OT Chicago Trip!!!

[JulianneCP]

Embassy suites/lakefront is the one I picked They said it was 4 blocks from Navy Pier Had a really pretty water fall in the lobby

Never heard of Garrett's popcorn writing that down on a must try list

 

[maggiew]

My DD (8) and I are going to Chicago at the end of March for spring break. We've been a couple times before, but this time are staying overnight. Does anyone know anything about the Four Points Sheraton. We're thinking of staying there and getting their American Girl package. Is it a pretty good hotel? It's close to American Girl Place, which we wanted.
We'll be going to American Girl Place and Cafe and the Museum of Science and Industry.
Thanks for any help!

Just FYI, the MOSI is not in the Museum Campus in Downtown. It is much further on the south of downtown. You will need to take a bus or cab to get there. If you are only picking one museum, it might be easier to do the Aquarium or the Field Museum. Just my opinion. Many people really like the MOSI, but its location is a turnoff for me because of the distance.

Maggie

 

[jodifla]

great thread!

We're staying at the Whitehall next month for our 20th anniversary. DH has never been to Chicago. I'm so looking forward to spending time there -- I've only been once.

 

[ZanneMarie]

My tip for saving money in Chicago is to investigate if you have a local science museum that would be reciprical to the ones in Chicago. I purchase a membership at my local museum for $50 and it gets us into the Field, Science and Industry and the Childrens Museum plus a whole year at the local place which we like. For my family of 5 it would cost us close to the membership fee to get into ONE of the Chicago museums.

 

[JoyG]

My tip for saving money in Chicago is to investigate if you have a local science museum that would be reciprical to the ones in Chicago. I purchase a membership at my local museum for $50 and it gets us into the Field, Science and Industry and the Childrens Museum plus a whole year at the local place which we like. For my family of 5 it would cost us close to the membership fee to get into ONE of the Chicago museums.

That's what we did. Well worth the money. I think you can also get into an art museum in Chicago with that membership, but I don't remember which one. We didn't do the art museum.

 

[GabbyMom]

Last I knew The visiting team stayed at the Westin Michigan ave. Except the Cardnals I think they stay at the Hilton and Towers.

I used to work at Wrigley for years, if you have any questions let me know.

 

[Sandy321]

Just FYI, the MOSI is not in the Museum Campus in Downtown. It is much further on the south of downtown. You will need to take a bus or cab to get there. If you are only picking one museum, it might be easier to do the Aquarium or the Field Museum. Just my opinion. Many people really like the MOSI, but its location is a turnoff for me because of the distance.

Maggie

and its more than a $20 cab ride!! There is a bus that goes to MOSI (Museum of Science and Industry - they have lots of Space artificats btw and an IMAX theatre - its a must do for us!) We have taken the bus, it is an adventure, the bus route we picked up was on State Street I believe - but you can check the schedule from an earlier thread I posted - Trip calculator!

(and Garrets Popcorn is a definate must do!! The Cheesey popcorn is cheesey, and the caramel corn is addictive!)

 

[traces7]

Just FYI, the MOSI is not in the Museum Campus in Downtown. It is much further on the south of downtown. You will need to take a bus or cab to get there. If you are only picking one museum, it might be easier to do the Aquarium or the Field Museum. Just my opinion. Many people really like the MOSI, but its location is a turnoff for me because of the distance.

Maggie

Yes, I know that it's much further away, I'm hoping that we can figure out the bus system and take a bus. It sounds like a straight shot to get there, I'm worried about getting back, that sounds a little more complicated (I checked the Chicago Transit website).
Otherwise I'm thinking of the Children's Museum or the field museum. We went to Shedd Aquarium last summer and really liked it, but want to try something new this time.
Can anyone tell me more about taking the buses? Is it that bad? Also how much would a taxi cost? (That's another idea I had) Thanks
Never mind about the taxi question, I see the answer above!

 

[Sandy321]

http://tripsweb.rtachicago.com/

on page 2 I posted the bus website - if you click on trip planner, a page pops up, then click on the graphic, then post where you are starting, and where you want to end - then it gives you the bus routes and where you can pick them up!

I dont know how much a taxi would be today - it was a little over $20 (with a tip) a few years ago - that made me do more research for the bus system - again, I believe the hotel conceirge at all the hotels will help you also - just ask, the bus also has a telephone number to help as well!

(and the busses are even cheaper if you buy the visitor pass - I think a one day pass is $5 and a one way trip is $2 - so if you ride 3 busses you've paid for the pass!)

 

[Debbie6221]

Sorry to jump right in without reading PPs but has anyone mentioned the free trolly rides to main attractions?

 

[pixidust princess]

My girlfriend and I do a "girls' weekend away" shopping trip to Chicago every year! Last year we stayed at the Sheraton Four Points and enjoyed it. It's clean and convenient and has a Trader Joes right behind it

This year, we are NOT doing a budget trip. We are staying at the Omni but we got 1/2 price rooms from the Entertainment Book. All of the weekends that we wanted to go either had NO availability ANYWHERE or were outrageously priced. This is our compromise!

I hope everyone has a fantastic time on their Chicago trips! I can't WAIT til ours - March 7-9th!

How do you get the entertainment book? Is there an online site I can purchase it. Those usually have great coupons in them. Thanks for your help!

 

[Sandy321]

Sorry to jump right in without reading PPs but has anyone mentioned the free trolly rides to main attractions?

YEs, and they can be great - they can also be awful - long lines, full busses, as well as long waits between the free trolleys (and do not confuse them with the sightseeing trolleys - which I dont necesasrily recommend!!)

I feel the Visitor Bus Pass is a bargain, I remember the one day pass was $5 - unlimited bus rides - so riding 3 times it pass for itself ( its $2 per bus ride!!) and if its really cold - biting wind - just taking a bus a few blocks with the pass is fun! (I get off right before the Disney Store, then hop back on and ride it up to Water Tower/ Hancock Building)

but the free trolleys can also be a great way to get around - they are color coded, one is a shopping route, one a museum route (and I know one does go to Navy Pier)

 

[LizinSTL]

Yes, I know that it's much further away, I'm hoping that we can figure out the bus system and take a bus. It sounds like a straight shot to get there, I'm worried about getting back, that sounds a little more complicated (I checked the Chicago Transit website).
Otherwise I'm thinking of the Children's Museum or the field museum. We went to Shedd Aquarium last summer and really liked it, but want to try something new this time.
Can anyone tell me more about taking the buses? Is it that bad? Also how much would a taxi cost? (That's another idea I had) Thanks
Never mind about the taxi question, I see the answer above!

There's a bit of a learning curve regarding learning to use public transportation if you are unfamiliar with it, but if we can figure it out, anyone can! We used it exclusively on our trip to Chicago last summer- trains, busses, trolleys- no problem. The first day we looked like goofballs standing around with maps and bus schedules pointing and looking around but by the end of the day, we managed to find our way back to our hotel by Ohare with no casualties and we were successful the rest of the trip.

The bus drivers were ALL very helpful in making sure we were on the right bus and/or found the right transfer. And we did buy the 2 day visitors pass which was actually good for 48 hours so it lasted us all 3 days of our trip. (Weds-Thurs-Fri)

 

[traces7]

http://tripsweb.rtachicago.com/

on page 2 I posted the bus website - if you click on trip planner, a page pops up, then click on the graphic, then post where you are starting, and where you want to end - then it gives you the bus routes and where you can pick them up!

I dont know how much a taxi would be today - it was a little over $20 (with a tip) a few years ago - that made me do more research for the bus system - again, I believe the hotel conceirge at all the hotels will help you also - just ask, the bus also has a telephone number to help as well!

(and the busses are even cheaper if you buy the visitor pass - I think a one day pass is $5 and a one way trip is $2 - so if you ride 3 busses you've paid for the pass!)

I went to that trip planner to get a route and it doesn't seem too complicated for the trip there. The trip back, we'd have to transfer, but I think we could handle it. We'll have to check into that visitor bus pass.
I think the free trolleys only run in warmer weather, we're going in March.
Thanks everyone!

 

[JoyG]

Yes, I know that it's much further away, I'm hoping that we can figure out the bus system and take a bus. It sounds like a straight shot to get there, I'm worried about getting back, that sounds a little more complicated (I checked the Chicago Transit website).
Otherwise I'm thinking of the Children's Museum or the field museum. We went to Shedd Aquarium last summer and really liked it, but want to try something new this time.
Can anyone tell me more about taking the buses? Is it that bad? Also how much would a taxi cost? (That's another idea I had) Thanks
Never mind about the taxi question, I see the answer above!

Are you not going to have a car with you at all on this trip? I ask b/c we discovered there was plenty of free (but unadvertised) parking at the Museum of Science and Industry. We went in the middle of the summer (midweek) and had no problem finding a spot in their lot. You have to enter from the back of the museum (Space Center entrance).

 

[traces7]

Are you not going to have a car with you at all on this trip? I ask b/c we discovered there was plenty of free (but unadvertised) parking at the Museum of Science and Industry. We went in the middle of the summer (midweek) and had no problem finding a spot in their lot. You have to enter from the back of the museum (Space Center entrance).

We won't have a car, unless I decide to attempt Chicago driving Which is doubtful! We live in Wisconsin and their are busses that drive you right into Chicago. We're taking that. Thanks anyway!

 

[vsimeone]

How do you get the entertainment book? Is there an online site I can purchase it. Those usually have great coupons in them. Thanks for your help!

Hi Pixi... I don't have a Chicago Entertainment Book. Just our local one in N.E. Ohio but the card that is included will get you the hotel discounts. That's what I used. I'm not sure how to go about getting a local one. Maybe check with your hotel? Best of luck. Have a fabulous trip!!!

 

[GabbyMom]

Pizza is one of those subject where no one can agree, but I can tell you that I HATE Gino's East on Superior (I am not a fan of deep dish pizza, or the cornmeal crust) and I don't like Giordano's either, though many like it. D'Agostino's and Eduardo's are much better IMO.

I grew up with my Grandmas house around the corner from D'augs They are wonderful. I love their thin crust. The original D'augs is about 4 blocks west of Wrigley on Addison. A great place to go after a day game for GOOD pizza.

Another place to try is Uno or Doue (sp?) There where Chicago Deep Dish Pizza started. Yummo.

Now I need a D'aug fix lol

 

[GabbyMom]

On Saturday and Wednesday nights Navy Pier has fireworks.

Depending on when you come you might be able to plan the Air and water show into the trip, usually mid to the end of August. (I haven't checked the schedules to see if they are in town yet) If you can't get tickets for that weekend no biggie the week before the show they practice, The pilots love to buzz Wrigley.

Imho The upper deck right field corner is the best place to sit. you get a great view of the game and look to your right and you have an amazing view of the lake and city. If ds4 gets bored the staff should have coloring books and crayons and cubs stickers to pass out. (I haven't been in two years so that might have changed.)

If you call the stadium 773-404-cubs they can give you the details but you may be able to get your family name on the scoreboard in between innings.
If you have any other Wrigley questions let me know. I'm a wealth of useless Wrigley info.

 

[tink fan]

How close is the Hancock building to American Girl Place? It looks close on the map, but I was wondering how long it would take to walk. We're thinking about going up in the Hancock Building right when it opens (9 am I think) and then going to AGP for lunch at 11. We need time to buy a doll before lunch, so I want to get there about an hour before.

Also, my boys want to swim in Lake Michigan. Is this possible, or would it be gross? We like in St. Louis and if someone said they wanted to swim in the Mississippi River, I would tell them don't even think about it. I saw an Oak Street Beach (I think that's the name) on a map, what is that?