Don't forget the performance artists

Hi Fodorites,

Just returned from my weekend in the city. We stayed at the Seneca Hotel which was really great. It's an older building which I thought added great charm. Location can't be beat. We were given one of their apartment type rooms. I'm not sure if all the rooms are that way but it was great. Had a little kitchen, two baths, and two queen beds. Very comfortable.

The kitchen was great for reheating and stocking up on snacks.

Well we did the American girl thing. That place is a mad house. I can see why girls would love it there but talk about highway robbery. Everything is so expensive and designed to part the parents from the money. It was really crowded in there and lots of pushing and shoving.

The dolls are so pretty, I wonder if little girls really play with them or just stare at them.

We didn't get to really walk up and down the whole mag mile due to time (and I've been there plenty) but I did see two robot street performers that I have seen in the past.

Scored the chicago mix popcorn and did a little more window shopping. Would have liked to have seen a play but we had small children with us who wanted to get back to the room and play.

The next day we went to the Shedd and the Adler. The Adler was my favorite. Mon & Tues are free days through December.

I hear what you say about the vibe/energy on the Mag mile- just always thought there would be more unique one of a kind Chicago Stores. The buildings are wonderful though.

And there is nothing like Chicago at holiday time.

Did you score popcorn from Garretts? If so, was there a line out the door? Love that stuff.

With boys, we never had the American Doll craze. Although one of them really enjoyed his Cabbage Patch doll, but I think that was more for my benefit, lol.

Chicago is such a great City! Thanks for sharing your report.

Yes, it was Garretts of course--and we scored because there was not a line at 6:30pm on a Sunday!! Yippee.

OH, forgot to mention that we had dinner at Grand Lux Cafe. I highly recomend the crispy caramel chicken. Delish!

What makes the popcorn so special?

Yes, please tell about the popcorn...

Well, I guess I'm going to create a great popcorn controversy here by saying that although Garrett's is fine, I prefer Nuts on Clark caramelcorn. Luckily, you don't have to go all the way up to the shop on N. Clark (close to Wrigley Field) to try it, as there are locations at the airports as well as on the Magnificent Mile.

I'm also going to mention that I think there are quite a few better dining options than the Grand Lux Cafe convenient to the Magnificent Mile. To be honest, I've never met any Chicago natives who frequent the place.

Sorry, I was incorrect on the Nuts on Clark retail places. There's one at Midway and one at Union Station. However, I don't see any at O'Hare - yet.

Sorry about the incorrect information. Usually fly out of Midway, unless taking an international flight.

Well, what I think makes the popcorn great is you have to get it while hot. The carmel and cheddar mix is the chicago mix. It just melts in your mouth.

True that Grand Lux is not the best of the dining options but it's great for a decent lunch with portions big enough that you can share. To be honest, I've not tried all the dishes because the crispy caramel chicken gets me every time. Others who have eaten there have never complained.

I have sampled most of the desserts and the strawberry shortcake is my favorite.

I suppose I lean towards that because it's easy off the mag mile, pretty view of the action and dependable food.