A couple of questions on Chicago:

What's an affordable (under $110/night) downtown hotel?

Where can I find bluesman Son Seals?

What's a good downtown winter activity?

Chicago has wonderful museums--The Art Institute, Field Museum of Natural history, Museum of Science and Industry, to name a few.

You might like the Essex Inn on south Michigan Avenue. A lot of musicians stay there. Or, search for specials on hotrooms.com, or 877chicago.com There are always Priceline and the like for good deals; whether you can get under $110 depends on what conventions or special events are in town.

I love to go to Lincoln Park Zoo in the winter. It's free, the animal houses are very close together, and it's almost empty. A walk along the frozen lakefront is another great experience. Then head out for theater, via half-price tickets at hottix.org, or a club.

Haven't seen much mention of Son Seals in about a year - but, then , I haven't been looking for him. I wonder if his many health problems have caught up with him. You might try posting on the chat board at his record label, alligator.com, or contact Dave Hoekstra at the Sun Times.

Thanks for tips, both of you! I saw Seals perform at his hometown of Osceola, Arkansas, and wanted to catch him at his regular spot if I ever hit Chicago. Also, I have to admit, the Art Institute is numero uno on my list of sights to see.

You might want to check the Art Institute's website to see if they have any special exhibits going on while you're here. They often need separate tickets and you're better off to buy in advance to make sure you can get in that day.

Great.

ALso, the Shedd Aquarium has a wonderful new coral reef exhibit, complete with sharks! Drinks at the 9th fl lounge at the Hancock on a clear day or night are a must. Iceskate at the part of Millenium park that's complete. Check www.choosechicago.com or metromix.com for activities and hotels.

That's the 95th floor of the Hancock blgd. for the bar-it has a great view on a clear day. Also, depending on when your there, Lincoln Park Zoo is all decorated with lights for Christmas which is really cool.

Drinks on the 95th floor sound good. Also, is the Billy Goat Tavern worth seeing?

designmr,

I just stayed at the Chicago Hilton on Michigan Ave. bid through priceline for $75.00 per night for MNF Bears vs. Packers. Disappointing game, but had a great time in the city.

You will have great results bidding for a room in Chicago.

Have fun!

Use pr

First check the Knickerbocker hotel. Depending on the week/end, they can have really low rates ($95/night). Now this is a perfectly nice hotel, but you can leverage this price with a (even nicer) nearby hotel if you call them (like The Drake or the 4 Seasons) and ask them if they are willing to match Knickerbocker's price. It has worked for me in the past and I ended up with a $300 room for $95.
There are several blues bars where you might catch Son Seals. Among them - B.L.U.E.S, Blues, Etc. and Kingston Mines (a Chicago institution). But Google it or check local listings.

Billy Goat is fun for Chicago nostalgia but don't expect too much, the burgers and fries taste like cardboard - best bet is to use LOTS of ketchup! Also, the Art institute is free on Tuesdays (general admission). But not for major attractions that are in town.

Personally, I'd pass on the Billy Goat--it's just not that great, but if you want to go, go to the original one. Take the steps down on Michigan Ave. in front of the Wrigley Bldg. (across from the Tribune Blg.) and it's right there. I think there is a sign telling you where to go down.

www.metromix.com

www.chicagoreader.com

Both are great for looking up bands, blues clubs, restaurants, etc.

I wouldn't suggest eating at Billy Goat for one of your few meals in Chicago. If you want a great burger at a "real" Chicago restaurant, I can give you 10-20 off the top of my head that are way better than Billy Goat.

When in the winter will influence ideas for "good downtown winter activities". If it's before the holidays or after is a huge factor.

Yes, I wasn't exactly heading to Billy Goat for the quality of the food, but just to hear and taste a "chizbooger". It's really the atmosphere of newspapermen and other opinionated Chicagoans that I'm after.

Chicago_Heathter, that's a good question. Most likely a visit will be after the holidays, in 2004 -- in January or February.