Merz Apothecary

This 141-year-old, family-owned apothecary is known to carry the city’s largest collection of natural and luxury soaps under one roof. The Chicago staple is filled to capacity with goods from all over the world—fine facial products, lotions, soaps, candles, homeopathic remedies, perfumes, teas, and pretty much any other "feel good" product you can think of, as well as necessities for the home. You can even find cleaning products and laundry detergent. If nothing else, you'll want to stay awhile simply to take in all the charm that comes with the shop's vintage-style setting. The shop also has a second downtown location in the Palmer House.