I LOVE CHICAGO!
Oct 31st, 2005, 08:26 AM
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I LOVE CHICAGO!
Well, my hubby had a seminar in Chicago this weekend so I went along for the ride. The last time I had been in Chicago was in the fall of 1993, so it had been awhile to say the least. The funny thing was that the last time I had been I was a college student who hadn't been to NYC yet. I was amazed at the beauty of Chicago and how clean it was.
Well, 12 years later, and having been to NYC numerous upon numerous times, I can still say without a doubt that, although I enjoy NYC, it can't hold a candle to Chicago. It's still a gorgeous city and still amazingly clean. The two issues that NYC has up on Chicago are (1) pizza; and (2) handling the homeless.
I got in late Friday night - we stayed at the Allerton Crowne Plaza - very nice hotel in an amazing location of North Michigan Avenue - we had a conference rate of $169 per night. Hotel was beautiful and you could see the history. Nice size king bedroom - bathroom a bit small. Conference rooms were beautiful on the top floors with amazing views.
First night we ordered Lou Malnati's deep dish (deluxe) and mozzerella cheesesticks. Cheesesticks were boring like you see everywhere. I enjoyed the pizza while my husband most definitely did not. It was just too much for him. So we think we're both NY pizza lovers which is a good thing as we live in upstate NY.
Next full day was spent in the conference. We went to dinner that night at the Rosebud Steakhouse which was amazing! Great steaks. We ordered the Saturday night special prime rib which was only $35 each - and I say only $35 because the steaks were the biggest thing I had ever seen in my life - they had to have been at least 2 lbs each. My hubby and I could have shared one with some left over. we were with a group of 10 and no one could get over how big the steaks were. Thankfully, one of the group lived in Chicago so she gladly took over our leftovers.
Afterwards, we have a glorious nightime walk along North Michigan Avenue which was really pretty on a nice crisp night.
Sunday, we didn't have a flight out until 6:30 pm so we had the day to have fun. We were proud of ourselves because we walked all the way from 701 North Michigan down to the Planetarium.
We went to the Millineum Park which is something everyone should see. It was beautifully done with a wonderful open auditorium area (and boy would I love to see a show there) and these amazing monuments including what looks to be a large silver kidney bean that shows the reflection of the city and a double tower monument, each with videos of Chicagoans' faces smiling, etc. I heard in the summer water shoots out to look like they are spitting which sounds neat.
We then walked to the Buckingham Fountain and then on the museum area which has the Fields History Museum, The Aquarium and the Planetarium.
We originally intended to go to the Planetarium because my hubby loves them; but he decided to be sweet and picked the Aquarium because he knew that would be something we would both enjoy (as I don't like planetariums). Boy were we happy we did! At first, I thought the $23 admission fee was expensive, but it was totally worth it. It was the most amazing aquarium I have ever been in! It was absolutely amazing!
They have an amazing HUGE section completely showing life in the Amazon; a section showing Under the reef - life of the coral reef near the Phillipines - so many amazing fish and a great tank where, if you stand close enough to the glass, it seems like sharks are swimming above, beside and below you, it feels like you are in it. We stood there watching for a really long time.
We also loved the oceanarium section which had a dolphin show, Beluga whales, the cutest otters showing off and then a HUGE surprise for me - PENGUINS! They were the cutest thing ever and I could have watched them for days - they were fascinating!
We spent 3 hours in the Aquarium and it felt like minutes and we didn't see everything. There was also a nice restaurant and food court area which I thought was a good value with great views of the lake while you are eating. Hubby tried the Chicago Hotdog but once again thought it was too much.
I'm so jealous of Chicagoans because you have such an amazing museum system. Is there a season pass or membership you can get for all of them together? I wish we had had time for the planetarium, art institute and fields, but this just means we'll have to go back!
We then went to Ghiaredelli's for chocolate and coffee - it was such a nice day we sat outside people watching. Question though, how in all of Chicago did the two chocolate places, Hershey's and Ghiaredelli's end up on the same corner?
I had really wanted to go to Bistro 110 which was right next to Ghiaredelli's, but we didn't have time.
Now I'm excited to make plans for a trip solely for fun!
Well, 12 years later, and having been to NYC numerous upon numerous times, I can still say without a doubt that, although I enjoy NYC, it can't hold a candle to Chicago. It's still a gorgeous city and still amazingly clean. The two issues that NYC has up on Chicago are (1) pizza; and (2) handling the homeless.
I got in late Friday night - we stayed at the Allerton Crowne Plaza - very nice hotel in an amazing location of North Michigan Avenue - we had a conference rate of $169 per night. Hotel was beautiful and you could see the history. Nice size king bedroom - bathroom a bit small. Conference rooms were beautiful on the top floors with amazing views.
First night we ordered Lou Malnati's deep dish (deluxe) and mozzerella cheesesticks. Cheesesticks were boring like you see everywhere. I enjoyed the pizza while my husband most definitely did not. It was just too much for him. So we think we're both NY pizza lovers which is a good thing as we live in upstate NY.
Next full day was spent in the conference. We went to dinner that night at the Rosebud Steakhouse which was amazing! Great steaks. We ordered the Saturday night special prime rib which was only $35 each - and I say only $35 because the steaks were the biggest thing I had ever seen in my life - they had to have been at least 2 lbs each. My hubby and I could have shared one with some left over. we were with a group of 10 and no one could get over how big the steaks were. Thankfully, one of the group lived in Chicago so she gladly took over our leftovers.
Afterwards, we have a glorious nightime walk along North Michigan Avenue which was really pretty on a nice crisp night.
Sunday, we didn't have a flight out until 6:30 pm so we had the day to have fun. We were proud of ourselves because we walked all the way from 701 North Michigan down to the Planetarium.
We went to the Millineum Park which is something everyone should see. It was beautifully done with a wonderful open auditorium area (and boy would I love to see a show there) and these amazing monuments including what looks to be a large silver kidney bean that shows the reflection of the city and a double tower monument, each with videos of Chicagoans' faces smiling, etc. I heard in the summer water shoots out to look like they are spitting which sounds neat.
We then walked to the Buckingham Fountain and then on the museum area which has the Fields History Museum, The Aquarium and the Planetarium.
We originally intended to go to the Planetarium because my hubby loves them; but he decided to be sweet and picked the Aquarium because he knew that would be something we would both enjoy (as I don't like planetariums). Boy were we happy we did! At first, I thought the $23 admission fee was expensive, but it was totally worth it. It was the most amazing aquarium I have ever been in! It was absolutely amazing!
They have an amazing HUGE section completely showing life in the Amazon; a section showing Under the reef - life of the coral reef near the Phillipines - so many amazing fish and a great tank where, if you stand close enough to the glass, it seems like sharks are swimming above, beside and below you, it feels like you are in it. We stood there watching for a really long time.
We also loved the oceanarium section which had a dolphin show, Beluga whales, the cutest otters showing off and then a HUGE surprise for me - PENGUINS! They were the cutest thing ever and I could have watched them for days - they were fascinating!
We spent 3 hours in the Aquarium and it felt like minutes and we didn't see everything. There was also a nice restaurant and food court area which I thought was a good value with great views of the lake while you are eating. Hubby tried the Chicago Hotdog but once again thought it was too much.
I'm so jealous of Chicagoans because you have such an amazing museum system. Is there a season pass or membership you can get for all of them together? I wish we had had time for the planetarium, art institute and fields, but this just means we'll have to go back!
We then went to Ghiaredelli's for chocolate and coffee - it was such a nice day we sat outside people watching. Question though, how in all of Chicago did the two chocolate places, Hershey's and Ghiaredelli's end up on the same corner?
I had really wanted to go to Bistro 110 which was right next to Ghiaredelli's, but we didn't have time.
Now I'm excited to make plans for a trip solely for fun!
Oct 31st, 2005, 08:43 AM
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BTW, a big thank you to all who helped with my questions - my hubby took a cab to the hotel from Midway ($30) while I used your directions for the el ($1.75). He was mad I didn't take the "safe" way but I had a blast doing it! and thanks for all of the other suggestions as well - they were very helpful!
Oct 31st, 2005, 10:07 AM
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I agree Chicago is great. I love both NYC and Chicago. The one thing Chicago does better than any city is public access to the river and Lake Michigan. There are so many areas to walk along the water. Although Chicago night life is great-I would give NYC the edge there. I actually prefer Chicago stuffed pizza to NYC thin crust.
Nov 1st, 2005, 07:59 AM
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I love the people in Chicago, too! So friendly and down to earth. The first time I went there, I was shocked to find that I loved Chicago. So the second time I went there, I was all prepared to have an affair with the city. It's a wonderful place!
Nov 1st, 2005, 08:35 AM
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Chicago is definitely easy to maneuver, and very friendly! Too bad you didn't get to Bistro 110- they have a GREAT Sunday jazz brunch and the best french onion soup...mmm. We are lucky to have SWest airlines, cause I can get really good flight deals there. Do return when it's a bit warmer and take a water taxi to the planetarium. Also, the outdoor concerts at the Mil. Park are great fun in the summer! The sound is amazing 
Nov 1st, 2005, 10:06 AM
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Radiofanatic,
Glad you enjoyed your trip here-it was a gorgeous weekend last weekend on top of it all. Did you run into any of the White Sox revelry? The city has definately been riding a high for the past 2 weeks.
Glad you enjoyed your trip here-it was a gorgeous weekend last weekend on top of it all. Did you run into any of the White Sox revelry? The city has definately been riding a high for the past 2 weeks.
Nov 1st, 2005, 11:54 AM
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my husband saw part of the parade on friday. people were everywhere on the streets selling t-shirts - "only 5 dollars!" The people were all great and dh and I are still talking about what a fun, but too quick, trip it was. we have southwest too and we now have a direct flight to chicago - which was nice and the tix were only $97 pp
Nov 1st, 2005, 12:05 PM
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Glad you had fun. Friday's rally was something I will never ever forget.
And the weather is supposed to be excellent this weekend as well.
SW has made so many places accessible to me, and also to all Chicago visitors from lots of smaller cities as well. I miss ATA for the same reason.
And the weather is supposed to be excellent this weekend as well.
SW has made so many places accessible to me, and also to all Chicago visitors from lots of smaller cities as well. I miss ATA for the same reason.
Nov 1st, 2005, 01:29 PM
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Glad you loved Chicago. I'm with you on the pizza - NY style is better.
Do return when in the summer. It's incredible! I live here, so I never vacation somewhere else during the summer because I don't want to miss a moment of it.
Next time, be sure to venture out so some of Chicago's neighborhoods - they often contain some of Chicago's very best restaurants (cheaper rent, smaller and more intimate) as well as a lot of architectural character.
Do return when in the summer. It's incredible! I live here, so I never vacation somewhere else during the summer because I don't want to miss a moment of it.
Next time, be sure to venture out so some of Chicago's neighborhoods - they often contain some of Chicago's very best restaurants (cheaper rent, smaller and more intimate) as well as a lot of architectural character.
