I am visiting Chicago for the first time in July. My husband will be at convention meetings during the day. I am trying to find something interesting to do. I also know Oprah, Jerry and Judge Mathis film in Chicago. How do I find out if they will be filming while I am there and where can I get tickets. Appreciate all the help I can get!

Summer is a great time to visit Chicago. In addition to all of the wonderful museums you can visit, there are lots of outdoor activities such as a boat trip out on Lake Michigan, an architectural cruise, walk/bike/rollerblade along the lakefront, the Lincoln Park Zoo (free). There are also a lot of festivals in the summer months, including the Taste of Chicago that runs around the 4th of July weekend.

There are a couple of good web sites for information on Chicago. The first is www.metromix.com which I believe is affliated with the Chicago Tribune and the second is www.chicago.il.org/ which will connect you to the site of the Chicago Office of Tourism. There you can find what's happening in July.

Metromix had the following info on tickets for Oprah and Jerry

Oprah-call (312)591-9222 for free tickets a month in advance

Jerry-call (312)321-5365 for tickets.

Kristi is right on target with her suggestions. I would also recommend the Chicago Reader(www.chireader.com)as a nother source of helpful information. I assume that you will be staying at one of the downtown hotels, as is usual with conventioneers, so you will be conveniently located to all the major attractions. Jerry is filmed at a downtown location, while Oprah would be a little north and to the west, a cab ride away. There is also the Jenny Jones show. Tickets can be bought in advance, or once you get here. Feel free to ask for any further help!

Kevin

Chicago is my favorite town! Do yourself a favor and eat at the Russian Tea Room. The food, wine and the vodka (treat yourself) are the best. The view from the Hancock Building is breathtaking. There is a restaurant and lounge up there and it does not cost anything (unlike the Sears Tower which is 10 dollars or so). Other than the other responses, my only comment on seeing a talkshow is that you are taking a chance on what the topic will be. A bunch of my friends have been to Jenny Jones and said that even though the topic was bad, it was still a fun time. To get tickets for Jenny I think you just go to the studio and buy them but call first just to be sure. I hope this all helps and you have a great time!

If you have any interest in art, The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the world's great museums.
I also thought the architectural boat tour was very interesting and just the right length of time.
Whatever you do you're bound to love Chicago.
BTW, the shopping on Michigan Ave is also world-class.

Michelle,

Don't forget about the incredible Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum, The Art Institute of Chicago, strolling through Navy Pier with shopping and restaurants, and there are lots of theater and music opportunities...if you want something really unbelievable, don't miss the BlueMan Group and the House of Blues has a great lineup in the evenings as well as a fun Sunday Gospel Brunch. Steppenwolf Theater rarely disappoints and we have seen great things at the Court Theater by the University of Chicago as well as Second City...Good Luck, Maria