3 days in Chicago, first time visitors, suggestions ??
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3 days in Chicago, first time visitors, suggestions ??
staying in Chicago for a Fri, Sat Sunday, probably late Aug or Sept 2013, never been, and looking for suggestions ? Cubs game for sure, Navy Pier, and want to spend an evening at a live blues club...... hop on hop off tours ? thanks
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There's great museums in Chicago. I highly recommend the Museum of Science and Industry, the Field Museum, the Art Institute, and the Shedd Aquarium. You can visit all of them on the City Pass which can save you some $$$ and allow you to skip the lines for buying tickets.
Also, Second City would be fun to attend one evening.
Also, Second City would be fun to attend one evening.
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I would really recommend the Architectural Boat Tour. I became a tourist in my own city last month with a GTG, and it was wonderful!
Also remember to visit Michigan Avenue. You should definitely look and see if there are any conventions in town at McCormick Place. Maybe also go and visit The Bean in Millenium Park. Truly magical!
Some places to eat are: Lou Malnati's, Gino's East(off Michigan Avenue)...And here is the friendly reminder to get a few buckets worth of Garrett's Popcorn. Best popcorn in the country as far as I'm concerned.
Enjoy your weekend in the Windy City!
Also remember to visit Michigan Avenue. You should definitely look and see if there are any conventions in town at McCormick Place. Maybe also go and visit The Bean in Millenium Park. Truly magical!
Some places to eat are: Lou Malnati's, Gino's East(off Michigan Avenue)...And here is the friendly reminder to get a few buckets worth of Garrett's Popcorn. Best popcorn in the country as far as I'm concerned.
Enjoy your weekend in the Windy City!
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I second the Architectural Boat tour and Millenium Park.
Lou Malnati's has the best deep-dish Chicago-style pizza, imo.
August is actually a good time to come to Chicago, it starts to cool off a bit - but September is even better.
Lou Malnati's has the best deep-dish Chicago-style pizza, imo.
August is actually a good time to come to Chicago, it starts to cool off a bit - but September is even better.
#7
Besides the boat tour, the same people run land-based tours which are very good. You can also arrange a volunteer greeter to show you a particular area.
http://www.architecture.org/
http://chicagogreeter.com/
http://www.architecture.org/
http://chicagogreeter.com/
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For info tourist sights, check www.choosechicago.com. For a list of current events, clubs and concerts when you're here as well as restaurants, check www.chicagomag.com or www.chicagoreader.com. You can search restaurants by price, cuisine or area.
For transit info, go to www.transitchicago.com. It has maps, a trip planner and how to track buses and trains with a smart phone. You can purchase transit passes at either airport, most Walgreens and CVS stores or Dominick's and Jewel supermarkets. A 3-day pass is $20 and allows unlimited rides on all CTA buses and trains.
For transit info, go to www.transitchicago.com. It has maps, a trip planner and how to track buses and trains with a smart phone. You can purchase transit passes at either airport, most Walgreens and CVS stores or Dominick's and Jewel supermarkets. A 3-day pass is $20 and allows unlimited rides on all CTA buses and trains.
#11
If you want a fancy meal with a fantastic view, try the Signature Room on the 95th floor of the Hancock Building.
http://www.signatureroom.com/
Paying to ride up the elevator to an observation floor in the Willis Tower is not the same.
The Federal Reserve Bank on Jackson Blvd. has a free self guided tour. You do have to go through some security to get in.
The FRB is across the street from the Chicago Board of Trade.
http://www.signatureroom.com/
Paying to ride up the elevator to an observation floor in the Willis Tower is not the same.
The Federal Reserve Bank on Jackson Blvd. has a free self guided tour. You do have to go through some security to get in.
The FRB is across the street from the Chicago Board of Trade.
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I agree with Citylghts - have a drink in the Signature Lounge and enjoy the view.
We were just in Chicago in May; here's a link to my trip report, if you're interested. http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...rip-report.cfm
Lee Ann
We were just in Chicago in May; here's a link to my trip report, if you're interested. http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...rip-report.cfm
Lee Ann
#15
We wandered into this blues bar a couple of years back and had a great time. Cheap, too.
http://www.bluechicago.com/
http://www.bluechicago.com/
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This is THE place for blues, local style. Great talent - if Melvin Taylor is playing, even better!
We took the El, and then a bus going and a taxi back to and then the El on the way back to hotel, , but it is a bit rough so if you are in the least uncomfortable just take a taxi the entire way. Doorman will get you a taxi going home.
http://rosaslounge.com/
We took the El, and then a bus going and a taxi back to and then the El on the way back to hotel, , but it is a bit rough so if you are in the least uncomfortable just take a taxi the entire way. Doorman will get you a taxi going home.
http://rosaslounge.com/
#19
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If you are looking for hotel, try The Alegra by Kimpton. We loved the location and they are having a sale.
Try and see if these discounts might work for you. If you go with kimpton., be sure to join their In Touch Loyalty program for free wifi and other perks. Kimptons have free wine hour each night too!
http://www.kimptonhotels.com/landing...mmer_2013.aspx
Try and see if these discounts might work for you. If you go with kimpton., be sure to join their In Touch Loyalty program for free wifi and other perks. Kimptons have free wine hour each night too!
http://www.kimptonhotels.com/landing...mmer_2013.aspx
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The reason why one of the above posters mentioned conventions is because Chicago is a big convention town, as well as having some really big events (Lollapalooza in early August, the Chicago Marathon in early October). The hotel rates fluctuate greatly due to these factors, so it is definitely to your interest to do a little research into this.
Also to consider: the greatest frequency of city and neighborhood festivals occur between the Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends. Many of the special exhibits at the major museums are also geared for this time frame.
I agree with the suggestions for the Chicago Architecture Foundation's River Cruise; the Chicago Greeter service (more on that later); Second City.
What I don't agree with are these: City Passes or any of those other cards - not necessarily a good deal. First, you are coming in the late summer. Don't you want to enjoy the fine parks, beaches, view the harbors - instead of spending all of your time inside museums? None of these types of cards are all-inclusive - so you have to check carefully if what you really want to see and experience are included. Some have time limits on the attractions, which will affect what you can see. And one of their big selling points is that you skip the lines (their advertising has changed over the years on the exact wording, BTW). But you really don't skip all the lines, just some of the lines, normally just the main ticket line. You still have to stand in line for security, elevators (such as at the Willis Tower) and for special exhibits.
Instead, especially since it is your first time, my suggestion would be to go to no more than one museum for each **full** day you have here. If the "3 days" you've mentioned means you are including partial days for the first and last, then you really don't have time for a major museum anyway. Plan on spending about 4 hours at most of the major museums, and if you are attending a special exhibit at them, add an hour just for that. Audio tours enhance your experience.
The Museum of Science and Industry, although it is, IMHO, one of the top choices in the city, but it does take most of an entire day - partially because it is so HUGE and partially because it commands about 1.5 hours of commute time there and back (it sits 7 miles south of the Loop in the Hyde Park neighborhood).
If you come during Labor Day weekend, you can go to the Chicago Jazz festival. There are usually ancillary events preceding the festival which might be of interest to you as well.
Inasfar as going to any blues clubs, I suggest that you look at who is performing there and base your decision on that. If you are staying where tourists usually do, then Buddy Guys Legends would be closer than many others.
I think you will be underwhelmed with Navy Pier, unless you go at the time a special events, such the Tall Ships festival, is happening. However, the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre and the Smith Museum of Stained Glass are wonderful.
All this being said, here are my suggestions for a first timer to consider (and all of this can be done in 3 days):
*Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise
*Chicago Greeter Service (free but advance reservation needed) - use the InstaGreeter service for a tour of the Loop; and I would recommend using the regular Greeter Service (10 day advance registration required) for another neighborhood(s) of the city - such as Hyde Park, Old Town/Gold Coast/Lincoln Park, Wicker Park/Bucktown or Pilsen
*Museums: The Art Institute of Chicago
*Theatre: Go to at least one of the theatres which offers Chicago-style performance - Steppenwolf, TimeLine, Lookinglass, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. The Goodman downtown normally has fine offerings. Of course, The Book of Mormon is running as well in the Loop Theatre District
*Walking costs absolutely nothing and there is a great deal to see in Chicago. The walks I'd recommend for 1st timers would be:
From the Museum Campus (where the Field, Shedd and Adler are located) north along the Lakefront Trail, past Buckingham Fountain (water show at the top of the hour, every hour - light and music shows at night), through Grant Park to Millennium Park
Along the River Walk, from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Plaza (fka Wabash Plaza) eastwards to the Lakefront Trail
A walk in the Gold Coast on Astor Street, arguably the most beautiful street in Chicago. 4 blocks long, from Division north to (almost) North Avenue.
A walk through Lincoln Park, the park, nearest the lakefront. Maybe a brief stop in at the Lincoln Park Zoo (free every day), the Lincoln Park Conservatory (free every day), the Alfred E. Caldwell Lily Pool (free) and then walk out to North Avenue Beach. You can continue walking south on the Lakefront Trail from the North Avenue Beach to the Oak Street Beach to the top of the Magnificent Mile. Along the way, to your left (on the inner Lake Shore Drive), you will see 7 mansions in the Seven Houses on Lake Shore Drive District.
*If you are here when they are offering them, a free concert at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion at Millennium Park. Millennium Park is immediately north of the Art Institute of Chicago.
*Stop in at the Chicago Cultural Center for free exhibits, concerts, a tour of the building. The InstaGreeter service which I've mentioned originates from there.
*Cuisine: Chicago is a world-class destination. Although you've had suggestions above about pizza above, maybe heard about the Chicago-style hotdogs, even Italian beef sandwiches. I sincerely hope you don't think that's what it's all about. Chicago has any number of marvelous restaurants, including one of the best in the world. THAT's what Chicago cuisine is about nowadays. So really take the opportunity to experience great cuisine.
Since I have offered up so many free things to do, please take the extra money that you've saved and enjoy really a nice dining experience. Please don't just go to chains (i.e., pizza places, steakhouses, etc.) but experience an independently run restaurant. Local chains are OK, too - for example, you might be interested in going to XOCO, if budget is a concern, instead of Topolabampo or Frontera Grill (all Rick Bayless enterprises).
Consider places that promote local producers, brewers, etc., in the farm-to-table arena: Perennial Virant uses many products from suppliers of the Green City Market; Farmhouse - growers/producers in Illinois and four surrounding states.
Think about places that have taken those fast-food offerings and made them more luxurious: Frank 'n Dawgs or BIG & Little's. I didn't mention Hot Doug's, although it would be my very first choice simply because of the very short period of time you have here - on a weekend, no less - and the length of commute out there and back; and, of course, the lines you'd have to endure then. If you do change your mind, coming later in September (when the kids are in school) and if you came mid-week, got there before they opened, then m-a-y-b-e. Still, you'll have a lot on your itinerary so that's best left for another time.
If you are planning a picnic (perhaps while attending a free concert at Millennium Park), consider Pastoral (on E. Lake Street in the Loop). NOTE: You'll see that they require 24-hour advance notice on the picnic baskets.
When you go to Wrigley Field, Nuts on Clark is just north of the ballpark on the west side of N. Clark. IMHO, much preferable to Garrett's - but you can decide for yourself, if you wish.
You'll probably end up at the Signature Lounge (most first-timers do) for a drink with a view. I'd recommend dining elsewhere, though.
Also to consider: the greatest frequency of city and neighborhood festivals occur between the Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends. Many of the special exhibits at the major museums are also geared for this time frame.
I agree with the suggestions for the Chicago Architecture Foundation's River Cruise; the Chicago Greeter service (more on that later); Second City.
What I don't agree with are these: City Passes or any of those other cards - not necessarily a good deal. First, you are coming in the late summer. Don't you want to enjoy the fine parks, beaches, view the harbors - instead of spending all of your time inside museums? None of these types of cards are all-inclusive - so you have to check carefully if what you really want to see and experience are included. Some have time limits on the attractions, which will affect what you can see. And one of their big selling points is that you skip the lines (their advertising has changed over the years on the exact wording, BTW). But you really don't skip all the lines, just some of the lines, normally just the main ticket line. You still have to stand in line for security, elevators (such as at the Willis Tower) and for special exhibits.
Instead, especially since it is your first time, my suggestion would be to go to no more than one museum for each **full** day you have here. If the "3 days" you've mentioned means you are including partial days for the first and last, then you really don't have time for a major museum anyway. Plan on spending about 4 hours at most of the major museums, and if you are attending a special exhibit at them, add an hour just for that. Audio tours enhance your experience.
The Museum of Science and Industry, although it is, IMHO, one of the top choices in the city, but it does take most of an entire day - partially because it is so HUGE and partially because it commands about 1.5 hours of commute time there and back (it sits 7 miles south of the Loop in the Hyde Park neighborhood).
If you come during Labor Day weekend, you can go to the Chicago Jazz festival. There are usually ancillary events preceding the festival which might be of interest to you as well.
Inasfar as going to any blues clubs, I suggest that you look at who is performing there and base your decision on that. If you are staying where tourists usually do, then Buddy Guys Legends would be closer than many others.
I think you will be underwhelmed with Navy Pier, unless you go at the time a special events, such the Tall Ships festival, is happening. However, the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre and the Smith Museum of Stained Glass are wonderful.
All this being said, here are my suggestions for a first timer to consider (and all of this can be done in 3 days):
*Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise
*Chicago Greeter Service (free but advance reservation needed) - use the InstaGreeter service for a tour of the Loop; and I would recommend using the regular Greeter Service (10 day advance registration required) for another neighborhood(s) of the city - such as Hyde Park, Old Town/Gold Coast/Lincoln Park, Wicker Park/Bucktown or Pilsen
*Museums: The Art Institute of Chicago
*Theatre: Go to at least one of the theatres which offers Chicago-style performance - Steppenwolf, TimeLine, Lookinglass, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. The Goodman downtown normally has fine offerings. Of course, The Book of Mormon is running as well in the Loop Theatre District
*Walking costs absolutely nothing and there is a great deal to see in Chicago. The walks I'd recommend for 1st timers would be:
From the Museum Campus (where the Field, Shedd and Adler are located) north along the Lakefront Trail, past Buckingham Fountain (water show at the top of the hour, every hour - light and music shows at night), through Grant Park to Millennium Park
Along the River Walk, from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Plaza (fka Wabash Plaza) eastwards to the Lakefront Trail
A walk in the Gold Coast on Astor Street, arguably the most beautiful street in Chicago. 4 blocks long, from Division north to (almost) North Avenue.
A walk through Lincoln Park, the park, nearest the lakefront. Maybe a brief stop in at the Lincoln Park Zoo (free every day), the Lincoln Park Conservatory (free every day), the Alfred E. Caldwell Lily Pool (free) and then walk out to North Avenue Beach. You can continue walking south on the Lakefront Trail from the North Avenue Beach to the Oak Street Beach to the top of the Magnificent Mile. Along the way, to your left (on the inner Lake Shore Drive), you will see 7 mansions in the Seven Houses on Lake Shore Drive District.
*If you are here when they are offering them, a free concert at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion at Millennium Park. Millennium Park is immediately north of the Art Institute of Chicago.
*Stop in at the Chicago Cultural Center for free exhibits, concerts, a tour of the building. The InstaGreeter service which I've mentioned originates from there.
*Cuisine: Chicago is a world-class destination. Although you've had suggestions above about pizza above, maybe heard about the Chicago-style hotdogs, even Italian beef sandwiches. I sincerely hope you don't think that's what it's all about. Chicago has any number of marvelous restaurants, including one of the best in the world. THAT's what Chicago cuisine is about nowadays. So really take the opportunity to experience great cuisine.
Since I have offered up so many free things to do, please take the extra money that you've saved and enjoy really a nice dining experience. Please don't just go to chains (i.e., pizza places, steakhouses, etc.) but experience an independently run restaurant. Local chains are OK, too - for example, you might be interested in going to XOCO, if budget is a concern, instead of Topolabampo or Frontera Grill (all Rick Bayless enterprises).
Consider places that promote local producers, brewers, etc., in the farm-to-table arena: Perennial Virant uses many products from suppliers of the Green City Market; Farmhouse - growers/producers in Illinois and four surrounding states.
Think about places that have taken those fast-food offerings and made them more luxurious: Frank 'n Dawgs or BIG & Little's. I didn't mention Hot Doug's, although it would be my very first choice simply because of the very short period of time you have here - on a weekend, no less - and the length of commute out there and back; and, of course, the lines you'd have to endure then. If you do change your mind, coming later in September (when the kids are in school) and if you came mid-week, got there before they opened, then m-a-y-b-e. Still, you'll have a lot on your itinerary so that's best left for another time.
If you are planning a picnic (perhaps while attending a free concert at Millennium Park), consider Pastoral (on E. Lake Street in the Loop). NOTE: You'll see that they require 24-hour advance notice on the picnic baskets.
When you go to Wrigley Field, Nuts on Clark is just north of the ballpark on the west side of N. Clark. IMHO, much preferable to Garrett's - but you can decide for yourself, if you wish.
You'll probably end up at the Signature Lounge (most first-timers do) for a drink with a view. I'd recommend dining elsewhere, though.