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Off the Beaten Path
-By Nicole Shariatzadeh
New York has Fifth Avenue, Las
Vegas boasts of The Strip and Chicago lays claim to the Magnificent
Mile. Each of these beaten paths, housing upscale restaurants,
fantastic shopping malls and renowned hotels, offers tourists
exciting adventures and experiences. However, a Chicago traveler
daring enough to stroll off the beaten path can also reap great
rewards. Staying in The House of Two-Urns, a bed and breakfast
on Greenview Avenue rather than in one of the swank hotels on
Michigan Avenue, includes a home-cooked breakfast, a night's rest
on antique furniture and fuzzy slippers to flop up and down the
stairs in. This urban inn, located in Wicker Park, enables travelers
to experience the bustling city life of Chicago and then return
to the comfortable, relaxing atmosphere of home.
In 1991, Kapra Fleming, a local
artist, began opening the door of a two-flat brick home at 1239
Greenview Avenue to Chicago's visitors. Formerly a home to a local
baker and his family, when Fleming walked through this door, which
was erected in 1912, she had a new vision. The two-flat bakery/apartment
would become the House of Two-Urns, an urban bed and breakfast
that catered to anyone seeking a home away from home. In this
home, guests stay in one of five uniquely furnished rooms with
charming names such as The Alcove, Cat Room, Porcelain Room, Alice's
Room or the Studio Suite. Each room has a full or queen bed (except
the Studio suite which accommodates four), telephone, television,
alarm clock/radio, hair dryer, bathrobe and warm, fuzzy slippers.
Guests also have access to two sitting rooms, a rooftop deck and
an outside garden. The semi-private bathrooms must be shared by
one other room.
The absence of elevators and desk
agents distinguish this bed and breakfast from traditional hotel
accommodations, but The House of Two-Urns goes a step further.
In the morning, guests enjoy a home-cooked meal served in the
dining room.
"The family style meal was not
what I expected to experience in Chicago but I am definitely glad
I did. I had the opportunity to talk to other guests, learn what
they were doing during their trips, and get recommendations, tips
and advice," says Danielle Azara, 23, a recent guest. I can't
think of a Holiday Inn or Marriott that could have given me this
great feeling of camaraderie."
Another appealing reason to stay
at the The House of Two-Urns is its location. The area, formerly
home to the residents of MTV's Real World, was voted by the Chicago
Sun-Times as one of the top 10 hot real estate neighborhoods.
Wicker Park, housing one of the largest working artist populations
in the country, appeals to art enthusiasts from around the globe.
Galleries and small boutiques line the streets. After walking
along the avenues showcasing original artistic works, a tourist
can rest their feet at the Division Street Russian and Turkish
Bathhouse, a European Spa, or enjoy a massage at the Art of Healing.
As the sun sets the neighborhood's diverse mix of restaurants
and bars keep the area alive. Those who crave sushi can visit
Mirai; a casual dining experience can be had amongst the black
and white celebrity photos lining the walls at the Holiday Club;
and Café Absinthe and Mod will impress any diner searching for
upscale contemporary.
Granted, Michigan Avenue offers
travelers an opportunity to enjoy their days and spend their dollars,
but Chicago has more to offer. The House of Two-Urns, just a step
off the beaten path, gives visitors an opportunity to find out
what that is.
"I used to enjoy coming to Chicago,
but I never left the downtown area. On my last trip, a friend
took me to Wicker Park. I realized Chicago is so much more than
a street with expensive stores. I would love to stay in a bed
and breakfast like The House of Two-Urns. A few nights here would
give me a whole new type of vacation," says Mary DeArmond, 26.
To make reservations call (773)
235-1408 or visit House of Two-Urns on the Web at www.twourns.com.
Room rates range from $82 -132 per night. This smoke-free environment
welcomes professionals and families but unfortunately is not handicapped
accessible. Other accommodations include free parking, laundry
facilities and use of a kitchen.
Homepage
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Traveling off the
beaten path can lead to treasured discoveries.
Guests enjoy the
best of both worlds; skyscrapers are ten minutes away while this
garden blooms in the backyard.
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