Chicago??
Nov 8th, 2001 | 05:08 AM
#21
Guest
Posts: n/a
Giddyup-
The handsome cabs seem to hang out right off Michigan Avenue across from the Watertower on Pearson. Not sure who to call to book in advance but most of them look like they are just hanging out, waiting for customers!
Barbara - if you can give us a sense of where you like to shop in SF, we can give you better direction in Chicago. Michigan Avenue and Oak Street are old favorites, of course, and I'd never miss recommending Field's on State for Christmas... but another option would be to head north to the area around Armitage and Halsted. This is square in the middle of the beautiful Lincoln Park neighborhood, and host to lots of small boutiques - as well as Trotter's! If you are a shoe lover, don't miss Lori's on Armitage - my fiance call's it the Chicago woman's Mecca. Wander down the sidestreets to check out the great homes that make Chicago's neighborhoods.
For funkier shopping, go west of the city to the Wicker Park/Bucktown area. Since you are from SF, think about stores a little left of center - more Haight than Fillmore - this is Chicago's up-and-coming area (although some might argue it's already there). Great restaurants in this area. Have breakfast at the Bongo Room or Soul Kitchen and scope around some of the galleries.
By the way, a local's perspective - SKIP Pizzeria Uno or Due. Eat instead at Giordano's, Lou Malnati's, or (my favorite) Bacino's.
The handsome cabs seem to hang out right off Michigan Avenue across from the Watertower on Pearson. Not sure who to call to book in advance but most of them look like they are just hanging out, waiting for customers!
Barbara - if you can give us a sense of where you like to shop in SF, we can give you better direction in Chicago. Michigan Avenue and Oak Street are old favorites, of course, and I'd never miss recommending Field's on State for Christmas... but another option would be to head north to the area around Armitage and Halsted. This is square in the middle of the beautiful Lincoln Park neighborhood, and host to lots of small boutiques - as well as Trotter's! If you are a shoe lover, don't miss Lori's on Armitage - my fiance call's it the Chicago woman's Mecca. Wander down the sidestreets to check out the great homes that make Chicago's neighborhoods.
For funkier shopping, go west of the city to the Wicker Park/Bucktown area. Since you are from SF, think about stores a little left of center - more Haight than Fillmore - this is Chicago's up-and-coming area (although some might argue it's already there). Great restaurants in this area. Have breakfast at the Bongo Room or Soul Kitchen and scope around some of the galleries.
By the way, a local's perspective - SKIP Pizzeria Uno or Due. Eat instead at Giordano's, Lou Malnati's, or (my favorite) Bacino's.
Nov 8th, 2001 | 05:51 AM
#22
Guest
Posts: n/a
Barbara,
There's a great place for Chicago dogs right by the Water Tower, but I can't remember the name. To get there, go West on the street that Ghirardelli's ice cream parlor is on, take a right at the next street, and you'll see a small hot dog place on the left. It's very small, no tables, just a counter with stools, but very good.
Maybe someone from Chicago can tell us both the name of the place. I used to live in Illinois and I do miss the Chicago dog.
There's a great place for Chicago dogs right by the Water Tower, but I can't remember the name. To get there, go West on the street that Ghirardelli's ice cream parlor is on, take a right at the next street, and you'll see a small hot dog place on the left. It's very small, no tables, just a counter with stools, but very good.
Maybe someone from Chicago can tell us both the name of the place. I used to live in Illinois and I do miss the Chicago dog.
Nov 8th, 2001 | 09:47 AM
#23
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Posts: n/a
I am definitely more of the Filmore type. I live in the East Bay and enjoy the shops on Fourth Street. In NY, ABC Carpet is a favorite, SOHO shops, Takishamia and Shanghai Tang. I enjoy discovering the little places that sell unique (preferably to the area) things.
Wow, more help! This is great!!
Wow, more help! This is great!!
Nov 8th, 2001 | 10:35 AM
#24
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Posts: n/a
Barbara,
I live in Chicago and would recommend the following itinerary for a fabulous anniversary--
Day 1: Explore Michigan Ave. Have breakfast at on of the Peninsula restaurants, which will have a nice, spread. Or I would recommend strolling over two blocks to the 900 N. Michigan building (across the st. from the Drake hotel). Go up to the 6th floor, where you will find a locals' favorite breakfast/brunch spot---The Oak Tree. You will love it--very lovely atmosphere, and if you can think of it, chances are it's on the menu. If not, they have no problem with specialty orders (aka, egg-white omlettees, etc.) Next, explore the 900 N. Michigan shopping center--it is really beautiful inside, and has great, unique shops, not just run-of-the mill chain stores. Next, head out onto the street and take a sharp left onto Oak Street. Stroll the street and browse in the fabulous upscale boutiques. Head back to the hotel, change into comfy shoes, and grab and cab to the Art Institute--check into tickets for special shows ahead of time (or just browse the permanent exhibits, which are well worth it). For lunch, check out Heaven on Seven in the nearby Garland Bldg (111 N Wabash Ave), or do a search on this site for other lunch recommendations in the Loop (and for dinner recommendations that night). For dinner, you might want to try Zinfandel.
Day 2: Explore Museum of Contemporary Art in the morning, about 2 blocks from your hotel. There is also the Terra Museum of American Art not far on Mich. Ave. Head up to the top of the John Hancock Tower and check out the view from the observatory (touristy, but fun and worth it.) You might want to have afternoon tea at the Drake, then take a stroll on the sidewalk along the lake, (very pretty views, even in winter.) Hop on the 151 bus that stops along Mich Ave (headed North--aka, get on at the stop on the Drake side of the street). Ask the driver to tell you when you are at the Lincoln Park Zoo stop (only about 5 minutes). The zoo is free, and a secret treasure in the winter months--pretty surreal because there are very few people, but fabulous festive "zoo lights." The seals are right by the entrance, and especially fun to watch swimming laps about a foot away from you, and within a close walk, there is almost every animal you can think of. Then walk over to the Convervatory, a few steps away, and check out the indoor flower and plant shows--very pretty (and warm!). This is a very nice neighboorhood (Lincoln Park), so if you feel like it, just stroll a few blocks away from the lake and check out Clark St. For dinner, if you have reservations, do Charlie Trotters, or Ambria (very pricey.)
Day 3: Explore the Museum of Science and Industry, or perhaps the Shedd aquarium. Afternoon--have a cab drop you off at the corner of Sheffield and Armitage. Walk down Armitage and explore the super-nice boutiques. Don't miss Lori's shoes (on the corner of Armitage and Lincoln.) Take a left on Lincoln and explore the further shopping. Then, if you make a left on Webster, you will find The Athenian Room--a great place for lunch. The Athenian chicken is sooo good, as are their greek salads and gyros. Again, a locals' favorite. The Victory Gardens Theater is also on Lincoln, (check it out on http://chicago.citysearch.com) as is the Steppenwolf--the famous Chicago theater where John Malkovitch, Laurie Metcalf, Gary Sinise, etc. got there start. Check out these theaters before you go and get tickets for a maninee! Good luck!
I live in Chicago and would recommend the following itinerary for a fabulous anniversary--
Day 1: Explore Michigan Ave. Have breakfast at on of the Peninsula restaurants, which will have a nice, spread. Or I would recommend strolling over two blocks to the 900 N. Michigan building (across the st. from the Drake hotel). Go up to the 6th floor, where you will find a locals' favorite breakfast/brunch spot---The Oak Tree. You will love it--very lovely atmosphere, and if you can think of it, chances are it's on the menu. If not, they have no problem with specialty orders (aka, egg-white omlettees, etc.) Next, explore the 900 N. Michigan shopping center--it is really beautiful inside, and has great, unique shops, not just run-of-the mill chain stores. Next, head out onto the street and take a sharp left onto Oak Street. Stroll the street and browse in the fabulous upscale boutiques. Head back to the hotel, change into comfy shoes, and grab and cab to the Art Institute--check into tickets for special shows ahead of time (or just browse the permanent exhibits, which are well worth it). For lunch, check out Heaven on Seven in the nearby Garland Bldg (111 N Wabash Ave), or do a search on this site for other lunch recommendations in the Loop (and for dinner recommendations that night). For dinner, you might want to try Zinfandel.
Day 2: Explore Museum of Contemporary Art in the morning, about 2 blocks from your hotel. There is also the Terra Museum of American Art not far on Mich. Ave. Head up to the top of the John Hancock Tower and check out the view from the observatory (touristy, but fun and worth it.) You might want to have afternoon tea at the Drake, then take a stroll on the sidewalk along the lake, (very pretty views, even in winter.) Hop on the 151 bus that stops along Mich Ave (headed North--aka, get on at the stop on the Drake side of the street). Ask the driver to tell you when you are at the Lincoln Park Zoo stop (only about 5 minutes). The zoo is free, and a secret treasure in the winter months--pretty surreal because there are very few people, but fabulous festive "zoo lights." The seals are right by the entrance, and especially fun to watch swimming laps about a foot away from you, and within a close walk, there is almost every animal you can think of. Then walk over to the Convervatory, a few steps away, and check out the indoor flower and plant shows--very pretty (and warm!). This is a very nice neighboorhood (Lincoln Park), so if you feel like it, just stroll a few blocks away from the lake and check out Clark St. For dinner, if you have reservations, do Charlie Trotters, or Ambria (very pricey.)
Day 3: Explore the Museum of Science and Industry, or perhaps the Shedd aquarium. Afternoon--have a cab drop you off at the corner of Sheffield and Armitage. Walk down Armitage and explore the super-nice boutiques. Don't miss Lori's shoes (on the corner of Armitage and Lincoln.) Take a left on Lincoln and explore the further shopping. Then, if you make a left on Webster, you will find The Athenian Room--a great place for lunch. The Athenian chicken is sooo good, as are their greek salads and gyros. Again, a locals' favorite. The Victory Gardens Theater is also on Lincoln, (check it out on http://chicago.citysearch.com) as is the Steppenwolf--the famous Chicago theater where John Malkovitch, Laurie Metcalf, Gary Sinise, etc. got there start. Check out these theaters before you go and get tickets for a maninee! Good luck!
Nov 8th, 2001 | 10:45 AM
#26
Guest
Posts: n/a
I hate to sound like a quibbler, but...
the horse-drawn carriages would be called hansom cabs, not "handsome."
Karen has some great ideas in her excellent itenerary, but one item is misleading - Steppenwolf is not on Lincoln Avenue; it's on Halsted just north of North Avenue. You may be able to get same-day tickets at half price at hottix. www.hottix.org will give you information and has links to Reader reviews of theatre, art, even restaurants. Also, Art Institute tickets can be arranged in advance and will save you some waiting in line - www.artic.org
the horse-drawn carriages would be called hansom cabs, not "handsome."
Karen has some great ideas in her excellent itenerary, but one item is misleading - Steppenwolf is not on Lincoln Avenue; it's on Halsted just north of North Avenue. You may be able to get same-day tickets at half price at hottix. www.hottix.org will give you information and has links to Reader reviews of theatre, art, even restaurants. Also, Art Institute tickets can be arranged in advance and will save you some waiting in line - www.artic.org
Nov 8th, 2001 | 01:39 PM
#29
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Posts: n/a
You may also appreciate River North--Chicago's Soho-esque gallery and trendy restaurant district (metromix or chicagoreader.com have searchable restaurant listings). It is also the area of the worst touristy places (hard rock cafe etc), so stay off of Ontario Street. For Wicker Park, Bucktown walk the streets of Milwaukee Avenue, North Avenue and Damen. The intersect, as Milwaukee is an angled street; this area is more East Village, to continue the NYC comparison.
Van Gogh/Gaugin show at Art Institute; major Cleopatra show (from British Museum) at Field Museum. Have fun. Dress warm. Go to the top of Fields on State Street to see the Christmas tree in the Walnut Room.
Van Gogh/Gaugin show at Art Institute; major Cleopatra show (from British Museum) at Field Museum. Have fun. Dress warm. Go to the top of Fields on State Street to see the Christmas tree in the Walnut Room.
Nov 11th, 2001 | 08:23 AM
#33
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Posts: n/a
Barbara-If you only have a few days here,then I would not have included The Terra Museum or Museum of Contemporary Art in your plans.Chicago's great museums such as the Field museum,Shedd Aquarium,Museum of Science and Industry and the Art Institute would be the top ones you should hit if time permits. Unfortunately,you might find that you will have to come back to our great city as there is too much to do in one trip(especially at the holidays).You might get lucky and get good weather as we often luck out and have great weather the first few weeks of December.
Do plan on going down to State Street to Marshall Fields/Carsons to see the windows and the big tree in the Walnut Room.Have a great visit and enjoy the hospitality of a great Midwestern city!
Do plan on going down to State Street to Marshall Fields/Carsons to see the windows and the big tree in the Walnut Room.Have a great visit and enjoy the hospitality of a great Midwestern city!
