Chicago in One-Day Plus
Oct 11th, 2006, 11:36 AM
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Chicago in One-Day Plus
I went to school in Evanston but haven't been back in about 6 years. DH has never been to Chicago and I've been dying to take him--well now we are! Except it's for one weekend only, mid-November, for my godson's baptism. So I'm not sure how much tourist/nostalgia time we'll have because of the event.
So this is almost a personal poll more than anything: If you had never been to Chicago before and had maybe a full day or two half-days to see the sights, what would you want to see? If we had a week, I'd know my personal faves, but I'd just be happy wandering my old haunts this trip--I think he'd be disappointed and left out if we stuck with that. Thoughts?
So this is almost a personal poll more than anything: If you had never been to Chicago before and had maybe a full day or two half-days to see the sights, what would you want to see? If we had a week, I'd know my personal faves, but I'd just be happy wandering my old haunts this trip--I think he'd be disappointed and left out if we stuck with that. Thoughts?
Oct 11th, 2006, 09:47 PM
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If your trip is in Nov., then do some indoor things, because brrrrrr, it's cold! At least to me, but I live in the south. I think the "must do's" are
1. View from one of the tall building observatories, preferably at sundown.
2. Shopping on Michigan ave.
3. Eat some pizza.
1. View from one of the tall building observatories, preferably at sundown.
2. Shopping on Michigan ave.
3. Eat some pizza.
Oct 12th, 2006, 04:09 AM
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I was in the Windy City recently and I was very impressed with the Shedd Aquarium. Didn't sound very exciting when my gf mentioned it, but once I was there, I was very happy I went. Some other friends took the architecture tour & were pleased as well.
Oct 12th, 2006, 07:09 AM
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It's snowing in Chicagoland today, right now, where I am. And sticking.
The river tour will be closed until spring.
thursday, you can do a lot in a day, but as said, what do you like?
There have been three threads in the last week on this exact same criteria- do a search here for the 1 day Chicago "trip". I'll try to bring one up for you.
When I do, click on the OP, opening poster's name, and you'll get the full itineraries that were given. Have a ball. I, too, LOVE the Shedd- have been to at least 7 or 8 other aquariums, even the one in Genoa, Italia and it is a singular, unique place.
Also would say, if it is up your alley, that the Art Institute is the BEST. World class and a must.
But do not forget that "Pirate Queen" is running in your timeframe, I believe and that you could get "Wicked" tickets. Heartily suggest it.
The river tour will be closed until spring.
thursday, you can do a lot in a day, but as said, what do you like?
There have been three threads in the last week on this exact same criteria- do a search here for the 1 day Chicago "trip". I'll try to bring one up for you.
When I do, click on the OP, opening poster's name, and you'll get the full itineraries that were given. Have a ball. I, too, LOVE the Shedd- have been to at least 7 or 8 other aquariums, even the one in Genoa, Italia and it is a singular, unique place.
Also would say, if it is up your alley, that the Art Institute is the BEST. World class and a must.
But do not forget that "Pirate Queen" is running in your timeframe, I believe and that you could get "Wicked" tickets. Heartily suggest it.
Oct 12th, 2006, 10:37 AM
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And Mick Jagger and the Stones were in open concert at Soldier Field last night. The pictures on tv were hysterical. He was still belting'em out with a wrap around long coat and brimmed hat in a gale wind.
It's supposed to keep this up for a few days and then we will back to warmer plus. Faina, it is always an adventure.
It's supposed to keep this up for a few days and then we will back to warmer plus. Faina, it is always an adventure.
Oct 12th, 2006, 10:50 AM
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I did a search before and came up with some great ideas--but thanks! I was looking more for personal preferences/opinions, maybe from locals. I don't know that we're going to have time for much "educational" stuff (Art Institute, Shedd, Field). I'm talking more the emotional stuff--what are your favorite places to just walk around or spend a morning downtown? I miss and love the city, and wanted to give me a husband a taste of THAT feeling more than sight-seeing. I know we'll be going to Gino's East for one meal, for example, because that's my choice in the pizza debate and stuff you just can't find in L.A. where we live.
Oct 12th, 2006, 12:00 PM
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Well, I am a local and that is just SOOOO relative. If you asked me a year ago, I would have said to walk Millenium Park, down State Street, over to the River, down Michigan to Water Tower etc. with some building stops like Hancock in between.
But I was just downtown last month and State St. has REALLY taken a dive, IMHO.
You may want to hit the Cultural Center on Washington and walk from there. It depends on the weather too. Your specifics, thursday, aren't. Sights could mean anything.
If you ask specific questions, like restaurants for lunch etc.- you'll get a lot more specific answers.
But I was just downtown last month and State St. has REALLY taken a dive, IMHO.
You may want to hit the Cultural Center on Washington and walk from there. It depends on the weather too. Your specifics, thursday, aren't. Sights could mean anything.
If you ask specific questions, like restaurants for lunch etc.- you'll get a lot more specific answers.
Oct 12th, 2006, 05:56 PM
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State St. has taken a dive??? Ten years ago, State St. was filled with empty storefronts, wig outlets and discount electronics stores. Today, it's beautifully streetscaped, lined with countless brandname chain retailers and restuarants, include a Borders and a Barnes and Noble, it's near the revived theater district, and has an awful lot of college kids at the south end who have moved into all of the new dorms in the university area. Yeah, sure sounds awful today.
Oct 13th, 2006, 06:28 AM
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Well, that's my opinion. I've shopped there every year at least once in the last 7. And I don't go by flowers or marketing (which during this last time summer trip were mostly dead), but by what's there IN the stores. These last two times, I haven't found a thing I wanted to purchase in a 2 to 3 hour span, and it was still Field's, just.
Compared to my youth and the style/dress of the shoppers etc., the street is just a street.
And to compare it to the "mall" period or after- well at least then there was Longuines, Field's, Carson's in full use- with full service window displays. The theatre district is much better now, and I'm talking only about State St. itself, and not South (where so much building is going on) where the OP would take a walk on the way to Millenium.
No steaks cooking in the display windows next to the Chicago Theatre, no candy dipping demonstrators, just
as many, if not more cut rate electronics and trinket shops. The Longuines clock that faces the building isn't even set, it's "frozen", not running, and they have a weird leather shop with a Times Square type marque greasy hair dude in its place.
Marketing for a much younger demographic, and more and more of the tradition is gone all the time. The shoe store closest was a Payless, of all things.
There's more to do on the side streets now in comparison- Washington by the Cultural Center etc. then there is on State St. itself. Most of the stores are regular mall stores with less merchandise than a suburban mall.
Compared to my youth and the style/dress of the shoppers etc., the street is just a street.
And to compare it to the "mall" period or after- well at least then there was Longuines, Field's, Carson's in full use- with full service window displays. The theatre district is much better now, and I'm talking only about State St. itself, and not South (where so much building is going on) where the OP would take a walk on the way to Millenium.
No steaks cooking in the display windows next to the Chicago Theatre, no candy dipping demonstrators, just
as many, if not more cut rate electronics and trinket shops. The Longuines clock that faces the building isn't even set, it's "frozen", not running, and they have a weird leather shop with a Times Square type marque greasy hair dude in its place.
Marketing for a much younger demographic, and more and more of the tradition is gone all the time. The shoe store closest was a Payless, of all things.
There's more to do on the side streets now in comparison- Washington by the Cultural Center etc. then there is on State St. itself. Most of the stores are regular mall stores with less merchandise than a suburban mall.
Oct 13th, 2006, 01:10 PM
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It depends on what you're into, but here are some things to suggest:
1. Drinks or some light snacks/food at Signature Lounge (95th floor of John Hancock Building). The views are breathless and it will be inside - so WARM!
2. Art Institute of Chicago is very impressive and I could spend hours there.
3. IF you want to try and brave the cold weather, then of course: there's walking on the Magnificent Mile, Millenium Park, etc.
4. If you have a car, you might want to drive up North on Lake Shore Drive which becomes the Great Lakes Drive. It will take you through Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka, Highland Park, Winnetka, etc. You will be able to see some great houses, fall colors, if you like nice drives.
Have fun!
1. Drinks or some light snacks/food at Signature Lounge (95th floor of John Hancock Building). The views are breathless and it will be inside - so WARM!
2. Art Institute of Chicago is very impressive and I could spend hours there.
3. IF you want to try and brave the cold weather, then of course: there's walking on the Magnificent Mile, Millenium Park, etc.
4. If you have a car, you might want to drive up North on Lake Shore Drive which becomes the Great Lakes Drive. It will take you through Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka, Highland Park, Winnetka, etc. You will be able to see some great houses, fall colors, if you like nice drives.
Have fun!
Oct 18th, 2006, 04:32 PM
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We just got back from a very quick trip to Chicago - 1 1/4 days really. Considering the short amount of time, I like how our time was spent. After checking in at Hotel 71, we walked down to Millenium Park and then met friends for dinner at Topolobampo, which we loved because the mexican food is different from what we get here in San Diego. Walked to and from the restaurant so got a feeling for night life. Saturday, after going to a newly opened cafe for coffee, we took the architectural boat tour - loved that - looked at some of the buildings on the river a little more closely, and then went to the Art Institute. At the suggestion of our friends, we went to Macy's to check out the old Marshall Field's building and then ate at Frontera Grill Kitchen there for more of that delicious mexican food. Then shopped along Michigan Ave. and dinner at MK. The only thing I would have added had I not been so tired from walking would be to view Chicago from the Hancock Tower. We will definitely go back.
Nov 1st, 2006, 03:12 PM
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We weren't in the hotel much but it was comfortable and clean with a nice large bathroom. The staff was very polite and accomodating. We asked for a non smoking room, but smelled smoke upon first entering, so we called and they upgraded us to a 2 room suite without question. Another plus, the location can't be beat. If you like a hotel with a lot of amenities, large lobby, room service, shops, etc. then you might be disappointed. I probably wouldn't stay there again, but no regrets.
