Browsing doesn’t cost a thing and Evanston’s friendly mom and pop shop owners are always up for meeting new people and talking the day away. When you exit the L station, head next door to the Chicago-Main Newsstand, a dressed spot stocked with 5,000 magazines and more than 50 newspapers. New titles are added weekly; recent newbies include "Scratch Magazine," Canada’s "Fish Piss," the raw foodie’s "Just Eat and Apple" and a UK creative title, "Marmalade." You can browse to your heart’s content; if you get thirsty or hungry, soda and chips are for sale. For more low-pressure, high-rewards shopping, check out the nearby Rock Bottom Boutique, Salvation Army thrift store and Classy Consignment Closet to find unique knick-knacks of all forms.

Centerstage Reviewer: Shelly Burton