Need tips for the best of downtown Chicago in 6 days
Apr 10th, 2015, 10:49 PM
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Need tips for the best of downtown Chicago in 6 days
This Cali girl's going to Chicago for the first time next Wednesday April 15th for six days. Staying at The Sofitel on the MM in downtown. I'm an avid ninja walker so would love to know best neighborhoods to walk. Also the "not miss" attractions, great places to hear live music and of course fabulous food. I'll be on my own during the day, so safe places for a woman alone is a must, along with casual fun little places for breakfast/lunch. Evenings I'll be getting together with family for major restaurant dinners. Advice? Thanks! :
Apr 11th, 2015, 01:12 AM
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I'm a ninja walker too. Covered a lot of neighborhoods in Chicago, some totally on accident because 1) chicago is very flat, and that messed with my sense of distance. And 2) I was terrible at figuring out Chicago public transit.
My advice would be to look up self guided walking tours so you have a plan when you set out for the day. Your feet will thank you
My favorite places I stumbled up or walked through.
In the loop: Chicago Cultural Center (old library), past the new library, the architecture foundation store, lakefront path in general and Buckingham fountain specifically. Art Institute. Museum Campus. Willis Tower. Palmer House Hotel.
River Walk. I took the architecture foundation cruise and then spent the next few days hunting down the more interesting sights on foot, mostly via the River walk.
Lincoln Park. Free zoo, need I say more?
Past the Gold Coast mansions.
Old town. Historic neighborhood, with St. Michael's, one of the churches that survived the Fire.
Wicker Park: I ate lunch at a few good places there. But I'd go again to see the Walgreens that is inside a beautiful old bank building.
Mag mile: expensive shopping, dining, hotels. Very crowded later in the day and at night. But also amazing architecture, I enjoy wandering through expensive department stores, and probably the best people watching of the trip.
Intelligentsia coffe in the Loop area has very good espresso, if you are a coffee person. Think seattle hipster joint, just upscale, with weirdly friendly and clean cut baristas. That was probably the most common breakfast stop for me. Has pastries and croissants.
Had a great sandwich for lunch at Pastoral (loop as well). Also would recommend Terzo Piano (art institute) with its amazing view. (Neither were cheap, but definitely memorable. And TP is possibly the only museum food establishment I have ever wanted to return to).
Art Institute is practically a walking tour all by itself. It's large enough that it took me at least 3 hours to fully realize there was a whole modern wing I had yet to step foot into! There are also some fantastic architectural remnants of Chicago buildings that you'll wish you could step back in time to see.
I was in Chicago mainly for the museums; if you can only go to one, pick the Art institute. Second favorite was the Field. If you like learning about local history, the Chicago History museum is a can't miss. Modern art museum I did not go through, but I did go into the gift shop and that's worth a walk through.
Lastly- one of the people I met at the hostel was into murals and street art. That's what she did in all the cities she visited. I didn't see much of it personally, but she shared some amazing photos with me. It may be worth your time googling murals in Chicago and walking to see those as well.
And probably worth mentioning that I was also a lone traveller. I felt actually safer in Chicago than I do in Seattle sometimes. But I'm cautious and stuck close to my hostel at night, or I ate dinner in the Mag mile, which is well lit and has a lot of peole milling around late. The only time I felt nervous was when I was on the river walk at dusk with no one around. I think if you use your common sense, you'll be fine.
Have great time! Chicago was a lot of fun to walk around.
My advice would be to look up self guided walking tours so you have a plan when you set out for the day. Your feet will thank you
My favorite places I stumbled up or walked through.
In the loop: Chicago Cultural Center (old library), past the new library, the architecture foundation store, lakefront path in general and Buckingham fountain specifically. Art Institute. Museum Campus. Willis Tower. Palmer House Hotel.
River Walk. I took the architecture foundation cruise and then spent the next few days hunting down the more interesting sights on foot, mostly via the River walk.
Lincoln Park. Free zoo, need I say more?
Past the Gold Coast mansions.
Old town. Historic neighborhood, with St. Michael's, one of the churches that survived the Fire.
Wicker Park: I ate lunch at a few good places there. But I'd go again to see the Walgreens that is inside a beautiful old bank building.
Mag mile: expensive shopping, dining, hotels. Very crowded later in the day and at night. But also amazing architecture, I enjoy wandering through expensive department stores, and probably the best people watching of the trip.
Intelligentsia coffe in the Loop area has very good espresso, if you are a coffee person. Think seattle hipster joint, just upscale, with weirdly friendly and clean cut baristas. That was probably the most common breakfast stop for me. Has pastries and croissants.
Had a great sandwich for lunch at Pastoral (loop as well). Also would recommend Terzo Piano (art institute) with its amazing view. (Neither were cheap, but definitely memorable. And TP is possibly the only museum food establishment I have ever wanted to return to).
Art Institute is practically a walking tour all by itself. It's large enough that it took me at least 3 hours to fully realize there was a whole modern wing I had yet to step foot into! There are also some fantastic architectural remnants of Chicago buildings that you'll wish you could step back in time to see.
I was in Chicago mainly for the museums; if you can only go to one, pick the Art institute. Second favorite was the Field. If you like learning about local history, the Chicago History museum is a can't miss. Modern art museum I did not go through, but I did go into the gift shop and that's worth a walk through.
Lastly- one of the people I met at the hostel was into murals and street art. That's what she did in all the cities she visited. I didn't see much of it personally, but she shared some amazing photos with me. It may be worth your time googling murals in Chicago and walking to see those as well.
And probably worth mentioning that I was also a lone traveller. I felt actually safer in Chicago than I do in Seattle sometimes. But I'm cautious and stuck close to my hostel at night, or I ate dinner in the Mag mile, which is well lit and has a lot of peole milling around late. The only time I felt nervous was when I was on the river walk at dusk with no one around. I think if you use your common sense, you'll be fine.
Have great time! Chicago was a lot of fun to walk around.
Apr 11th, 2015, 02:45 AM
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You might have time to register for a free Chicago City Greeter tour. You pick the neighborhood. They provide a volunteer guide. We did this two years ago and enjoyed meeting a local. Did travel on the el to one of the neighborhoods and bought a pass because we couldn't walk as much as we wanted. Took a late afternoon bus ride that he recommended just because it was a pretty route with glimpses of the lake.
Apr 11th, 2015, 02:49 AM
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I think you would do well to get or consult a good guide book or two. Chicago has a treasure trove of places worth visiting / things to do, and even with 6 days, you will be hard-pressed to see / do everything. And NONE of us can tell you what YOU will want to make part of this trip! So hit the books, do some homework, and come back with your more specific questions!
Chicago is a GREAT city -- enjoy!
Chicago is a GREAT city -- enjoy!
Apr 11th, 2015, 08:58 AM
#6
When we lived in Chicago, we walked the lakefront walking paths that go for 30 miles. You can walk via the lakefront north to Fullerton and then walk back through Lincoln Park and past the zoo. The next day walk south to the Museum Campus. You will have great views of the city and the lake on these walking paths. There are lots of vikes so be alert.
The Sofitel is not on Michigan Ave,rather set back a block or so. Very nice hotel with top service and location. Walk north a short way for dinner at Bistro Zinc. Also chexk out Le Xolonial, Vietnamese-French Colonial.
The Sofitel is not on Michigan Ave,rather set back a block or so. Very nice hotel with top service and location. Walk north a short way for dinner at Bistro Zinc. Also chexk out Le Xolonial, Vietnamese-French Colonial.
Apr 11th, 2015, 11:11 AM
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No can do on the Chicago Greeter - as you have to reserve 10 days in advance. You may have the InstaGreeter tours available to you, which originate out of the Chicago Cultural Center.
Let me first tell you that if you were to confine yourself to just what is commonly known as "downtown" Chicago for six days, you would be missing a **lot** of the city. The centralized Loop, River North and the Magnificent Mile area are only a tiny fraction of Chicago, which is comprised of 77 different neighborhoods.
The Magnificent Mile itself is just a marketing term which was coined in the 1940's. It is just N. Michigan Avenue north of the Chicago River and south of Oak Street (1000 N.). You have more of N. Michigan Avenue to the south of the River and then it turns into S. Michigan Avenue @ Madison St.
Both the Chicago Greeter website and, particularly, the Choose Chicago website have pretty good descriptions of some of the more popular neighborhoods. You'll find a larger concentration of them on the north side of Chicago than the south.
Even being a "ninja walker", it will take you a goodly amount of time to get to some of the outlying neighborhoods. That's why you use CTA - either busses or 'Ls. Look at the CTA's online maps and you will see all the areas of Chicago where you could go.
I have just posted a lengthy discourse about utilizing CTA to get to various outlying neighborhoods. Look at it. In the past, I've also posted from time to time walking tours within the Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, Lakeview neighborhoods.
In your case, with 6 days at your disposal, I would suggest a little diversity in your wanderings. For example, in the immediate south side:
One day IF you include ONE Museum:
Starting at Millennium Park, go to the Art Institute of Chicago. The Chicago Architecture Foundation's main location right across S. Michigan Avenue from the south end of it (in the Santa Fe building). (HINT: Their River Cruise is a great, great choice.) Also in the area is the Symphony Center (where the Chicago Symphony Orchestra plays) and one of the most historic and architecturally significant buildings in Chicago, the Auditorium Theatre. The Joffrey Ballet and other world-class acts perform there (but take a look at their tours.)
Then walk through Grant Park, past Buckingham Fountain (which is the original area of the start of Route 66). Then on the Lakefront Trail southwards, past Monroe Harbor to the Museum Campus, where the Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum of Natural History and the Adler Planetarium are located. Immediately to the south of the Field Museum is Soldier Field, where the Chicago Bears play football. In this area is Northerly Island and the 12th Street Beach.
A Second Day:
The Hyde Park neighborhood with the Museum of Science and Industry; the University of Chicago campus (with their own museums: the Oriental Institute, the Smart Museum of Art). Also the Frank Lloyd Wright sites. NOTE: You do not want to go wandering afar in this area. No ninja walker trips. There are some non-too-desirable neighborhoods surrounding these attractions I've specifically mentioned. If you are taking the #10 MSI SB CTA bus down to the MSI, it drops you and picks up you right on the doorstep of the museum.
A Third Day:
Wicker Park and Bucktown. You would take the Blue Line to get to these two separate but adjacent neighborhoods.
A Fourth Day:
Your hotel is considered situated on the Magnificent Mile, although it really is not exactly on it. From your hotel, walk north on the east sidewalk, past the John Hancock and the Drake Hotel. It is at this point when where Michigan Avenue ends and you can access the two Lake Shore Drives - like a "Y". The outer Lake Shore Drive travels parallel to the lakefront. The inner Lake Shore Drive travels along the eastern side of the Gold Coast neighborhood in this area.
When you cross Oak Street to the north - and you will see the very, very short East Lake Shore Drive to your right - you will see the underpass which will take you to the Oak Street Beach. Remember that Oak Street is 1000 N. I would walk north along the lakefront for a few blocks until you are in the area of Division St. (1200 N.) and then take the underpass back to the inner Lake Shore Drive. And walk a couple of blocks west to Astor Street.
Astor Street is only four blocks in length but it has a lot to see in that area. A tremendous amount of historic and architecturally significant structures, not the least being the Charnley-Persky House and the Madlener House. You could take a free tour of the first on that Wednesday you arrive IF you get there early enough.
Astor Street ends just before the underpass to the easternmost part of the Lincoln Park neighborhood.
The Lincoln Park neighborhood takes its name from the park, which runs along the lakefront. At North Avenue, there is the start of another beach which runs northward - which is cleverly named - ready for this? The North Avenue Beach. The free every day Lincoln Park Zoo, free every day Lincoln Park Conservatory, free every day North Avenue Beach, free every day "hidden" Alfred E. Caldwell Lily Pool are all just a short walk northwards.
Another Day:
Take one of the 'L lines to multiple areas of the city. I've mentioned the ones for the Red and Brown Lines.
And yet another: This is where you explore the Magnificent Mile (not so much because you mostly have the same stores in most larger suburban malls) but the Loop. Ah, do the River Cruise. Visit the Chicago Cultural Center. Millennium Park can be revisited, as well as the new Maggie Daley Park. Walk along the River Walk. See the lobby of the Rookery. Maybe go to the Willis Tower. Do a walking tour of the fantastic outdoor public artwork in these areas. http://www.cityofchicago.org/content...cartguide1.pdf
Take the Wendella water taxi to Ping Tom Memorial Park in Chinatown and have lunch there. Visit the Chicago French Market for some local artisan vendor's choices.
Chicago has several thousand restaurants, in all areas, at all price points and many different types of cuisine. So you can understand why it's really difficult to just reel off some without further details. But - please, please, please, with such a wealth of choices, do not settle for chain restaurants. You can do much, much better than that.
Good luck with your planning.
Let me first tell you that if you were to confine yourself to just what is commonly known as "downtown" Chicago for six days, you would be missing a **lot** of the city. The centralized Loop, River North and the Magnificent Mile area are only a tiny fraction of Chicago, which is comprised of 77 different neighborhoods.
The Magnificent Mile itself is just a marketing term which was coined in the 1940's. It is just N. Michigan Avenue north of the Chicago River and south of Oak Street (1000 N.). You have more of N. Michigan Avenue to the south of the River and then it turns into S. Michigan Avenue @ Madison St.
Both the Chicago Greeter website and, particularly, the Choose Chicago website have pretty good descriptions of some of the more popular neighborhoods. You'll find a larger concentration of them on the north side of Chicago than the south.
Even being a "ninja walker", it will take you a goodly amount of time to get to some of the outlying neighborhoods. That's why you use CTA - either busses or 'Ls. Look at the CTA's online maps and you will see all the areas of Chicago where you could go.
I have just posted a lengthy discourse about utilizing CTA to get to various outlying neighborhoods. Look at it. In the past, I've also posted from time to time walking tours within the Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, Lakeview neighborhoods.
In your case, with 6 days at your disposal, I would suggest a little diversity in your wanderings. For example, in the immediate south side:
One day IF you include ONE Museum:
Starting at Millennium Park, go to the Art Institute of Chicago. The Chicago Architecture Foundation's main location right across S. Michigan Avenue from the south end of it (in the Santa Fe building). (HINT: Their River Cruise is a great, great choice.) Also in the area is the Symphony Center (where the Chicago Symphony Orchestra plays) and one of the most historic and architecturally significant buildings in Chicago, the Auditorium Theatre. The Joffrey Ballet and other world-class acts perform there (but take a look at their tours.)
Then walk through Grant Park, past Buckingham Fountain (which is the original area of the start of Route 66). Then on the Lakefront Trail southwards, past Monroe Harbor to the Museum Campus, where the Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum of Natural History and the Adler Planetarium are located. Immediately to the south of the Field Museum is Soldier Field, where the Chicago Bears play football. In this area is Northerly Island and the 12th Street Beach.
A Second Day:
The Hyde Park neighborhood with the Museum of Science and Industry; the University of Chicago campus (with their own museums: the Oriental Institute, the Smart Museum of Art). Also the Frank Lloyd Wright sites. NOTE: You do not want to go wandering afar in this area. No ninja walker trips. There are some non-too-desirable neighborhoods surrounding these attractions I've specifically mentioned. If you are taking the #10 MSI SB CTA bus down to the MSI, it drops you and picks up you right on the doorstep of the museum.
A Third Day:
Wicker Park and Bucktown. You would take the Blue Line to get to these two separate but adjacent neighborhoods.
A Fourth Day:
Your hotel is considered situated on the Magnificent Mile, although it really is not exactly on it. From your hotel, walk north on the east sidewalk, past the John Hancock and the Drake Hotel. It is at this point when where Michigan Avenue ends and you can access the two Lake Shore Drives - like a "Y". The outer Lake Shore Drive travels parallel to the lakefront. The inner Lake Shore Drive travels along the eastern side of the Gold Coast neighborhood in this area.
When you cross Oak Street to the north - and you will see the very, very short East Lake Shore Drive to your right - you will see the underpass which will take you to the Oak Street Beach. Remember that Oak Street is 1000 N. I would walk north along the lakefront for a few blocks until you are in the area of Division St. (1200 N.) and then take the underpass back to the inner Lake Shore Drive. And walk a couple of blocks west to Astor Street.
Astor Street is only four blocks in length but it has a lot to see in that area. A tremendous amount of historic and architecturally significant structures, not the least being the Charnley-Persky House and the Madlener House. You could take a free tour of the first on that Wednesday you arrive IF you get there early enough.
Astor Street ends just before the underpass to the easternmost part of the Lincoln Park neighborhood.
The Lincoln Park neighborhood takes its name from the park, which runs along the lakefront. At North Avenue, there is the start of another beach which runs northward - which is cleverly named - ready for this? The North Avenue Beach. The free every day Lincoln Park Zoo, free every day Lincoln Park Conservatory, free every day North Avenue Beach, free every day "hidden" Alfred E. Caldwell Lily Pool are all just a short walk northwards.
Another Day:
Take one of the 'L lines to multiple areas of the city. I've mentioned the ones for the Red and Brown Lines.
And yet another: This is where you explore the Magnificent Mile (not so much because you mostly have the same stores in most larger suburban malls) but the Loop. Ah, do the River Cruise. Visit the Chicago Cultural Center. Millennium Park can be revisited, as well as the new Maggie Daley Park. Walk along the River Walk. See the lobby of the Rookery. Maybe go to the Willis Tower. Do a walking tour of the fantastic outdoor public artwork in these areas. http://www.cityofchicago.org/content...cartguide1.pdf
Take the Wendella water taxi to Ping Tom Memorial Park in Chinatown and have lunch there. Visit the Chicago French Market for some local artisan vendor's choices.
Chicago has several thousand restaurants, in all areas, at all price points and many different types of cuisine. So you can understand why it's really difficult to just reel off some without further details. But - please, please, please, with such a wealth of choices, do not settle for chain restaurants. You can do much, much better than that.
Good luck with your planning.
Apr 11th, 2015, 11:20 AM
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I forgot to mention two other things.
On Wednesday and Saturday mornings, in the southern portion of the Lincoln Park neighborhood, just to the north of underpass into the Gold Coast, the Green City Market is held. This is Chicago's premier farmer's market - and, in addition, there are free cooking demonstrations by some of the city's better and best chefs.
And, if you have REALLY beautiful weather, I suggest a bike ride. Not just any old bike ride, down by Navy Pier, where it gets so congested. But going north - north to Montrose Point/Montrose Beach/Montrose Harbor. There is a bike rental place at the North Avenue Beach. Get the bike there and just peddle northwards along the Lakefront Trail. You'll go past Diversey Harbor, Belmont Harbor, Recreation Drive, bird sanctuaries, the city's Totem Pole (at Addison), the Waveland Clock Tower, the on-the-lakefront Sydney R. Marovitz Golf Course, a doggy beach and many more lovely sights.
BTW, all of this area which I've mentioned above is Lincoln Park (the park). The park actually runs for miles northwards from the neighborhood named after it.
But, please keep in mind that the wind will probably be coming off the lake - and it's been a long cold winter. So it really has to be a beautifully warm day for you to do this.
On Wednesday and Saturday mornings, in the southern portion of the Lincoln Park neighborhood, just to the north of underpass into the Gold Coast, the Green City Market is held. This is Chicago's premier farmer's market - and, in addition, there are free cooking demonstrations by some of the city's better and best chefs.
And, if you have REALLY beautiful weather, I suggest a bike ride. Not just any old bike ride, down by Navy Pier, where it gets so congested. But going north - north to Montrose Point/Montrose Beach/Montrose Harbor. There is a bike rental place at the North Avenue Beach. Get the bike there and just peddle northwards along the Lakefront Trail. You'll go past Diversey Harbor, Belmont Harbor, Recreation Drive, bird sanctuaries, the city's Totem Pole (at Addison), the Waveland Clock Tower, the on-the-lakefront Sydney R. Marovitz Golf Course, a doggy beach and many more lovely sights.
BTW, all of this area which I've mentioned above is Lincoln Park (the park). The park actually runs for miles northwards from the neighborhood named after it.
But, please keep in mind that the wind will probably be coming off the lake - and it's been a long cold winter. So it really has to be a beautifully warm day for you to do this.
Apr 12th, 2015, 12:44 AM
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You guys are beyond awesome!!! The advice in these forums is priceless. I used it last summer when I wandered Spain and other European countries for two months...and now you good-hearted travelers are helping me explore one of the great American cities. Marvelousmouse & exiledprincess, your detailed advice for adventuring on foot is just phenomenal. Happytrvlr, thanks for the restaurant tips. I love just about every type of cuisine. Dfrostnh, I wish I'd asked sooner so I could've taken advantage of the Greeter tours. And Kja, I'll def be doing a lot of online research. Thanks to all of you!
Apr 13th, 2015, 06:59 AM
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Not to state the obvious, but there is greater - and much more in-depth - information online than there would ever be in a single guide book.
For example, in choosing your dining options, it is considerably better to use a website specific to that subject than one which just gives more general information - such as a travel guide. Particularly, use reviews posted by locals rather than people who do not have the opportunity to go there often (i.e., tourists, people from out of the area). Which would you rather trust: reviews of someone who goes to a restaurant only one time or another who goes several or repeatedly - to give a better indication of what to expect? In addition, many of the guidebooks have reviews which might be *months* old - or even an *annual* critique, if at that. Things can change mighty quickly in the restaurant industry - chefs leave, menus change, etc.
For you, OP, I would suggest at the *VERY* minimum: Start with the Choose Chicago (official website of the City of Chicago Department of Tourism) website for activities and information. Look at the neighborhood information I mentioned. Filter the activities down to your particular dates. You will see many choices of activities which you wouldn't have knowledge by other means.
The Chicago Reader is a good source for entertainment activities as well, listing the various entertainment venues and calendars of the acts appearing there. Again, something you definitely don't get in a guidebook.
Going into a neighborhood? Look at the particular neighborhood websites, as I have mentioned above.
Make sure that you look at a good source for dining reviews. One that is constantly updated.
Look at the CTA's on-line maps. You want to know how to get where.
For example, in choosing your dining options, it is considerably better to use a website specific to that subject than one which just gives more general information - such as a travel guide. Particularly, use reviews posted by locals rather than people who do not have the opportunity to go there often (i.e., tourists, people from out of the area). Which would you rather trust: reviews of someone who goes to a restaurant only one time or another who goes several or repeatedly - to give a better indication of what to expect? In addition, many of the guidebooks have reviews which might be *months* old - or even an *annual* critique, if at that. Things can change mighty quickly in the restaurant industry - chefs leave, menus change, etc.
For you, OP, I would suggest at the *VERY* minimum: Start with the Choose Chicago (official website of the City of Chicago Department of Tourism) website for activities and information. Look at the neighborhood information I mentioned. Filter the activities down to your particular dates. You will see many choices of activities which you wouldn't have knowledge by other means.
The Chicago Reader is a good source for entertainment activities as well, listing the various entertainment venues and calendars of the acts appearing there. Again, something you definitely don't get in a guidebook.
Going into a neighborhood? Look at the particular neighborhood websites, as I have mentioned above.
Make sure that you look at a good source for dining reviews. One that is constantly updated.
Look at the CTA's on-line maps. You want to know how to get where.
Apr 13th, 2015, 10:28 AM
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Awesome EP. thanks for your great responses on both this and my other Chicago post. I wish I had more time to really do advance research...but with full time work and school, I have to rely on the kindness of other travelers. Thanks again.
Thanks again.
Apr 13th, 2015, 11:24 AM
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One more suggestion: register on meetup.com and join the Windy City Explorer's Group. This is not a dating site - it's for finding clubs and organizations that interest you. It's free. The group is touring the South Loop area on Sunday at 1:00. Don't be daunted by the number of people currently signed up for the walk (258), as nowhere near that number actually shows up. Here's a summary of the tour and the link. There's also a map of the tour linked to the site.
"Joe Steffen will lead a 2 hour, 2.9 mile walk through the new Central Station residential neighborhood, the Prairie Avenue Landmark District, and the site of the infamous Levee, as described in the book Sin in the Second City: Madams, Ministers, Playboys, and the Battle for America's Soul"
http://www.meetup.com/windycityexplo...nts/221104563/
I'm not joining this walk, mainly because I'm busy that day but also because I worked in the South Loop for years and am pretty familiar with it already. The groups are generally very friendly and the guide is very knowledgeable.
"Joe Steffen will lead a 2 hour, 2.9 mile walk through the new Central Station residential neighborhood, the Prairie Avenue Landmark District, and the site of the infamous Levee, as described in the book Sin in the Second City: Madams, Ministers, Playboys, and the Battle for America's Soul"
http://www.meetup.com/windycityexplo...nts/221104563/
I'm not joining this walk, mainly because I'm busy that day but also because I worked in the South Loop for years and am pretty familiar with it already. The groups are generally very friendly and the guide is very knowledgeable.
Apr 25th, 2015, 10:36 AM
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Back from a fantastic trip to Chicago. Thanks to everyone on this forum for your great advice. While I couldn't do everything, I did manage to: see the Art Institute, the Mag Mile (many times), Wicker Park neighborhood, the Lincoln Park Zoo, and Conservatory, the Architecture River tour, walk along the Riverfront, walk to the Willis Tower. Actually in each case, I walked everywhere. My daughter and I caught a hilarious show with the Second City troupe. We ate at GIbson's, the Gage, Lou Malanati's pizza (twice), David Burke's Steakhouse (tried and couldn't get into Bavette's). Wanted dearly to go to Frontera Grill but had to settle for a Cuban sandwich at the airport. . All in all, I came away with a "I love this city and I'm def coming back" feeling. Thanks again -- and happy travels!
. All in all, I came away with a "I love this city and I'm def coming back" feeling. Thanks again -- and happy travels!
