Happy accidents! They seem to happen quite naturally when we're in a open and exploratory mode and it was no different last week when I participated in a neighborhood tour of Andersonville, hosted by their chamber of commerce celebrating their 50th anniversary. I was particularly drawn to the event as it embodied one of our everyday adventure ideas to "Get Lost in a New Neighborhood." It even incorporated elements like talking to the owners and getting a backstory from our "shop like you're traveling" concept. Next time you're wondering what to do on the weekend, randomly drop yourself into a neighborhood you've heard things about, but still have yet to check out. Much like a trip to visit a little beach town, no major plan is really needed. Have a general direction and let the discoveries unfold...

1 - George's Ice Cream 5306 N. Clark
Delicious icecream/candy/cafe with specialty flavors like Zanzibar chocolae & horchata.
PHOTOS: GEORGE'S ICE CREAM, MU-HSIEN HSIEH

It was a balmy 80 degree spring day, so I had my eye on this ice cream shop for my first stop. I decided to try out two exotics and two classics, and ended up with a flight of Zanzibar chocolate, horchata, mint chocolate chip and caramel chaos. While I was waiting, I overheard a girl ask, "hey is your back patio open?" Preferring an alfresco moment, I followed behind to discover an intimate hidden patio that opened up to a comic book shop. "How quaint in the middle of the city," I thought to myself. Needless to say I devoured the ice cream.

• • •

2 - Simon's Tavern 5210 N. Clark
A historic neighborhood bar from the prohibition days, known for their Swedish Glögg.
FLAG PHOTO: SETH ANDERSON, PHOTOS: MU-HSIEN HSIEH

After a bit of a walk in the heat I was thirsty, so a bar seemed like the appropriate place to check out next. I was greeted by the owner and as I grabbed a seat at the bar, I asked him what they were known for. He pointed to a slushie machine. (Even more perfect as I was needing something to cool off!) Turns out it contained a secret family summertime version of Glögg which is a traditional Swedish Christmas spiced-wine. To me it tasted like a frozen sangria, but stronger. I ended up staying at this bar for a while. A regular sat down next to me and between him and the owner, we ended up trading travel stories, grossed each other out on the most exotic things we've eaten and I learned that this unassuming bar has a lot of interesting history as to why there are nautical details in the interiors. You'll have to ask Scott Martin, the current owner about it! Or you can watch this video. Also, for any Anthony Bourdain fans, this bar was featured in his 48 Hours in Chicago Guide. { Note to self: line up speakeasy and Glögg tasting for our Chicago Meetup group to explore and try out. }

• • •

3 - Milk Handmade 5137 N. Clark
Uniquely affordable boutique featuring small-run, handmade goods from local designers.
PHOTOS: MU-HSIEN HSIEH

I almost missed this boutique, distracted by all the walking and talking with Alicia, a community manager for up and coming app, "Tastemade City" which helps you explore your city through video reviews. We actually met at Simon's Tavern and decided to tour together for the rest of the evening. When we found Milk, we were greeted by the owner, Hallie Borden and her graceful greyhound. I'm nuts for handmade jewelry and there was tons of it. I really loved that everything felt carefully curated and special, yet with reasonable prices. We had to scoot, as there were still 2 places we wanted to squeeze into the night. But, I'll be back for sure

• • •

4 - Foursided 5061 N. Clark
A custom frame shop featuring cards, gifts, art and vintage goods.
PHOTOS: MU-HSIEN HSIEH

When you step into this shop, there's just so much to see. One could easily spend hours in it. Owner Todd Mack, is an accomplished artist himself and it makes sense when you're in the space. Everyone in the shop seems to exude a fun, funky personality. There's a mixture of stationary, one-of-kind gifts and art...AND custom framing. I think you could successfuly gift shop for anyone and any occasion and find something that would make them smile.

• • •

5 - The Guesthouse Hotel 4872 N. Clark
Guests can "Live Like a Local" in their 1-3 bdrm suites with gourmet kitchens & outdoor spaces.
PHOTOS: THE GUESTHOUSE HOTEL

Our last stop was a bit of a luxurious reprieve and coming up to it, it's like they read my mind. On the glass I saw etchings that read "Stay like a local" and "Shop like a local." The concept of the Guesthouse Hotel is to provide visitors (or locals) a place to stay that feels like an exquisite home. Their public library and living room spaces can transform into a celebration area to entertain or meet in a place that feels like the home you wish you had instead of a more neutral hotel rental room vibe. It's centrally located, so guests would have access to easily roam the 4 surrounding neighborhoods (Andersonville, Uptown, Wrigleyville and Lincoln Square).

• • •

*Bonus! - Cantina de la Granja 5025 N. Clark
Locally-sourced farm-to-table Mexican fare with a rooftop garden & preservation kitchen.
PHOTOS: MU-HSIEN HSIEH

A bonus gem-in-the-making for you: In the public space of the hotel, two chefs prepared al pastor tacos and rhubarb sangrias on the spot for us. I couldn't believe the vibrant, garlicky flavors that came from this taco! Get this on your restaurant bucket-list. It's the first Mexican farm-to-table concept I've heard of, and I'm sure they will have no problems filling their rooftop garden and sidewalk cafe.

Thanks to the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce for hosting a unique way to explore the neighborhood as well as the lovely local community in helping us to discover it! ~ Want to discover these gems for yourself? Go on your own "get lost" excursion or make it out to one of their festivals and upcoming events.

• • •

Join your neighbors in savoring the world @LiveLikeYoureTraveling