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Discover Old Town: Past and Present Walking Tour

, Meet at the Armitage Brown Line "El" stop (944-46 W. Armitage Ave Chicago, IL 60614)
Oldtownchicago-031612
Full Price:
$26.00
Our Price:
$13.00*
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4.8 by 8 members
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Originally settled by German-Catholic immigrants in the mid-1800s, Old Town is a triangular area bounded by North Avenue, Clark Street and Ogden Avenue north of Chicago's downtown business district. During the 1960s and '70s it became the center of folk music and comedy in Chicago, and some iconic institutions from that era remain today, including the famous Second City improv comedy club, the Old Town School of Folk Music, the Up Down Tobacco Shop and the Old Town Aquarium. Today, Old Town is an eclectic and charming neighborhood peppered with comedy clubs, restaurants and shops. On this two-and-a-half-hour guided tour, see St. Michael's Church -- one of a few buildings to survive the Great Chicago Fire of 1871; historic Well Street; the original Old Town Triangle District; and a vast array of architecture, from stunning Victorians to working-class cottages to modern 21st-century mansions. The tour ends up at Zanies Comedy Club, where you'll get a look at the inner workings of one of Chicago's premier stand-up venues -- plus free passes to a future show!

* Additional fees apply.

Meet at the Armitage Brown Line "El" stop,
944-46 W. Armitage Ave
Chicago, IL 60614
Arm-entrance

Goldstar Member Tips

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Ken Small
Good walking shoes helpful so you can look up!
info Feb 23 2013 star this tip starred
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Ken Small
Easy access from Loop on Brown Line.
info Feb 23 2013 star this tip starred
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Ken Small
Einstein's Bagels is right next to the meeting place.
info Feb 23 2013 star this tip starred
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Goldstar Member
Dress for the weather
info Feb 23 2013 star this tip starred
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Goldstar Member
Only one restroom break at the church about an hour into walk.
info Feb 23 2013 star this tip starred
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Goldstar Member
Easy to get back to Loop from Brown Line Sedgwick or Clark St. bus
info Feb 23 2013 star this tip starred

Reviews & Ratings

8 ratings
4.8 average rating
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11 events
6 reviews
5.0
attended Apr 23 2012

This was an absolutely splendid tour. The guide (Joyce) really knows her stuff. She is enthusiastic, engaging, and easy to understand. Very interesting neighborhood with many houses from late 1800s, some kept up beautifully and others being replaced with expensive modern buildings as the neighborhood gentrifies. Joyce is up to date on all aspects. Another highlight is St. Michael's church, which survived the Chicago fire and was just renovated a second time.

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9 events
6 reviews
5.0
attended May 01 2012

This was a wonderful tour of the Old Town neighborhood at a great Goldstar price. I am a life long Chicagoan and have never walked down these streets or been to St. Michael's church. Learned so much of the history of the area from the Chicago Fire and learned to always "look up" when viewing buildings. Very convenient meeting place and we got a lot of restaurant and shopping tips for our ending location. Joyce was a very knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide for our group of four. Will highly recommend to friends/family from Chicago or not.

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17 events
4 reviews
5.0
attended Oct 15 2012

Great tour. Joyce was very knowledgeable and entertaining. She happily completed the tour even though it was pouring down rain at the end. The walk was nicely paced as well. Would definitely recommend the tours (I've already bought two more tours)!

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All 7 Reviews

More Information About Discover Old Town: Past and Present

Website

http://joycewalkschicago.com/index.php/walking-tours/weekly-meet-up...

Quotes & Highlights

  • After covering approximately 2 miles at a leisurely pace, the tour will end at Zanies, where you will have an opportunity to get an up-close and personal look at the inner workings of one of Chicago’s premier comedy clubs, AND a FREE pass to an upcoming show!

Description

Old Town is one of Chicago’s most architecturally diverse neighborhoods – from Gazillionaires Row to 1880 homes to charming cottages – and everything in between!
• Explore the Armitage Ave shopping boutiques
• Discover the hidden architectural gems throughout the neighborhood
• Step into one of the few structures that “survived” the Great Chicago Fire of 1871
• Learn about the interesting history of Crilly Court  

What you’ll see: 
• St. Michael’s Church
• Historic Well Street
• The Old Town Triangle District
• The home of the famous Second City
• A vast array of architecture, from stunning Victorians to working-class cottages to modern 21st century mansions

Please note that tour guide gratuity is not included in the tour price, so if you enjoy your tour, tips are very much appreciated.