Hi,
I intend to be in Chicago between October 2nd and 7th, for the Chicago Marathon (which will be held on October 7th). During that period, I think I will find enough things to cover in the city itself.
But before that (September 30th and October 1st) and after that (October 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th), I'll have time to visit something else, around the city (let's say, maximum 200 miles away).
We are in a group of three: me, my wife and kid (11 months old).
Any suggestions? It can be either a road trip or a train trip.
Do you think it's a good idea to use the 6 days after leaving Chicago to do down to Atlanta (from there I could take a direct flight to my hometown, in Brazil)? Is it (driving) a nice way to cover that distance, with beautiful sites?
Thank you!
Chicago and surroundings
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October 8 at 8PM board the "City of New Orleans" train 59 to New Orleans. The train arrives by 4PM the next day (19-20 hours). When you are done in New Orleans, you can fly or take a train to Atlanta (or fly to Brazil from NOL).
Hi, Cruizeirense.
I'd recommend NOT driving south from Chicago. Downstate Illinois is not scenic.
Is Atlanta a city you really want to visit? Or is your airplane ticket already booked from there?
Train rides (on Amtrak) can give you a no-driving-stress journey, and hopefully you can book a sleeper car for you and the family. Book early, as Amtrak is cheaper the earlier you book. (Also, if you ride Amtrak, bring some cleaning wipes... the train I ride from Chicago to visit my parents in downstate Illinois is always filthy.)
If you've never been to the US before, you might want to fly Los Angeles? San Francisco? Albuquerque (to Santa Fe?) The Grand Canyon? Niagara Falls? Boston? Miami? Florida Keys?
Chicago is connected to both airports (Ohare and Midway) by a wonderful train system.
If you want an American road trip, there's definitely better choices than the midwest, in my opinion.
HAve a great time in Chicago! The marathon here is a wonderful, beautiful route and congrats on taking on the challenge!
As for trips near to Chicago, I won't be much help as I like to get the heck out of the midwest whenever I can. But... friends enjoy
Door County, Wisconsin
Lake Geneva
Galena
Hopefully others can contribute with these "day trip" sort of places from Chicago.
Thank you, I'll think about the clues you gave me!
Harborcountry.org
Just gorgeous and fun