I am interested in visiting Chicago for a long weekend this year and would like to schedule the visit at a time when hotel rates are lower. I have absolutely no interest visiting during a blizzard (please no recommendations for December - February).

I plan to go to the art museum and Marshall Fields and the waterfront area.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

Carrie

I'm not quite sure that there is a low season, but if you want to take a chance on having the best weather, I think autumn would be your best bet. Last fall there were some excellent weekend packages. I would plan on September if you like hotter, or early October if you want to chance rain but also might hit some perfect days. Picking a weekend that the Bears are not in town or when there isn't a huge convention at McCormick Place would make the situation for rooms much better. Remember that we can experience 50 degrees change of temperature in one day and that we are very hot in the summer. Navy Pier and River North, Michigan Ave., State Street etc. etc. all very crowded in summer- but the lakefront is the best at that time.

Thanks Jeanette!

I'll plan for September. I assume I can check the Chicago Bears schedule through nfl.com. Does anyone know a way to check to see the convention schedule?

Carrie

Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau

www.chicago.il.org

has the calendar of events. September has nothing major scheduled, and I'll second Jeanette in that it is the best month to visit Chicago. May is a close second. We have pleasant weather the other months, but you can't count on it.

You will probably see good deals offered at the hotels along Wacker Drive for most of the next year because there is a large reconstruction project going on. (The crews are only supposed to work during the day.) It is definitely something to consider.

Thanks patg! I'll check hotel address from my AAA book and look for specials.

Carrie

The guys on talk radio were just bemoaning the fact that the crews will need to work AROUND THE CLOCK on Wacker Drive to get the project done by next November instead of the 4 years it would take if they only worked during the day. I'd look into the work schedule a little more before booking rooms on Wacker Dr.