I will be in Chicago 7/13 to 7/16. We are staying at Hotel Burnham, which I love.
We have scheduled a visit with a chicago greeter. It sounds like fun, giving a tour of Bucktown/wickerpark. Wondering if anyone has done this? Some feedback please, PJ

Below is part of an article praising the Chicago Greeter service (I was a cynical local when I read your post, figuring you were getting hooked into some type of sales scam). FYI - the rest of the article (and great restaurant, shopping, museum info, etc.) can be found at www.metromix.com

Showing off sweet home
Chicago greets tourism

By Kevin M. Williams

"Just look at that," exclaims Harry Roccaforte, like a kid in a candy store, as he runs his hand over an exquisite bit of bronze detailing on the elevator doors of the Hotel Burnham, at State and Washington Streets.
Roccaforte, or Harry, as I came to know him, is one of the growing numbers of Chicago Greeters, volunteers who show off the city to tourists as part of a free program run by the Chicago Department of Tourism and the Department of Cultural Affairs. And if the rest of the Greeters are anything like Roccaforte, these folks are very happy to share their zeal with visitors.

Chicago Greeter, a free service that matches visitors with a Chicagoan who will show them around a particular part of the city, officially kicked off in April. The idea came from a similar, very successful program in New York. So if you've always wondered what to do with out-of-towners while you're at work or just plain sick of 'em, Chicago Greeter has the answer.

THANK YOU TJ THIS is what I WAS LOOKING FOR. PJ

PJ, will you post after you've used them and let us know how they are? I've mentioned them several times as I thought it sounded like a cool idea for visitors but I'd love to know if it's a good program.

Certainly Kris, I have already corresponded with our greeter Laura. She lives in Wicker Park. I told her our interests and she is putting together our visit based on that.
I will post my opinion on this thread. PJ

Here is my response, Hotel burnham was excellent as usual!!
Chicago Greeters is a awesome program.
We met Laura our greeter at Chicago cultural center. She was a energetic witty, knowledgable guide.
We spent 4 hours touring there are art gallerys, antiques, interesting architecure. Lots of alfresco dining.
Definitely use this program. In fact I am going to use it again in August. PJ