chicago overnight - what to do?
 

3 of us (adults) will be arriving early morning in Chicago March 15 for one day on our way to Puerto Vallarta. What would you recommend we see/do for that one day? We're staying at the Chicago Marriott Suites O'Hare and probably will taxi to wherever we go.

It's hard for me to make recommendations without knowing your interests. Fodors' destinations section has lots of imformation and several sample itineraries.

I think a great way to see the city of Chicago is to do the Architecture boat cruise.There are a few companies that off this service. They run about 90 minutes and are $25-40 depending on which one you choose.

You get a real sense of the history and fun facts as well as significant architectual history. It goes through the river in the city and some go out into the lake as well. Bring a jacket - even on a hot day it can get cool on it.

It is relaxing and should at some level appeal to everyone.

After that a walk to the new Millenium park would be fun. It is a new interactive sculpture park with dining options and is right next to Grant park which of course is righ tnext to the lake.

I love Shedd Aquarium which is located on the lake and is awswome. They have just added some new animals and exhibits too.

A cocktail at the top of the John Hancock buidling with that incredible view would be an excellent way to cap off the day!!!

Have fun!

A taxi from the O'Hare area into the city will cost around $40. The Marriott is walking distance from the Rosemont Station on the CTA Blue Line and the hotel also has a shuttle.

You can buy a visitor pass for $5 that allows unlimited rides on all buses and trains. The trip to the loop would take about an hour. Exit the blue line at Clark or Washington and you can walk or take a bus to any of the tourist sights.

I normally would second the architecture tour. But the Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) only offers them between late April and early November. Other tour providers might offer them in March, but it will be a very cold tour.

In March, things to do would include the Art Institute, the Field Museum, shopping on Michigan Avenue, or perhaps a matinee. Here's a list of tours throught the CAF on March 15/16: http://preview.tinyurl.com/3cjoqm

Here's the Broadway in Chicago website: http://www.broadwayinchicago.com/

The architecture boat tour won't be running in March- it's too cold. However, the CAF does run walking tours of the city year-round (www.architecture.org)

Given March's ratty weather, I'd spend the morning at one of the museums, have lunch in the Loop, then spend the afternoon walking up Michigan Avenue, hoping for sunshine. Finish up with drinks at the Hancock, a great dinner and some jazz or blues music.
www.metromix.com has lots of reviews, as does www.chicagoreader.com

I am so sorry - I missed the month you were going.... It would be too cold in March.
You cannot go wrong with the Field Museum.
you might enjoy having tea at one of the lovely hotels like the Drake or the Palmer House or others to get our of the cold.

Or hot chocolate and/or chocolate fondue at Ethel's.