The BobboSphere: Don't believe everything you think.

Chicago is famous for its architecture, its storied political crime and corruption and its hapless but loveable Chicago Cubs. Tourists come from around the world to snap pictures from the top of the Sears Tower, marvel at the Impressionists housed in the Art Institute and tremble before Sue the Tyrannosaur at the Field Museum.

Some even ride the Green Line out to Oak Park to enjoy the work of Frank Lloyd Wright (you know, the guy who designed all those leaky roofs).

Not to put down these tourist attractions, which after all do pump some money into Chicago's 21st century de-industrialized economy, but one of my favorite spots in Chicago is---- a feminist bookstore.

Forgo the cheesy I Heart Chicago T-shirts and those ubiquitous blue
Cubs hats and buy some souvenirs that won't embarrass you later----
books.

Way up on Clark Street in the once Swedish Andersonville neighborhood is one of those gems that the locals know about, but somehow forget to mention to tourists.

Well, I'm here to tell the tourists to visit Women and Children First Bookstore. Ride the Red Line or the Clark Street bus and then walk into 5233 N. Clark St .

You'll be surrounded by books, periodicals and music chosen by discerning women. Yes...they do stock some best sellers and pop literature, but being there is such an un-Barnes and Noble experience that you hardly notice them.

Try to remember that you are there to browse and buy, not shop and drop. Spend some time and then spend some money.

If you visit on the right day, you can sit in on one of the Women and Children First public programs. Sure celebrity authors come there for book signings, but the most fun are the authors you've barely heard of or never heard of. Surprise yourself and become acquainted (literally) with someone who doesn't have the burden of a Big Name.

And as for you shy guys (you know who you are), who are afraid to walk into a woman-owned bookstore, get over it. It ain't the Ladies Room and yes, you are welcome there.

Women and Children First hit a financial rough patch  this year and there was talk of closing. But thanks to legions of WCF loyalists who came to support the store, founders Linda Bubon and Ann Christiansen can still call the place their home away from home.

But the economics of independent book selling are as relentless as Global Warming and the future is still uncertain. So go visit Women and Children First. Your time and money will be well spent.

After you leave you can settle down with a good book in one of those cozy little Andersonville cafes.

Now that's what I call a vacation.