hey quick question for those in Chicago

[bookgirl]

The Purple and Brown lines of the EL list a stop at "merchandise mart" is this the shopping area known as magnificant mile where all the shops are. I'm staying at the Hard Rock Hotel and it looks like there is a stop on the loop for both of these lines and I'm trying to figure out the easiest way to go walk around the shopping area.

Thanks.

(I've downloaded the line maps and an iphone app but it only gives me the names of the stops not what's close by.)

[Janepod]

Originally Posted by bookgirl

The Purple and Brown lines of the EL list a stop at "merchandise mart" is this the shopping area known as magnificant mile where all the shops are. I'm staying at the Hard Rock Hotel and it looks like there is a stop on the loop for both of these lines and I'm trying to figure out the easiest way to go walk around the shopping area.

Thanks.

(I've downloaded the line maps and an iphone app but it only gives me the names of the stops not what's close by.)

No, Merchandise Mart is a separate building further west. You want the Chicago Ave stop - red line.

[ariel71]

The "Magnificent Mile" is just a section of Michigan Ave. between roughly the Hancock Building to the north and the Chicago river to the south. The Hard Rock Hotel is just south of the river on Michigan. You won't need public transportation - just walk north one block, cross the river at the Mich. Ave. bridge, and you'll be at the southern end of the MagMile. If you're at the north end and too tired or weighted down with bags to walk back, you'd be better off just using the buses on Michigan to get back vs taking the El.

[bookgirl]

Originally Posted by ariel71

The "Magnificent Mile" is just a section of Michigan Ave. between roughly the Hancock Building to the north and the Chicago river to the south. The Hard Rock Hotel is just south of the river on Michigan. You won't need public transportation - just walk north one block, cross the river at the Mich. Ave. bridge, and you'll be at the southern end of the MagMile. If you're at the north end and too tired or weighted down with bags to walk back, you'd be better off just using the buses on Michigan to get back vs taking the El.

Oh that helps. Thanks.

From the map it was looking like it was further north but I have no problem walking a couple of blocks. I'm not a huge shopper but figured it would be fun to browse at some of the shops that we don't have here so I'm not antcipating lots of bags. Besides I like walking and seeing new stuff better than public transportation anyway.

[bookgirl]

Originally Posted by Janepod

No, Merchandise Mart is a separate building further west. You want the Chicago Ave stop - red line.

See that's why I had to ask, I figured it sounded like shopping but wasn't sure if it was the actual shopping area that everyone talks about.

[FINFAN]

Originally Posted by ariel71

The "Magnificent Mile" is just a section of Michigan Ave. between roughly the Hancock Building to the north and the Chicago river to the south. The Hard Rock Hotel is just south of the river on Michigan. You won't need public transportation - just walk north one block, cross the river at the Mich. Ave. bridge, and you'll be at the southern end of the MagMile. If you're at the north end and too tired or weighted down with bags to walk back, you'd be better off just using the buses on Michigan to get back vs taking the El.

ariel is spot on Just have a hat or earcovering of some sort. While it isn't a lot of walking, the wind can make it feel twice as far. A cab won't be that $$ either, another option for your return to the Hard Rock *in case you make more purchases than you plan on

[bookgirl]

Originally Posted by FINFAN

ariel is spot on Just have a hat or earcovering of some sort. While it isn't a lot of walking, the wind can make it feel twice as far. A cab won't be that $$ either, another option for your return to the Hard Rock *in case you make more purchases than you plan on

The wind is the one thing I'm not worried about.

"where the wind comes sweeping down the plains" is in that song for a reason. We are very windy.

My hair is short and headbands are easy to carry. I'm going to be there in June/July for a conference so while not cold I'm going to assume there is still wind in the windy city.

Do you guys get very muggy with the lake being right there. I know I was told it's not quite as hot that far north, but I do plan to walk around and being OCD in the travel department I have already started to think about packing lists.

[lovesmurfs]

You'll want to look up the Merchandise Mart to make sure it's a place you want to go shopping -- it's been a number of years since I've been there, but if I remember correctly, it was mostly interior design and furniture stores (and we were taken around by a broker or wholesaler or something).

[bookgirl]

Originally Posted by lovesmurfs

You'll want to look up the Merchandise Mart to make sure it's a place you want to go shopping -- it's been a number of years since I've been there, but if I remember correctly, it was mostly interior design and furniture stores (and we were taken around by a broker or wholesaler or something).

Haha um not what I was hoping to window shop for. Imagine trying to take that on the plane back home.

[FINFAN]

Originally Posted by bookgirl

The wind is the one thing I'm not worried about.

"where the wind comes sweeping down the plains" is in that song for a reason. We are very windy.

My hair is short and headbands are easy to carry. I'm going to be there in June/July for a conference so while not cold I'm going to assume there is still wind in the windy city.

Do you guys get very muggy with the lake being right there. I know I was told it's not quite as hot that far north, but I do plan to walk around and being OCD in the travel department I have already started to think about packing lists.

it can get a little muggy from time to time, but I think you will be ok. Have a great time!

[ariel71]

It can get hot and muggy in the summer, but if it is, you'll be close to the lakefront, which is actually more comfortable than further "inland" because of the moderating effects of the lake. There's usually a lake breeze.

I can't think of anything special you'll need here that you wouldn't want to have anywhere else in America during the summer (sunscreen, umbrella, etc). Comfortable walking shoes will be most important. There are tons of drugstores around if you forget anything. You're staying in a good location - close to a lot of sightseeing areas like the Magnificent Mile, Milennium Park (where "the bean" and the Art Institute are), Navy Pier, etc. My one recommendation that I make to tourists is to go on one of the Chicago Architecture Foundation boat tours on the river - amazing perspective and history of the city

[bookgirl]

Originally Posted by ariel71

It can get hot and muggy in the summer, but if it is, you'll be close to the lakefront, which is actually more comfortable than further "inland" because of the moderating effects of the lake. There's usually a lake breeze.

I can't think of anything special you'll need here that you wouldn't want to have anywhere else in America during the summer (sunscreen, umbrella, etc). Comfortable walking shoes will be most important. There are tons of drugstores around if you forget anything. You're staying in a good location - close to a lot of sightseeing areas like the Magnificent Mile, Milennium Park (where "the bean" and the Art Institute are), Navy Pier, etc. My one recommendation that I make to tourists is to go on one of the Chicago Architecture Foundation boat tours on the river - amazing perspective and history of the city

Boat Tour? Now that sounds cool. I'm ariving at Midway at 9:30 am but my conference doesn't offcially start till early eve so I figure to do some touristy things that day and a boat tour is something that is right up my alley. Thanks I'll look into that.