BEVERLY — Sprinkled throughout the Far Southwest Side are a collection of quirky shops and classic storefronts that make the neighborhoods of Beverly, Morgan Park and Mt. Greenwood unique.
This eclectic mix of retail provides shoppers with an opportunity to satisfy even the toughest person on his or her holiday gift list.
FOR THE VINTAGE VINYL AFICIONADO
Your nephew or cousin that just discovered grandpa's record collection will flip out with a gift from Beverly Records (11612 S. Western Ave.) The store dates back to 1967 has both classic and contemporary vinyl. Manager Joe Lemus recommends Pearl Jam's recently released "Lightning Bolt" and the Grateful Dead's "Rare Cuts & Oddities 1966." Prices vary
FOR THE CHICAGO ENFORCER
Most of the items at A.J. Uniform (2758 W. 111th St.) can only be purchased by police officers. However, the store also stocks a small selection of novelty police items. T-shirts with the Chicago Blackhawks and Chicago Bears logos draped in the city's powder blue flag are among the head turners. $12.95
FOR THE POPCORN POPPER
Whomever came up with the concept of mixing cheese-flavored popcorn and caramel corn deserves some sort of medal. Let's Get Poppin Inc. (11758 S. Western Ave.) has perfected the "Chicago Mix." The gourmet popcorn isn't cheap, but you'll be hooked after just one handful. $120 for a 6.5-gallon tin of Carmel/Cheese
FOR THE COMIC BOOK CONNOISSEUR
Tim "Comic Book Man" Davis has a suggestion that will satisfy new comic book fans, casual fans who want to get up to speed and die-hard fanboys. The owner of Alternate Reality (3149 W. 111th St.) strongly recommends Marvel Comics' Essential series. The black-and-white books are printed on low-cost newsprint, allowing readers to get a whole lot of classic comics for a minimal investment. Marvel's Essential: The Amazing Spider-Man No. 1 is a compilation of 22 classic Spidey comics including Amazing Fantasy No. 15 and The Amazing Spider-Man No. 1. $19.99
FOR THE POST-SEASON GOLFER
Golf season is over, but dreams of fairways and putting greens never truly fade. Golfers looking to gear up over the holiday season have been visiting Klees Golf Shop (10436 S. Western Ave.) since 1910. Owner Charles Klees expects the Bushnell Tour V3 range finder to be a top seller this year. The device uses a laser to provide golfers with the exact distance from the ball to the pin. $299
FOR THE SUPERHERO BIKER
If Captain America had a bell on his bicycle, the superhero would likely have bought it from Beverly Bike and Ski (9121 S. Western Ave.) The store sells an assortment of cleverly designed bells from Nutcase Helmets. Designer bike bell options include Captain America's shield, an eight ball and a classic yellow smiley face. $14.99
