Approximately 20 Fodorites will be descending on this fine city in the next couple of days for sightseeing and meet-up opportunities. I arrived a day early to case the joint. Actually, I just wanted to spend more time in this city that I visited and enjoyed only once in the past.

I am staying in an airbnb rental on the near north loop. Most of the others will be staying in various hotels downtown.

Tomorrow starts some of the activities such as the Field Museum, Art Institute, Architecture Boat Tour and of course, Lou Malnati's on Saturday night.

Hopefully the other attendees will add to this trip report as they arrive and get settled.

Have fun!!

Wish I could be there!

We are boarding the train in Dearborn Mi hoping to arrive sometime this afternoon!

Bring umbrellas and warm clothing!

brrr stay warm. It's cold and wet around here right now.

I'll see you Saturday at the Art Institute. I've been looking at the menu for Terzo Piano already since I'm so indecisive when I'm in a new place. It's supposed to be perfect weather by the weekend. Walking the Mag Mile in perfect weather is....well, perfect.

I can't wait to hear about the first two days before I get there, and am looking forward to seeing people Friday night.

Figuring out what to pack is a challenge since the weather is so unseasonable!

Have fun, you all!

Lee Ann

Let me get the report started for everyone presently in Chicago:
"It was a dark and stormy night..."

Have a great time!

This morning before anyone arrived I took the Frank Lloyd Wright by Bus Tour run by the Chicago Architecture Foundation. It was raining for the most part but that did not dampen the spirits of any of the 28 on board the nice bus. The cost was $55, it took 4 hours and the docents were fabulously wonderful in their knowledge of all things Wright. I highly recommend it.

The blurb from the CAF website:
"Discover the neighborhood where Wright's famed Prairie Style of architecture evolved. The tour includes bus transportation to and from Oak Park with commentary, a one-hour interior tour of Wright’s Home and Studio, a walking tour of the Frank Lloyd Wright Historic District and a tour of Wright’s "little jewel box," Unity Temple."

Have you read, "Loving Frank" by Nancy Horan? Great book about FLW

Hello all. We arrived at Union Station and it was clear and sunny. Walked the almost 2 miles to our hotel by Grant Park. A former student met up with us and we then walked to dinner at The Village, a neat, very Italian restaurant on Monroe St., across from the theatre. We then went to the Jewel grocery store for our nightly wine fix. Back to the hotel, Kindles in hand. See you all at the Architectural Boat tour. Hope it's not too cold!

retired04: Chicagoans would call it "The Jewels"

Have a wonderful time everyone. Wish I was there!!

What fun. I agree with nelsonian, "wish I was there too".

Ditto!

Boat tour was great - and not cold!

Due to a few snafus, I regret that we do not a Big Beaver picture.

We do have a great group picture at the Bean.

Hershey, that tour sounds wonderful. I love FLW!

Y'all have fun!

The weather has been great, and fun has been had! Off to the pizza portion of the festivities shortly. I've enjoyed meeting so many great Fodorites, and thanks to Hershey, I even survived my first day in Chicago without a cent on me...left my wallet in my room!

~Liz