my boyfriend and i will be spending 3 days in chicago in late september. any suggestions for a 3-day itinerary? we will be staying at the hyatt at mccormick place (we have a free stay). could anyone tell me about this area and/or the hotel? what will the weather be like? suggestions on how to get around and how much to budget for transportation? our interests are 1) shopping, 2) art museums, 3)nightclubs (blues or house music), 4) a romantic dinner at a fine restaurant, and 5) some kind of outdoor activity. money is not too much of an object, but we don't want to go overboard.

we've never been there so any advice or recommendations are appreciated. thanks!

Chicago is a great place to visit. Take the architectural boat tour--it's a great way to see the many wonderful buildings in the city. The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the best museums I've visited and is a must!

Weather in September should be around 70 to 80 degrees. One romantic restaurant would be Cyrano on Wells street. Definately go to the Art Institute, the Terra Musuem on Michigan Ave. is a nice art museum as well. It is right in the center of the shopping area. For transportation either cabs or the El. I don't know anything about the hotel, but would it be possible to change your reservations to the Hyatt on East Wacker - that is a better location.

I agree with Kate. That hotel is really only there to serve the convention crowd at McCormick Place. There isn't anything in the area except McCormick Place. Try the Hyatt on Wacker firs or the one on Printer's Row which is on the south end of the loop but definitely closer than McC Place.

A great site for Chicago info is www.metromix.com. You can find info on museums, restaurants, entertainment, etc.

The Art Institute is a great museum, it's free on Tuesday as are two of the other art museums (Contemporary and Terra).

For outdoor activities, you might look into renting a bike on Navy Pier and biking along the lakefront or visiting the Lincoln Park Zoo.

The major shopping district is on Michigan Avenue-Water Tower Place, 900 N. Michigan, etc.

Romantic: Cafe Spiaggia
Groovy restaurant: MK or Blackbird
Blues: Blue Chicago was a blast
To Do: the boat tour is great
Shop: Michigan Ave and Rush Streets, if you like groovy stuff go up to North Halstead. To get around - walk, walk, walk. It's a great city with a lot of free things to do. Hit metromix.com.

Outdoor activity? If I was staying at McCormick Place on a September weekend, I would sure want to know if there was a Bears game going on. Check it out! We tailgate before the game by McCormick Place and then walk to Soldier Field. You can get tickets outside if they are playing anyone but the Packers. As much as I love the Art Institute etc.- a Bears game is a GOOD TIME and not to be passed up.

Museum of Science and Indusrty is a must!!

While not located right some of the better shopping and sights, the Hyatt IS located in one of the hottest areas of the city: the near south side. As a lifelong resident, I can say that you will not regret the location. The hotel itself is very nice and almost new(withing the last three years). You are located right near the Museum Campus, which consists of the Field Musem, Shedd Aquarium and the Adler Planetarium. You are also right within walking idstance of the Prarie Street historical district. This is well worht a visist, to catch a glimpse of the city's Victorian era. Also right there, is the Vietnam Vetrans Art gallerie and coffe house.
The area itself is on the rise, but late at night, be aware of what is going on around you. During the day and evening, walking or CTA bus is the best options. Late night, taxi cab. The bus will cost you a $1.50 per ride, but there are options which make it less than that. Everything you would want to see, if using a taxi, would run, at most, $15-$20.
Depending on your tasts in shopping, I would head up Michigan Ave. Beginning at Roosevelt Rd all the way up to Oak St Beach, there is something to satisfy all tastes.
Places for art would include the Art Institute, Terra Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art, as well as a host of smaller galleries.
From the Hyatt, you are but a short taxi ride to Buddy Guys Legends Blues Club. It is a great experience and not to be missed. There is also the Hothouse, which is just down the streat from Buddy Guys.
Romantic dinner. Well, if you have a cusine preference, that would help, as Chicago is a gastronomical feast.
As an avid cyclist, I think the lakefront is the best thing in Chicago. Walking or biking, it is magnificent! There is the option to swim or sail, as well as, has been mentioned, the various river and lake cruises. Also mentioned was a Bears game, which is always fun, and if you are into "real" football(soccer), the Chicago Fire also plays at Soldier Field.
I hope this helps a bit. I will gladly provide further information if you so desire.

Cheers!!

Agreeing with all the above advice and wanted to add: You might want to bring a jacket. Despite what one listing above says, it ain't gonna be 70 or 80 degrees in Chicago in late September, not unless there's some fluke of nature.

Right you are, Sabrina - I'm glad you jumped on that weather remark. Of course, there could be some fluke-y warmth, but best be prepared for cool, as well. Layers!