Must Visit: Heritage Littles, Chicago
Written by James Kicinski-McCoy
Photography by Photography by James Kicinski-McCoy
There’s a fun new spot for kiddos in the Lincoln Park area of The Windy City. Heritage Littles, the little sister store to the much-loved Heritage Bicycles General Store and Coffee Shop is just a short walk (or bike ride) away. Owners Mike and Melissa Salvatore opened up the Littles shop back in October to house their namesake, custom-built Bennett Balance Bikes along with accessories and other bicycle garb for kids. The best part, aside from the amazing bikes, of course, is the milk and cookie bar inside. That’s right! A miniature bar, lined with jars full of delicious cookies (we know they’re delicious because we’ve had a few) tempts you to pull up a tiny stool and pick your poison—milk, that is.
“Because the Heritage brand is built upon our own life experiences, it’s only natural that our company would grow along with our family,” the Salvatore’s explain. “You could say that Heritage Bicycles General Store had a baby that lives down the street from the bicycle and coffee shop. Of course, we couldn’t have just a kids’ bike store. So, we threw in a few more things to make sure it was an easy and fun one-stop shop for families of all sizes. You can bring in your little one to test ride any of our wheels (starting with whips for 9-month-olds), upgrade your helmets, and put a bell on your bike.”
Not only is Heritage Littles a bike shop and treat bar, it’s also the home of A Little Photo Studio (Melissa’s photography studio), shared with Avery House and Smilebooth’s Chicago office downstairs. The space is fun, open, and kid-focused. Plus, the space can even be rented out for private events and parties. Next time you’re in the Lincoln Park ‘hood, be sure to stop in for a visit, grab a cookie, a cold glass of milk, and test drive some little wheels.
Heritage Littles, 2868 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, IL, 773-242-9008.
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