Chicago in October for a family get-together?
May 15th, 2007, 07:01 AM
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Chicago in October for a family get-together?
We are planning a family celebration for my husband's 75th birthday. Our family is scattered around the U.S., so we are thinking we would meet in Chicago, a relatively easy flight for all, for a long weekend. We need hotel recommendations and suggestions for activities. The grandkids are 7, 14, 16. How's the weather at the end of October? Do you think this would be enjoyable for all three generations? Would love to hear from you with ideas and suggestions.
May 15th, 2007, 07:12 AM
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Yes, I think it would be a great time had by all. End of October weather is usually damp, rainy and temps all over the place, in most recent years. But the winter weather/ snow in etc. probabilities are non-existent at least. Early October the weather has been glorious in the last few years, but as long as I can remember trick or treating - 9 out of 10 times, the kids will need to wear a coat or something over the costume. Coldish!
But that would not stop you from doing a myriad of things that would be great for all 3 generations. If you book rooms NOW, you will be way, way ahead of the game. Make sure you do NOT hit the Marathon weekend.
Do a search here for Chicago hotel. There are so many suites places that would be great to book now, in the Michigan Ave. or River areas bordering the LOOP. Good for both directions, shopping, museums, river trips (I think they will JUST be ready to close down for winter- but you could hit some in the daytime hours), buggy rides, ESPN zone and kids' stuff etc.
Kids will love the Shedd Aquarium and also Buckingham Fountain displays, if you get here early enough. They now have just started Buckingham display colors etc. going off every hour- something new.
Even the Millenium Park walk with all 3 generations would be a ball.
But that would not stop you from doing a myriad of things that would be great for all 3 generations. If you book rooms NOW, you will be way, way ahead of the game. Make sure you do NOT hit the Marathon weekend.
Do a search here for Chicago hotel. There are so many suites places that would be great to book now, in the Michigan Ave. or River areas bordering the LOOP. Good for both directions, shopping, museums, river trips (I think they will JUST be ready to close down for winter- but you could hit some in the daytime hours), buggy rides, ESPN zone and kids' stuff etc.
Kids will love the Shedd Aquarium and also Buckingham Fountain displays, if you get here early enough. They now have just started Buckingham display colors etc. going off every hour- something new.
Even the Millenium Park walk with all 3 generations would be a ball.
May 15th, 2007, 03:54 PM
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I agree that Chicago would be very fun for all ages. Hotel will depend a lot on price requirements. Also, do you need a hotel with a pool? I think the Embassy Suites could be a good idea, and is a good central location (and has an indoor pool) though it can be a bit pricey.
Activities: Have you thought about seeing a show? Wicked comes to mind, though I don't know how much a 7 year old would appreciate it. Other than that, it's great for all ages. Jersey Boys is in Chicago during that time, and is a fantastic show for a lot of ages, especially those that remember Four Seasons music. Tickets for Jersey Boys are pretty scarce, but there are a few available in October. Otherwise Blue Man Group is a ton of fun as well. Maybe Second City?
Museums are a great idea, the Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum and Museum of Science and Industry come to mind, and possibly the Art Institute. There's also a ton of shopping, and you can definitely fill time just walking around all the different areas and neighborhoods.
Anyways, I definitely suggest Chicago!
Activities: Have you thought about seeing a show? Wicked comes to mind, though I don't know how much a 7 year old would appreciate it. Other than that, it's great for all ages. Jersey Boys is in Chicago during that time, and is a fantastic show for a lot of ages, especially those that remember Four Seasons music. Tickets for Jersey Boys are pretty scarce, but there are a few available in October. Otherwise Blue Man Group is a ton of fun as well. Maybe Second City?
Museums are a great idea, the Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum and Museum of Science and Industry come to mind, and possibly the Art Institute. There's also a ton of shopping, and you can definitely fill time just walking around all the different areas and neighborhoods.
Anyways, I definitely suggest Chicago!
May 19th, 2007, 02:28 AM
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O.K.--we have booked the Embassy Suites for our stay and have tickets to see Wicked on Saturday afternoon--now we need some help with restaurants from you kind Chicago experts. We would like to have the "official" birthday dinner either Friday night or Saturday night. Can you suggest some really nice restaurants that might accommodate our group of 8 adults and 3 children? Also, if you have any recommendations for a good pizza/pasta restaurant for another night, that would be great. Any lunch favorites? (Breakfast is at our hotel.)
Also, does anyone know if the river architectural trips are still running the weekend of October 25-28?
Also, does anyone know if the river architectural trips are still running the weekend of October 25-28?
May 19th, 2007, 08:34 AM
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You'll find all kinds of debates on pizza if you search. I've been to Giordano's and Lou Malnati's and prefer Lou Malnati's - I like the pizza better, plus it's more of a "neighborhood" feel to me - but either is good. Giordano's has more locations to choose from. Geno's and Pizzeria Uno are also common recommendations.
