Five Day Chicago Trip Itinerary - Feedback Appreciated

A few thoughts:

-the Willis Tower shouldn't take a whole morning if you get there when it opens. Also consider doing this in the late afternoon or early evening, when the lines are likely less bad, perhaps on Friday.

-don't know how much of the Art Institute and Field Museum you plan to see, but they're both large and could easily take up a day's sightseeing each. Visiting them on separate days (rather than both in an afternoon!) may make some sense unless you plan to only get a taste of each. Another possible solution is to see these two large museums in the order of one in the morning and the other in the afternoon (getting a larger taste of each), then going to the Willis Tower in the early evening.

-check the hours for the Navy Pier, which is likely open in the evening. Assuming it is, I'd see the History Museum in the afternoon and the Pier in the evening (not to worry, the Stained Glass Museum is open as late as the pier is). Doing both in an afternoon may be a challenge.

The fall hours for the Art Institute start September 7. That means that the free hours - on Thursdays evenings only - are from 5:00-8:00 p.m.

I only recommend that you go to Hot Doug's on that Friday if you get there at - or before - opening (10:30 a.m.). Just don't think you can definiely get there at 11:00-11:30 a.m. and still make the opening pitch at the Cubs game.

I'm not sure what type of Wrigleyville tour you are taking after a Cubs game on a Friday afternoon near rush hour. Do you mean bar-hopping in the vicinity?

Thanks for the replies,

Bachslunch: Really my only reasoning behind going to Willis Tower so early was due to the fact that I am going to be at Hancock (a similar tower) a few days previous, but taking in the view from Hancock during the afternoon (sunset) hours. I would like to see a similar birds eye view during the day, and perhaps do the skydeck thing, which is why I am planning on going in the morning. No other reasoning besides that.

In regards to visiting both museums, I figure I can see Field sometime shortly after 11am or so, this will give me about 5 hours plus waiting in line, commute etc before I head a short distance away to the Art Institute. As Exiled Princess has pointed out, free admission is only from 5-8 on Thursdays. Since I am not an Art fanatic per se', I figure that 3-4 hours is plenty time for me to see what the museum (to me anyways) has to offer.

In regards to Navy Pier. Good heads up, you are right. I was under the assumption that the CHM was open late but it turns out, only open until 4:30. I'm going to switch those two around then. Navy Pier will likely be visited in the late afternoon/early evening, since it is open until 10pm and the stained glass museum is open until 8pm. Plus doing the CAF tour and CHM back-to-back might be better since I can use what info I received from the boat tour to get more out of the History Museum exhibits.

Exiled Princess: Yes, I am taking a cue from an earlier post off a topic I started, I am going to go to Hot Doug's before the game, planning to get there around 10-10:30. I think 3 hours is plenty time for me to stand in line (I figure 40 minutes, eat and head off to the stadium).

BTW Although there is a "Wrigleyville" neighborhood surrounding the stadium, I won't be touring the neighborhood exactly, but stopping in at Harry Caray's Tavern in this area.

If you get there before opening, 40-45 minutes should be OK. However, the later it gets, the longer the wait.

There are reports of 2.5-3.15+ hours for just waiting in line - just to get their order in - on Fridays and Saturday mornings into early afternoon.

And remember - it's cash only.

Yes, I know about the neighborhood. I live in Lakeview, about 5 blocks from Wrigley Field. I didn't understand to what you were referring on your itinerary by: "Wrigleyville Tour".

I also thought you meant that you were going to the original Harry Caray's on W. Kinzie.

BTW, Oprah will be hosting a little block party on Michigan Avenue (at Ohio) on September 8, to kick-off her new season. The Black Eyed Peas will be performing then. I'd expect huge crowds for that. This will be starting at noon and taping begins at 5 p.m.

If I were you, I'd check on the CTA website about the rerouting of public transportation and street closures due to this event.

exiled princess:

The more I hear about the horror stories abut Hot Doug's,(and not just from you, but from other people who have gone) it seems that the wait, the line, how much earlier I need to get there, may not be something I want to subject myself to my last day in town. It's really not that important to me. So I'll be playing this by ear. Heck, a hot dog at Wrigley probably tatses just as good and is probably cheaper too.

I meant to say 'wrigleysville area", not tour. There are no tours that I know of unless it's a walking tour, and I'm not really interested in those. In response to Harry Caray's, I wanted to do as little traveling as possible on Friday (I have to get ready for departure early Saturday morning), so I figured that since the Tavern is right there, I may as well go there for an early dinner/late lunch

"Heck, a hot dog at Wrigley probably tatses just as good and is probably cheaper too."

I wouldn't count on that! On the whole, the food at Wrigley is nothing to write home about. (Though the Connie's pizza is pretty good.) Nor is it cheap! For the first hour after the gates open, there's a 25% discount. However, it doesn't cover brats or hot dogs from the "carts" which are better than the ones from the permanent stands.

I guarantee you you're not going to get anything at Wrigley that matches the descriptions on Hot Doug's menu!

hi CAPH52,

I did not know that about Wrigley Food, too bad to hear that it's not that great. Perhaps I'm spoiled, I'm from LA, and Dodger Dogs, while not the best dog out there anymore (they steam them now) are somewhat the price/quality I would expect to see at any Major League ballpark these days.

True about HD's, but is it really worth a wait of upwards to 2 hours? I don't know if anything is worth that wait. Although people swear by them, I have reservations about waiting so long. Although, you never know, it may be something I was glad U put up the wait for. We shall see. Thanks for the input, I do appreciate it.

There are good Chicago hot dogs many places, but not at Wrigley Field. There not even the same base animal, IMHO.

Be really aware of that aspect that exiledprincess states on the beginning days of your stay. Because it sounds right now like they will be closing entire streets off from Sunday night onwards until early Wednesday for that Oprah thing.

You have a good schedule. Doing the Art Institute at night is excellent idea, IMHO. Just don't miss it under any circumstances. Cut anything else first.

majestik101, if you have heard the "horror stories" (your words, not mine) about waits at Hot Doug's, then I'm sure you've also heard the reciter add that they were so glad they waited that amount of time for the final product. And that is no mean compliment.

The issue here is that there are so many glowing reviews about Hot Doug's - both professional (such as Anthony Bourdain, Bon Appetit, NY Times, and so forth) as well as by lay-persons - that many, many visitors are now making the trek there, even though it is far away from the "touristy" areas of the city.

BTW, if you've done your research (and I hope you have), you'll know that you don't go to Hot Doug's for a simple Chicago-style hot dog.

So, if you want just a "dog" and don't care specifically about the quality, there are plenty of places in town that serve it. Don't go to Hot Doug's and save the time for other things in your itinerary. But if you are serious about having an excellent meal, and are willing to wait for it, do go. Your choice.

I only mentioned about the "Wrigleyville Tour" because you listed it on your itinerary and I didn't know what you meant.

I wasn't aware that Oprah was taking over the city, I will have to take special note of this. It pains me to say it, but I would really really hate to have spent so much time and money on a trip to chicago, perhaps one of the last great cities in America, and have the experience be somewhat spoiled by some talk show. But I digress...

Yes I understand the appeal of the restaurant, and completely understand that it is not a place where you simply walk up to the counter and order just a typical chicago dog (although i could). No, the problem I have with all restaurants that are hyped and advertised as a "place to go in Chicago" like Hot Doug's is the wait sometimes does not justify the experience. For example, I live in LA, and everyone out here raves about In N Out burger, and on a Saturday Night at certain ones, out here in LA, you can wait well over 40 minutes for a double double, which IMHO isnt that great of a burger to begin with, but people as they often do, all have different tastes and different expectations.

I admit that mine will be extremely high given the amount of good press this place has been getting. Of course this is just my opinion.

Re Oprah: I bet that there are a lot of people who will now be coming into the city for *just* that event. It's too bad that you didn't realize it would be happening when you made your travel plans.

I can appreciate your thoughts on the matter of "over-hyped". But, the truth is, if visitors want to experience those smaller places which local folks think are special or unique about their city, they just have to get in line just like the rest of us.

The thing you must understand about Hot Doug's is that it has an extremely large, loyal hometown following. These are people who are return customers - also waiting in line for "x" amount of time, just as the visitors are.

As a matter of fact, I usually *don't* recommend visitors going Hot Doug's if they are spending a shorter amount of time in Chicago or if they are planning a very full schedule - simply because they will have travel some distance to get there and then wait (sometimes a considerable wait). Despite that, as I mentioned above, there are people who are *serious* about their food - and Chicago is a destination made for just the purpose of dining.

Good Ol' Oprah. I guess I will have to work around it then. Although this city sure does support her don't they? She has her own megastore, for criminy's sake. And please notice I did not put her new store on my to-do List. LOL!

I will allow about 2 hours for Hot Doug's. If it turns out that I am not going to see opening pitch for the Cubs game (which I already paid for), then oh well, I guess Hot Doug's will have to wait for another time when I visit...

I visited Chicago the summer before last, and I absolutely loved it. I had no idea I would enjoy it as much as I did.

One thing that really made the trip special was that we contacted the Chicago Greeter program (via email) before we went. The greeters are usually retired natives who love their city, and know so much about the history, architecture, art, neighborhoods, etc.

It's all free - basically amounts to a two or three hour private tour. Our greeter was enthusiastic and amazing - he took us backstage at a huge theater venue, and also to many places to see public art (stores, hotels, etc) that I would never have found on my own.

You have to reserve in advance, and you can choose what kind of tour you are interested in (cultural, art, neighborhoods, architecture ...) - no cost to you.

I don't have a direct link, but I'm pretty sure you can google Chicago Greeter and find it.

Happy Travels!

majestik101, I just thought that your comments were rather curious, coming from someone who lives in a city so dependent on the entertainment industry.

Michigan Avenue will be shut down between Wacker and Ohio for a couple of days. Since you are taking the Orange Line in from Midway, and the Orange Line doesn't go northwardly beyond Lake Street, that part of your journey won't be affected. Just the final leg getting to whatever hotel at which you will be staying. I assume that traffic will be horrendous with the reroutes, so you may not wish to take a cab but handle it via transfer to another 'L' line or bus.

Hi Exiled Princess:

I will keep my rant to a minimum:

I live in the outskirts of LA (about 20 miles east) and don't think we've had closures quite like this and on such short notice. From what I can tell this was a short notice type of thing (finalized just recently, like maybe a week ago, well after I bought tickets, hotel, etc etc), not planned out months and months in advance like something like this should be. In fact the only recent one I can think of was the LA Lakers Victory Parade which did not gridlock the city and was not held to shamelessly promote a TV talk show.

I'm looking at some postings about this closure, and many chicago-land residents seem to be quite upset with both the Mayor and Oprah for pulling this stunt. From afar, I get the feeling that not too much consideration was given to those people (workers and tourists alike) who may be inconvenienced by this sort of thing.

I can't "cry over spilled milk" (much too late to do that) but if it turns out that my trip is in some way affected by this then I will no doubt be unhappy.

I was thinking about posting this topic separately, but really what would be the point. What's done is done.

majestik101, thanks for addressing your rant to me personally when I was just attempting to help you out with your schedule.

When I mentioned your "curious" comment above, I was specifically referring to your statements about Oprah being just a talk show host.

Anyway, I don't know if this makes any difference to you at this point but, IMHO, your schedule was already too ambitious, even if there was not the street closure to consider. It would have been difficult for you to get through all of the attractions listed. One or two events or attractions (maybe three on the outside, if it's a less extensive one such as Millennium Park) a day is about right. For example, on just the issue of the museums, you should estimate spending about 3-4 hours at each of the ones you've mentioned (not including the travel times to get there).

If you go to the Chicago Tribune's website, you'll see the area affected by the street closure. If you go to the CTA's website and click on "Downtown Map", you'll see the other streets in the immediate area and the information on the rerouting.

BTW, I should surely hope that closing a 3-block stretch of Michigan Avenue for 2 days would not "gridlock" the entire city of Chicago. If so, heaven help us if there should be some catastrophe which shuts down a larger area in this vicinity for a lengthier amount of time.

It will mean that those who commute into Chicago via car should definitely rethink driving those couple of days and longer public transportation commutes for others.

majestik101, if you don't mind saying, at which hotel are you staying? Maybe we could give you a little information on how to avoid the worst of the congestion. Sometimes it's only by walking a couple of blocks, for example.

hi exiled princess please do not take my comments to be directed towards you my intention is to make you defensive. Having said that I just am maybe stressing out over this trip, after all a lot of money is being invested here and the last thing I need is IMHO an unnecessary commute headache... I am staying at the Hilton Magnificent Mile on delaware I got a somewhat good price on the room... I don't think the trip is too ambitious, outside of maybe thursday which i realise is a packed day i think all the major spots will be seen. thanks for your input!

whoops i meant to say NOT make you feel defensive ... sorry typing on my blackberry

Not a problem as far as I'm concerned, majestik101.

Just keep a positive attitude here. The Oprah taping will only affect (not even) 1/2 day of your stay here. Who knows? It even might be a good thing to wander down that way to see what's going on. Chicago is famous for its block parties. If it's an utter zoo (and I anticipate a huge, huge crowd), you don't have to stay - or even go.

The Hilton Magnificent Mile on Delaware is about 1/2 mile north of where the Oprah taping will be taking place. It's on the east side of Michigan Avenue.

Take a look at the CTA map I suggested above (Online Version - "Downtown Map"). You will be coming into Chicago from Midway on the Orange Line - you can see how it travels clockwise around the Loop.

I suggest that when you are arriving that you do not take either bus or cab after using the Orange Line, but get to your hotel area via 'L', bypassing the area of where the taping will be happening.

You will need to transfer to the Red Line to go northwards from Lake Street in the Loop. Now, if you wish, you could do this at the Roosevelt (12th St.) station because there is direct access there. Or you could do this at another station (such as Lake) and then walk to the nearest Red Line station and board there. If you do the first, you'll be on a subway through the heart of the Loop. If you do the latter, you'll actually go around the Loop and see the city from the 'L'. Up to you - and depends on how much luggage you'll be - well, lugging.

Please keep in mind that not all 'L' stations have elevators - Lake, for example, has stairs - so if you have bulky or a lot of luggage, you'll want to consider that.

Now you want to look up the Red Line to the Chicago station. Delaware is 3 blocks to the north of Chicago. Michigan Avenue is 3 blocks east of Chicago.

If you wish, you could pick up a cab to go that very short distance to your hotel once there. Once you get north of Ohio there should be a great number of the rerouted busses heading north up Michigan Avenue and you could transfer to one of them, if you wish. Or you could even walk it if your luggage is wheeled and not too bulky.

Now about the other stuff you have scheduled for that first 1/2 day. The John Hancock Center and Water Tower Place are in the immediate vicinity of your hotel. If the weather is nice and you wanted to take a walk by the lakefront, you are 2 blocks to the south. Just go north past Oak Street (where the Drake is located) and use the pedway to get to the Lakefront Trail.

Or, if you still have considerable time, here's your chance to go down over to Navy Pier to the Smith Museum of Stained Glass. Just go to Oak Street mentioned about (2 block norths) and then go east and southwards.

If you wanted to wander south on Michigan Avenue (towards the taping), remember that there are streets immediately to the east (St. Clair) and west (State, Rush and Wabash) that probably won't have the crowds.

Last thing: Just remember to include time for those incidentals in your schedule.

Meals, for example. Or work them in - say, have breakfast or lunch at Millennium Park.

Sure, the Chicago Architecture Foundation's River Cruise is 1.5 hours, but figure on spending 2.00-2.25 hours because you 1) have to wait in line for boarding, as seating is 1st come; 2) board and 3) unboard.

Travel time.

When you are going to a jazz (or other) club in the evening, I suggest getting there somewhat early. They have limited seating, you know, and if there is a very popular artist, it fills up fast.

And just leave time to relax a bit. It's your vacation, after all. Just so you don't need a vacation after your vacation.

Have fun!

hi EP,

Once again great info as usual. It's amazing though, I just checked the hotel prices for the same time I am staying, and they have now doubled in cost, so I am glad I booked when I did.

Speaking of hotels, I did call the hotel earlier this morning and they said that although the taping may affect traffic going to/from Mag Mile for the remainder of Tueday that I shouldnt expect to be too inconvenienced. They said that it's about 6 blocks, or equivalent to a ten minute walk from the Orange Line to the Hotel Lobby. I will be bringing a couple of roller bags so the commute from the drop off point to the hotel shouldnt be too bad. Now whether I want to mess with the red line or busline when I get dropped off all depends on the traffic I see. I may just decide to hoof it to the hotel.

Meals, I really am playing it by ear, I think the smart thing to do is to forgo some of the places I planned to visit and work them in if I have time to do so. I think one thing about Chicago is that there are places everywhere to go to, the one thing about where I am staying is that it's a hop skip and jump away from one of the places everyone raves about, the food court at Water Place, so if push comes to shove, I may be a repeat visitor there my entire trip, outside of Friday when I plan to go to HD's.

Basically, as much as I want to visit all the places on the itiniary, I need to be realistic, and just relax. It could be that I may make it to all of these places, or not. But as long as I get to see the Hancock, a few museums, the Cubs game and the CAF river tour, then I can be satisifed from the trip. Anything else I choose to do/see will be just icing on the cake...

On another note, how far away is Navy Pier from where I am staying? All the maps I have pulled up it looks like Navy Pier is quite a ways away from the Hotel, like about 8 or 9 blocks away.

I know it's more than 6 blocks to the hotel from the Orange Line (assuming they mean the Lake St. station?). It's probably 8+ blocks (a mile). You can tell that from just looking at the CTA map I've mentioned above (but I know because I have walked this quite frequently).

Did the concierge suggest you walk north on State up to Delaware, then over? You don't want to walk up Michigan Avenue, though, until you get north of Ohio, because I understand that the security will be stopping people for searches.

But, really, transferring is pretty easy, in case you want to do that. You're just basically getting off one 'L'/bus and onto another.

It's up to you, of course...but when I worked across the street from Water Tower Place, I hardly ever went to FoodLife. I preferred Mity Nice Bar & Grill (which is one of the Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises group), myself. FoodLife can get pretty expensive, depending on what you choose.

There's a lot of other places around the city to dine which aren't too expensive. For example, Corner Bakeries are all over this town. When you go over to Millennium Park, why not stop in at Pastoral (on E. Lake) and pick up a sandwich or salad? See www.pastoralartisan.com for details.

You mentioned Anthony Bourdain above and I'm thinking that you're interested in the Silver Palm because of the Three Little Piggies sandwich (not to mention Hot Doug's). If you read his blog for that episode, he also mentions a place called Pippin's (on N. Rush) where he didn't tape, which is just a couple of blocks from your hotel. It's just a little really down-to-earth bar where you can sit outside (weather permitting) and people watch. You can even order a dog, burgers, etc. from Downtown Dogs next door and eat it there.

BTW, there are concerts at noon at Millennium Park (See www.millenniumpark.org/parkevents/event.aspx?id=935). Since you are already planning on going over that way, think about it. Also, they have a guided tour of the architecture there most days (I think it's usually about 10 a.m.), but in case you want to DIY, there's a free downloadable tour on Millennium Park's website (to a MP3 player). Just go to the "Art and Architecture" section of the website and you will see where you can download it.

Now for a little bad news...Rain (showers and isolated t-storms) is in the schedule for most of next week. Going up in the John Hancock Center or Willis Tower when it's raining or foggy...not great. And I don't think you want to be on the River Cruise during a downpour. You'll just have to play it by ear, weatherwise.

There are some places that you could consider in your travels, if the weather is threatening though. Fairly close to the Art Institute, Millennium Park, CAF River Cruise boarding area (Wacker/Michigan) is the Chicago Cultural Center. They have free exhibits, concerts, programs, etc. every day.

The Chicago Architecture Foundation gives a great many tours, and their main location, the ArchiCenter, is kitty-corner across Michigan Avenue from the Art Institute.

Oh, sorry. I meant to answer your question on Navy Pier. Yes, that's about right.

Even though the directions I gave you above are a *little* more than walking directly through Streeterville to Navy Pier, it's a much nicer walk, right along the lakefront.

Hope everything goes well for you.