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Chicago Itinerary
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 2010-06-28 1:40 PM |
Expert  808   Columbia, MD |  Subject: Chicago ItineraryI'm flying to Chicago Friday afternoon with a girlfriend for a fun-filled weekend. Here's the itinerary:
What else can we squeeze in there? We've got Friday and Saturday nights free. Best way to downtown from O'Hare (and back again on Monday)? Never been to Chicago, so all suggestions welcome (even places and things to avoid)! |
| 2010-06-28 1:44 PM in reply to: #2948626 |
Champion 34263   Chicago | Subject: RE: Chicago Itinerary MelissaE - 2010-06-28 1:40 PM I'm flying to Chicago Friday afternoon with a girlfriend for a fun-filled weekend. Here's the itinerary:
What else can we squeeze in there? We've got Friday and Saturday nights free. Best way to downtown from O'Hare (and back again on Monday)? Never been to Chicago, so all suggestions welcome (even places and things to avoid)! Blue Line is the only train that goes from downtown. It's pretty quick usually. Don't give the kids money -- they don't need new basketball uniforms. Trust me on that. A lot of upper-20s and 30-soemthings on Hubbard Street between State and Dearborn, and thereabouts. Lots of young 20-somethings in Wrigleyville. Not quite sure where everybody else hangs out. Take it easy at the Taste, it's not exactly up to code. The lakefront is always nice for a run or swim, if you have time for that. Have fun! |
| 2010-06-28 1:49 PM in reply to: #2948626 |
Expert 1310 Alabama | Subject: RE: Chicago Itinerary MelissaE - 2010-06-28 1:40 PM I'm flying to Chicago Friday afternoon with a girlfriend for a fun-filled weekend. Here's the itinerary:
What else can we squeeze in there? We've got Friday and Saturday nights free. Best way to downtown from O'Hare (and back again on Monday)? Never been to Chicago, so all suggestions welcome (even places and things to avoid)! We (my wife and I) loved Chicago when we visited a few years ago. Here were the things that we did besides shopping and walking around: 1) Had a drink on the top of the John Hancock Building (there is a bar at the very top) during the sunset times. 2) We had to try the deep dish pizza (was pretty good). 3) We ate at a place called Gene & Georgetti's (sp?), where some of the Crooners used to dine. We had an excellent steak there, very well worth it. 4) Ate at a German place downtown for lunch, forget the name. It was pretty good, pretty well known place. Then we walked over to the museum, which was pretty cool. 5) Went to the Navy Pier (it was okay, but touristy). I guess that's about it. We were only there for about 2 days. I guess we walked around, ate, drank and shopped. We had to scoot up to WI after that for a wedding. Wish we had more time to take in the architecture and tour the neighborhoods. |
| 2010-06-28 2:10 PM in reply to: #2948626 |
Expert 808 Columbia, MD | Subject: RE: Chicago Itinerary What about swimming at Ohio Street Beach? Just called the hotel and they said it's a 5-minute walk. How early can you swim there? Can you swim without lifeguards? The concept of an urban beach is completely foreign to me. Can't beat the convenience though. |
| 2010-06-28 2:25 PM in reply to: #2948744 |
Champion 34263 Chicago | Subject: RE: Chicago Itinerary MelissaE - 2010-06-28 2:10 PM What about swimming at Ohio Street Beach? Just called the hotel and they said it's a 5-minute walk. How early can you swim there? Can you swim without lifeguards? The concept of an urban beach is completely foreign to me. Can't beat the convenience though. When I was doing my IM bike training on the trail I'd see people up there as early at 430am or 5am. And people are swimming there until the sun sets. I would recommend going when there are lots of people, which on a weekend is pretty much anytime, so there's enough of a mass presence that people won't mess with your stuff. Don't take anything of value, just some flip flops and an old T and shorts if you can, and leave your stuff in a bag by the bike racks with the hundreds of other bags and bikes. Nobody messes with stuff because there's usually people up there. |
| 2010-06-28 3:06 PM in reply to: #2948626 |
Champion 5117 Brandon, MS | Subject: RE: Chicago Itinerary One of the coolest things my wife and I did in Chicago was a river architecture tour. Awesome views of the city and some pretty cool history. |
| 2010-06-28 3:12 PM in reply to: #2948626 |
Veteran 291 Chicago | Subject: RE: Chicago Itinerary Have fun in this great city! I use yelp.com for restaurant reviews and to find things in different neighborhoods. You can use it to find bars or restuarants near your hotel for instance. Feel free to contact me (or I'm sure any of us in the city who have responded) if you need anything.  |
| 2010-06-28 3:32 PM in reply to: #2948923 |
Extreme Veteran 717 Chicago | Subject: RE: Chicago Itinerary You can also use metromix.com for restaurant reviews and for a list of events that are going on in the city. My parents did the river architecture tour and loved it but it sounds like you're already doing quite a few tours. If you are wanting to tour a highrise when I would do the Hancock Tower over the Sears/Willis Tower. You can go up to the top of the Hancock for "free" if you go to the restaurant/bar. Otherwise you have to pay I think $10 to go to the observation deck which is basically on the same level as the restaurant/bar. One of my favorite restaurants downtown is Cafe Iberico (Spanish tapas). It can get pretty crowded after 8pm but it's a lot of fun. It's basically on the corner of Chicago Ave/LaSalle. It's relatively inexpensive compared to other downtown restaurants too. Like Lauren said feel free to contact any of us if you have any questions. Have fun! |
| 2010-06-28 4:33 PM in reply to: #2948626 |
| Modesto, California | Subject: RE: Chicago Itinerary MelissaE - 2010-06-28 11:40 AM I'm flying to Chicago Friday afternoon with a girlfriend for a fun-filled weekend. Here's the itinerary:
What else can we squeeze in there? We've got Friday and Saturday nights free. Best way to downtown from O'Hare (and back again on Monday)? Never been to Chicago, so all suggestions welcome (even places and things to avoid)! |
| 2010-06-28 4:55 PM in reply to: #2948626 |
| Veteran 124 Minneapolis | Subject: RE: Chicago Itinerary That city is awesome, you will have fun no matter what. My two cents? Do Dinner Saturday night at Avec...no reservations taken. Amazing food and very social atmosphere. Breakfast at Toast in Lincoln Park Have fun, I'm jealous, especially that you are going to Wrigley MelissaE - 2010-06-28 1:40 PM I'm flying to Chicago Friday afternoon with a girlfriend for a fun-filled weekend. Here's the itinerary:
What else can we squeeze in there? We've got Friday and Saturday nights free. Best way to downtown from O'Hare (and back again on Monday)? Never been to Chicago, so all suggestions welcome (even places and things to avoid)! |
| 2010-06-28 4:58 PM in reply to: #2949178 |
Veteran 291 Chicago | Subject: RE: Chicago Itinerary allez - 2010-06-28 4:55 PM That city is awesome, you will have fun no matter what. My two cents? Do Dinner Saturday night at Avec...no reservations taken. Amazing food and very social atmosphere. Breakfast at Toast in Lincoln Park Have fun, I'm jealous, especially that you are going to Wrigley Just a note, toast recently sold a Groupon (I bought one along with 7,000 other people) so it'll be more crowded than usual. I plan to go sometime right when they open to avoid a wait. |
| 2010-06-28 5:00 PM in reply to: #2949178 |
Champion 34263 Chicago | Subject: RE: Chicago Itinerary allez - 2010-06-28 4:55 PM That city is awesome, you will have fun no matter what. My two cents? Do Dinner Saturday night at Avec...no reservations taken. Amazing food and very social atmosphere. Breakfast at Toast in Lincoln Park Have fun, I'm jealous, especially that you are going to Wrigley MelissaE - 2010-06-28 1:40 PM I'm flying to Chicago Friday afternoon with a girlfriend for a fun-filled weekend. Here's the itinerary:
What else can we squeeze in there? We've got Friday and Saturday nights free. Best way to downtown from O'Hare (and back again on Monday)? Never been to Chicago, so all suggestions welcome (even places and things to avoid)! OK as a local I have to tell you ... don't have dinner at Avec. It's sooooo super crowded and no reservations are taken so you have to wait for literally hours, and it's cramped in there. The seating is so weird that I get claustrophobic. But that's just me. Toast is awesome but yes it's going to be packed. I see you're staying near the Mag Mile near Ohio St. Beach. Duh. If you can, take a cab early to YOLK on 11th and Michigan. It's AWESOME! There's one opening right by where you're staying but it's not yet open. If not there, go to the BONGO ROOM on 13th and Wabash. Both are great for breakfast. Edited by mr2tony 2010-06-28 5:05 PM |
| 2010-06-28 5:05 PM in reply to: #2948626 |
| over a barrier | Subject: RE: Chicago Itinerary If you're looking for a mexican spot, that isn't run by Rick and serves real mexican food and killer drinks, try Las Palmas on North Ave / Honore. There is lots of shopping near Damen/North and tons of Hipsters to make fun of as well.... Get reservations for the back patio.... |
| 2010-06-28 8:47 PM in reply to: #2948626 |
Champion 7558 Albuquerque, New Mexico | Subject: RE: Chicago Itinerary It's been a while since I've done much in Chicago, but... Unless you like hanging out with 200,000 of your closest friends (who don't share the same standards for personal hygiene as you), skip the Taste. Greektown (Halstead, just West of the Amtrak station) had some nice little places with decent food. Hit the Billy Goat Tavern (remember the John Belushi skit, "Cheeseboogah, Cheeseboogah, Chips, no Fries" ? ) Divey, but fun if you can handle the grease. |
| 2010-06-29 8:24 AM in reply to: #2949191 |
Extreme Veteran 717 Chicago | Subject: RE: Chicago Itinerary I 2nd Tony's recommedation of Yolk. It is very delicious. It gets crowded later but not too bad if you get there early around 7-8ish. |
| 2010-06-29 8:33 AM in reply to: #2949191 |
Champion 5117 Brandon, MS | Subject: RE: Chicago Itinerary mr2tony - 2010-06-28 5:00 PM ] OK as a local I have to tell you ... don't have dinner at Avec. It's sooooo super crowded and no reservations are taken so you have to wait for literally hours, and it's cramped in there. The seating is so weird that I get claustrophobic. But that's just me. Toast is awesome but yes it's going to be packed. I see you're staying near the Mag Mile near Ohio St. Beach. Duh. If you can, take a cab early to YOLK on 11th and Michigan. It's AWESOME! There's one opening right by where you're staying but it's not yet open. If not there, go to the BONGO ROOM on 13th and Wabash. Both are great for breakfast. You speak the truth. It was recommended by some friends of ours that live there. The frittatas are huge, easily can feed two, and pancakes come on the side. We took the red line to Roosevelt and walked over. Ate, then walked it off up to Buckingham Fountain. Edited by sesh 2010-06-29 8:35 AM |
| 2010-06-29 9:13 AM in reply to: #2949191 |
| Veteran 124 Minneapolis | Subject: RE: Chicago Itinerary If you are from out of town though and want a social place where you will meet people the seating at Avec is perfect. Just my opinion. I have never waited longer than 25 minutes or so. Edited by allez 2010-06-29 9:14 AM |
| 2010-06-29 9:14 AM in reply to: #2948626 |
Veteran 291 Chicago | Subject: RE: Chicago Itinerary I agree, Bongo Room is great for brunch. |
| 2010-06-29 9:44 AM in reply to: #2948626 |
Expert 839 Central Mass | Subject: RE: Chicago Itinerary Go to Oak Park. Start at the Frank Lloyd Wright house at 951 Chicago Ave. Walk down Chicago Ave, turn South down Forrest, walk down Forrest, turn North at Lake, end at the Unity Temple (Lake at Kenilworth). You'll see between 10 and 16 FLW buildings while walking just over half a mile. Sure, all but the Unity Temple and his house are private residences, but just seeing masterpieces from the outside is pretty good  |
| 2010-06-29 1:29 PM in reply to: #2949651 |
| Modesto, California | Subject: RE: Chicago Itinerary McFuzz - 2010-06-28 6:47 PM It's been a while since I've done much in Chicago, but... Unless you like hanging out with 200,000 of your closest friends (who don't share the same standards for personal hygiene as you), skip the Taste. Greektown (Halstead, just West of the Amtrak station) had some nice little places with decent food. Hit the Billy Goat Tavern (remember the John Belushi skit, "Cheeseboogah, Cheeseboogah, Chips, no Fries" ? ) Divey, but fun if you can handle the grease. Dont skip the Taste of Chicago, I know it may seem cheesy and overpriced to the locals, you will have a blast eating and enjoying all kinds of live music with the not so local- locals, and taste all of the great food of Chicago offers at one place, nothing better than an Old Style and Italion Beef Sandwich talking to Mario Batali while Steve Miller Band plays in the background. Cant believe not one local jazz or blues club name has come up or a Pizza joint! Frank LLoyd wright & Bongos......... c'mon, bad enough having to sit through a Cubs game! Live a little!!! |
| 2010-07-06 4:34 PM in reply to: #2948626 |
Expert 808 Columbia, MD | Subject: RE: Chicago Itinerary Had a FAN-FREAKING-TASTIC time in Chicago this weekend. Friday night had dinner at Park Grille (under the Bean). Very modern menu, perfectly sized portions, great service. My friend's aunt (who we had dinner with) picked it and it turned out well. Swam Saturday morning at Ohio Street Beach and all I can say is you Chicagoans are SO DAMN LUCKY. Perfect water - clean & clear, mid 60's. Tons of triathletes, very friendly, helped me zip up wetsuit and let me use their rinse basin for my feet afterwards. 10 minute walk from hotel. What a great way to spend a morning. Cubs game ROCKED. They won, which helped, but what a fun, cool crowd. Sat in the shade on the 3rd base side under the upper deck, which was perfect. Oh, and can I say that I LOVE LOVE LOVE Chicago hot dogs. What a delicious mess! The bike tour was just OK. Would have liked to cover more ground and the advertised 30-minute stop turned into a 10-minute one, so no time to sit and relax. We used Bobby's Bike Hike, which was good for a first-time Chicago visitor, but next time I'd just rent and do my own tour. Dinner Saturday night at Bistro 101 near the Water Tower and then dessert at Ghirardelli's. O. M. G. I don't know why we bothered with dinner at all. Just go straight for the ice cream and chocolate, people. Sunday morning breakfast at a gigantic McDonald's on Ohio Street (takes up a whole city block, 2 stories, ridiculous furniture, loved it). Took rude photos with the bronze statues out front (couldn't resist). Then 2-hour Untouchables Tour. If your expectations are low (ours were), it was fine. I wouldn't put it in my Top 10 list of things to do in Chicago, though. Sunday afternoon was Taste of Chicago. Loved it, but damn! it was hot and sunny. Too much sun for me. The variety of food was great, though, and we ate like food was going to be outlawed the next day. Would definitely do this again. The lines weren't bad at all and -- except for the fresh fruit stand -- were served very quickly. Probably burned through too much money here, but it was worth it. Finally, the original reason for the whole trip: Blue Man Group. Never seen them before, and it was so cool to see them in the theater where they were founded. Very intimate - only a couple hundred people. They were, of course, awesome. Got my photo taken afterwards with one of them. Missed fireworks, but didn't care. Wound up at a tapas place on Ohio that was pretty good, especially the people watching as the crowds left after the fireworks. Was going to go to breakfast at a place on Michigan Avenue on the second floor over a couple stores (just north of Ohio - can't remember the name of the place), but doesn't open untl 11. Weird. So, just went to the Marriott for a quick breakfast. Wish we had time to go to one of the breakfast suggestions. Can't wait to go back! Just want to thank everyone for all of the suggestions above. We were so wiped out by dinnertime on Saturday, we just went someplace close, and then Sunday we pigged out at Taste to much to eat before Blue Man Group. |
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