Playing tourist in Chicago

[lawren2 Malibu Beach Barbie & A Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close lawren2]

I've been through the airport too many times but have never stayed in the Windy City. I have a conference there is September. Egads no timeshares! I have accommodations and am extending my stay by two days so I can explore.

What are the "Must Dos", "Must Eat Ats" for Chicago. Probably not Sears Tower as I am horrified of heights.

[Hostelling Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Hostelling]

I've been through the airport too many times but have never stayed in the Windy City. I have a conference there is September. Egads no timeshares! I have accommodations and am extending my stay by two days so I can explore.

What are the "Must Dos", "Must Eat Ats" for Chicago. Probably not Sears Tower as I am horrified of heights.

As I read this I am sitting in Philadelphia with a three hour delay en-route Chicago-Midway.

Staying Monday to Friday for a business/pleasure trip, yep no timeshares staying in the berbs west of Midway.
http://www.williamtellbanquets.com/

Second trip to the windy this month, will try to keep you advised.

[Luanne Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Luanne]

When dh and I went several years back one thing that was highly recommended, and we did, was the architecural boat tour. Fascinating, and a whole different view of the city.

Chicago Line Cruises - Chicago Architectural & Historical Tours, Private Boat Charters - Chicago River & Lake Michigan

We also visited the Art Institute of Chicago and the Natural History Museum.

[vintner Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close vintner]

DW says Shedd's Aquarium, Navy Pier, walk Michigan Ave, Chicago pizza at Guirdano's (sp). All of these are easily walkable from downtown or are in downtown area. For me (nerd that I am) Museum of Science and Industry. Not downtown area.

Geez, now I want to go.

DW also adds (I read this to her and I write what she says-she talks a lot ) Lincoln Park Zoo, night life on Rush St. Shopping on Michigan Ave at Water tower Place.

And now DW has taken the fun out of it for me.

[SherryS Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close SherryS]

If the weather is still nice, check out Navy Pier. We've gotten Goupons for the last 2 summers for using on one of the boat tours from the pier. Did the tall ship, Windy, this summer and a Seadog trip last summer.

[puppymommo Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close puppymommo]

When dh and I went several years back one thing that was highly recommended, and we did, was the architecural boat tour. Fascinating, and a whole different view of the city.

I've done this tour also and really enjoyed it.

I really love the museums, you can't go wrong with any of them!

[PigsDad Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close PigsDad]

Watch the movie "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" for suggestions. Seriously. In the director's commentary, John Hughes said he specifically made a point of trying to "show off" his home town, Chicago, while making that movie.

Kurt

[IreneLF Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close IreneLF]

Walk over to Oak Street and Lake Michigan - they have a beach. It;s freaky to see a beach, real sand, real people swimming (maybe not in Sept) - with the skyline all around. Nice, relaxing, not at all far from main drag/where you will be looking around.

As for the (former) Sears Tower (now Willis) -- my co. had an office on the 100th floor and I spent some time there. View is not at all impressive like NY - in fact in one direction all you see (saw, i just realized this was so long ago, may have changed ) is farms. Don;t think you'll be missing much by not going up top. Enjoy being a tourist.

[lawren2 Malibu Beach Barbie & A Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close lawren2]

Excellent ideas! Thanks! I have heard that architectural boat ride is definately a must do in other places. I hope the weather is decent enough at the end of September to enjoy the outdoor things that the city offers.

Growing up in the center of the universe (We don't have a good aquarium though....), I generally do not aim for city visits but I truly loved San Francisco and also the little bit of New Orleans I got to see a while back.

The best part about these conferences is they are always at different places. I am allowing myself a bit of tourist in the places I've never been and probably wouldn't think of going on vacation.

Now I have to go find that favorite movie thread and edit my answers. I can't believe I forgot about Ferris Bueller!!!! Good excuse to watch it again too.

[Luanne Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Luanne]

Excellent ideas! Thanks! I have heard that architectural boat ride is definately a must do in other places. I hope the weather is decent enough at the end of September to enjoy the outdoor things that the city offers.

When dh and I went it was in September and the weather was absolutely wonderful.

[rapmarks Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close rapmarks]

I grew up in Chicago and worked downtown for 7 summers.
when we stayed there for my son's wedding, there were free tickets at Cultural Center for an architectural EL trip. it is on Randolf and michigan Ave.
the Art Museum is great as are the Shedd Aquarium and the Museum of Natural History. There was a reasonable pass or maybe it was free for a bus to take you on northern Michigan Ave and navy Pier. you should do the boat trip, as mentioned in other posts.

[logan115 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close logan115]

I hope the weather is decent enough at the end of September to enjoy the outdoor things that the city offers.

As long as you bring a pair of shorts and a down winter coat you should have your bases covered for Chicago at the end of September

I work right next to the Chicago River and see the tour boats going all day long. Depending on where you are you can also take a water taxi from the Loop to Navy Pier.

Chris

[vkrn Member Find all posts View Profile Close vkrn]

I recommend taking in a ball game at Wrigley Field. There is nothing like it.

Also try to see a play at the Chicago Theater or one of the other theaters.

Go to one of the small blues clubs to see live Chicago Blues.

See Blue Man Group at the theater on Halsted. What a blast!

Everyone else's suggestions are great. I recommend breakfast at the Artist Cafe on south Michigan across from Grant Park. Very cheap and good!

[lawren2 Malibu Beach Barbie & A Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close lawren2]

Any locals with recommendations for restaurants within 1 mile of 60601
on restaurant.com. They are having 80% off today and I leave tomorrow.

TIA

[bigfrank Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close bigfrank]

I just saw that you were there, I missed the thread.