Chicago's Gold Coast. Located north from Chicago Avenue to North Avenue and east from the Lakefront to LaSalle Street. The Gold Coast is one of the oldest areas in Chicago and is the city’s wealthiest. It dates back to 1882 when Potter Palmer (a civic leader) bought land covered by little more than frog ponds on what would later become north Lake Shore Drive. There he built what would be the first of many mansions there.

Land values in the Gold Coast increased by 400% within a decade, and it became the home of the Chicago’s most-affluent citizens. The Gold Coast also boasts the famed “Rush and Division Street” district, which houses some of the most popular bars, restaurants, and upscale-shopping in the city.

The Gold Coast is also home to the Newberry Library. The Newberry is an independent research library concentrating in the humanities, with an active educational and cultural presence in Chicago. It houses an extensive non-circulating collection of rare books, maps, and manuscripts.

The landmark stretch of East Lake Shore Drive (an extension of Oak Street east of Michigan Avenue) is a natural dividing line since it follows the curve of Lake Michigan where Lake Shore Drive extends north from Oak Street. The Gold Coast stretches as far west as Clark Street and north to North Avenue, where Lincoln Park begins. High rises, mansions and brownstones make up this lovely neighborhood, truly one of Chicago's most beautiful residential areas, and still only minutes from downtown and the Loop.

In the late 19th century, wealthy Chicago residents—the ones with the most gold—began moving north along the lakeshore, inspiring the growing community's label as The Gold Coast. This posh area is home to some of the city's best (and most expensive) shopping and restaurants.

Taking a walk or a horse-and-buggy ride through this area, which covers less than two square miles, you will see evidence of nearly every size and style of Chicago architecture, including mansions, graystones, brownstones, rowhouses and high-rises, as well as the welcome renovation of some old residences that had once been covered with siding and other modern inventions. Look for plaques on some of the buildings that reveal their historical significance or Chicago Landmark status.

While contemplating the riches of Chicago's founders, you can spend some of your own gold along one of the toniest streets in town—Oak Street. Shopping here is not for the masses, but if you have a few thousand dollars burning a hole in your Prada purse, then you'll be in your element. The most elite designer clothing, accessories, shoes and housewares are peddled in classy boutiques—most of which are former brownstone homes—like Jil Sander, Lester Lampert Jewelry, Barneys and Gianni Versace.

When you get weary from carrying too many shopping bags, or you feel stressed from not finding exactly the right color shoes, there are plenty of day spas and salons where you can relax, rejuvenate and renew at least your body, if not your mind. Within this small area you can choose from nearly a dozen of them, such as Urban Oasis at 12 W. Maple Street, Channing's at 54 E. Oak Street, Leigh Jones at 49 E. Oak Street, Cote d'Or, Coiffures at 40 E. Oak Street, one of the oldest on the block, and Marilyn Miglin at 112 E. Oak Street.

Or you could always go get something to eat—there are plenty of options here, from the upscale character and cuisine at the Pump Room to the laid-back milieu of Ranalli's. When the weather's nice, take advantage of it, and eat outside. Sidewalk seating pops up come springtime at restaurants like Carmine's, Dublin's, Tavern on Rush, Cactus, Corner Bakery, Big Bowl and Blue Agave. And if you just need a drink, there are also plenty of places for that. Mr. Cindy Crawford (Rande Gerber) has raised the area's cool quotient with the opening of Whiskey Bar & Grill. The Rush and Division singles bar bonanza is also within the Gold Coast's borders—try Mother's, Bootleggers, The Lodge at 21 W. Division Street or Butch McGuire's for some loud drinking (and sometimes dancing) fun. Even the lampposts down Division Street are having a good time (take a look at them and you'll see what we mean). The area gets rowdy on weekend nights, but you get a quieter perspective of the places during the weekdays.