Hi,
My 14-year old daughter and I will be traveling from Detroit to Chicago next weekend for a much looked-forward to adventure. I must have been a travel agent in another life, because for me, the best part of any vacation is the planning! However, the closer we get, the more I question, so I hope experts here can assist. Does anyone know where the Megabus picks up in Grand Circus Park and drops off at Union Station exactly- are there signs? To save some money, we're thinking of getting 3 day CTA passes- can I get them in Union Station? We are staying at the Whitehall hotel and I have seen varying reviews- will it be okay? Some places close for breakfast that aren't outrageously expensive? I want to take a water taxi to Chinatown, but we are both prone to motion sickness- which would be the closest stop to the hotel and is the ride relatively smooth? We are going to see Fiddler at the Sunday matinee and are thinking about going to the Sunday night "Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind" show- will it be appropriate for a savvy 14-year old? We've planned the regular touristy things, but is there anything along the same lines as TMLMTBGB that we could see- rolling the die for admission sounds hilarious! Wow- even more questions than I thought. Sorry this is so massive- I really appreciate any help you can give!
Thanks

Your post would be much easier to read if it were broken in to paragraphs.

It's been a while, but I think the Megabus picks up on E Adams near Central Methodist. The Chicago stop is on Canal near Adams.

You can purchase CTA passes from the vending machine in US near the Metra Ticket Windows. I believe they're also available from a couple of the newsstands.

There are literally hundreds of restaurants near the Whitehall. The Original Pancake House at 22 E Bellevue is a good choice.

You'd catch the water taxi on Michigan near the Wrigley Building, but if you're prone to motion sickness, do you really think that's a good idea? You can reach Chinatown via the Red Line subway. There are stops at Chicago Ave & State, 3 blocks south of the Whitehall or Grand Ave & State. Take the train toward 95th Street and exit at Cermak/Chinatown. You'll only have to walk one block.

For other shows, check the League of Chicago Theatres' website at www.chicagoplays.com. The site also lists deals available from the participating theatres. For other events and happenings, check www.metromix.com or www.chicagoreader.com.

Thanks for the info!

Sorry about the formatting!!

J

Check www.broadwayinchicago.com There are some very good deals to see Jersey Boys and Mary Poppins. I got rush tickets to Jersey Boys my last visit at about 11am. Nice affordable Italian Village restaurants across the street.

I would think you could get the pass at Union Station but I also think it is offered at the WaterTower Place visitor Center, very close to you. The Whitehall is a boutique hotel, reminds me of something very European--it's older but I think it is charming--don't expect a Marriott type hotel. I like it--I did have a very tiny room there once. I only use Priceline for hotels now in Chicago though and have not stayed there for awhile.

I love just walking down Mich. Ave., around the city, (stop in the Cultural Center for a beautiful surprise--walk upstairs and view the beautiful Tiffany domed ceiling)and enjoying the fabulous flower displays. It is beautiful--wait until you see what their sales tax is--guess it helps pay for all this.

My daughter and I also love to bike, walk, jog the lakeshore path. You can rent beach bikes--lots of fun.

There is a ton of information here on this site. Enjoy your visit. My daughter is now living just a few blocks up Lakeshore Blvd. What a fun place to live--very expensive, but great fun.

Thanks for the tips. We are looking forward to the Whitehall very much. This is a totally different trip from when the whole family travels (18 yr old son, hubby, and 93 year old great-aunt), so we can't wait!
Thanks again,
J