Chicago Shopping Tips by mjd74

Nightmares Inc: Psychotic Decorations

Not only can you find truly deranged products in this store, but also the people that own the place are? Well, lets jest say that they are a little left of center?

Have you ever thought about creating a REAL haunted house or possibly redecorate a room to look like a mid-evil dungeon? If you are into the whole Gothic scene or know somebody that is then you need to go to this one stop shop.

Nightmares Inc is the name of the place and they specialize in trying to scare the living crap out of you. They have an assortment of props and scents that will put a chill in the manliest of men, checkout their Chandeliers and wall sconces made out of real bone!

Its worth a look even if you are not interested in death. The incredibly derranged and bizzare props will leave you wide eyed and stunned

If you have a hand drawn sketch of an item that you would like to have made these are the guys that can make it happen for you.

What to buy: If you are looking for something unique, this is the place for you, in fact many of the items there are one of a kind. For something cheap, I suggest the "rotting flesh" scented incense.

What to pay: I have scene products there from $2 all the way to $3,000

Address: 1985 mannheim rd Melrose Park Il 60160

Phone: 708-344-2084

Theme: Local Craft

Website: http://www.dreamreapers.com

Quimby's: Looking for Odd ball or Underground Books or Zines Books & Music Review

This store offers you everything that you will never find in a Borders or other chain bookstore. It is chock full of local zines to hard to find "Nitch" magazines (fetish and REALLY bizzare things).

What I enjoy is that they always have some sort of book signing, reading or spoken word show happening on the weekends. If you are looking traveling to Chicago and want to delve into one of Chicago's sub cultures, I highly recommend that this be your first stop in order to find out the local goings on.

What to buy: With entire sections dedicated to serial killers, cross dressing, naked punk rock chics, Japanimation and comsperacy theories, it is difficult not to find something that tweeks your interest.

What to pay: This store is one of a kind and the prices are slightly higher than at the larger chain stores

Address: 1854 W North Ave

Directions: right around the Western, Damn, Milaukee intersection

Phone: 773-342-0910

Theme: Books

Website: http://www.quimbys.com

flea market: Maxwell Street Market Maxwell Street Market Review

Every Sunday morning the Maxwell Street open at 8am sharp. Although one time located on Maxwell Street it has been since relocated to Canal and Roosevelt.

You will find a variety of goods down there ranging from fresh fruit, cloths, bags, clocks to auto parts.

Some of the items that you will find are used and others.... well... probably not theirs, however they will still sell it to you anyway.

What to buy: What I like about this Market is that it truly reflects the different ethnic cultures that make Chicago what it is today.

What I enjoy is the food market there, if you have never been to Mexico and been able to enjoy street food, I recomend that you make a stop here. You will be treated to what I feel is the closest thing there is to authentic Mexican street food. The food is greasy, often times over cooked opr cold and is absolutly delicias.

What to pay: Like Mexico, you must bargin for everything

Address: Canal and Roosevelt

Directions: right by UIC

Theme: Other