Hello.

I'm going to be in Chicago for a whole month in July for work but will have free evenings and weekends. I have done the main touristy things over there and am looking for some non-touristy, off-the-beaten-path things to do. I usually love walking, exploring different neighbourhoods, ethnicities, hiking, outdoorsy activities, music, and FOOD. And I don't care to spend too much money. Cheap or free is the way to go!

Any suggestions?

Cheers,

gtrekker

Ok, for ethnic neighborhoods and inexpensive food go to "little India" which is on Devon Ave (6400 no.) between Western and California, (2400-2800 west). There are scores of restaurants, Indian jewelery stores with the 22k gold items, grocery and appliance stores. It'll be quite an experience. if you do decide to buy jewelery (some things are pretty reasonable despite the hi content gold composition) don't forget to bargain. its part of their culture and you should be able to trim off about 25% of the original price. Remember the price structure, as follows:
1. The first price
2. The cash price
3. The cash, no receipt price.

Thanks you two! What great ideas.

chicgal, I don't mind if you have any more ideas. I like all the ones you already mentioned. I'll be there in July for a month and back later for another month.

Cheers,

gtrekker

You must eat at the original Billy Goat Tavern if you haven't. I don't know if it is touristy or not but a bunch of the Tribune writers were there when I was there. Under the Wrigley building.

You may also want to bum around Lincoln Park, Wicker Park and Lincoln Square- all great neighborhoods with unique shops and restaurants. Check out the Suntimes website-they had a link to all the summer festivals so you can see what's going on while you're in town. Also, you may want to go to Hyde Park and check out the U of C campus and the Museum of Science and Industry. There's some beautiful architecture in this area. When you decide where you are going neighborhoodwise, go to metromix.com and pick your neighborhood and all your restaurant selections with descriptions and prices will come up.

I also forgot to mention that the City of Chicago website offers a service for free tourguides for off the beaten path neighborhoods. Check out city ofchicago.org and click on exploring chicago. Then one of the options it I want to take a neighborhood tour.