Visiting Chicago-a few questions

[twinsplusone]

We are spending a day. taking the Amtrak to Chicago and want to go to Navy Pier and then shop on Michigan Ave. What is the best way to get to the pier and then back to shop? From shopping back to Union Station? We have 3 kids (10,8,8) any suggestions on where to eat? Last year we went to Billy Goat Grill. (Last year we had the kids walk from the train station to the Am Girl store. we had no idea how long of a walk that was. They were great, but don't want to take the time to do all of that walking)
TIA

 

[erincon23]

Frankly, your best bet (since you don't know the city) is to take a taxi. It won't be too expensive, certainly less than $20 each way (I know, that sounds like a lot, but it could be worse). For bus schedules, check www.transitchicago.com. If you're going around the holidays, at least in past years, they've run a free trolley from the train stations to Navy Pier and State Street, but honestly, the buses can be very confusing. I've lived in Chicago, and wouldn't take the bus now unless it was my only choice.

Eating -- several of my faves have closed lately! (I was going to recommend something, but went to the website to check it out and the restaurant I wanted wasn't there anymore.) If you want to go to State Street, the Walnut Room in Macy's at State and Wabash is very nice (sit-down, and a little $$$). They MAY also still have the old Marshall Fields (that's what this store used to be) ice cream parlor, which was way cool. I tried to check on the Macy's website, but there was no info about this specific store other than hours and events. If you're interested, you could call - 312/781-1000. You can go to www.choosechicago.com and gets lots of info. Water Tower Place on Michigan Ave. is cool, and has a food court on the bottom level. Right next to Water Tower, you can go up to the top of the John Hancock building (if the weather is nice, otherwise don't bother) and see the view from the 95th floor (costs to go up). Have fun!

 

[Boymom78]

Typing one handed- but my suggestion for eating is, and always will be, Giardano's Pizza. Stuffed. Mmmmm.
As for transportation, I drive whenever I go to the city, so I'm not so great with public transportation, sorry!

 

[bonoriffic]

Going from Union to Navy Pier is a bus route or cab option. I would take a cab, the bus would take 5 times longer.

From Navy Pier it gets easier. The walk to Michigan Ave is fairly short and straight. Starting from where you meet Michigan Ave, head north (turn right). Lots of lunch options, I would throw Ginos East in the mix too. If you don't want to take a taxi back, try the CTA red line. The station is State and Chicago Ave, 3 blocks west of the water tower. (So about where the shopping usually ends)

Take the red line (direction of 95/dan ryan line) and get off at Jackson. About a 10 minute ride, $2.25 per person. Union Station is 7 blocks west, you will pass the Board of Trade and Wilis/Sears Tower so an interesting and short walk. Also a safe walk. Consider the ledge at the Sears Tower, which is an all glass enclosure above the city. http://www.theskydeck.com/

 

[akcire]

For breakfast or lunch try Yolk. You can google them, they are awesome.

 

[twinsplusone]

Thank you for all of your replys. DH found a site that said there is a free trolley from Union Station to Navy Pier. But I'm printing off all of the suggestions and directions so we are better prepared. The kids are excited about the new Lego store. Thanks again.

 

[FINFAN]

I love the water taxi! It is $7 for adults, not sure on kids, but you get a great relaxing ride, no stress of a cab ( ok, I think they are stressful) ge to see so many awesome buildings. I would take the taxi at least one way. You can catch it on the east side of the river right across from Union Station, and get off at Navy Pier or closer to shopping if you choose, or board at Navy Pier taking it to Union. The ride is maybe 15 -20 minutes, allow a 15 minute wait un case you just miss a taxi...to time with your train.
If you do head by Water Tower, don't forget to stop across the street at Ghiradeli's for your free chocolate sample

 

[tlg588]

Hi,

We have been to Chicago a few times and love to go.

If you are going before Labor Day there is a free trolley that runs from Navy pier to Michigan ave with a few other stops.

http://navypier.com/visit_us/pdf/Trolley_Route_Map.pdf

From here you can walk to the shopping on N Mich Ave.

For eating, since you went to Billy Goat, I would recommend Pizza Ono on Ohio or maybe the Weber Grill. Both are close to Mich. Ave. Weber grills started in Chicago and the restaurant cooks on these grills using charcoal. Pizza Ono claims to be the inventor of Chicago deep dish as do a couple of other places.

 

[SaraJayne]

Take a taxi...it will be your fastest bet.

As far as breakfast, both Yolk and West Egg are awesome!

http://www.yolk-online.com/

 

[Mom2Ben02]

I agree with the water taxi - it is a cheap boat option that also GETS you somewhere, not just in a circle.

 

[NotUrsula]

As long as you are going when the Water Taxi is running, it is absolutely the best option -- your kids will consider it another ride, kind of like the monorail at WDW.

If not, I'd buy CTA one-day transit passes and take the bus, except perhaps when you are heading back to the station with lots of shopping bags, in which case I'd go for a cab. That Navy Pier trolley is a crowded nightmare that runs much less often than the regular busses (when it is running.) CTA bus signage is very clear; just order a CTA route map before you go, study the routes at leisure at home and make notes on the routes that you would like to take.

 

[twinsplusone]

Thanks for all of the replies. We went yesterday and had a great time.

We opted for CTA because there was no stop for the free trolley at Union Station. Even called the # on the info sheet and they had no idea what I was talking about. Cost us $7 to get to Navy Pier. The kids thought it was cool since they were never on public transportation~go figure. We then walked to Michigan Ave to shop. We ate lunch/dinner at Giordano's. It was excellent.Thanks for the recommendation. We shopped around (Lego, Am Girl, Sanrio) and then made our way back to Union Station via our feet. We had a great time.

 

[Sandy61]

Hi,

We have been to Chicago a few times and love to go.

If you are going before Labor Day there is a free trolley that runs from Navy pier to Michigan ave with a few other stops.

http://navypier.com/visit_us/pdf/Trolley_Route_Map.pdf

From here you can walk to the shopping on N Mich Ave.

For eating, since you went to Billy Goat, I would recommend Pizza Ono on Ohio or maybe the Weber Grill. Both are close to Mich. Ave. Weber grills started in Chicago and the restaurant cooks on these grills using charcoal. Pizza Ono claims to be the inventor of Chicago deep dish as do a couple of other places.

I think Pizza Uno was the place you could draw and write your name on the wall and tablecloth.