Teen Chicago Travel Guide Sample

This summer we spotlight teen voices in our Teen Chicago Travel Guide. This entry is a sample Destination Feature created by Deanie, Teen Services Librarian at the Sulzer Regional Library YOUmedia. 

Deanie has undertaken the great mission of finding the best coffee that Chicago has to offer in the neighborhoods where she lives, works and travels.

Deanie's Story: My first destination is an old favorite—Coffee and Tea Exchange on Broadway in Lakeview.

I especially love this coffee shop in the summer months when they bring out their patio seating. The railings are filled with flowers growing alongside basil and rosemary (pictured). Some seats are in the shade and others are right in the sun in the morning, so it's perfect for everyone. I especially like to sit under the overhang when it's lightly raining. Bring a book to read a good story or a friend for good company and enjoy delicious coffee.

Be sure to check out their specialty lattes; the themes are always changing so you don't want to miss it! Right now they have a Buffy the Vampire Slayer menu (pictured). In the past they have featured menus on themes such as Game of Thrones, Taylor Swift, Shakespeare, Star Wars (pictured), Mean Girls and more!

P.S. Don't forget that an order of a light or dark roast hot coffee includes one free refill and you can bring your own thermos for a discount.

My mission continues throughout the summer as I explore many more coffee shops in Lakeview and Lincoln Square. Maybe I'll even make a few special field trips to neighborhoods I don't regularly visit to see what other coffee shops I can discover!

Deanie's Inspiration: Gilmore Girls is a great TV recommendation for coffee lovers. Lorelai and Rory are coming back to Netflix and those two love their coffee! If you're looking to find good company in other coffee fanatics, this show won't disappoint.

Thanks for sharing, Deanie, and good luck on your mission!