some background =)
Im a 29 year old woman and am planning my first trip by myself in July. Im very much looking into chicago.
What I'm looking for...with a budget! =)
-a place where i do not have to rent a car and can depend on decent (and safe) public transportation to take me about anywhere
- definitely a downtown hotel where i can experience an array of things to do and see walking distance without the price killing me
-parks where i can possibly have picnics
-relaxing beach to visit
-down to earth bars, young adult scenes
-can't stand humidity but from what i heard both cities have it- less would be preferable
-museums, art galleries, theaters are not a priority but surely would be enjoyed
-an active night life that doesnt necessarily have to be dance clubs

Here's the thing- Is the humidity really that bad in Chicago Mid July? How are evenings like?

Also, I was looking at Priceline and it offered different areas. By the descriptions given, I think I like either
a. the Millenium Park, Loop and Grant Park area
and
B. North Michigan Ave-River North Area

any thoughts or comments about which area is better?

Also, If i for instance stay in the North Michigan Ave-River North Area, would you know how long it would take me to get to the Millenium Park, Loop and grant park area?
by foot?
by public transportation?

thank you!

As for the humidity in July, it varies year to year. But, yes, I would expect it to be humid in July. If we're having a particularly hot summer, it can be very uncomfortable in the evenings. But there's no way that anyone can tell you in March what this coming July will be like. Other than to tell you that it's not likely to snow!

As far as the weather in July, it is hot during the day, but comfortable at night. I wouldn't do the Grant Park area hotels. I'd go with Loop or North Michigan Ave./River North hotels.

Lets assume that you get a hotel on mid North Michigan avenue.

Millenium park is 8-12 blockd straight South on Michigan Ave. Grant Park is a few more blocks. On the way, you will walk past the Art Institute. In Chicago, 8 blocks equal one mile. It is a very comfortable walk. You essentially are in the Loop in all the above areas. Purists may tell you that the Eastern edge of the Loop is State street. Michigan Ave. is a couple of blocks East of that.

It would be the rare July where the humidity was stiffling for more than a couple days. Even if you run into that here, it is much less pronounced near the lake where you will be. Anything can happen but this is no Houston, Atlanta, Miami or St. Louis as far as humidity goes.

Oak Street Beach will be near to your location but the day of the week, time of day and weather will dictate the crowds. None of the beaches in the city would fit my description of relaxing...but thats just me.

Just to fine tune some of the information. Grant Park covers about 300 acres east of the Loop. Near the south end of the park are the Field Museum (natural history), Adler Planetarium and Shedd Aquarium. Millennium Park is contained within the NW corner of Grant Park. The Buckingham Fountain (shown at the beginning of Married With Children and Art Instutue are in the middle.

Most of the larger theatres are in the Loop. The largest venues are The Cadillac Palace, Ford Oriental, LaSalle Bank Theatre and Goodman Theatre. Wicked is on an extended run at The Oriental and The Color Purple begins at the Palace in April.

Steppenwolf is an excellent repertory about two miles north of the loop and The Blue Man Group is at the Briar Street Theatre about two miles beyond that. There are also several smaller theatres that produce top-notch shows.

The two farthest points you'd visit during sightseeing would probably be the Field Museum and Oak Street Beach at the north end of the Magnificant Mile/Michigan Ave. They're about 2.5 miles.

If you're here on a weeknight, head a bit farther to the North Avenue Beach and watch the after-work volleyball games.

Also depending on what nights you'll be here, you could go to Grant Park for a free movie. I believe they're usually on Tuesdays and families bring blankets and picnic dinners to sit on the lawn. The Grant Park Symphony presents concerts at the bandshell on Wednesday evenings. Check www.grantparkmusicfestival.com for their schedule.

You can take public transit to and from either airport in about 30-40 minutes. Visitor passes are available at both airport stations that allow unlimited rides on all CTA trains and buses for a 24-hour period. A 1-day pass is $5, a 2-day pass is $9. During the summers, there are also free trolleys that connect the major attractions. For maps and complete info on trains and buses, check www.transitchicago.com.