Shopping in Chicago - + freebies!
 

Just returned from a long weekend in the windy city! Loved it! I went armed with so much information (thank you all), but all we did was shop this trip and vow to go back shortly. Took advantage of the low Vanguard fares ($68 round trip) and Entertainment Book for a comfortable hotel across from Grant Park (great room at the Congress Plaza on S. Michigan). We walked everywhere and shopped/drove/shopped/ate/shopped. Never did do sightseeing. Next time for sure. We discovered in Marshall Fields (downtown)by going to the 7th floor coat check area and presenting your hotel key, they give you a small bag containing wonderful chocolates and two 10% Off coupons for a purchase (good for 1 item) in the store. We used ours on a cosmetic promotion we planned to pick up anyway. Thought the gesture too good not to pass along to fellow Fodorites. Also, Crate & Barrel Outlet was good shopping, as was Nordstrom's Rack and Saks off 5th in Schaumburg. Had a great time!

Haven't we been telling you it's the greatest city in the world?? Glad you enjoyed it!

Sabrina, I've loved every trip I had to Chicago - always with husband on business trips and business dinners. Great times, great eating, not much spur of the moment! This time was "girls nights out" as my daughters and daughter-in-law accurately phrased it. No doubt, we'll be back. I forgot to mention THE COWS! Absolutely the best and most novel idea to add to any city. We could do it with pigs - if our city had great vision! No kidding, midnight on Friday as we walked back to our hotel from the Cheesecake Factory mmmmmmmmm, we - along with many others - we read EVERY cow sign along the way - what fun. Yep! Count on it,we'll be back soon 'cause we still have too much to experience - not just see! Loved it!

I'm glad to hear such positive things about Chicago. I live in suburban Chicago and commute to "the Loop" everyday to work. I never tire of looking at the skyline. It is such a great city. Everyone should visit at least once. Every few years I still do the museum rounds! Some of my favorite places to dine - for pizza you can't beat Lou Malnatti's (on Wells just north of Hubbard) voted the best pizza in Chicago. Maggiano's for some of the best Italian food around (N. Clark - and a favorite hangout for the Chicago Blackhawks team). And I definitely agree with Kathy that the Cheesecake Factory (located under the John Hancock building on Michigan Ave.) is wonderful. <BR>And, if you're planning on visiting soon, Michael Jordan's restaurant before it becomes Sammy Sosa's!! Enjoy!

I'm a native but I live in Florida now. I like it here but, truly, there's no place like home. You know something's wrong when you live in a place where the best pizza you can get comes from Pizza Hut! Kathy, next time you're in the city you should take in a show. In addition to being a great food/sports/shopping/museum city, Chicago also has great theater.

Beth, <BR> <BR>Lucky you to live and work in such a wonderful city. We have been 5 times in 8 years. It is the best!! We've often commented that if we weren't settled it, we would move to either Chicago or Fort Lauderdale!! How about the best of both - summers in Chicago and winters in Fort Lauderdale!!!! I bet your lunch breaks from work are fantastic!!! That was one of our favorite things to do (watching people on lunch breaks). We would just take a seat about a little before noon and then watch the noon rush! Say hello to your beautiful city for me. <BR>