Any Chicagoans out there?

[dizneefamily5]

We need advice! We are supposed to leave Saturday morning for our first trip to Chicago for our girls' birthdays. With the big storm predicted for tomorrow night, should we cancel? We are driving from Cinicinnati. Will the roads (interstates) be clear enough to drive by Sat morning? We have ressies through Tuesday. Any idea what the weather will be like through Tuesday. We are staying downtown and won't need to be in our car once we get there, I guess. I'd love any advice so we can make the decision to cancel or not!

Thank you so much!

 

[GlennandAnn]

I don't think you should cancel. The city of Chicago is pretty good about getting the snow cleaned up, and by Saturday, there should be no problems. It's going to be very cold here for the next few days, so bring your wintery clothes, especially if you are going to be downtown walking around. Chicago in the winter definately lives up to the name The Windy City. It's a great city during Christmastime, lots to see and do. I hope you enjoy your trip to our wonderful Chicago!

Ann

 

[mickeysgal]

I have to agree. Chicago has handled the snow thing once or twice before. They usually have a good handle on what it takes to keep things under control. I wouldn't cancel. Snow/ice is a way of life during the winter there. Enjoy your trip. We lived there most of our life and it's fun now to go back to see family and do the tourist thing. Chicago is a beautiful city with lots to do - enjoy yourselves. Eat under the tree at Macy's (will always be Marshall Fields to me). That's a treat and a long standing tradition.

 

[espana94]

I have to agree. Chicago has handled the snow thing once or twice before. They usually have a good handle on what it takes to keep things under control. I wouldn't cancel. Snow/ice is a way of life during the winter there. Enjoy your trip. We lived there most of our life and it's fun now to go back to see family and do the tourist thing. Chicago is a beautiful city with lots to do - enjoy yourselves. Eat under the tree at Macy's (will always be Marshall Fields to me). That's a treat and a long standing tradition.

Definitely go to Macy's to eat in the Walnut Room if you can. I was there on Monday with dd17. The tree is gorgeous this year -- lots of red lights and decorated with classic toys -- Raggedy Ann/Andy, Madeline, teddy bears, trains and planes. Even if you can't swing lunch, if you go up to the eighth floor, they have observation area where you can see the tree.

One last thought on lunch in the Walnut Room. You want to get there early to pick up a pager. They will let you know how long the wait is (often several hours) and you will be paged when it is time for your table. The pager works throughout the store so you can shop while you wait. We usually go to the 5th floor to see Santa and step outside to see the Christmas windows while we wait.

The Walnut Room and eating under the tree is a longtime Marshall Field's tradition that has been around forever, At least as long as I can remember. we used to go down for lunch when I was a kid.

Whatever you do, have fun!

 

[*Fantasia*]

Excuse me.. I don't mean to hijack your thread. I just have a couple of quick questions for the Chicagoans.

Is the Navy Pier open during winter? Are the trolley in service? Thank you.

 

[SpecialK]

Excuse me.. I don't mean to hijack your thread. I just have a couple of quick questions for the Chicagoans.

Is the Navy Pier open during winter? Are the trolley in service? Thank you.

Yes to both. Navy Pier has Winter Wonderland during the holidays. I know the trolleys are in service at the museum campus, but I'm not sure about the rest of the routes.

 

[FINFAN]

Thursday evening is calling for an ice storm, and Saturday's prediction is messy snow...nothing major. I think you will be fine, but usually the North suburbs do get a bit more snow than the west/south ones, just to keep in mind for your dirve. I think you may beat the snow tho, if you leave early enough. We amy be there too this weekend, or Monday. The city itself can be beautiful w/snow. Just be ready to pay the daily parking rate and leave your car. Use public transportation/cabs etc. Dec 1st a lot of the parking spaces are removed so that they do not block for snow plows etc. If you do accidentally park in one, you WILL be ticleted. NOt the kind of Souvee you would like from your visit. If you plan to go to Museum of Science and Industry you should be fine to drive there...parking garage has a ton of spaces.
Fantasia...yes, Navy Pier is pone and skate rink is ready too! If you come head over to Water Tower area from the Pier...the horse drawn carriages and the lights up by Ghiradhelli and Hersheys are pretty...not to mention walking down a bit to the Disney Store! I *think* the trolleys do a run from the museum campus direct to Navy Pier, but not too sure on the dtops in between.
We are hoping to get into the city before Christmas...I'll post what I find out.

 

[dizneefamily5]

Thanks a million for all of the quick responses! We told our girls and dinner that we may have to cancel and there were tears! I was so glad to come back adn read the responses that we can do this! We are going to leave very early on Sat morning, hoping to be in Chicago by 11:00 am. All of the tips are so great - we will definitely do Macy's, the carriage rides, Disney - I may need to add another day

Thank you all so much!!

 

[Kae]

As others have said bundle up. And make sure your ears are covered that wind can be killer. And if you are a coffee drinker you are in lucky I don't know what it is about Chicago but they have the best coffee allover town. And if you go up in the John Hancock you can sometimes feel it sway, I hate heights but I love the John Hancock.

Kae

 

[nuttylawprofessor]

Yes, the trolleys are running. They actually have several different routes. You can find the information about them here:
http://egov.cityofchicago.org/city/webportal/portalDeptCategoryAction.do?deptCategoryOID=-536896557&contentType=COC_EDITORIAL&topChannelName=Dept&entityName=Transportation&deptMainCategoryOID=-536896085

Don't cancel. Gird up your loins and come see Chicago in all of its finest.

Another great winter activity near the downtown Macy's is the Christkindlmarket. What's better than handcrafts, mulled wine, and fantastic sweets?

 

[AboutTheMouse]

I have to disagree a little bit. While the snow is no big deal, the forecast is for ice in the south suburbs. Since you are coming around the lake, you will need to play it by ear with regards to the predicted ice storm (I heard up to 1/2 inch of ice). And remember, the storm is moving to the east. I don't know when or if Cincinatti will get this, but if it were me I would have a contingency plan. Make sure that you have a couple of roadside hotels in mind just in case. And have an emergency kit for the car - blankets, water, food, shovel, winter gear.

I hope that you are able to make it. Chicago is beautiful during the winter - especially with fresh snow.

 

[Chicago526]

As others have said bundle up. And make sure your ears are covered that wind can be killer. And if you are a coffee drinker you are in lucky I don't know what it is about Chicago but they have the best coffee allover town. And if you go up in the John Hancock you can sometimes feel it sway, I hate heights but I love the John Hancock.

Kae

That's because Chicagoans are the #1 coffee drinkers in the US, we drink more than even Seattle!

OP, I agree with everyone else, unless this storm does something funky, the roads should be clear by Saturday (Friday afternoon, really). Enjoy your trip and dress warm!!!

 

[clgwli]

I would disagree a tiny bit. Not saying you should cancel but be prepared to be rerouted a little. Part of 80 near Gary, Indiana was closed one time when I was driving from there. I just had to take some back roads until I could get to where I needed to be. Not a huge deal but I would be prepared for the possibility of that. Otherwise snow in Chicago isn't a huge deal IMO especially if you are used to it in OH

 

[trip]

I have to agree. Chicago has handled the snow thing once or twice before. They usually have a good handle on what it takes to keep things under control. I wouldn't cancel. Snow/ice is a way of life during the winter there. Enjoy your trip. We lived there most of our life and it's fun now to go back to see family and do the tourist thing. Chicago is a beautiful city with lots to do - enjoy yourselves. Eat under the tree at Macy's (will always be Marshall Fields to me). That's a treat and a long standing tradition.

It will always be Fields to me also. My Grandmother worked in the offices there years ago. Do they still serve that wonderful Frango Mint Pie?

 

[mickeysgal]

It will always be Fields to me also. My Grandmother worked in the offices there years ago. Do they still serve that wonderful Frango Mint Pie?

I just asked DH and he said they do. I think I had a original recipe pot pie while others had potroast. Can't remember the other entrees/deserts. I'll bet if you google 'macy's state street walnut room", you'll get the menus.

Last trip we brought boxes of Frangos home for the neighbors and friends. Love those Frangos.

 

[JonS99]

The free trolleys end after the Holidays...

 

[geffric]

Another don't cancel.. it will be fine by then..espeically the main inbterstates and streets. another place to consider is the Chocolate buffet at Lowry's on 12/20 in the afternoon..