original and inspired as the program from which it is born-the internationally recognized-Gallery 37. This project offers real opportunities for apprentice artists to be mentored and exposed to visual, literary, media and performing arts, and offers these artists the opportunity to work on public and commissioned projects. Many of the most outstanding commissioned pieces are displayed and sold to the public.

Warm natural light streams through the high glass ceiling of the James R. Thompson Center, an architectural wonder that doubles as a classic shopping mall set inside an outdoor atmosphere. Featuring greenery, waterfalls and marble-trimmed walkways, the atrium is one of the largest enclosed spaces in the world. Retailers offer candy, clothes, and books, among other items. The basement houses a sprawling food court, with something for almost every taste, as well as several governmental offices.

If you are enthralled with the breathtaking view of Chicago's skyline and want to learn more about what goes into building such magnificent structures, stop by this bookstore. You will find one of the largest selections of books on architecture in the world. The bookstore also sells a substantial number of works covering graphic design, urban planning and landscape design. With 9,000 square feet spread over four levels, the store itself also offers a notable example of architecture.

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'.

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.

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.

The Green City Market is a nonprofit organization that began as a small group of farmers and shoppers operating in an alley. From there it grew to a much larger organization with a broad mission: to provide sustainable and locally grown foods to shoppers and also to educate, promote and connect farmers and local chefs to the Chicago community. The year-round market does this by providing more than just a place to sell and buy food. Green City Market is also a champion of programming such as chef demonstrations, community festivals, kids events and scholarships, which encourage interaction and communication between all levels of the food growing, buying and eating process. -Betsy Mikel