Hi, we are taking a short weekend trip in June to Chicago to catch a baseball game at Wrigley Field. Any suggestions on where we should stay and some fun things to do if we only have 1 1/2 days? We went a couple years ago and already walked around downtown and to the Navy Pier. Looking for other sites. Also, how hard is it to go to the House of Blues??? Should we rent a car, or take the L?

Definitely do not rent a car. There's no where to park within 1-2 miles of Wrigley on game day for less than $15-20. Plus, if you imbibe, you don't want to be driving. The hassle-free way to get around Chicago and to either ballpark is the El:

http://www.chicagotransitauthority.com/

The site has system maps, directions, etc. Also has bus info.

Where did you stay during your last trip? Other than "walking around downtown" and Navy Pier, did you see/do anything else? Depending upon the act there, HOB can be okay. Lots of Chicago-based blues clubs, though, with good acts. Plug your travel dates into www.metromix.com and see what's going on.

Also, Hot Tix outlets (one in the loop and one at the TI in the old water tower pumping station at the corner of Pearson & Michigan) offer 1/2 price day-of tickets to plays/musicals.

What other things interest you? Museums? Neighborhood tours? Lots to do.

Do you want restaurant/bar suggestions for Wrigleyville?

Hi there:

We usually try to visit Chicago at least four times a year. Although, now that Mayor Daley has closed Meig's Field Airport my days of going are greatly reduced unless it is reopened again.

I always enjoy walking around downtown especially Michigan Avenue. How about Lincoln Park Zoo, the Aquarium is fun, and the museaum is right next to the Aquarium. They usually have special exhibitions that are nice. You should go up in the John Hancock tower the view is great.

The recliners at ESPNZOne, couple dozen of their great buffalo wings and a few half doz. Gooses, rivals being at Wrigley! A lot of good video and interactive games there too.

If you stay downtown near HOB, the EL is no prob in getting to Wrigley. Or, it's about a $10-15 cab ride up to Wrigley depending opn how many people and the traffic on Lakeshore and around the park.

Kal
ps...Chi-Heather...FYI...we may be shooting for the last week of the season, Sept. 26th-ish for the Cubs/Pirates weekend series. Look out Gino's East!

Check www.biddingfortravel.com for hotels and then bid on Priceline.

I would suggest going to see whatever is playing at the Steppenwolf Theatre, go to Second City, and get the tickets at a discount at the visitor's center across from the Hancock Observatory.

Do not rent a car.

Definitely no need for a car, public transportation or cabs can take you anywhere you want to go. Parking is expensive in the tourist areas and restricted in most of the neighborhoods.

All kinds of small theater productions in addition to the big one (Lion King, opening in April). There is usually a wide variety of tickets at Hottix for Friday night, some for Saturday night. Second City is usually fun, Blue Man Group is also highly recommended.

If you've already seen most of the museums, you might want to check out one of the neighborhoods, either on your own, on an architecture tour (www.architecture.org) or with a Chicago Greeter (www.chicagogreeter.com), a free service to introduce people to different parts of the city. There are a lot of cool areas with huge homes such as Beverly and great architecture like in Hyde Park. The Architecture Foundation also has the river cruise which people seem to love.

And definitely check out Bidding for Travel and Priceline for great hotel rates. You can bid by area and star level and BVT gives you an idea of which hotels are likely to pop up.

Went last year in May/June for 6 days.
Booked Palmer House Hilton through Priceline for $70 and more than satisfied. Great location for us.
Some of the things we did:
- Visitors Center on E.Randolf most helpfull. Get 'Official Visitors Guide', 'Concierge Preferred' and 'Guidebook of Special Values' with plenty of vouchers, for instance 2 for price of 1 Wendella boat tour.
- Art Institute most impressive and free on Tues.
- Good food at Ada's Deli on S.Wabash.
- Free internet at Library S.State and also visit Winter Garden on 7th floor.
- Get gift vouchers at visitors center at Marshall Fields on N.State, also ask for 2 for 1 Hancock Observatory.
- Great views from Hancock.
- Free 3 hour guide by Greeter, who walked and talked us through Gold Coast south to E.Randolf (www.chicagogreeter.com).
- Chicago dogs at Flukys on 3rd floor at Nordstrom N. Michigan.
- Auction rooms at Merchandise Mart on Kinzie.
- Chinatown less impressive than in NYC.
- When walking, keep north of Roosevelt to be on the safe side. Generally we felt quite safe and although approached form time to time by homeless guys for some change, never felt threatened. As with any city you're not familiar with, it's wise to keep your eyes open and stay in well populated areas.
- Mario's Italian Lemonade on Taylor for great Italian Ice Cream.
- Little Italy and Greektown a bit small and not worth a the effort if you're on a short visit.
- Wonderful view of the skyline from Adler end of Museum Campus.
- Use free trolley service to get around.
- Free loop tour (get tickets Sat morning at Visitors Center).
- Warmly welcomed as visitors for inspiring Sunday gospel service at St. Lukes on N. Orleans.
- Water Tower Place has some great shops.
- Also interesting Hammacher Schlemmer shop with unique products at historic Tribune Tower, N. Michigan.
- Zoo at Lincoln Park worth the walk. Go to the Conservatory while you're there.
- Walk from Lincoln Park back south to Oak Street Beach along Lake Shore Drive.
- Cultural Center on E.Randolf worth walking through.
- Walked mostly in area bordered by Chicago, Michigan, Van Buren and Clinton/N.Orleans which gave us the feel of the place.
Have fun!

since you've done downtown before, stay in the Wrigleyville neighborhood this time. cityinns.com or lpndaysinn.com
Great clubs, bars, music. see metromix.com or choosechicago.com for other events. Go to the Lincoln Park Zoo. Kingston Mines for great blues music. Greenmill for jazz. I am getting married in Wrigleyville in June so if you see a wedding party-- smile and wave! Don't even consider a car. House of Blues is right of the redline as is Wrigley.

There is also a Best Western Inn on Broadway & Hawthorne close to the ballpark (a decent 20 min? walk). If you stay there, make sure you take a walk right down the street on Hawthorne. I've lived in Chicago all my life and never seen such gigantic, beautiful mansions as those on that one block.