My boyfriend has never been to the states before and I need some advice on some romantic things to do in Chicago. Yes, I'm from here, but he's coming in on his birthday and I want to do something special. He'll be here for 6 weeks so I need something out of the ordinary...think hot air balloon ride over the city, but way more affordable b/c we're doing a lot of traveling while he's here. Thanks!

For starters how abou a Lake Michigan dinner cruise on the Odessey? We have done that and it is pretty neat. Also try dinner at the Signature room on the top floor of the Hancock building. Call in advance asap to get a table by a window for a great view. Also consider a ride down the mag. mile in a horse drawn buggy. Hope this helps! Have fun.

The odessy is great - but if you don't want to spring for dinner they have a Late night cocktail cruise also. The signature room is a nice suggestion.

Geja's is a fondue resturant that is very romantic (and quite different)

Go to a cubs game. maybe not to most romantic thing but definatily unlike any other ball park in the US. The area around the ball park is fantastic.

navy pier has a huge ferris wheel that has pretty good views.

I don't know of any hot air ballon rides, But I belive they used to do airplane tours from PalWaukee airport, but I am not sure if that is allowed anymore because the loop area is now a no-fly zone.

what kind of things do you guys like to do?

If money is an issue, you can also go to the top of the Hancock for just a drink. It's the floor above (or is it below?) the observatory.

The Odyssey is expensive for the dinner cruise, ranges from $82-99 per person. The cocktail cruise is at midnight and is $32, the attached website has more details

http://www.odysseycruises.com/chicag...s_pricing.html

There was recently a post on Virtual Tourist about proposing in Chicago, maybe you can find an idea here
http://www.virtualtourist.com/f/p/13a0a/

A bottle of champagne and cheese and fruit tray at the Signature room lounge.

Dinner at Everest.

Pack a picnic and head to Grant Park to watch a movie outdoors. Here's a link to the schedule:

http://entertainment.metromix.chicag...-81738,00.html

Watch fireworks from Navy Pier on a Saturday night. Go on the giant Ferris Wheel while you are there.
Rent a paddle boat at the pond at the Lincoln Park Zoo.
Take free ballroom dancing lessons in Grant Park and dance the night away. Here's a link:
http://entertainment.metromix.chicag...-65373,00.html
Rent a kayak and paddle up the Chicago River. Here's a link:
http://entertainment.metromix.chicag...-65373,00.html

Wow, I can't thank you all enough. It's really such a help. I'm def gonna check out some of those links you gave me. The best things in life really are free (or damn near close to it!) Keep em comin'!

If you like comedy don't miss second city - not really romantic but very funny. http://www.secondcity.com
they have 2 stages and currenly they are running a spoof of romeo and juliet at the looking glass

second city chicago is where many saturday night live stars started out

Some of the museums have a cocktail night also ( jazzing at the shed -etc )