Yes, my friend and I plan on visiting Chicago next weekend. I do know that we will be spending time shopping. My friend likes to window shop. Me, I suppose I'll HAVE to spend some money. One never has enough clothes! Unfortunately, this trip is probably hitting me at the wrong time of my career --- in between jobs. Nevertheless, we both love to party and enjoy travelling. We're from the Big Easy --- la Nouvelle Orleans. So, we would love ideas on things to do other than the famous shopping. We do plan to go on the architectural cruise, to some museums (both of us are engineers and plan on going to the Museum of Natural Science and Industry), and the Packaging Convention. I would love to visit a few fun dance clubs/bars, comedy places, restaurants, etc. As for the food places...what are your thoughts on Rosebud, Tizi-Malu (sp.?-some Indian food place a friend recommended), that place atop the Hanconck Bldg. with the buffet and Bice'? I would love more suggestions. The more the better. (I enjoyed NYC and used Fodor's for places to go and visit, tour, party...all recommendations were Fantatstic!)

Hi, it's me again. I have just got to apologize....I did not put on the subheading that we are going to CHICAGO. Please help, Anyone.

Michelle, my wife took me to the Museum of Science and Industry 4 years ago because of her fond memories of the place as a child. We were pretty disappointed. It looked as if most of the displays and interactive stuff hadn't been updated since she was a kid. Unless they've made some serious improvements in the last few years, you'll be much better off at the Planetarium (which we enjoyed) or the Field Museum.

Rush and Division is party central.

Thanks, Brian. Yeah, looking at scientific stuff can be a little dull. We will definitely check out these museums. Boy, Chicago surely does have lots to see and do - especially in 3 days.

The Field Museum has a couple of interesting looking exhibits going on right now, Kremlin Gold, which just opened so you may need to get tickets in advance (extra $5 for admission), and also an exhibit on Star Wars and on the Endurance, a ship that was stuck in the Antarctic. Go to www.fieldmuseum.org for more info.

I think the Museum of Science and Industry probably has more geared to younger people, lots of interactive exhibits, although if you haven't been there before, you might still find it interesting. Most of the exhibits have been the same since I was a kid, the U505 sub, the coal mine, the human heart. I still love Colleen Moore's fairy castle.

Rush and Division is where most of the tourists go to party, a smaller and less decadent version of Bourbon Street. Although we don't go to clubs much anymore, we thought Polly Esther's was a hoot, they play music from the 70's and 80's.

Second City is a good place to go for comedy, Zanies sometimes has decent standup comedians. Or you might try getting tickets to Blue Man Group

One of my favorite fun restaurants in Chicago is Cafe Iberico for Spanish tapas, which are appetizer size portions of Spanish food, which you can wash down with a pitcher of Sangria. It's at 739 N. LaSalle Street, a short cab ride from Michigan Avenue. It gets very busy on the weekends so expect to wait if you go after 6:30.

I enjoyed Rosebud on Taylor Street, it's owned by the same folks as Rosebud on Rush.

I think the architecture boat tours stop as of 10/29. If you want to see some architecture, you might try the website for the Chicago Architecture Foundation at www.architecture.org, they have some walking/bus tours.

There's a good Chicago website at www.metromix.com. Info on restaurants, clubs, theatre, etc.

You might try reposting your message with Chicago in the title to get more responses. Feel free to email if you have any other questions.

I'm suprised no one mentioned the Lincoln Park area. There are a ton of bars and restaurants popping up all over. Wrigleyville (near Clark & Addison)is also a good place for singles to visit. I would suggest picking up a copy of The Reader for current events once you arrive.

There is a great new Dance Club called Transit, I would highly recommend it. They are only open Thur, Fri, and Sat nites, and there is a cover charge. I think their website is http://www.transit-usa.com

Hi Michelle,

I don't know if this is too late for you. I would recommend Green Mill or Green Dolphin Street for jazz - I prefer Green Mill. For blues there is Kingston Mines, but I prefer B.L.U.E.S on Halsted. You can see reggae at Wild Hare.

Hi Michelle:

I love Excalubur! It's huge and it's always packed. If you want to party, definately stop there. I also like Second City a lot. It's hilarious and a lot of fun. Hope I'm not too late.

Kristy