LSab

We will be in Chicago for a week at the end of October (celebrating our 30th Anniversary)and can not decide between the the Marriott and the Omni - which one is nicer? We are excited about taking some architectural tours - any suggestions on really good ones? Also any must see places in and right out side of Chicago? Thanks for any help!!

strass

I can't help with hotels, but I do know that there's a great architectural boat ride of which many people speak highly. Someone on this forum should be able to give you specific info. You might also want to check the Chicago Architectural Society's website.

In terms of "must-see places in Chicago," what are your interests? We have lots of great museums, theater, stores, architecture, natural scenery... if you're more specific, that would help us help you!

mikesmom

We have stayed at the Omni Chicago and thought it was very nice. Nice suite with a bedroom separate from the living area. Perfect location.

I have never stayed at the Marriott, so I can't comment.

Happy Anniversary - we just celebrated our 30th in July!!!!

Kristi

Check the Architecture Foundation's website, www.architecture.org, for a list of architectural tours both walking and on the Chicago River. I think their river cruise is the best and certainly has the most information regarding Chicago's architecture.

This link has a schedule for their tours for the month of October, if you are here on the 24th or 31st there's one of Frank Lloyd Wright in Oak Park and also Graceland Cemetery, both of which are worth visiting as well as many downtown tours.

http://www.architecture.org/tour_oct.html

Another option might be to sign up for the free Chicago greeter service, you could go take a look at the Hyde Park neighborhood and all the gothic architecture at the university and also stop by FLW's Robie House or maybe Prairie Avenue and what remains of the mansions.

www.chicagogreeter.com

Or you could go down to Pullman and do a self guided tour (guided tours are at the beginning of the month and the annual house tour is Oct 9-10)

http://www.pullmanil.org/arcade.htm

jimshep

We found the Frank Lloyd Wright house and studio in Oak Park to be very worth while.

LSab

Thanks sooo much for taking the time to give us so many suggestions - we are really getting excited about this trip!
My husband is an architect so he will be in heaven. I love architecture as well but hope go see a play or go to a comedy club. Thanks again.

LindyE

Hi!
I was in Chicago last week and did the Architectual Boat Tour. It was great. The one I took was an hour long - on the Chicago River. The guide was very informative. You get alot of history on Chicago as well as specifics on different construction periods. We caught the boat at river level at Michigan Avenue. By the way - the weather was fantastic! Warm - but not hot, a breeze - but not blow you away - it was just great!
Enjoy your trip and Happy Anniversary!

Kristi

Chicgal's suggestions are great, I wish I could make that lecture over at the Newberry as I love the history behind the 1893 Columbian Exposition and World's Fair.

If your husband wants to do a little "homework" before he comes, I'd highly recommend "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson, a very readable account of Daniel Burnham and his role in the Columbian Exposition intertwined with the story of HH Holmes, the serial killer.

One more suggestion, the Art Institute currently has an exhibit called Unbuilt Chicago which features some of the more prominent buildings that never got off the ground.

http://www.artic.edu/aic/exhibitions...ltchicago.html

JJ5

Since you are going to be in Chicago a whole week, you will most likely get into some depth with the architectural info, so I would strongly agree with the former posters to read "Devil in White City", first. There is also a great PBS video- "Chicago, City of the Century" which your husband and yourself both will enjoy which would give you great context on the present lakefront development. Most libraries have it or may interlibrary loan it for you. There was a big "fight" about where the Buckingham fountain was placed, and Montgomery Ward donated and protected for public use most of the land that is park lakefront right now.

www.metromix.com is one source for finding some comedy club info. Also see chicgal's archives as she has given some good bar/ club locations.

And do leave a big block of time for the Art Institute. It's just simply tremendous.

Your husband may want to know that this is the anniversary of the I&M canal. This structure enabled much of Chicago to "happen"- and the State of Ill. Library is celebrating that anniversary at the present time. It was another fantastic feat of engineering, and that's one reason why we have a river that runs "backwards."

twoinluv

It has been a couple of years since I have lived in Chicago, but my favorite "must-see" is the Shedd Aquarium. It is so much more than just an aqarium with fish. There are all kinds of animals to see in a simulated natural environment.

http://www.sheddaquarium.org/

My next three favorites are the Museum of Science and Industry (with exhibits about trains, mining, genetics, farming, the human body) and the Field Museum (with exhibits about animals, dinosaurs, Africa, Asia, world travel), and the Art Institute of Chicago with all kinds of world famous paintings.

http://www.msichicago.org/
http://www.fieldmuseum.org/
http://www.artic.edu/aic/

Of the last three my favorite is the Field Museum. Hope this helps.

Jenny

eroz

All of the river cruises are great, Wendella takes you on thelake. but I think the best one is the chicago architecture foundations cruise from the SE corner at Wacker and Michigan ave. www.choosechicago.com has city info!

LSab

Thanks again to all who took the time to give us all the great advise. My husband is very impressed with all the interesting locations you all suggested and now we only hope for good weather so we can see everything!!