ktspiv4

Our daughter has asked to go to Chicago rather than have a party for her Sweet 16... crazy perhaps but no she is all about traveling & new experiences.

It looks like we may go first week of Oct. Is this a good time to go, too windy??? She is willing to delay so we can go the best time. This will be our 1st time in Chicago.

Also, there will be about 6 of us going & we want to either do a home exchange or vacation rental. What areas should we focus on when searching for lodging? It's all about the food, shopping & sights for our future 16 year old. So any recomendations for where we should research "home-base" would be appreciated.

Thank you.

fmpden

Oct is great time and weather should be very good as the fall in Chicago is one of the best times. By the way -- Windy Chicago has nothing to do with wind or weather. Try to stay in the core city. VRBO or homeexchange might give you some leads. There are a lot of condo just north of the river and between Michigan Ave and Lake Shore. Just pick something close to a bus route. For what you want to do, a car is a problem.

ktspiv4

Thank you fmpden, I was just pulling the locals who may reply "leg" on the windy thing. We SoCAL people have our own generalizations too like earthquakes every other week.
Thanks for the advice, we are just trying to get specific areas to stay or avoid from the locals.

again thank you.

ktspiv4

I am hoping to get more feedback on areas to stay in Chicago. Anyone?

Lexma90

I'm a former Chicagoan, and I would echo fmpden's suggestions, and his comments about October being a great time to visit Chicago. You could also look for a rental a little further north, in the Lincoln Park area; lots of shops there that a 16yo (that is, one who likes to shop) might enjoy. Try to find something east, close to the park. That way, you can easily take the #151 Michigan Ave. bus (its route goes through the park), the 11 Lincoln or the 36 Broadway to the downtown Michigan Ave. and Loop area. To minimize travel time, look for places that are no further north than Fullerton.

I think Chicago is a great place for a 16th birthday. We go back to visit Chicago every year or so, and our kids love the city (as do we).

AustinTraveler

We stayed in this brownstone:

http://www.vrbo.com/179389

They also have two one-bedroom units in the same house. We loved the house and the location. We walked absolutely everywhere and then took a bus or cab when we were tired.

Don't miss the free Lincoln Park Zoo and the plant Conservatory there. Loved it! Also, the Lincoln Park neighborhood was a very cool area. Your daughter will love it.

Would also suggest not missing Millenium Park. The "bean" sculpture was one of the most interesting things I've seen. Also, an architectural river tour is a great idea.

We were there in October and the weather was great!

ktspiv4

Thank you very much. I just needed an idea of what locations to focus on so I don't spend too much time looking into questionable locations. This is a big help.
As the date gets closer I will be bugging you Fodorites for sight seeing & eatery suggestions.
again thanks!

jujubean

for my two cents stay North of Columbus Ave, not too far North of Wrigley and as close to the Lake as you can. In terms of the very best places and most expensive to look for are North Michigan Ave, Gold Coast, river north or even further north - lincoln park. Avoid the areas down by the museum campus and McCormick place. Likewise, for a tourist visit, I wouldn't go too far west either - stay East of the highways for sure. take a look at a map of Chicago online and you'll see it. I have a fourteen yo and for her birthday in two weeks, we'll use hotwire to get a good rate near watertower place.
As for timing - the Chicago Marathon is October 9, 2011 - it's fun, but will increase costs for lodging and may be too much of a hassle if you're in for a short trip. Just before you go, consider signing up for groupon - chicago. you will get some really great ideas for stuff to do. The other day, I got a notice for discounts for a cupcake tour and a segway tour of the city. my absolute favorite thing to do is the Chicago river architecture tours found here www.architecture.org. there is so much to see and do - also check out Broadway in Chicago for great shows to see while you're in town.