We will be traveling with three families to Iowa and only spending one night in Chicago. BIL got reservations at the Congress. Plan to go to Art Institute when we get in. Then walk around to see archatecture and shope. Also plan to go see the Top of the Mark for a drink.

Dinner is the question. Any chance to find a place near the hotel that serves midwest prime steaks and Chicago style pizza? If not, where can we go for a nice, not real expensive dinner and get Chicago style pizza? Any ideas? Thanks

The Art Inst. is on south Michigan Ave. Take a walk north on Michigan Ave around the Water Tower. There are indoor shopping centers. Pizza is good at Uno's and Ginos East. Steak is good at many locations but none will be cheap. If you want to have an inexpensive dinner go to the 9oo N. Michigan bulding where Bloomingdales is located and eat at Tuci Benuch (spelling may be incorrect). It is a cute, moderatively priced Italian rest.

Cheap steak dinners are hard to come by but some of the best are at Chicago Chop House, Gibsons, Ruth Chris, and Mortons. All are either a decent walk or short cab from your hotel.

I also forgot to add that we might be interested in the Navy Pier. Is that just a summer place or are there things going on there in the winter as well?

And if we took a boat tour, (I know, cold) what one would we, the nine of us, mostly adults and teenagers, want to take???

H.

Oops, just realized that I said Top of the Mark. Think that is in San Francisco? I meant John Hancock. Sorry.

Before you take that reservation at the Congress Hotel, go to tripadvisor.com and read some of the recent reviews.

Are the workers still striking at the Congress Hotel? They were as recently as the beginning of September and have been since Juneish.

You may want to rethink your hotel choice. www.hotrooms.com is a good place to look, Priceline has good deals if you are willing to take the risk.

I go to Chicago frequently for thanksgiving. Avoid the Congressif you can. Hotels are pretty much unavailable strating the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend due to an annual medical convention, but in the last 8 years weve gotten great rates for the days prior. I always book through quikbook.com and last year, we stayed at the Omni Chicago (suites) for 89/night, including breakfast for 2 each day. Also, joined Omnis rewards program (free) and they delivered coffee and juice to our room every morning. Have previously gotten great rates on T-day weekend at Embassy Suites, Homewood suites, and Intercontinental. If you book thru an online service, call the hotel directly a few days later and give them the rewards program number and many will give you the credit/amenities.

Hi Rachel, I have friends going to Chicago over Thanksgiving. What is open on Thanksgiving day? Are the museums, theaters, opera, or anything else open? thank you in advance for any information. Mary

Mary, not much will be open Thanksgiving Day, definately not the museums or stores, but there may be some theater performances--for availability, check Broadwayinchicago.com or ticketmaster.

Mary,
I'm pretty sure that the Field Museum is open every day but Christmas. It is an excellent museum. Go to choosechicago.com and they have all the links to the museums. Check them out. Also, the Lincoln Park Zoo (I believe ) is open too. It is great fun....

Lincoln Park Zoo is open. Also, if it's a nice day, strolling through the park or along the Lake is a good option to walk off dinner.

Aaahhhh..... That brings back memories of a Chicago vacation with our children.... We had a lovely day doing just that. We walked all the way to the zoo along the lakeshore (from the Chicago Hilton & Towers no less!), spent the late morning/early afternoon at the zoo, and then returned via a walk through the neighborhoods. What a great day that was!

Some of the musuems are open on Thangsviving day. One of them (I dont remember) is free on T-Day because thursday is their regular free admission day. I think the Field, The Shedd, and Sci & Industry are all open, but check to be sure (my memory is very short term). Also, there is a parade on Thanskgiving morning down State (I think) Street. We've never had a lack of things to do on Thanksgiving Day in Chicago. I'm sorry we won't be making the trip this year.

There is a Lou Malnati's pizzaria fairly close by. Its the best IMHO.