Windy City Recommendations
I'm covert work-blogging, and, in my paranoia, this leaves me scared to write much of anything.
So, instead, I'm gonna ask you, my fantabulous readers, for a little advice until I'm at a place where the creative juices can more comfortably flow.
(man, that sounded dirty.)
In a week and a half, I am jet-setting to by-all-accounts-wonderful Chicago!!!
Although it is masquerading as a conference trip, I'm more excited about the exploring I'm going to be doing before I need to don my schmoozing clothes. I'm staying the first three nights in a hostel downtown before checking into the conference hotel. I already have plans to meet up with as many fantastic bloggers as I can (at last count, her, her, her, her, her, and potentially her), especially at our Friday! Night! Extravaganza!
However, I need a little advice on where I should wander off to for the three or four days I am doing my solo gallivanting. So, Chicago-ites and past Chicago visitors... what are some must sees? Good neighbourhoods to wander around? Nice parks? Good shopping? Tasty eats? General tips? Any advice is greatly appreciated-- keep in mind, however, that I will be carless. You can email me (see my side bar), too, instead of leaving a comment. Also, if I missed some Chicago readers who would like to do coffee or join in the Friday night festivities (or both!), please let me know!
Yayyyy! Chicago!
Posts
22 comments:
I vote Millennium Park, Hancock Observatory (SO MUCH BETTER THAN THE SPACE NEEDLE! *ahem*) I wanted to get to the Jane Adams Hull House, but didn't make it. There are some great jazz clubs; take advantage. There's also a Museum of Holography that no one ever knows about by I seriously ooh and aw'ed for like two hours. (Think the Science Museum redux.)
There are other places, but these are the places I vote for you. :)
Okay, when we went to Chicago we ate at two restaurants that really stood out for us--Japonais and May Street Market. They were AMAZING and we are still talking about both of them months later. They were definitely on the pricey side (especially May Street--we did Japonais for lunch and it wasn't too bad) but totally worth it if you have a bit of extra cash to spend.
any of the museums, and grant park.
i haven't been to chicago in forever and wish i could offer you places to visit, but i just wanted to comment on how jealous i am that you're going, haha.
YAY!! I'm excited!
As a Chicago gal myself, I would stay away from the tourist stuff (unless you like that sort of thing) and try to go to less-traveled places... Chicago has more neighborhood street festivals than any other city, so find a Time Out Chicago or a Chicago Reader after you land and see which ones are happening when you're in town.
And there's this fabulous thing called SummerDance that happens in Millennium Park Thu-Sun... an hour's worth of dance lessons followed by live music and the chance to practice your new skills! The beaches here are nice, too -- if you can, take the Red Line up to Rogers Park... my favorite beach is at Greenleaf just east of Sheridan.
If you hop on the Green Line "L" and head a bit west, you will find the Garfield Park Conservatory, which is huge and beautiful -- bring a book and lunch and you can have a reading picnic in the garden outside.
Have fun in Chicago! I love it here. :)
You must re-enact the beginning of perfect strangers and act like Balki.
Also have a chicago hot dog, I've heard they're fabulous.
My favorite place is Millennium Park. The part itself is beautiful and if you're a fan of people watching it's a great place for that. it's also right by Michigan Avenue if you want to window shop, the Art Institute, Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain and the lake.
I am not an Art Gallery fan- but Chicago's is SO worth it. Devote at least a few hours to that!!
I did think the Aquarium was WAY overpriced though.
Whee, you're coming too? Are you coming to the Friday night beer garden booze-ahol extravaganza?
How touristy do you plan/want to be?
Definitely Millennium Park. Take a walk along the lake (miles and miles of paths there - you could go for a run, if that's your thing, or even rent a bike).
I disagree with Yoda's remarks as the Museum of Science and Industry is in Hyde Park and is lovely (in the 50's on the south side). Also, if you're biking or running or walking along the lakefront path, going south is IMHO better than going north (I do it all the time by myself during the day).
A fun neighborhood to explore would be Bucktown/Wicker Park. Full of great boutiques and fantastic eats.
Keep me updated on your plans while here - hopefully I'll catch up with ya!
OMG you're coming to Chicago too that weekend??? I cannot wait! It'll be s much fun. I highly recommend checking out Millennium Park, shopping on Michigan Avenue, wandering up around Wrigley Park and definitely the boutique shops on Armitage in Lincoln Park. It'll be a blogger-ific weekend!
Chicago...fun! I visited a while back, but all I can remember are the Dunkin Donuts. We don't have those on the West Coast, so we visited DD like 3 or 4 times. Have a blast!
I have no idea about Chicago.. You find yourself in India (I hope you do, someday), I might be able to give you some tips.. But hey.. Have yourself a great time..
I've never been to Chicago. So I'm of no help. I hope you have fun!
Oh, i dont know anything about Chicago.. unless the musical counts. Which was pretty good. so I can recommend you to watch that one :)
as i have never been to chicago, i have no tips for you....
but i am jealous you get to go! :)
shopping shopping shopping - anywhere
I would go to a cubs game...
But, I'm a guy. And guys like sports.
Here's an useful tip - take me with you! I'm bored out of my mind over here, and wherever I go, there's a party! :D
There is this awesome Italian restaurant, Fornellos on Irving and Broadway with a cutesy outdoor eating space.
I also love Argo Tea and Berry Chill two of my loves in Chicago.
AHHHHHHHHH So excited!!!!!
Post a Comment