You're My Little Cutie Pie

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Thomas isn’t shy about his love for the Windy City, and he’s got the Chicago-themed gear to prove it. Brighton’s legendary Lanes ooze with character, and you can easily while away an afternoon exploring them. These twisting alleyways and narrow streets are crammed with historic buildings that house all sorts of artistic independent shops, galleries and cafes. From antiques and jewelry to books and vinyl records, these colorful stores have something for everyone. The area gets busy, so avoid visiting on the weekend if you want some breathing room. Shop at boutique stores in North Laine Kusanya Cafe, an Englewood cafe that doubles as a nonprofit, celebrated its tenth anniversary in September, solidifying its status as a neighborhood staple. Pet supply store Englewood Aquatics is new to the community, but they’re already punching up the laughs with comedic promotional videos. When wandering along the seafront, you can’t help but notice Brighton’s other pier stranded out at sea. West Pier is now just a shadowy skeleton of its former self, having been ravaged by both storms and fires over the years. It might not sound like much of an attraction, yet it’s a hauntingly beautiful sight and makes for a great atmospheric photograph – especially during the winter months, when thousands of starlings swirl and dance in the skies above it. Catch a live show

Kusanya Cafe also sells mugs and T-shirts for those who want to show their love for the shop. The cafe also accepts online donations to support the nonprofit’s work on the South Side. A trip to Brighton wouldn’t be complete without spending time on its famous beach. Pebbly rather than sandy, you can have a go at watersports such as stand-up paddleboarding and windsurfing or simply relax in the glorious sunshine. It’s worth noting that on warm weekends and holidays Brighton beach attracts sizable crowds from London and other inland locations, so head further along the coast to find a quieter spot, or visit on a weekday. The winter is a lovely time to stroll along the seafront, because the beach is virtually empty and the sunset colors add plenty of atmosphere. Feel the nostalgia at Brighton Pier Indulging in a box of fish and chips is a quintessential part of the British seaside experience, and there’s no shortage of restaurants and chippies in Brighton where you can get your fill. Award-winning Bardsley’s is one of the best, while The Regency offers gorgeous sea views as you eat. If the weather’s good, get yours to take away and enjoy eating on the beach the traditional way (watch out for hungry seagulls!). Don’t eat fish? All-vegan No Catch has got you covered with everything from its signature “tofish” to tempura “prawns”. Spend an afternoon at Brighton Marina Gyrls In The H.O.O.D. Foundation founder Chez Smith has long provided on-the-go care services and products for young people on the South and West sides. She expanded her reach earlier this year when she opened the Gyrls In The H.O.O.D. Reproductive Health Services Center for people to receive menstruation supplies and hygiene products to “experience a period with dignity.” Looking forward, what Burnett would like to see for Cutie Pies is a pizza and wine shop. “I love pizza,” she says, “but wine is my passion. A lot of people are intimidated by wine, but I love taking the opportunity to find out what someone likes and introducing them to different regions and styles of wine.

Coffee bags are available in the coffee shop or online. T-shirts and mugs are available in-store only. Donations can be made “to-go” or “for here” online. Owner Stephanie Hart has long been known for whipping up some of the best cakes at her South Side shop, Brown Sugar Bakery. She’ll soon bake even more of those cakes — and some chocolates, too — at her new manufacturing facility in Ashburn. Brighton’s most iconic landmark is the extravagant Royal Pavilion, which was once the seaside palace of King George IV. It’s an opulent mix of Indian architecture and Regency grandeur, with ornate roof domes and towering spires that dominate the landscape. Meanwhile, the interior is a jaw-dropping display of chinoiserie style, with resplendent bedrooms, gilded banquet halls and a dragon-adorned music room. The pavilion is well worth a visit for a peek into Brighton’s decadent past – if you want to find out more about the city’s history and culture, combine it with a trip to the adjoining Brighton Museum & Art Gallery. Start your day with locally roasted coffee

Maya-Camille Broussard opened a storefront for Justice of the Pies, her beloved pie brand, earlier this year. Neighbors can visit her shop for delicious treats made with “unorthodox flavor pairings,” like a German chocolate bourbon pecan pie. After nearly 20 years of selling her sweet bean pies at grocery stores, Imani Muhammad opened her shop, Imani’s Original Bean Pies, on 75th Street last winter. Seeing someone new to the wine world get excited about something different or getting them out of their comfort zone is really fulfilling for me. I would love to have a place where people can feel comfortable coming in to find new, fun things and getting some delicious pizza at the same time – and preferably in Grey County. I also would like to hold educational tastings and other fun events. Not just with wine but all things fun in the food and beverage world.” Open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesdays, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday and noon.-5 p.m. Sundays. 773-595-3176. A treat available at the Justice of the Pies shop. Credit: Dan Goldberg When Tiktok historian and Auburn Gresham native Shermann “Dilla” Thomas isn’t filming educational videos for his social media followers,he’s taking Chicagoans on local history tours on his new bus.

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If you need a new addition to your household — like a freshwater fish or a reptile — the store has everything you need to build a healthy aquarium and terrarium. The shop also has adorable pet supplies for pups and cats.

Open noon-7 p.m. Tuesday- Friday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays.312-877-6747. Credit: Englewood Aquatics/Facebook If you missed the celebration, no worries. You can still shop for handmade bags, designer clothes, accessories and other fashionable wear at the Englewood consignment shop.Brandon Holmes never thought he’d own a fish shop, but two years later, his shop, Aquatic Oasis, is still a beloved destination for plant life, aquarium supplies and vibrant fish. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday. 866-773-8625. Flower bouquet grown by Southside Blooms Credit: Provided. While teaching remotely during the pandemic, Englewood STEM High School teacher Calvin Halliman found himself connecting with his students while talking about video games. The kids were impressed by his computer gaming set up — so he decided to teach them how to build their own. Now, Halliman is helping Chicagoans create custom gaming computers. His builds can be used for esports competitions, or just for gamers looking to take their play to the next level.