Hey Fodorites,
I'll be in Chicago in late November/Early December this year for a week. It's my first time and my husband will be in business meetings all day...so I'll be on my own most of time.
I would have loved to take the architectural cruise but doubt it'll be on at that time of year.
I plan on doing the Art Institute and wouldn't mind doing a couple of the other museums.
What in your opinion are the must sees in Chicago ? We'll be staying in the Mag Mile area.
Thanks.

I should have been more specific.
What in your opinion are the must sees in Chicago AT THE TIME WE'RE GOING- late November - Early December?
I've done searches for Chicago but most of the responses seem to be geared toward Chicago in the summer...which I gather is FAR different in comparison with Chicago in the Winter!
Thanks for your suggestions!

Lived here for the last 3 years, Spend many a weekend downtown both summer and winter seeing the sights. My list would include: Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, shopping Michigan Ave., lunch and tour the Hancock Tower, Spa day at Elizabeth Arden, a swim in your hotel pool (most have indoor pools), tour the commodities exchange, show (several will be in town at that time) Opera at Lyric Opera House, Museum of Science and Industry, Navy Pier, Lincoln Park Zoo, Lunch or dinner cruise on one of the boats on Lake Michigan (Spirit, Odyssey, Mystic Blue). There is the parade of lights down Michigan Ave in late Nov also.

Maryella-- how about the Art Institute? All that wonderful Impressionist artwork-- almost as great a collection as the Musée d'Orsay in Paris, no?

Great museum but she mentioned it was already on her list!

Marshall Fields on State Street will have their Christmas decorations up & you don't want to miss the windows & also the tree in the Walnut Room. You can have lunch/dinner in the Walnut Room & it really is a part of Chicago history to do this at Christmas time. All of State Street & that area will be decorated for the holidays, it's very pretty!

I would go to the Chicago Historical Society on Clark & North Avenue. It is a fascinating place and you will learn so much about Chicago's history! The room with the diorama of Chicago's frontier beginning, leading into the great fire, up to the present, is gripping. The exhibits are always changing. Check out their website; you'll see what a neat place this is.

The Museum of Science and Industry is one of my all time favorite museums. It is great!!

Will you be there for the RSNA? Don't forget, one of the vendors hosts evening receptions at the Art Institute--bug your husband to get tickets for the both of you. It's wonderful to wonder the Institute in the evening.

Oops, meant "wander" the Institute, not wonder...

There are several good websites that address seasonal happenings in Chicago so be sure to check them out before you leave

www.877chicago.com
www.metromix.com
www.chicago.il.org

If you are over on State Street checking out the Marshall Field's windows, head over to Daley Plaza to the Christkindlmarket, a cute little German market they set up for Christmas.

The Museum of Science and Industry has a Christmas around the World with decorated trees starting in late Nov.

Check the Art Institute's website to see if there are any special exhibitions going on. The larger exhibitions have timed tickets, I think there is a Gauguin exhibit at that time. Tuesdays are free and the museum is open late until 8:00 pm.

If you are up on Michigan Avenue shopping and need a break, stop by the Terra Museum of American Art at 664 N. Michigan. It was free the last time I went, with a suggested donation of $5.

All of the large hotels have holiday teas, the Drake is the best known.

The architectural river cruises stop in early November but the Architecture Foundation which does the narration on the cruise gives tours year round. Their website is www.architecture.org

You might also look into the Chicago Greeter program if you want to get out and look at a neighborhood with a guide. It's a free service but needs to be arranged in advance. Website is www.chicagogreeter.com

And if you have a chance, stop by the Cultural Center at Michigan and Randolph. The building is beautiful inside (ask them where the Tiffany glass ceiling is) and there is a tourism office there. There are guided tours of the Cultural Center Wed, Fri and Sat at 1:15.

http://www.ci.chi.il.us/Tourism/Cult.../tourinfo.html

JAGIRL-
I've lived in Chicago all my life and agree with all the suggestions. That is actually a great time of year here because normally the weather is still relatively mild (40s) and all the holiday decorations will be up. As far as museum type suggestions, I also suggest the Shedd aquarium if you like sea life-they have a great Oceanarium and just opened a shark reef that is supposed to be cool. The Field museum is nice too (and right next to the aquarium)if you like natural history (dino bones, etc.) Also, while at Navy Pier, there is a stained glass permanent display at the end of the Pier which is really nice and alot of people don't know about. Marshall Fields is a must see at the holidays too and just down the block from the Cultural center. Make sure to see MF's tree in the Walnut Room on the 7th floor. Go to the 8th floor and look down at it for the best view. Have a great time!

Kristi, I nominate your post as the definitive "what shall I see in Chicago" write-up! Great job!

Gee thanks Patg! Quite a compliment coming from you as I always think your posts are so well thought out and informative.

I forgot to add in a stop at Garrett's Popcorn at 26 E. Randolph Street while you are doing Marshall Field's, the Cultural Center and the Christkindlmarket. Same stuff as the store on Michigan Avenue and usually shorter lines. I'm not a mixer of flavors but I hear the cheese and caramel together is pretty good.

WOW!!!! Thanks ever so much guys! I've printed it out and will look at the sites etc. and try to construct my must do list.
Didn't expect to get so much info so soon!

And yes BTilke we'll be there for the RSNA Conference. We're actually looking at the activities list and trying to decide what to do!
THANKS A BUNCH GUYS!

Kristi-now you got me craving Garretts! I love the cheese and caramel mixture but it gets all over your fingers!

Remember the vendor event at the Art Institute is held Sunday, Monday and Tuesday evenings (could be only Sunday and Monday this year)...hold those dates! It's a wonderful evening.
The Crate & Barrel on Mich Ave is a de facto RSNA hangout. Sooner or later almost everyone attending the meeting passes through.
It's a great week to be in Chicago. I've gone every year but one since 1988. You should have a terrific time. (Cab drivers don't like it, though, they say doctors are lousy tippers)

Sorry, swalter518

I have to pass by it every night on my way home and usually there's just a long enough line that I don't have time to stop!