chicago?

[luvmyfam444]

what do you recommend while there? Hubby is planning a surprise trip for me there - LOL He gave me clues & I guessed the location - so its not exactly a surprise any longer....

 

[jlewisinsyr]

One of my favorite large cities. The museums (Field and Shed) are amazing, walking around the Magnificent Mile is really nice too. It's a fairly safe city so I never have felt uncomfortable walking around anywhere. How long are you going, where are you staying?

One thing that I think is interesting is the sheer number of places that offer Valet Parking, it's insane.

 

[luvmyfam444]

All I know is May & it'll be a Marriott

I've been many many years ago with a Choir group (high school)- we were asked to leave Neiman Marcus 'cause we weren't dressed appropriately (we were in shorts) & we ate at Ed Debevicks (sp) I don't remember doing anything else

I'm not overly interested in the outrageous shopping (I'm a cheapskate - Target is expensive to me - ) but anything else would be nice - & of course I don't mind walking around there - just won't be spending hours shopping there

 

[AshleyW]

I love Chicago! I try and go about once a year. Some of my "must-do" things every time:

Shedd Aquarium - it's the world's largest indoor aquarium.

The Field Museum - they have "Sue", the world's biggest/most complete T-Rex plus a ton of really fun exhibits

Ride the Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier.

Museum of Science & Industry - there's a "Science Storms" exhibit in March that I think looks REALLY cool, if you guys like science.. http://www.msichicago.org/whats-here/exhibits/science-storms/

The Sears Tower - I've been to the Skydeck a million times, but I always love going to look out at the city. I'm hoping this year I'm brave enough to step out on "the ledge". http://www.theskydeck.com/theledge.asp

Really, there's a ton of stuff you can do, depending on what you're interested in. You might want to take a look at www.chicago.com - they have a good section for visitors and the top things to do.

 

[elgerber]

Geno's East Pizza!!! Yummy!!!!

 

[erincon23]

Along with the Shedd adn the Field Museum, the Planetarium is right there on the Museum Campus. It's right on the lake, and quite beautiful.

Check out www.explorechicago.org. Lots of things to do and information on how to get there.

The Art Institute is amazing. They have a new Modern Wing -- haven't seen it yet, but it's supposed to be wonderful.

The Sears Tower is now called The Willis Tower. Most cabbies probably know Sears more than Willis, but just in case you're looking in a (very) current guidebook and can't find the Sears, look or ask for the Willis Tower.

If you're interested in seeing a show, you can get half-price day of show (or next day) tickets at the Hot Tix booth at 72 E. Randolph (right downtown, the concierge or front desk of your hotel can help you). Check out what's available at www.hottix.org. There are 5 or 6 shows listed right now -- it's really hit or miss as to what's available, but there's always good stuff.

I think this is the 5th or 6th inquiry I've seen on this board in the last 6 weeks about trips being taken to Chicago! I think that's great -- Chicago is one of the most wonderful cities in the country.

Just about every big city has a Macy's these days, but the downtown Chicago Macy's used to be Marshall Field's -- the building is gorgeous, unique and historic. It's worth a trip just for the restaurants and the building, even if you don't want to shop.

Step into the lobby of Orchestra Hall, across from the Art Institute on Michigan Ave. It's really striking. There may be some wonderful program going on the evening you'll be there.

Be sure to walk around Millenium Park, right on Michigan Ave. You didnt' say when you're going but there may be a festival going on. And LIncoln Park Zoo is free (except for parking) -- it's a small zoo, but quite nice.

Have a great time!

Erin

 

[LiLIrishChick63]

Woodfield Mall is really cool. it's right outside of Chicago, in Shaumberg. there's SO many stores in there, and in the winter it's decorated really pretty!

there's also a Medieval Times there and Joe's Crab Shack

 

[erincon23]

Just so there's no confusion -- the Medieval Times is not AT Woodfield -- it's about 10 minutes away. If you don't have a car and you're getting to Woodfield some other way, just expect another trip. And the Joe's is across the street. But they're both pretty terrific (and there's a Joe's downtown, as well).

Erin

 

[luvmyfam444]

Thanks - I'll show im this post so he can take notes - LOL & still keep some things a surprise

I'll have to look & see if I can find the other Chicago threads

 

[cabanafrau]

If you're interested in touring theaters, Broadway in Chicago has a Saturday tour of a few of them -- for $10 a ticket! We're doing that this year.

If you do go to the flagship Marshall Field's store on State Street, you're not too far from the Palmer House Hilton Hotel -- the lobby alone is well worth a look around. You could also have a drink there, or afternoon tea.

I believe it's the redline on the el that will take you to Cermack Avenue, where you exit & walk one block west to Chinatown. Fun little shops, tea shops, great restaurants.

Chicago has some amazing architecture & several architecture tours offered that are really interesting, some by boat which depart right near the Michigan Avenue bridge and the river -- I believe part of Wacker comes through right in that area, too.

If you want to have easy access getting around town, buy a transportation visitor's pass. One place I know those are sold is at the customer service desk at the Jewel Osco grocery store @ State & Ohio Streets.

Whatever you do, you're guaranteed to have a marvelous time. Chicago is a fun city. Can't wait to get back this summer.

 

[LiLIrishChick63]

Just so there's no confusion -- the Medieval Times is not AT Woodfield -- it's about 10 minutes away. If you don't have a car and you're getting to Woodfield some other way, just expect another trip. And the Joe's is across the street. But they're both pretty terrific (and there's a Joe's downtown, as well).

Erin

sorry, i meant "there" as in Chicago, not in the mall...whoops lol