Chicago Information?

[Madi100]

I've been very spoiled with this Disney Forum. I can find almost every little detail about Walt Disney World and surrounding area. So, now my husband and I are taking our 10th Anniversary trip for just a weekend in Chicago. Does anyone know of a great website where I can ask questions somewhat like this forum? I've found a couple good information websites, but I want more of a question answer place. Thanks.

 

[believe]

There are several individuals on this site from Chicago. I am sure they can answer your questions...especially Dan Murphy.

 

[cheyita]

Ask away. I lived in Chicago for 25 years, working in the downtown area for 8 years.

 

[Madi100]

OK, thanks. We are going in June, the 18th through the 22nd. I've been there about four times. Twice in high school when someone else planned the activities, and twice last year. I'm familiar with Navy Pier and a little bit with the shopping area. We are staying at the Palmer House Hilton.

Here's My Questions:

1. Is the Palmer House Hilton nice? I've heard it's old and the rooms are really small. I've also heard that it's not in the best area and not to walk around outside at night around that area. I got the room on Priceline, so we can't change, I just want to know what to expect. We are only paying $55 a night.

2. Parking. We can park at our hotel for $24 a night. Is there a better option? I think once we park, we'll stay put.

3. Transporation. Since we don't want to drive all over downtown, what is our best option for getting around? I know there is the free trolley service. Does that go by our hotel? We used it last year from Navy Pier to Michigan Ave. Also, I read something about a water taxi. It says from Navy Pier to the Sear's Tower. Is the Sear's Tower near the Palmer House, and is the water taxi a good idea?

4. Special activities. Since it is a special weekend, I wanted to do something out of the ordinary. I thought about doing a dinner on a boat cruise, but the ones I saw make it look like you have to dress up. Quite frankly, that is not our style. So, instead I was going to do a tour of Chicago on the river and lake. Is that worth the money? Do you have any other suggestions?

5. Theater or Shows. We do like to go and see shows. Can you tell me what theaters there are to see shows? I'm talking live shows and not movies.

Thank-you for all of your help!!!

 

[missypie]

Please have some REAL pizza for me at Due's (just down the street from Uno's). DH and I are both transplants from Illinois and we miss the pizza so much. The Art Insitute is very nice to visit...I happen to think that wandering around looking at art with your beloved is pretty romantic.

 

[cheyita]

1. The Palmer House is still nice (at least it was when I stayed there about 10 years ago). I think it has character. The location, though, is not the best for nightlife. But it is close to the main Marshall Field's store and shopping on State Street, but most of the restaurants and clubs are north of the river. Since it will be warm out, it is walking distance. Not a super short walk, but walking distance.

2. I suspect the self-parks are less than that, but I can't give you specifics on that. Sorry.

3. The Sears Tower is not so near the Palmer House. Again, though, I used to walk all over, so maybe you don't enjoy walking the distances I used to do. Gosh, I hadn't used the trolleys. Maybe I'm not as much of a Chicago expert as I thought I was!

4. I enjoyed the boat trip. There are also the carriage rides.

5. Chicago Theather, Goodwin, Shubert to name a couple. Chicago Theater, in particular, is very close to where you are staying.

Okay, at least that's a start. Let me think about it and get back to you on the transportation issue.

 

[missypie]

Try the US Talk section of fodors.com. It's a fairly active message board.

 

[Madi100]

Originally posted by missypie
Try the US Talk section of fodors.com. It's a fairly active message board.

Thanks! I'll check that out.

 

[Cruise04]

We stayed at the Palmer House not that long ago (within the last year I believe) and it was nice for an old place.

Bus transportation around the city is GREAT!!! I wouldn't take a cab. There are free trolley's during the summer but I don't remember how near there will be a stop, I'm thinking not very near.

There is a theater not far from the Palmer House either (besides the Chicago Theater) but for the life of me I can't remember what it is. There are places called Hot Tixs at various places around the city and sometimes you can find some tickets for half price.

On Saturday nights during the summer there are fireworks that are launched around Navy Pier. Great place to watch them is the Hancock Building....but I have heard watching them from Navy Pier is great as well.

Lots of great shopping along Michigan Avenue north of the river. You don't have to buy anything and it's still fun.

Ghiradelli's Ice Cream shoppe across from Water Tower Place is awesome sundaes!!!!!

There is so much to see and do that it's hard to narrow it down to one weekend. Probably will be jazz fest or something going on at Grant Park also. Always something going on during the weekends over there.

 

[Figment2]

Most hotel rooms in Chicago are on the small side. The Palmer House is nice. Area is fine unless you are walking around at 2 AM. It is close to a lot of theaters so you'll see people walking around late.

Check out BroadwayinChicago.com. Not sure what will be in town just then.

Water taxi to Sears tower is no where near Palmer House but on a nice day it would be a nice walk back to the hotel. Bus fare is $1.50 and is a great way to get around.

For something romantic try a carriage ride around North Michigan Avenue (around Water Tower Place). I believe you can also pick them up at Navy Pier.

I am sure one of the "fests" (gospel fest, jazz fest, etc.) will be going on. They usually start mid June. The city will close down Columbus Drive (straight East from the Palmer House) and have food booths up.

You will be close to the Art Institute. Check out Chicago's website (sorry, don't have the site address). Chicago has various tours you can sign up for.

Have fun!

Cyn

 

[redbirdgrad]

Madi100,

My 2cents, I'm downtown every day of the week - walking from the south end of the loop (near the board of trade) all the way to the Hancock building (north end of Michigan avenue).

1. Palmer House - is it old - yes, it's an older building, I've been there recently for some seminars - from people I've talked to you'll be fine. The area it is in is in the loop, south of the river, which is not the heavily touristy area. That being said there is a lot down that way - you are right by a ton of theaters - the Schubert, Oriental, Goodman, Chicago - check www.chicagoplays.com or www.chicago.il.org (convention and tourist site for tons of info). Safety is the same down there as it is on the north part of the river - just be aware of your surroundings.

2. Parking - always tough in the city, Grant Park underground on Michigan avenue by your hotel would probably have an overnight rate of $19 - but you'd be lucky to find anything overnight cheaper than $15 within a 8 block radius of your hotel.

3. The website above will fill you in on the free trolley, there is a stop by the Palmer house and the trolley runs by alot of main places (Water tower, Sears tower, Navy Pier,) but it doesn't run 24 hours. I walk alot so walking doesn't bother me but cabs are fine also. The water taxi runs on the river from the near west side (near Sears tower) to over near Michigan Avenue. That is also where you can sign up for a Wendella boat tour - come as you are and take the city/lake tour.

4. Your right after the blues fest and just before Taste of Chicago - but there will be plenty to do. Have Chicago Tourism send you out a packet and check their site. There will be theater, baseball, shopping, museums, etc.... If you want suggestions on lunch/dinner areas let me know - there are great places on Rush/Oak area on afternoons to sit outdoors have a drink, appetizer and relax.

Let me know if you have any specifics after checking everything out, I've been to way to many restaurants, clubs, theaters, etc.. down here.

Redbirgrad

 

[geffric]

You might want to check out http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/ for additional Information..


Also, it is a short walk from the Palmer House to Sears Tower than it is to North Michigan Ave.
Another not to be missed.... watch the Buckingham Fountain light show, Visit Lincoln Park area, have drinks at the 95th and enjoy the view of the city.


Redbirgrad . I work at Sears Tower... we prob pass each other on the street...

 

[nuke]

I stayed at the Palmer House about 5 years ago and the rooms were small but nice. Don't expect a view of anything. You will be lucky not to be looking at a brick wall.

The CTA is a great way of getting around. www.transitchicago.com is the official site.

The Free trolley is great. They don't even have the map on the website yet because it starts up again Memorial Day weekend.

For Parking, I personally would just leave it at the hotel. You aren't going to find 24 hour parking for less than that.

You can walk most places in Downtown Chicago if you are willing too. It is a hike from the loop to North Michigan Ave but definately doable. From the Palmer House to Sears Tower is about 4 blocks.

I definately agree with Buckingham Fountain at night. Also Navy Pier usually has fireworks on the weekends.

 

[nuke]

I forgot to add that my favorite touristy thing to do is the SeaDog speedboat cruises from Navy Pier. They are a blast!

 

[floridafam]

You're right about the dinner cruises. You would have to dress up.

The SeaDog boats are fun. There is also a more casual ship that has lunch cruises where you could just wear casual clothing.

www.premieryachts.com This will give you all the information on the various boats.

Friends of ours just stayed at the Palmer House Hilton through Priceline and they were very happy!

I'll ask my SIL if she has taken the water taxi. She and her DH both work on the Odyssey so they are at Navy Pier almost daily. We'll be on the Odyssey on June 20 for Father's Day Brunch.

Whatever you do, have a great time.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Thanks for all that confidence, believe, but a tour guide, for Chicago, I am not, LOL. Having lived here all my years, it is home, and I do not really know 'the places'. I can say that Navy Pier, Michigan Ave, The Museum Campus, River North are the 'in spots' I think. Most often I add a few links (below) that have a lot of good info.

These may help some............

http://www.chicago.il.org/

http://chicago.travelape.com/

http://www.themagnificentmile.com/

http://egov.cityofchicago.org/city/....do?entityName=Tourism&entityNameEnumValue=41

 

[Cruise04]

Oh yes, try to see the Buckingham Fountain at night - it is awesome!!!

The dinner boat rides are also a very romantic night out. That could be fun but they are also expensive (depending on what your budget it). But I've heard they are great.

 

[Madi100]

Originally posted by floridafam
You're right about the dinner cruises. You would have to dress up.

The SeaDog boats are fun. There is also a more casual ship that has lunch cruises where you could just wear casual clothing.

www.premieryachts.com This will give you all the information on the various boats.

Friends of ours just stayed at the Palmer House Hilton through Priceline and they were very happy!

I'll ask my SIL if she has taken the water taxi. She and her DH both work on the Odyssey so they are at Navy Pier almost daily. We'll be on the Odyssey on June 20 for Father's Day Brunch.

Whatever you do, have a great time.

I actually thought about doing the Father's Day brunch. That one seems much more casual. Do you think it is necessary to have children with? I definitely would not have them

 

[floridafam]

I think just the two of you would enjoy yourselves.

They do have a few things for the children but the brunches are very nice.

We won't be dressing up that much.

I think our party will be myself, DH, DD, DS, MIL. SIL no longer works brunches. My BIL will probably be playing with his jazz group out on one of the decks.

Let me know if you decide to go.

 

[Madi100]

Originally posted by floridafam
I think just the two of you would enjoy yourselves.

They do have a few things for the children but the brunches are very nice.

We won't be dressing up that much.

I think our party will be myself, DH, DD, DS, MIL. SIL no longer works brunches. My BIL will probably be playing with his jazz group out on one of the decks.

Let me know if you decide to go.

When you say not dressed up that much, would we be under dressed in khaki shorts with a nice shirt?