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.
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,

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.