Thanksgiving in Chicago

[emmababy]

HI all! We are very excited for our trip this week. We are going Wed-Sat and staying at Hampton Suites on Illinois. This is our first trip.

Can you all tell me if the following are in walking distance and if they aren't- the best transportation to get there.

1)Daley Plaza
2) Mag Mile
3) Shedd Aquarium
4) David Burke's Primehouse
5) Giordanos.

Also, where would be the nearest Walmart and/or Target?

What time do we need to stand out to catch the parade?

Is there anywhere we can ice skate?

 

[clh2]

HI all! We are very excited for our trip this week. We are going Wed-Sat and staying at Hampton Suites on Illinois. This is our first trip.

Can you all tell me if the following are in walking distance and if they aren't- the best transportation to get there.

1)Daley Plaza
2) Mag Mile
3) Shedd Aquarium
4) David Burke's Primehouse
5) Giordanos.

Also, where would be the nearest Walmart and/or Target?

What time do we need to stand out to catch the parade?

Is there anywhere we can ice skate?

There is ice skating at MIllenium Park - don't know if it is cold enough yet - though. And, yes, this is in walking distance of the hotel

The South part of the mag mile - is about where the Tribune builing is - and that is a couple of blockes east of the hotel. Easily within walking distance.

Giordanos is within Walking distance.

I don't know where David Burke's Steakhouse is.

And - I would find an alternative form of transportation to the Schedd.

We stayed at that hotel about a year ago. (And we go to Chicago at least one or two times a year.) The one thing we LOVED about this hotel - it was easy to get north and south on Dearborn, a lot less foot and car traffic etc. So - it was far quicker to get anywhere, as opposed to going north and south on Michigan.

We've been to Chicago (maybe 8 or 9 years ago) on the day after Thanksgiving. It is really crowded, and the parade was on a different weekend. So, can't offer any advice for that.

If you happen to be available - the Museum of Science and Industry was open on Thanksgiving. We had a great time!

And - sorry - I have no clue where the nearest WalMart or Target is.

If you are traveling with kids - I would clearly make sure there is a "getting separated" contingency plan. Yes - Michigan Ave will be that crowded on Friday. It is fun, don't get me wrong, you just need to have a plan so no one panics.

HAVE FUN!!!

 

[Zerosinthecloset]

David Burke's Primehouse is in the James Hotel, easily walkable from the Hampton Inn. Can't help about WalMart or Target, but there is a Trader Joes in close proximity to the HI. Actually it's across the street from the James...the TJs that is.

 

[emmababy]

On the South end of Michigan Ave, how many blocks is all the shopping? Can we walk it? Or cab?

 

[Gr8t Fan]

On the South end of Michigan Ave, how many blocks is all the shopping? Can we walk it? Or cab?

You can definitely walk for shopping, unless you wanted to take a cab to the north end of Michigan Avenue and then just shop and head south. It's about 7-8 blocks total. There is City Target on State Street along the parade route and about 2 miles south of your hotel. They don't have everything that a regular Target does, but they do carry most things.

Not sure what time you have to arrive to catch the parade as we always watch it on TV. And also have never heard of David Burke's Primehouse.

 

[gate_pourri]

There is a CityTarget (basically a smaller Target) on State street at Madison (1 S. State) and a Neighborhood Walmart at 570 W. Monroe. The CityTarget has few groceries, but is two stories and has quite a good selection. The Neighborhood Walmart is TINY. Really only groceries.

The Target is easily walking distance of The Hampton Inn - Maybe a 1/2 mile. Just walk south down State Street, across the river and it is 2 blocks past Macy's.

IMO everything except the Shedd is within walking distance for your hotel, but I walk if it is less than 5 miles. If you're walkers - the Shedd is only about 1.5 miles from your hotel.

 

[gate_pourri]

If you are looking for groceries, there is also a Jewel-Osco On State Street between Ohio and Grand, which is 2 blocks from the Hampton.

I live in the neighborhood, so if you have any questions, feel free to ask.

 

[emmababy]

I was looking mainly in case I want to Black Friday shop. Anyone know how I find out what time the stores on Michigan ave open Friday?

 

[gate_pourri]

I was looking mainly in case I want to Black Friday shop. Anyone know how I find out what time the stores on Michigan ave open Friday?

Ahhh... The Walmart is out then. It is really only groceries. The Target has a pretty good selection, but I've found out the hard way, tends to have its own 'sales' so may not have all of the BF sales. It even has its own circular in the Sunday paper. The closest 'real' target is another few miles away at Clark and Roosevelt. There are no real Walmarts anywhere near by.

As for when the stores open, it will depend on the store. What are you interested in? There is a Sears on State at Madison (across from the CityTarget).

Me - I tend to go to the 'burbs for BF shopping. Easier and much less hectic.