A week in Chicago
 

We are celebrating 20 yrs. with a trip to Chicago at end of May. We like art, science, food and shopping. What are the "gotta see and do's" for first-timers?

Full day at Museum of Scince and Industry in Hyde Park; at least half a day at Art Institute on Michigan Avenue at Adams Street; shopping on North Michigan Avenue, from the river to Oak Street; Chicago Architecture Foundation river cruise or neighborhood walking tour (www.architecture.org) Chicago theatre, either a big downtown show or a small neighborhood group - see chireader.com for reviews, metromix.com for tons of info, choosechicago.com for lots of tourist guides. Might want to look into the Chicago Greeter program for a free tour by a Chicago volunteer.

In addition to what patg suggests, I would not miss the Field Museum, Adler Planetarium and Shed Aquarium which are grouped together in one convenient location. Stroll along Lake Shore Drive and check out Buckingham Fountain and the Navy Pier. And of course, there's the Sears tower which I was too chicken to go up (fear of heights). Enjoy!

I second the above suggestions and...

Nothing says Chicago like a Cubs game at Wrigley Field!! If they are in town when you are there, I would highly suggest getting tickets.

Great Chicago-style pizza at Gino's East or Giordanno's. Harry Caray's is a fun restaurant/bar to try. There is a nice mellow bar in the John Hancock building (I can't remember which floor) with a great view of the city at night!!

My husband and I spend our anniversary each year in Chicago. Have fun!!

Possibly will be in town Memorial Day Weekend. Any special activities or sights I should not miss?

chicgal, you're a regular chamber of commerce! I've decided it's time to come back and I'm bringing my mom to celebrate her 77th, too! (SHHHH!):)

We just spent the weekend exploring some of the neighborhoods in Chicago, I'd highly encourage you to get out of the main part of the city since you will be here for a full week, there is so much more to Chicago than what the average tourist sees.

A great way to do this is with a Chicago Greeter if you can still get one, go to www.chicagogreeter.com for more info. I would highly recommend the Hyde Park neighborhood, there are fabulous old homes, the University of Chicago, the Robie House, etc. You might combine that with a visit to the Museum of Science and Industry. Pullman and Prairie Avenue are also very interesting if you like architecture.

We also did one of the boat cruises today, what a great way to see the city! I think the Arch. Foundation boat goes a little further on the river than the Wendella Boats, Wendella has one that does both the river and Lake Michigan but I found the waiting in the locks to get out to Lake Michigan annoying, I'd stick just with the river portion or pick one up at Navy Pier that just does the lake.

Shopping-Michigan Ave of course, if you want to do more than head over to State Street and visit the flagship Marshall Field's, Carson's, Nordstrom Rack, H&M. If you like popcorn, Garrett's is a must for carmel or cheese, the location on Randolph across from Field's is usually less busy than the Mich. Ave. location.

Food-Chicago has virtually every cuisine you can think of, if you give us a category we could probably be a bit more helpful.

Hello. I want to thank Chicgal, patg and Kristi for the wealth of information you have provided. We will be visiting Chicago in July so I really appreciate all your tips! Thanks again! Laurie

I meant to mention the Architecture Foundation tours, we did several this weekend as part of the Great Places and Spaces weekend Chicago and the Architecture Foundation does, I actually went to every side of the city-Uptown on the north, Humboldt Park on the west, Oakwoods cemetery on the south and the lake/river cruise on the east. All of the tours were excellent and most are offered at various times during the year and cost only $10.

Chicgal, I think you asked me about how far the boats go on the Chicago River earlier, the one we were on yesterday went up to Goose Island, just past the old Mont. Ward's building, same as the Arch. river cruise. The guide said you could go a bit further but then it gets too shallow. I can't believe how much development there has been on the river, even in the last year since we did the last cruise.

For some more art or architecture-oriented possibilities, the Architectural Foundation offers several (many?) good walking tours, particularly of the Loop. Don't miss the world-class outdoor sculptures, much-beloved by Chicagoans.

There are a number of Frank Lloyd Wright homes (including his) in Oak Park.

Also check out the pieces of other buildings that are embedded in Tribune Tower (which is located on Michigan Ave. just north of the river). It's amazing the artifacts that are stuck in the walls.