Neighborhood Walking Tour of Old Irving Park with Guide

Join us for a delightful stroll thru Old Irving Park with a knowledgeable guide, exploring the area's hidden gems and fascinating architecture.

$20 PER PERSON FOR AN EXCLUSIVE & PRIVATE NEIGHBORHOOD WALKING TOUR OF THE OLD IRVING PARK HISTORIC DISTRICT WITH A LOCAL KNOWLEDGABLE CHICAGO TOUR GUIDE, GIOVINA ROMANDINE! Come check out another new walking tour that I have developed in the OLD IRVING PARK area. I will have historic pictures, props and everything! Also note that this is a multi-meetup group event & you will joining a few other local groups.

NOTE THAT THIS IS NOT A STRICT PHOTOGRAPHY WALK, BUT MORE OF AN ARCHITECT & HISTORY WALK WITH A TOUR GUIDE. HOWEVER, THERE WILL BE LOTS OF OPPORTUNITIES TO TAKE PICTURES AND CAMERAS ARE ALLOWED! THEREFORE, I'M EXTENDING THE INVITE TO MANY GROUPS, AS I FEEL SOME WILL BE INTERESTED.

Come out and join us for a lovely summer walk through one of the northwest side's unique and picturesque neighborhoods. You will not be disappointed with my knowledge of the area and its history!

EVERYONE PAYS $20 UPFRONT AT THE START OF THE TOUR. CASH, VENMO, PAYPAL AND ZELLE ARE ALL ACCEPTED!

Beginning on the famous Irving Park Road we will walk throughout the historic older section of the Irving Park neighborhood. The tour will take you through the rich history of the area, beautiful boulevards, turn of the century architecture, schools and churches

The tour is approx. 2.1 miles of walking outside so wear good walking shoes and proper outdoor clothing for the Chicago summer weather. Bring water!

Please keep in mind that the tour Ends about 1 block from where we start so park accordingly if you drive. We start at 4200 W. Irving Pk Rd and end at Eris Brewery & Cider house 4240 W Irving Park Rd so it is very short walk back your car depending on where you park.

BRING WATER, hand sanitizer and good walking shoes. I cannot guarantee how many washroom facilities will be available so please plan accordingly. We will go to Eris Cider House Restaurant after the walk.

After the walk, some of us will get lunch at Eris Brewery & Cider House, a lovely women owned business in OIP inside a historic building. All are welcome to join for lunch! BRING CASH FOR LUNCH AS VENUE DOES NOT ALLOW SEPARATE CHECKS & CASH IS EASIER FOR BIG GROUPS
https://www.erischicago.com/

Old Irving Park is a neighborhood within Chicago’s Irving Park community. Many who live in OIP will tell you they feel like they have the best of both worlds—the conveniences of the city combined with the charm of the suburbs. Iconic Chicago architecture lives in Irving Park, from Victorian mansions to turn-of-the-century bungalows — some buildings predate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.

The original name chosen for the suburb was “Irvington” after author Washington Irving, but it was discovered that another town in Illinois had already used the name, so the name “Irving Park” was adopted. The original developers built substantial mansions along Irving Park Boulevard between 1870 and 1874

Initially, Irving Park attracted Chicago's moneyed families seeking large parcels on which to construct mansions. The Great Chicago Fire of October 1871 proved a boon to Irving Park development, as Chicago residents moved in droves to areas outside the city that had not been ravaged. In 1889, Irving Park was annexed into the city of Chicago as part of Jefferson Township. City streets, streetcar service and waterlines lured more residents. Between 1895 and 1914, new owners erected more than 5,000 buildings.

A few places we will stop at:
· 4200 W Irving Park Rd – The Whistle Stop Inn
· 3926 N Keeler - Charles Loucks House
· 3900 N Keeler - C.O. Loucks House
· 3945 N Tripp - The Race House
· 3916 N Tripp - Nuveen House 1892
· 3850 N Tripp - Mt Olive Church
· 3801 N Keeler – Irving Park Methodist Church
· 3601 N Milwaukee - Carl Schurz High School,
· 3741 N Kildare - Kilbert House
· 3750 N Kildare - Mahaffey House
· 4362 W Grace - John Gray Mansion
· 3815 N Kenneth - DeFrancesca House
· 3854 N. Kostner – John & Clara Merchant House
· 3857 N Kostner - St John's Episcopal Church
· 4041 N Lowell - Winmiller House
· 4251 W Irving Park Rd. - Irving Park YMCA
· 4240 W Irving Park Rd - ERIS Brewery and Cider House

If you are taking public transportation please check their website for directions or use google maps or CTA trip planner. https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/

If you are driving there is street parking along Irving, Keeler, Pulaski & surrounding side streets but pay attention to parking signs especially permit parking

PLEASE KEEP RSVP UP TO DATE AND DO NOT BE A NO SHOW!

How to find us : *$20 PAID AT START-PRIVATE WALKING TOUR!* Meet outside 4200 W. Irving Park Rd - look for the large group gathered, Remember walk ends about 1 block from where start! Call me at (312) 835-4259 if lost or late