Chicago -- Southern Country Mice Visit Big Northern City
 

Taking my 25 year old daughter and my sister to Chicago for a long weekend (Feb 17-20).
My sister and I were there once over 30 years ago so we are like nubbies. We are staying at the Allerton Hotel. So far we know we want to take the archeticture boat tour, maybe ice skate at Millenium Park, see the Museum of Science and Industry (one of the few memories from 30 years ago so I am insisting on this one). Still a question mark around Hancock bldg and Maxwell Market. Worth the time? Any other recommended sites? We are not really into art museums but do really want to get the feel of Chicago...food included. We are foodies but not just expensive high end places. Great street food? Wonderful splurge dinner (thinking around $300 for 3)? Daughter is requesting a piano bar suggestion. Great theater? Maybe Second City? Have made plans to borrow winter gear as we feel sure it will be down right cold. All ideas welcome...thanks ever so much.

Cold is relative, but temps will probably range between 20 and 35ºF. You'll need hats, gloves and comfortable, waterproof boots/shoes.

Architecture tours do not operated in the winter. If it's cold enough to ice skate, you won't want to be on a boat.

The Allerton is only a few blocks south of the Hancock. You can go to the lounge on the 96th floor and have a drink for about the same cost as going to the observatory.

The Maxwell Market of 30 years ago no longer exists. It was moved a bit east when Univ of Illinois at Chicago campus was expanded. It now operates around Roosevelt and Des Plaines streets. Is there something particular you're hoping to find there?

For theatre listings, check www.chicagoplays.com. It's the site of the Chicago League of Theatres and has listings for the touring Broadway shows and local productions. It also has a link to Hot Tix for discounts.

For restaurants, check www.chicagoreader.com or www.metromix.com. You can search by neighborhood, cuisine or price. For other events and sights, www.choosechicago.com or www.explorechicago.org.

There are two piano bars close to the Allerton, The Red Head and Howl at the Moon. Howl at the Moon has dueling pianos and can be very busy on some eves. You can find others at Chicago Reader and Metromix.

You can reach MSI and most other sights via public transit. You can purchase a 3-day pass at either airport or most CVS and Walgreens stores for $14. They allow unlimited rides on all CTA trains and buses. For maps, a trip planner and how to use the train and bus trackers, check www.transitchicago.com.

We were in Chicago the end of Sept. and went on a Tastebuds food tour and it was great. The tour lasted about three hours. We enjoyed all the food, the history of Chicago and the walking around the city.

I think that Citylghts meant to say that 20-35 deg. F is the average *HIGH* temperature that time of year. Substract 20-25 degress to get the average *LOW* temperature. Add in the possibility of wind chill and snow. Just to prepare you for our balmy climate here in February, as you are coming at the tail end of what is usually the coldest time of the year.

I know that it's harder for those from warmer climes to accustom themselves to our sometimes brutal winters - and they are forecasting another one this year. The trick is layering. The layers don't have to be heavy ones but a heavier coat is best. Definitely have a scarf, hat, gloves and waterproof boots.

So, basically strike any walking tours from your itinerary, unless they are interior ones. You could look at the Chicago Architecture Foundation's website a little later in the year to see what they have going on when you are visiting.

The Museum of Science and Industry is 7 miles south of downtown Chicago. You'll be staying about 1 mile north of the downtown (the "Loop", as you know). At that time of the year, IMHO, I think that it would be best for your party to consider taking a cab there and back. It will cost you more; however, the sheer convenience of it - including the fact of not having to stand out in the cold awaiting a bus - will probably outweigh the cost. NOTE: If the MSI is having the White City Then and Now tour when you are here, try and do that. It only is run once each month and sells out in advance all the time, so you'd have to look into this early in your planning.

IMHO, I think you can easily, EASILY create your own food tour with just doing a little research online through forums such as LTHforum, Chicago Magazine, Time Out Chicago, even the food blog of the Chicago Tribune.

The thing, though, is that many of the better dining experiences are a distance from each other. So a progressive dining experience in the dead of winter is many times difficult to achieve. So I would recommend that you first determine what evening entertainment you will be having and then make the choice for the dining, to avoid extra traveling.

If you want to learn about the history of Chicago on a tour, consider one of Chicago History Museum's (when in season which they aren't when you are here). Likewise, if you want to take an architecture tour, take one of the Chicago Architecture Foundation. However, whatever you do, look at the training behind the guides in the tour.

Your evening entertainment: Any interest in the opera? Showboat will be performed at the Lyric Opera. And, if you haven't been to the Civic Opera Building, this is a spectacular venue, one of the best in Chicago.

The Auditorium Theatre is another extraordinary venue and is the house venue of the Joffrey Ballet.

When you are researching your options for theatre with the websites mentioned above, please do think about the Chicago style of theatrical performance as opposed to the Broadway style. Chicago has many troupes it's a shame we don't mention more (such as the TimeLine) but you might be most familiar with the Steppenwolf and Victory Gardens cast members.

You might also look at the calendar for the Harris Theatre (at Millennium Park) where some of the smaller Chicago troupes and groups perform; the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre (at Navy Pier); the Lookingglass Theatre's venue at the Water Tower Water Works (on N. Michigan Avenue); also special mention for the Goodman Theatre, which is right in the Loop Theatre District.

A few things to add to the excellent info above:

The Hancock has the city's best view if the weather is clear. You can go to the 94th-floor Observatory ($15), but the 96th-floor Signature Lounge is cheaper (just the price of a drink, ie around $8), plus it's two floors higher.

For theater, check Hot Tix (http://www.hottix.org). It lists same-day theater tickets for half-price. Or try Gold Star (http://www.goldstar.com), which has half-price tix for theater, sports, concerts and city tours; you must sign up three or so weeks in advance to take advantage of offers.

Another piano bar in addition to the ones already listed is Jilly's (1000 N. Rush St., www.jillyschicago.com), where Sinatra used to hang out. It skews toward an older crowd.

Second City (www.secondcity.com) is excellent. Try to get tix in advance, as sell-outs are common. If you're on a budget, you can see the performers do a half hour of improv for free after the evening's last show. The freebie begins at 10pm Mon-Thu, 1am Sat and 9pm Sun (none on Friday).

For street food, Maxwell Street Market has become a hot spot for foodies craving homemade churros, tamales, gorditas and other Mexican bites. It takes place 7am-3pm Sundays, and runs along Desplaines St. between Harrison and Roosevelt roads. Or try Chicago's food trucks. The Tribune's food blog feed on Twitter has locations (http://www.twitter.com/@tribstew/chicago-food-trucks) as they drive around town.

Most of these tips come from the iPhone/iPad app Chicago Free & Frugal (http://bit.ly/qNiVKr), which is handy.

Born & raised in Chicago, there's nothing like our deep dish pizza. Gino's East, Uno's or Pizzeria Due (same link as Uno's) are all great places to eat. Enjoy your trip.

http://www.ginoseast.com/flash.html

http://www.unos.com/

Since you may find yourselves wanting to spend a lot of time indoors in Chicago in February, I would add the Shedd Aquarium to your list of things to see. After the Museum of Science and Industry, it was our favorite place in Chicago. (Also, it might make you feel somewhat tropical in mid-winter.)

We had a great time at Second City.

<i>The Museum of Science and Industry is 7 miles south of downtown Chicago. You'll be staying about 1 mile north of the downtown (the "Loop", as you know). At that time of the year, IMHO, I think that it would be best for your party to consider taking a cab there and back.</i>

The number 10 bus goes from the Water Tower to the Museum of Science and Industry.

Instead of the architecture tour on the water, you might want to see the Frank Lloyd Wright houses in Oak Park, which can't be visited, but the synagogue can be, and his house as well. And don't miss the Chicago Cultural Center, formerly the main library: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...57623200372490

Well, we don't know about the CTA bus service yet, as it's uncertain if there will be service cuts due to financial shortfalls. It depends on if CTA gets those concessions from the unions.

In the past, the #10 only ran weekends at that time of the year. Express busses are the most likely to have times of operations shortened or be eliminated. In any case, I would be watching the CTA's website for any changes in service.

However, the reason for my advice the above is because it's certainly not pleasant to wait at a bus stop in that type of weather, even when you are used to those temperatures. For someone not accustomed to the cold, it would even be worse.

In addition, it would take probably 45-60 minutes each way for them to get to the MSI via the #10; whereas a cab would be more around 30 minutes or less each way, door-to-door, barring any accidents on Lake Shore Drive or truly terrible weather.

If the OP didn't want to make that type of expediture for both legs, they could take a cab down to the MSI and the bus back. But I really wouldn't recommend it.

If you decide to check out the Shedd Aquarium, buy your tickets in advance!

All of the other comments above are spot on :) Bundle up and enjoy our fabulous city!

Thanks for all the help! One last question: We have tickets for the Sat. night Second city show -- where would you eat close to there?

Look at North Wells Street and North Ave, many great restaurants on N. Wells between Division and North. Topo Gigio's, Bistro Margot, DiNotto's(on NOrth around the corner from Wells) and more.

Great!!! they all look wonderful -- can't wait!

Hi, anneht.
I'd recommend Adobo Grill. Love this place.
http://www.adobogrill.com/
Have a great time.

I agree, don't do the Sci.& Ind. Museum- there's too much else close to you for that time period. The Shedd is an excellent choice or the Art Institute.

One thing. Everyone here always suggests the Hancock for views. They're fine. But if you REALLY want to do the "thing" once- you know it might be another 30 years, it sounds like- I would much, much suggest going to the newer glass walk-out on the WILLIS

The Willis, used to be the Sears Tower- it's a slight walk from the Allerton but not hard- it will warm you up to go a tiny bit west. It is worth the cost of entry or a wait, IMHO. Nothing is like looking down through glass that many stories up.

Have a good time. It's been mild as mild can be so far this winter. A HUGE DEPARTURE from the last decade of winters. But do wear long coats, regardless. And you need a hat and gloves as noted.

Across Jackson Blvd. from the Chicago Board of Trade is the Federal Reserve Bank. The FRB has an interesting free tour.
As an architectural oddity, the Monadnock (sp) is the tallest building in the city without a steel frame.

I just want to elaborate on what JJ5 said.

The emphasis is on "coat". If you have a coat, bring it-not a jacket.

The coat's best advantage is that it covers your thighs and your rear. Trust me- the Chicago wind can eat right through a pair of blue jeans. :) Bring a COAT. :) The longer, the better.

Have a great time. Even in winter, Chicago is an awesome city!