Coming to Chicago for a weekend visit.
 

I will be making my first visit to Chicago in April (Easter weekend). I've heard there is lots to do, but I only have a limited amount of time. I'm looking for any suggestions on how to make the most of my time in the "Windy City". Thanks. <BR>

I travelled on business to Chicago. Take the trolley tour. Costs a little bit of money, but sure gets you around to see the sights in a safe and enjoyable manner. Ask at your hotel where to catch it. Catch the Red Trolley. I found this one to be good. Your ticket allows you to get off and on numerous times. <BR>I saw them filming Chicago Hope on the streets, here. <BR> <BR> <BR>If you are a woman travelling alone check out the web site journeywoman.com <BR>for good tips. <BR> <BR>If you like shopping and are downtown bingo!! lots of shopping. <BR> <BR> <BR>

My favorites, all downtown: <BR>Field Museum of Natural History, Art Institute (if you like Impressionists, absolute must-see), Sears Tower (IF the sky is clear), Lincoln Park Zoo, Science and Industry Museum, Adler Planeterium, Aquarium, shopping on the Miracle Mile. If you want to see the sight that inspired the "Cheezboiger, cheezboiger" routine on Saturday Night Live; it's the Billy Goat Tavern downtown.

<BR>I love the museums too. If you have the energy in the evening, I'd recommend checking out a blues bar, especially one of the smaller places that feels like a neighborhood joint (in other words, I'm not recommending House of Blues, although I'm sure you can hear good music there too). There are several located downtown. Your hotel should be able to give you a few suggestions. Also, as Chicago can be expensive (I can easily spend $100 in a night), be on the lookout for coupons at the hotel. One time I picked up a booklet called Front Row Chicago that has discounts on a lot of the major sites and restaurants.

Paul has given you some excellent suggestions. The Art Institute would get my vote, followed by the Shedd Aquarium. Make sure you have a stuffed pizza while you are here; there's dozens of places to choose from. My favorites are Giordano's, Edwardo's and Pizzeria Uno. If you're here for Easter weekend, most of the downtown hotels and restaurants will have Sunday brunch on Easter. Be sure and pick up a copy of the Reader (published on Thursday and free at most record stores)which will give you a list of all the things to do in town that weekend or a copy of the Friday Tribune or Suntimes which have a weekend section with the same information.

If you like improvisational comedy, you have to go to Second City Chicago. It’s about $12 to get in and it was the BEST live comedy show I have ever been to. Worth the money and easy to find. www.secondcity.com

Well, April is a pretty good time to come to Chicago--you won't get the sweltering heat of the summer and you'll have just passed the brutal cold of the winter. A walk along the Lake would be very pleasant and refreshing. <BR>Here's what I recommend: <BR>(bear in mind that I am a 24-year old male, so your tastes may be different) <BR> <BR>- Art Institute (you'll feel like you're in Europe or something) <BR> <BR>- walk along the Magnificent mile (shopping is horribly expensive but you'll get a good feel of the hustle and bustle of the city) <BR> <BR>- Field Museum of Natural History and the Shedd Aquarium (the waterfront campus between these places is one of the most pleasant in which to just hang out) <BR> <BR>- for food: try out Clark Street between Addison and Belmont (just south of Wrigley Field). Here, you will find many different ethnic restaurants like Thai, Ethiopian, the great Mia Francesca's Italian restaurant, Sushi, and Jezabel's (mediterranean). And all of the restaurants are very affordable (some are a downright steal!) Plus, around here you will find very interesting shops and little coffee houses... <BR> <BR>- DO check out a blues show at night. I can't tell you how much camaraderie I feel with complete strangers watching a blues show. The best I've been to is B.L.U.E.S. on Halsted. It is small and cozy and you can really interact with the performer. Buddy Guy's Legends is also great but getting a seat is always a hassle and it is getting more touristy. House of Blues is OK but they actually have more of other types of music than blues. Don't go there if you are expecting a good Chicago blues show. <BR> <BR>- for a good movie, go to the Music Box on Southport (between Iriving Park and Addison). It is very ornate and has an opera-theater feel to it. You will find very artistic and independent films here. <BR> <BR>If you have any more questions, feel free to email me! <BR> <BR>Daniel Lee

Pizza: Gino's or Edwardo's <BR>German: Berghoff's (Highly recommended!) <BR>Activities: In addition to the one's already mentioned, I would recommend going by the Chicago Board of Trade. Also, catch a Cubs game if at all possible...baseball fan or not, I think you might enjoy it.

I live in Chicago. If you're going to Chicago for a weekend there's lots to do. Best to stay downtown near or off Michigan Ave. Lots of major shopping (Water Tower Place), museums, movies. Be prepared for 8.75% tax. Once you get the hotel they will help you with your plans. You won't have a problem and you won't be bored.

See Blue Man Group - check out their website www.blueman.com <BR>

I grew up in Chicago. I still dream about "pizza" at Uno's or Gino's. Where deep dish was born.