Blue Island
Historic Blue Island, a suburb to the immediate south of Chicago, has attempted to reinvent itself in recent years. It's cashing in on its historic charm by promoting the antiques trade. Artists have carved out a colony on James Street. The fast-growing Mexican population has added taquerias, panderias and dress shops to the Western Avenue strip. A few notable restaurants continue to prosper.
Go to www.mainstreetblueisland.com for a map, information on parking (free at seven city lots) and a list of shops and restaurants. Note: The Cal-Sag Channel runs through the middle of Blue Island. To get to Olde Western Avenue, continue south over the bridge at 133rd Street. James Street is north of the channel, so instead of going over the bridge, stay to the right before the bridge and go down the hill.
Three Sisters Antique Mall
13042 S. Western
(708) 597-3331
Joe Murphy named the place after his three daughters when he opened 10 years ago. Now 70 dealers fill three floors of this historic building. The second floor, filled with furniture vendors, used to be the Elks Club. You'll also find vintage clothing, jewelry, posters and original art, musical instruments, household goods and architectural artifacts. Other antique dealers within walking distance: Blue Island Antiques, 13123 S. Western, Hands of Time, 12920 S. Western, and Vermont Antiques, featuring 25 dealers, at the corner of Western and Vermont.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday-Friday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday.
Maple Tree Inn
13301 S. Olde Western
(708) 388-3461
At the end of Olde Western Avenue, where it dead-ends at Canal, a Mardi Gras mask dangles from a graceful old brick building. This is the venerable Maple Tree Inn, which moved to Blue Island from Beverly 11 years ago. Owner/chef Charlie Orr continues his fine tradition of New Orleans-style cajun creole, preparing everything -- including sausage -- from scratch. Favorites include crawfish etouffee, blackened catfish, soft shell crabs topped with lump crabmeat, and the Dixie "Doorstop" (22-ounce) pork chop, braised in beer, served over andouille/cornbread dressing. The fixed-price menu offers a choice of appetizer, entree and wine for $22.
Hours: Opens at 5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; last seating for dinner, 9:30 p.m.
Cornerstone Gallery and Studio
2412 James
(708) 389-0011
www.cornerstone-ags.com
In eight years, Paulette Stobinske has gathered a community of about 20 artists who work and display their work in this 120-year-old former hardware store. Cornerstone presents five exhibitions each year. "We're hidden, but have a good following," said Stobinske, whose spiritual-themed art incorporates found objects. The gallery's mission is to "demystify art," she says, and allow artists to showcase their work and mingle informally with guests.
Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday
Stefanelli & Sons Fine Italian Imports
13012 S. Western
(708) 389-0300
When Calabria Imports moved to Beverly, original co-owner Carmen Stefanelli and sons Joe and Tony changed the name, but little else is new at this traditional Italian grocery and deli. The old wire cheese cutter is still around if you need a wedge of Asiago, and Uncle Italo Russo still makes the sausage. They've added a "Roseland Home Made Sopressa" that bears traces of nutmeg and whole fennel. This is a grocery where people buy olive oil by the gallon tin. This is also a place where you can find Italian specialty items -- a bocce set, on-the-stove espresso pots and those foil-wrapped Bimbi Italian Easter eggs with the surprise inside.
Hours: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
Mario's Tacos
13325 Olde Western
(708) 389-4023
Mario Mendez hasn't changed the menu in 30 years, and his customers couldn't be happier. Homestyle Mexican food is what you'll find at Mario's, the same dishes his parents made for their guests when they started their business. Specialties are carne asada and the much-sought-after potato and chorizo enchiladas still made from Mario's mother's recipe. The patio is a big draw in warm weather, especially on weekends.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. daily.
Meadows Golf Club of Blue Island
2802 W. 123rd St.
(708) 385-1994
This public links-style course is open year round. Built in 1994 on a former landfill, it features open fairways and rolling terrain -- and water hazards on at least three holes. Small pro shop, clubhouse with bar and very casual dining. Driving range. Eighteen holes with a cart costs $31, $24 for seniors. Outings a specialty.
Hours: 7 a.m.-dusk daily; extended to 6 a.m.-dusk later in the summer.