What are your top 3 must-do, must-dine, must-stay picks while in Chicago?

Hmmmm I would suggest either the Museum of Science & Industry OR the Museum of Natural History...but probably not both.

While downtown you can catch a ton of other stuff. If you go around the 4th of July you can hit The Taste, great food, fun day. Its something we try to hit every year.

Sheli

If it is in season, the Chicago Symphony. A play at one of the City's theaters. One of the Architecture Foundation tours.

Don't miss:

Going to the top of the Hancock (forget Sears Tower) (95th floor for drinks perhaps).

Wendella boat ride through the City.

Second City Theatre

Restaurants
Ambria
Frontera Grill
Giordanos stuffed pizza

Talbott Hotel

We were only there a day but really enjoyed Old Navy Pier......another option for a beautiful day.

I wouldn't attend "The Taste of Chicago" if someone put a gun to my head.

Dan's list is perfect. I would only add a Cubs game at Wrigley field.

Couldn't agree more about taste of Chicago. I work five minutes from there and I never go. Crowded, expensive hot. No thanks.

Statia: Just an FYI: Navy Pier is not called "OLD Navy Pier"

Favorite rooms:
Executive suites at new Peninsula, junior suites at Four Seasons.

Restaurants:
Giordano's ain't fancy but I sure miss that pizza when I'm away.

Wouldn't spend a calorie to walk to Navy Pier, but the museums are always a worthwhile diversion.

To Do:
Daytime
Cubs game at Wrigley
Shopping on Michigan Ave
Chicago Architecture Society Boat Tour

Nightime:
Second City
The Baton for Celebrity Impersonators aka Drag Show(if you are up for something different)

Dining:
Frontera Grill
Chicago Style Pizza at Lou Malnati's or Uno's

Thanks Mayor Daley......too darn many "Old Navy" spam emails in my in box lately.....ha. Not to mention, it's been a few years since I was in Chicago.

At any rate, that NAVY PIER is a nice way to spend an afternoon.

Yikes Statia. I hope you haven't given Old Navy any ideas. It's bad enought that every ferris wheel door at Navy Pier has the McDonalds arches on them!

Haven't seen anyone mention one of my faves yet - Lincoln Park Zoo!!!

One of the few FREE zoos in the US and it is really nice as well, did I mention free?

Hey, Ang: is there a free zoo in Chicago?

I live downtown and these would be my picks.
Must do:
Second City, Oak Street boutiques, Cubs game, Hancock, small street festivals (not Taste),
Must dine: NoMi at Park Hyatt, Gibson's for steak and people-watching, outdoor dining (if weather permits) at Tavern on Rush or Carmine's.
Must stay: Peninsula Hotel, Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons, Sutton Hotel.

Do not bother with Taste of Chicago unless you are into touristy crowds and walking aroung with a 10 lb. turkey leg. The cuisine does not do justice to what Chicago has to offer.

Shop on Michigan Avenue...
See a Blues Band (Buddy Guy's Legends)...
Get a weiner or a pizza...

Have to agree-the show at the Baton is a hoot!

Nobody mentioned Penny's Noodles??

OK, I'll admit deep dish pizza is more "Chicago" but I don't have a friend that moved away who doesn't want to hit Penny's when they visit.

Plus, dinner for two for $12.97 - how can you beat that?

I'm (truly) surprised nobody mentioned the Art Institute - just an oversight? Personally, I prefer the Museum of Contemporary Art with lunch in Puck's overlooking the sculpture garden, and quick access from Michigan Avenue shopping, but I figured I was in the minority.

Okay, true Chicago-ites pass on the Taste of Chicago. But mmmmmm, remember the first time you walked around starting with lobster on a stick and ended with cheesecake on a stick?

So do those who hate Taste Of also hate Blues Fest? Inquiring minds want to know!