Glad you chose to go to CHicago. It is a wonderful city. When we went (November, a few years ago) we didn't rent a car. I think it would have just gotten in the way. There is very good public transportation, including a train right from O'Hare to downtown.

"In the overall, we enjoyed being "visitors" in Chicago, rather than "tourists" in NYC. A difficult to explain concept, but a much "different" (for sure) experience"

If I'm understanding you correctly, what a nice thing to say! Makes me proud to be from the area!

Yes, I know exactly what you mean. As nice and helpful as NYers can be, they usually find some way to make it clear that you are a different species.

Well, that wasn't exactly a very nice thing to say, BT.

It's not an insult nor a compliment, just a fact. There are lots of places where no matter how helpful the locals are, the barrier exists that they are local and you are not. The Amish, Vermonters (natives v. flatlanders), NYers, Parisiens, etc.
But you simply don't get that vibe from Chicago.

Your "fact" is hogwash. I don't feel the need to put down the people of one city in order to sell another city.

Enjoy your trip cmarcin.

Oh for God's sake, seetheworld, I wasn't putting the city down, only observing that New Yorkers are different from the rest of the U.S., including Chicago. It's an observation thousands of others have made, including F. Scott Fitgerald. Quit twisting my meaning and blowing things WAY out of proportion.

http://www.pbs.org/speak/seatosea/am...s/newyorkcity/

Note the pull quote: NATIVE NEW YORKERS SOMETIMES FEEL LIKE A UNIQUE SPECIES.
So, seetheworld, with that quote, are New Yorkers putting themselves down?

MAYOR GIULIANI: "I can't help it. I'm a New Yorker. I think they're special"

Wikipedia: The people of New York City, New Yorkers, share a unique culture rooted in centuries of immigration and city life. This culture is shared to some extent with inhabitants of the New York metropolitan area, many of city origin, who may also be commuters to the city. There is considerable diversity of in this local culture, varying by ethnic group, social class, and neighborhood.
To some observers, New York, with its large immigrant population, seems more of an international city than something specifically "American".

&quot;As nice and helpful as NYers can be, they usually find some way to make it clear that <b>you are a different species.&quot;</b>

Let's get the quote straight. You feel that's how NYers treat YOU, not how they look upon themselves.

Listen, spare me the sociological babble - I'm all too familiar with it.

Ok, I'll spare you the sociological babble if you'll spare me the self-righteous hypersensitivity.

yea, right.



Make sure you pick up some Garrett popcorn. The popcorn alone is worth a trip to Chicago.

http://www.garrettpopcorn.com/

stw, I hope you didn't see my response to djkbooks as a slam at New Yorkers. I thought of his comment as a nice thing to say about Chicagoans rather than a bad thing to say about New Yorkers. The whole friendly Midwesterners kind of thing. Didn't even occur to me that New Yorkers might see it as a slam. Sorry if that's the case.

CAPH, no need for an apology. I thought Djkbooks perspective was interesting. Although my DH would disagree that Montreal is warm and attentive to its visitors, lol.

As I said, Chicago is a special place and you should be proud and I'll leave it at that.

Thanks, stw. BTW, I just saw a news story, I think yesterday, saying that Garrett Popcorn was sold, sounded like to a chain. I hope the quality stays the same.

Years ago, when I worked downtown I used to get popcorn from John's on Adams. It was wonderful! Doesn't seem to be there anymore, unfortunately.

No Kidding?! That's a shame, CAPH. Garrett popcorn is the one treat I mail order just for my kids. I hope they keep the recipes the same. Take care :)

Do NOT rent a car. You'll never use it. You're going to pay $30 or more to park at the hotel, drive two blocks and spend another $30 to park in the closest garage to your destination. Then you'll still have to walk half a mile to get there. I'm really not exagerating. Chicago's core is just as dense, urban and walkable as Manhattan.

While I love NYC, CHicago is amazing especially around the holidays. DO NOT waste your time at Oprah instead spend your time walking, taking the EL TRAIN or the Bus and visit the neighborhoods. IF you want to include some great shopping one must visit the Wicker Park Neighborhood and Lincoln Park boutiques. What is your budget on restaurants?

And then.....Go Sox!!!!

I can't resist chiming in here. I love my home town! Cars are unnecessary in Chicago, and often more trouble than they are worth (I lived here for 3 years with out a car). Cabs are reasonable priced and plentifull (unless it's raining). Let us know what interests you and I'd be happy to offer suggestions for things to do.

This is a good time to visit Chicago as well, with the Sox winning and lots of upgrades in the last two years, there's just a humming. Don't forget that this season features some great theatre as well.