Cooler nights.  Flowers with sluggish blooms that wait until midday to awaken.  Layers.  More and more layers.  All these are signs that summer is gasping for its last breaths before descending into an 8-month state of dormancy.  What’s a summer-lovin’ girl like me to do?   The only choice is to enjoy what’s left of summer and find reasons to embrace fall.  I think I’ve found just the thing.

Affiliate links may be included in this post. This means that should you purchase a linked product, I may receive a small commission, but at no additional cost to you. To read my full disclosure click here.

Goodbye Outdoor Basketball, Hello NBA

Not long ago I took a mini excursion with several friends down to Chicago's Magnificent Mile to a place that’s lots of fun for every age.  If you're looking for a reason to NOT be sad over the end of summer this is it y'all!  

You see, the close of summer means the start of a new NBA season, which officially tips off on October 16, 2018.  If you happen to be in the Chicagoland area, a visit to Niketown might just be the excitement you need.  Welcome to what some call the sports mecca for the Nike lover.  This is Niketown Chicago.

Is it a Museum or a Store?

What I love about Niketown is that it has something for everyone.  Of course, there is sports apparel at every turn.  But this place is just as much a museum as it is a retail destination.  Don't believe me?  Check out the photo below.  

I’ve passed by this store's front a thousand times or more.  Each time I see this chandelier I am always amazed.  It's constructed from basketballs, sneakers and a basketball hoop!  So innovative.  Genius really. 

The joint is chock full of relics from the heydays of Michael Jordan.  Signs of the iconic former Chicago Bulls basketball star are literally everywhere.  Even the sneakers Jordan wore during his championship games have been encased in glass.  Some of his footwear can easily fetch up to 12 or 13 thousand dollars a pair or more!  No wonder many Chicagoans affectionately refer to Niketown as the "other house that Jordan built". 

Sure other teams are represented here too.  Featured above is the jersey for Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook.  But make no mistake, this is clearly Jordan country.  

While I enjoy watching a good game of basketball,  I can't say that I'm a die-hard fan.  But this museum retail store certainly heightens one's admiration of basketball as well as many other sports. Here are a few amenities offered at Niketown:

• Nike by Melrose:  A personal session with a Nike Expert to help you find the perfect gear for your sport of choice to optimize your performance. 
• Shop with an Expert: A dedicated Nike Expert will guide you to the latest Nike products and offer performance tips.
• Nike Boot Trial Session:  An intense 15-minute session of drills by a Nike Expert that lets you test out a Nike product.  A one-of-a-kind experience, available in limited cities.

I'd love to get your thoughts on Niketown.  Please tell me:

• Do you have a Niketown where you live?

• Is this an excursion you think you might like?

• Can you see these ideas in a family room or man cave?

Something For Your Pinterest Board