Shopping in Highland Park

Since 1964, Scandinavian Ski and Snowboard Shop has been outfitting its Chicagoland clientele for wintertime adventures. In 2011, readers of the Daily Herald singled out the shop as being among the best in the area. Inside its warm, wood- and brick-walled space, customers can peruse boots, bindings, snowboards, and skis, as well as cold-weather attire from brands including Burton, Patagonia, Spyder, Arc’teryx, and more. Additional accessories such as goggles, gloves, stocking caps, and helmets keep outdoor explorers bundled up more securely than King Tut before lying down for a fateful afternoon nap.

Belly Dance Maternity equips expecting mothers with an expansive collection of maternity and nursing wear from designer brands such as Michael Stars, ErgoBaby, and Spanx. Plus-size swimsuits, casual dresses, and nursing intimates bedeck pregnant mannequins, showcasing their curves while concealing the watermelons strapped to their stomachs. Postnatal accessories include stylish diaper bags and nursing covers.

For only $30, you get a $60 Groupon to Running Away Multisport, which can be used on all its awesome running shoes. With summer almost here, it's a great time to get a fresh pair for outdoors or as a Father's Day gift that says, "You're out of shape."

In Bollywood films, India’s stars fall in love, sing about falling in love, and most importantly, dance while falling in love. Featured on ABC and NBC, Bollywood Groove teaches its students to replicate some of the genre’s moves, which blend classical Indian dance, belly dance, hip-hop, and bhangra, an energetic folk-dance style. Set to upbeat tunes, the class routines are also rigorous cardio workouts that work every muscle group, unlike dance classes in which students only learn to blink to the beat. In the kids’ classes, meanwhile, youngsters as young as aged 3 learn movement basics, as well as tidbits about India’s different regions, languages and cultures.

Founded in 1971, Gand Music and Sound equips musicians with the gear and technical skills needed to improve their craft. Through private lessons, experienced instructors guide aspirant musicians toward mastery of their instrument or voice. The shop stocks guitars from Taylor and Fender, keyboards from Nord and Hammond, and boutique tube amps designed by owner Gary Gand.