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Artists, writers and other people who enjoy an offbeat, comfortable atmosphere will appreciate Buzz Cafe in Oak Park, Illinois. This coffee house serves up some delicious food in addition to providing some strong java for those who need a jolt to keep the muse alive a little longer. The walls hold an endless supply of local artist’s work and provide additional inspiration. Check out their schedule too, they have musicians, dancers and other performers in from time to time as well.

The Write Inn is a perfect place to get some inspiration if you are a writer. You are right across the street from the Hemingway Museum and down the street from the historic Hemingway Birthplace Home. The rooms are comfortable enough, but the real reason to stay here is twofold: the location and the restaurant. The hotel is right in the heart of Oak Park, with the “el” train nearby for an easy trip to Chicago. The delicious fare at Hemmingway’s Bistro (btw, it is spelled wrong on purpose) is amazing, and the atmosphere is wonderful. If you stay here, be sure to take a few minutes to enjoy the nearby Oak Park Library with its glorious chandeliers and stop in for some free fresh bread at Great Harvest at the corner of Lake and Oak Park Avenue.

This is a great place for writers! (And we know from experience–both Joe Wallace and I have lived there.) The photograph is Pleasant Home, a grand house that is owned by the park district and open to the public. The grounds of the home are a great spot to set up camp with your laptop and write on a warm summer day. The village borders the city of Chicago to the west, so endless material for great articles is a short train ride away.

While you are in the town, visit the Frank Lloyd Wright homes in the area (there are many) and make sure you stop in at the Hemingway Museum and take the tour of the famed author’s birthplace home as well. Oak Park has a fantastic selection of dining options, and if you are looking for a recommendation, I’d say check out Mama Thai on Madison. If you want to have a drink and unwind, take your computer with and go to the Avenue Ale House to hit the rooftop bar for some great atmosphere. For more info, check out the Visitor’s Bureau or drop us a line in the comments section and we’ll be happy to give you the skinny on the best hot spots around.