New Hangout: A Kid’s Bicycle, Cookie & Photo Paradise

Two years ago husband-and-wife team Mike and Melissa Salvatore brought Chicago a mash-up of cycling and coffee drinking when they opened community-focused Heritage Bicycles on Lincoln Avenue in Lakeview. Now they’re miniaturizing their unique brand of off-the-chain cool for the next generation of cyclers. This weekend, they open a shared storefront for Heritage Littles, selling custom-built bikes for young riders; and A Little Photo Studio, Melissa’s family photo studio.

A first bike is a big deal and Heritage Littles makes it an experience your child will never forget with stylish designs, photo opps galore, and even a milk and cookie bar. To help you navigate things, here’s a look at each aspect of this hot new spot.

Heritage Littles
The retail part of the operation has quality ride-ons custom crafted in Chicago. The selection ranges from pedal and balance bikes to scooters and wagons. You’ll also find a great selection of helmets, bells, bike-centric clothing (including exclusive designs by Lilla Barn) and Nantucket Bike Basket’s new line of kid’s baskets. This bright, open space will also be home to Smilebooth, a photo booth that gives kids an opportunity to memorialize their purchase with a selfie against an ever-changing backdrop.

Cookie Bar
Shopping can be exhausting business and nothing makes a tuckered-out kid happier than a cookie. Rest those tired tushies at the bar and order a creation baked at Stephanie Izard’s restaurant, Girl and the Goat. There is also milk to wash it down with, plus grab-and-go snack options for families that want to enjoy them in the neighborhood park.

A Little Photo Studio
Melissa brings her photography degree, style, creativity and 15 years of experience documenting children and families to A Little Photo Studio. Complementing her offerings and also making home in the downstairs space is AveryHouse’s Stevi and Matt Savage, a photo duo that’s been capturing life’s big moments for a decade.

Opening Events You Shouldn’t Miss

Saturday, October 26, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Suit up in your Halloween garb and head to South Lakeview Playground Park at the corner of Lakewood and Lincoln avenues for festivities. Stop by the shop before or after the ghoulish fun for a complimentary photo shoot with Melissa.

Sunday, October 27, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Unleash your child’s creativity during arts and crafts time hosted by Land of Nod and memorialize their masterpiece with a Smilebooth snapshot.

Monday, October 28, from 4-6 p.m.
Enjoy a scrumptious DIY cookie decorating session at the bar.

Tuesday, October 29, from 4-8 p.m.
Brides and grooms-to-be can meet with AveryHouse photographers while enjoying coffee and donuts.

Wednesday, October 30, from 6-9 p.m.
The week’s events culminate in an Opening Day Celebration.

Stop in and enjoy the ride. You’ll be well on your way to two-wheeled independence — and will have tons of fun along the way.

Heritage Littles and A Little Photo Studio
Open Tues.-Sun., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; studio open by appointment only
2868 N. Lincoln Ave.
Lakeview
773-299-8635
Online: heritagelittles.com & alittlephotostudio.com

What do you think of this cool new spot? Let us know in the Comments section below?

— Maria Barnes

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Photos: Courtesy of Heritage Littles / A Little Photo Studio