Wow, you all are awesome!!!!! THANK YOU MUCH!!!!

What time of day is best for the Architecture boat tour??? TIA

JJ5's post made me want to suggest that you read "The Devil in the White City" before coming to Chicago, too. A great read, with plenty of insight into Chicago history, attitudes, architecture, etc.

We took a late afternoon (round 4:00) CAF boat tour last September and it was a lovely time of day. Very relaxing, too, after a day of walking everywhere in the heat. After the boat tour, we headed back to our hotel for a nap, then dinner and a show at Second City.

I am back!!! We had a great time. We ate at Gino's East and Fox and Obel's both delicious. The Shedd, the Museum of Science and Industry, Millenium Park and the art institute (next to Millenium park) are totally worth it. I guess Tues nights from 5-8 the Art Institute is free but we didn't make it in time for the free stuff. We wrote the metro, the bus the El and the Metra; usually the hotel can help you too.