We'll be travelling from England to a friends wedding in Chicago in October next year. It's our first time in the city and we'd like some advice on what to do and where to stay. We plan to go for at least a week but would there be enough to keep us entertained(part from the wedding) for a week or should we try and combine it with another city?
It would also be great with some advice on the weather.

Egad - there's LOADS to keep you busy for over a week! Look up some of the city's sites on the net, there are a lot of them and they are excellent for planning trips. There are many museums, art galleries, shopping, sports, etc ... and the city itself is wonderful. Take at least one architecture tour, they are terrific. And the restaurants ... lose some weight before you go because you'll gain it there.

Don't worry, you'll be busy for a week in Chicago. Enjoy.

It would be great with some suggestions for nice restaurants and hotels

Hi,Just spent a weekend at the Swissotel, ask for the corner room with a lake view. You will not believe the views! The staff was fantastic. Very very nice place to stay. Got a good rate online.

Restaurants are plentiful and it depends on what you want to try. While I was there this past summer, I tried and enjoyed: Bistro Margot (French food), Pizzeria Uno (pizza, obviously), Toast (for breakfast - their french toast is divine, but you have to wait for a table) ...

When you check into your hotel, find a copy of the magazine *Where* (probably in your room, if not, you can ask at the front desk). It lists great restaurants, what's playing in terms of theatres, there are good maps in it and lots of restaurant reviews too.

The Art Institute would be an excellent place to visit. You might also enjoy going to Oakpark which is a suburb famous for Frank Lloyd Wright homes.

If you're into museums, self-guided tours, etc, I found the Michelin Green Guide helpful when I went to Chicago about 2 years ago. There's no problem keeping busy in Chicago for a week. I had gone for a convention, and didn't expect to like it so much.

The Art Institute ranks up there with some of the best British and European collections. The architecture boat tour was fascinating, as was a trip out to Oak Park to learn about FLW . I ate at several really good restaurants, and enjoyed just wandering through the city. I'd like to go back with my kids in the next year or two.