Chicago bound

You can get around by the"L" trains and the bus that are downtown. They are everywhere you want miss them.

-Millennium Park
-North Ave Beach( If you want to swim)
-Michigan Ave.
-Navy Pier
-Willis Tower( formely Sears Tower)
-Pizza(Giordanno's, Uno's or Gino's East)
-Museums
-Broadway Shows


The list can go on. I love my city!!

Depending on where you are, you can take Metra into the city. An hour from the city can put you in so many suburbs, it's unreal.

Do you want to drive in the city? Do you have kids (who like Lego, for example)?

As a general rule, I would try to find a train station to drive to from wherever you are staying and commute in. Parking is expensive (unless you are coming from New York, LA or DC) and traffic can be irritating. Once your in the city, the L/EL/"Elevated train" is a great way to get around. One interesting thing about Chicago is that rush hour is backwards. Going into the city is easier in the morning than the evening.

There are architectural tours that can be done by boat (on the river), there are segway tours, and so many different things to choose from including going to the Big Willy (Former Sears Tower and actually called The Willis Tower).

Are you big art buffs? Are you into museums? Again, will kids be with you? Do you plan on shopping or window shopping?

Foods that are specific to Chicago:
I am a fan of Vosges Chocolate, located on Michigan Ave (unless you've been there while in Beverly Hills, NY, or Vegas). These are designer chocolates with a multitude of exotic flavors. Trying a Chicago style hotdog is something everyone has to experience once. As well as Garrett's cheese/caramel popcorn mix.

If you are in a suburb called Schaumburg or somewhere nearby, there is a restaurant called Seasons 52, where everything on the menu is under 500 calories so you don't have to feel like you are blowing the way of eating.

Im going to be in chicago in like a months time tomorrow. So pumped and this is a great thread. Staying on Michicgan Ave, not far from anything at all, seems most of things I want to see can be walked to. Will be hitting up the Aquarium for sure, looks amazing.

Most of the things people have suggested are things I have looked into for sure.

What are some great live music venues in the city north area or down town?

You should ask about shuttle buses at your hotel. I am pretty sure they would have some that go to all the popular locations. The city also has free trolly's that go to navy pier.

Buy a bullet proof vest....too bad you can't have a gun there....

The L is fairly easy to navigate. You can go online and printout the maps to the system. Hopefully the Hotel can offer you some direction too. Here's a link to the maps - http://www.transitchicago.com/maps/

Also there is an app you can download for your smartphone that shows routes and times called Transit Stop

The taste of Chicago kicks off in Grant Park today too! Runs through the the 15th!

The children's museum at Navy Pier it's really cool too!

Boat tours on the lake or the river are nice as well!!!

We have the Go Card which laid out a bunch of things to do. We are unsure about the navigating through town driving or taking the L. We are hoping the hotel has information on this and can help us out.

We have two little girls who are going to love the Cirque show on Sunday. I may or may not venture to the American Girl store. I guarantee they will each want a doll or something.

So far I have made it so that each day we are in a different part. We will be there for six days then coming back up to Grand Rapids for a day, then home.

I'M SO FRICKEN EXCITED!! LOL

here's the L and bus maps - www.transitchicago.com
Metra - www.metrarail.com
The hotel will def help you find your way.

bring a swimsuit and towels (or at least a change of clothes) for the kids for the millennium park fountains - kids can splash and play in the fountain (like a splash pad).
Lincoln Park zoo is great for kids, there's a petting zoo.
Food is pricey so bringing your own can help you save.
Hope you have a great time - it'll be nice and hot for you

You're close to Bella Bacino's, who has some pretty great deep dish. You should also check out the Lincoln Park Zoo, which is free. Also, the Field Museum is AMAZING. I get in for free because of work so I don't know how much it costs, but it is seriously impressive. The "Life" exhibit is phenomenal and took my partner and I two days to get through! We've spent well over 12 hours there over the course of three days and still haven't seen anywhere close to the whole thing.

Take the L everywhere and walk -- it's so easy to get around Chicago. Trust me, I live here.

Oh -- and if you want to check out a great restaurant/bar area, definitely hit up Wicker Park. The Bedford (mentioned above) is in that area.

I have a great apartment for sale in Chicago...all you see out the window is a big park and Lake Michigan! 14th floor, 1 bedroom, 1 bath, Living room, dining room, kitchen, foyer, historic building, the Aquitania, 24 hour doorman, pets welcome...Anyone MOVING to Chicago? You can get it for a steal! We need to sell...yesterday!
You can contact me for info!

Wish I had known this last month! My son was looking for an apartment downtown. Ended up getting a house close to Wrigley Field, and I think he signed a year's lease. Darn.