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When we think of spice markets, it’s often of far-off lands like India and Zanzibar, where peddlers ply fragrant wares under the hot summer sun. Thanks to The Spice House, a small chain of specialty spice shops, those delectable seasonings are now a whole lot closer.

With five locations in Illinois and Wisconsin — including one in Chicago’s charming Old Town neighborhood — the Spice House offers up some of the most top-quality seasonings available from around the world. In business for more than 50 years, the Spice House uses weekly batch grindings to ensure freshness and imports spices from countries of origin known for their premium products.

The selection is near overwhelming here, as rows upon rows of spices await taste tests. There’s everything from mint to mustard, saffron to sesame, and specialty seasonings develope

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This is a shop you will be led to by your nose. In the middle of Evanston's Main Street shopping district is the beautifully appointed and grand tasting  Belgian Chocolatier. Piron

Behind this small store front you will find what is considered to be among the finest chocolates in the Chicagoland region. Founded in 1984 by the Piron family, today it has customers across the globe as well as down the street.   Uncertain of a life career, Bob Piron took a suggestion from his parents Yvonne and Robert Piron  to study the art of chocolate making in their native Belgium.

For nearly two years he apprenticed with one of the country's most esteemed chocolatiers. Gifted at the art, he re

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Marie Parie Boutique is tres petit--but filled with everything under the heavens. Though it exudes a French theme, this shop nailed boho before it became chic and it evolves still. Owned by former Californian Heidi Giammarese, Marie Parie transformed from Giammarese's former record store business where she sold music and vintage clothing. Located in the same Evanston storefront, Marie Parie holds true to its roots with rock n' roll merchandise and great tunes playing during store hours.  

What makes this boutique a gem is Giammarese's dedication to small and independent local artists. Jewelry--earrings, necklaces and bracelets are never run-of-the-mill and are carefully crafted by Chicago area creatives. So, too, is it for the clothing sold at Marie Parie. Many of the designers are local and those who are national are of the cottage industry variety. Clothing and other items are moderately priced.    

O

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          The Athenian Candle Company is located in Chicago's Greek town, a small community on the Near West Side laden with Greek restaurant and pastry shops. Founded in 1919, this still family-run business began as a storefront where four foot candles were and are still made for Chicago's orthodox churches.  

Pay a visit today and you can still peek into the back room and see workers making the candles. The front of the shop is all together a different story. Mixed with religious statuary, rosary beads, paintings of saints or the Last Supper is more mojo than you will see under one roof anywhere in Chicago.  

There are soaps to wash away bad luck or illness. Candles to bring money, rid of an old lover or attract a new. Shelves are lined with candles to cure just about everything. As well there are protective herbs, sprays, oils, incense such as frankincense and myrrh. Along with mezuzahs are horseshoes and

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