chi-town in 2 days

hey there!

we are headed towards chicago and have 2 days to see the sights. we both have never been and being from NYC, we are interested in seeing what this city is all about!! we like to ';do what the locals do'; so any and all suggestions of all things chicago are appreciated, as well as some itinerary ideas on how to structure our days and maximize our time.

thanks kindly!

lavendula

chi-town in 2 days

Please take a look at the introduction to Chicago section on this web site. Everyone has their own particular interests. Also take a look at metromix.com to see what%26#39;s going on here during your visit. Feel free to ask more specific questions and we%26#39;ll be happy to help.

chi-town in 2 days

Howdy,

When are you coming to chicago? The reason I ask - there are several great festivals throughout the city at different times through the summer.

I lived downtown for about 8 years (just moved out 2 yrs ago). Here is what I would consider some favorites and some ';must do'; local activities: 1. Cubs game - make sure to hang out at one of the Wrigleyville bars either pre or post game. 2. Walk, bike or blade the lakefront. Best area is from Oak street beach to Fullerton. 3. Grab some Chicago-style pizza at Uno, Due, Lou Malnottis, or Giordanos.

4. Buddy Guys, Hit Kingson Mines or Blues for some blues music. 5. Go to Grant park/Millennium park (touristy but fun). 6. Chicago Art Mueseum 7. Take Metra (commuter train) and head up to Ravinia - an outdoor music venue - lots of fun.

About festivals - a list can be found at centerstagechicago.com/other/articles/festiv…

Some good ones are:

Gospel Fest; Blues Fest; Old Town Art Fair; Printer%26#39;s Row Book Fair, Taste of Chicago, Venetian night.

Hope this helps!

Thanks, it was a last minute decision so we don%26#39;t have too much time to plan....we will be there wed. or thurs!

I assume you are staying downtown, e.g. the Loop, River North, Gold Coast, Streeterville etc? If so, you can walk to most places, take a bus or train to the farther flung spots, e.g. Museum of Science and Industry, or splurge and take cabs. Cabs in Chicago cost about the same as NYC cabs, in my experience.

One of my favorite things to do in Chicago is the Wendella Boats Architectural Tour of the Chicago River - as well as the longer tour that takes you out into Lake Michigan. It%26#39;s not inexpensive (I think it was $25 - $35 per person) but well worth it as you get to see the city from a unique perspective. You can take your lunch and grab a beer/wine/soda aboard. Google ';Wendella'; and you should be able to find and book online. You board the boat on the river at the foot of the Wrigley Building.

Also, check out the Chicago Historical Society and Chicago History Museum. It%26#39;s easy to find at 16000 N Clark St (North Avenue is the cross street - at the very south end of Lincoln Park) and $12 daily admission is worth every penny.

Chicago is GREAT for shopping. The Magnificent Mile (Michigan Avenue north of the Chicago River) has action on both sides of the street. Macy%26#39;s - formerly Marshall Fields, sigh :( - anchors the State Street shopping districta few blocks south of the river. Then for really swanky stuff hit Oak Street in the Gold Coast neighborhood. You can also take the Blue Line CTA train to the Damen and Milwaukee stop and shop Bucktown/Wicker Park which has tons of unique boutiques, restaurants, pubs, etc. You could easily spend a whole day in this neighborhood.

For dining options I would check www.lthforum.com as I think this is the definitive foodie forum for the Windy City (and beyond, as you will see). Check the ';Great Neighborhood Restaurants 2007'; postings under ';Dining out in Chicagoland.';

Hope this helps! Davooda

I always enjoy walking along the Grant Park %26amp; Museum areas. I%26#39;ve never had a chance to take one of the architectural or neighborhood tours but they sound like a blast - there are so many wonderful buildings to see. If time doesn%26#39;t allow for that you can also get a good look at the city by hopping on a bus or El and just enjoy the sights. Not sure what your interests are, but of course it would be cool to go by Soldier Field %26amp; Wrigley. As for food, I love Ditka%26#39;s, Fogo de Chao, and Orange (for breakfast) but there are tons of great places to chose from. If shopping is your thing, I also highly recommend a stop at the Macy%26#39;s State St. store (used to be Marshal Fields). I went to Navy Pier on my last trip and thought it was a huge waste of time and seemed like a very touristy place. Hope you have a great time!

Great, thanks for the suggestions. I just looked at the Cubs calender for friday and it seems like it is a promotional event - don%26#39;t think you can buy ticks...anybody know about this?

We need some good recs for lunch and dinner places in the city - we are ';foodies'; and love all types of cuisines but love to try the local flavors most. Was it here that someone suggested eating in the Drake hotel?

We are very into live music so thank you for those suggestions.

We want to check out Millenium Park...what else is there to do in that area?

Thanks!

%26lt;%26lt; Great, thanks for the suggestions. I just looked at the Cubs calender for friday and it seems like it is a promotional event - don%26#39;t think you can buy ticks...anybody know about this? %26gt;%26gt;

The Cubs are playing the White Sox at Wrigley. Sold out all weekend. You could probably get tickets at a ticket brokerage, just bring lots of money.