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Originally Posted by laurie_ann
(Post 17259457)
You certainly have identified the highlights! I would look into whether any or all of your must-dos require or recommended purchase ahead timed tickets. That is a newer development at many sites in many cities because of covid. You don't necessarily want to overschedule but you also don't want to be disappointed if something is completely sold out.
And don't overlook how wonderful Chicago can be in summer outdoors. Just walking along lakefront or finding a neighborhood festival. We are just getting back to more like normal after the pandemic. But there is usually much to enjoy in the city in this season. Some good sources of information of what might be on while you are here are websites like https://www.chicagoreader.com/ or https://www.timeout.com/chicago https://www.choosechicago.com/blog/m...ums-reopening/ in the museum of science and industry there is an exhibit of a captured World War II German submarine called the U505. this is a must see in my opinion. you can advance to purchase tickets which as I recall are a little cheaper then if you buy them when you get to the door. The submarine exhibit is an extra fee like other exhibits as well. I do believe certain days are less so I may be free but if you go to the museum website you can learn more about that. Going during the week would be much better than going on weekends. |
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In addition to the Architectural Foundation boat tour, they also offer many interesting walking tours. Our neighborhood was one of them. architecture.org
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HI, cchean.
Hope you and the family found a hotel and parking that works for you. RE: River Boat Tour & Skydeck The more detailed/informative one is the Chicago Architecture Tour. If you just want to get on the river cheaply--which IS a lovely way to see the skyscrapers--you can combine a trip to the Skydeck with the Chicago water taxi from Union Station to Michigan Avenue. My family takes that from Union Station to Michigan Ave. every now and again. It's fast, and inexpensive, but it's still a boat ride for folks not hugely interested in the history of the buildings. https://www.chicagowatertaxi.com/Chi...Ogilvie-Union/ RE: Lincoln Park Zoo If you're morning people, and fairly fit to walk, and can go on a Saturday, I'd recommend getting some cash, and taking the bus (151 Sheridan or 22 Clark or 36 Broadway) to the Green City Market (Lincoln Park Farmer's Market) FIRST, where you might be able to buy a pastry or crepe. Not sure what juices/coffee they sell, but there are places near to get coffee, etc. Post back if you want those details. THen after the Market, cross Stockton Drive over to the park, walk north on the boardwalk around South Pond. STop in at the "Farm in the Zoo," if you want, but you may want to pass and continue north to the main zoo. After the Zoo, you can exit at the North-west gate which empties out into the park again. If you want to go directly back downtown, you can catch the 151 Sheridan south back to Michigan Ave., or if you want to catch the 22/36 bus south, you can walk west on Webster (or Belden, or Dickens) over to Clark Street, and pick up the bus there. There's a Starbucks at Clark and Dickens if you need a restroom/beverage. If you're really fit, your family can walk back to Gold Coast/Michigan Ave. area along the lakefront. You'd exit the northernmost exit of the zoo, walk a bit north to Fullerton, walk east over to the lake, and then south back to Michigan Ave. https://www.greencitymarket.org/market/details/lincoln RE: The Art Institute of Chicago and Millenium Park These you could combine in one day. If the weather is nice, and if the Art Institute South GArden is open, that is a lovely place to take your lunch and eat outdoors. There's a Chik fil A, a Potbelly, a Starbucks across the street, to pick up food. And yes, if you're feeling energetic, wander over to Buckingham Fountain. It's lovely. RE: Devil Wears Prada If interested, there's a pre-Broadway run of the Devil Wears Prada musical, if you wanted to look into that. Not sure if the timing works for you. RE: places/things to avoid I hate to say it, but be mindful that summer nights can bring some unpleasant crowds to the downtown area, so I would limit your time out at night. It's just the reality of Chicago now. Try to avoid Humboldt Park and Garfield Park, and the Blue Line and Green Line trains as much as you can, and the Red Line, south of Roosevelt, you might want to be extra vigilant. (Always vigilant on trains. Buses are generally safer.) Navy Pier is a lovely place, and younger kids have things to do there, but at night may leave you feeling leery. It's a shame as the fireworks are there, but I don't feel safe there after dark. Take the Chicago 66 Bus from the Pier back to Michigan Ave, rather than walking at night. Chinatown is just ok... not nearly as developed as other city's Chinatowns. If you want dim sum, there are places that are more convenient to get to. Have fun in Chicago. |
Originally Posted by ChgoGal
(Post 17261342)
HI, cchean.
Hope you and the family found a hotel and parking that works for you. RE: River Boat Tour & Skydeck The more detailed/informative one is the Chicago Architecture Tour. If you just want to get on the river cheaply--which IS a lovely way to see the skyscrapers--you can combine a trip to the Skydeck with the Chicago water taxi from Union Station to Michigan Avenue. My family takes that from Union Station to Michigan Ave. every now and again. It's fast, and inexpensive, but it's still a boat ride for folks not hugely interested in the history of the buildings. https://www.chicagowatertaxi.com/Chi...Ogilvie-Union/ RE: Lincoln Park Zoo If you're morning people, and fairly fit to walk, and can go on a Saturday, I'd recommend getting some cash, and taking the bus (151 Sheridan or 22 Clark or 36 Broadway) to the Green City Market (Lincoln Park Farmer's Market) FIRST, where you might be able to buy a pastry or crepe. Not sure what juices/coffee they sell, but there are places near to get coffee, etc. Post back if you want those details. THen after the Market, cross Stockton Drive over to the park, walk north on the boardwalk around South Pond. STop in at the "Farm in the Zoo," if you want, but you may want to pass and continue north to the main zoo. After the Zoo, you can exit at the North-west gate which empties out into the park again. If you want to go directly back downtown, you can catch the 151 Sheridan south back to Michigan Ave., or if you want to catch the 22/36 bus south, you can walk west on Webster (or Belden, or Dickens) over to Clark Street, and pick up the bus there. There's a Starbucks at Clark and Dickens if you need a restroom/beverage. If you're really fit, your family can walk back to Gold Coast/Michigan Ave. area along the lakefront. You'd exit the northernmost exit of the zoo, walk a bit north to Fullerton, walk east over to the lake, and then south back to Michigan Ave. https://www.greencitymarket.org/market/details/lincoln RE: The Art Institute of Chicago and Millenium Park These you could combine in one day. If the weather is nice, and if the Art Institute South GArden is open, that is a lovely place to take your lunch and eat outdoors. There's a Chik fil A, a Potbelly, a Starbucks across the street, to pick up food. And yes, if you're feeling energetic, wander over to Buckingham Fountain. It's lovely. RE: Devil Wears Prada If interested, there's a pre-Broadway run of the Devil Wears Prada musical, if you wanted to look into that. Not sure if the timing works for you. RE: places/things to avoid I hate to say it, but be mindful that summer nights can bring some unpleasant crowds to the downtown area, so I would limit your time out at night. It's just the reality of Chicago now. Try to avoid Humboldt Park and Garfield Park, and the Blue Line and Green Line trains as much as you can, and the Red Line, south of Roosevelt, you might want to be extra vigilant. (Always vigilant on trains. Buses are generally safer.) Navy Pier is a lovely place, and younger kids have things to do there, but at night may leave you feeling leery. It's a shame as the fireworks are there, but I don't feel safe there after dark. Take the Chicago 66 Bus from the Pier back to Michigan Ave, rather than walking at night. Chinatown is just ok... not nearly as developed as other city's Chinatowns. If you want dim sum, there are places that are more convenient to get to. Have fun in Chicago. If you choose to see the Bahai Temple and the Chicago Botanical Garden they are located not too far away, around 9 miles apart so can be done in day. |
Ditto the recommendation for Ema. It’s been two years, but it was fabulous. If you like them, their black walnut Old Fashioned is memorable!
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