Was wondering if someone could suggest some things to do in Chicago. I will be there in early May and am only staying for 5 days. I'll be staying at the Drake, which I hear is very close to the Magnificent Mile. I'm not into blues or jazz music and am not really looking to go to the theatre unless there is something really wonderful to see. I am particularly interested in things to do after dark that don't involve going to niteclubs. Also, (this might seem weird) if someone could tell me if there are any good fabric stores near my hotel I would really appreciate it. Thanks!

Chicago is a great city, probably the best in the country. Adding that the Drake is the most famous and luxerious of hotels in this wonderful city, I think you'll have a great trip. I'm not an expert on fabric stores, but I do no some fun things to do in Chicago. Take in all the major museums, espiaciall the Museam of Science and Industry. If your a fan of baseball, a game at either one of our proffesional stadiums. (I'm a white Sox fan but the cubs are fun too) .Your trip should definetly include a meal at the Signature room, atop the John Hanckock center. You'll have a great view of the best skyline in the world. Oh, now that I think of it. If your interested in fabric you should go to Devon street on the north side. This street is the main cultural center for all the middle eastern, and Indian residents of the city. There are sure to be some great fabric shops there. if you like Chinese fabric, go to China town, which is near Comiskey park, just south of the loop. Thanks. Have a great trip!!!

Chicago is a great city, probably the best in the country. Adding that the Drake is the most famous and luxerious of hotels in this wonderful city, I think you'll have a great trip. I'm not an expert on fabric stores, but I do no some fun things to do in Chicago. Take in all the major museums, espiaciall the Museam of Science and Industry. If your a fan of baseball, a game at either one of our proffesional stadiums. (I'm a white Sox fan but the cubs are fun too) .Your trip should definetly include a meal at the Signature room, atop the John Hanckock center. You'll have a great view of the best skyline in the world. Oh, now that I think of it. If your interested in fabric you should go to Devon street on the north side. This street is the main cultural center for all the middle eastern, and Indian residents of the city. There are sure to be some great fabric shops there. if you like Chinese fabric, go to China town, which is near Comiskey park, just south of the loop. Thanks. Have a great trip!!!

Only one thing to do after dark. Go up the Hancock building (94th floor I think it is) and have yourself a drink. Best view of Chicago. Daytime check out the Science Museum they have a German U-boat (very interesting). This museum takes a full day but if you're alone and have good walking shoes you could do it in 1/2 a day.

During the DAY walk over to the lake and walk along the walk/bike path. It is wonderful...most tourists don't realize it is there.

Go to Navy Pier the ferris wheel there gives you a spectacular view of the skyline and lakefront of Chicago. You can also take a boat ride or visit the childrens museum if you have kids. Just south of downtown the Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium are right next to each other and worth a visit.

Yes! There is a fabric store not too far from the downtown area. It is called Loomcraft, and it has great stuff (tho mostly upholstery/decorating fabrics). It's on LaSalle Street at about Ontarior or Erie street (roughly 600 north). In the daytime, it's a pleasant walk from your hotel. Downtown Chicago is easy to get around in, check out one of the maps in the in-room tourist stuff and you'll get your bearings quite quickly. There's also a phenomenal fabric store at the far, outer edge of the Loop....called Fischman's (or spelling close to that; check the yellow pages). But you'll have to take a cab (tho you could grab one from the Loop, rather than from your hotel and save several $$)

More daytime fun: a walk through the Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the best in the country. Also in Lincoln Park (at the edge, at North Avenue and Clark Street): The Chicago Historical Society...a really neat, and do-able museum (you won't collapse from exhaustion afterwards!). You can walk this from you hotel, thru the Gold Coast, lovely streets lined with gorgeous old mansions and small apartment buildings. Walk down Astor St. or State Parkway for the best lookabouts.

Also, stroll Oak and Walton streets (shopping meccas).

The Coq d'Or in the Drake is home to one of the best saloon piano players you'll ever hear....Buddy Charles who is unstumpable at old Fats Waller, Kern, Cole Porter, Sondheim, etcetera etcetera....Well worth a visit, after 9 p.m. (And it's only an elevator ride away!)

Another thought: there are a couple of funky fabric shops in the area near Sears Tower...on Adams Street and thereabouts....storefront shops crammed to the rafters with bolts of fabric. Good luck!