first time visitor to chicago pifalls

I am traveling to Chicago for the NRA(restaurant not gun) convention this weekend. I am staying at the Holiday inn downtown. I have already read about taking the L from O hare. Travel to and from the convention is also provided. Basically I am looking for some';Must see'; and ';stay away from'; tourist ideas.

first time visitor to chicago pifalls

';Must see'; depends on your particular interests. It%26#39;s different for everyone.

Take a look at the introduction to Chicago on this web site. 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.

first time visitor to chicago pifalls

Must - make reservations for dinner. With the attendance of 73,500 attendees and exhibitors. Most restaurants will be packed.

Search on this forum for restaurant suggestions. Lots have already been made. For high end dining. to specific cuisines of restaurants.

If you have time during daylight hours for some strolling and taking in views then here%26#39;s what I suggest:

Stoll along the lake between the Adler Planitarium and the Shedd Aquarium. The view is lovely. These two attactions are great too if you have time to visit.

North Ave. or Fullerton at the lake for a beautiful view of the lake and city.

Of course the Sears Tower, the Hancock building for great views or one of the tower top restaurants.

Oh, also, very old Chicago, drop in for something to eat at the Cape Cod room in the Drake Hotel or do high tea.

Hope the weather is great and I think you are going to enjoy Chicago where there is so much to see and do.

Do some real research. Chicago is a big city. It appears that you might not even realize that there are a couple of different Holiday Inns in Chicago, but none ';downtown.'; . SImply asking ';what to do'; and ';what to stay away from'; doesn%26#39;t even come close to what you should be doing.

I agree that you should do as much research as you can ahead of time and decide on what you consider to be ';must see%26#39;s'; as there are so many choices. Take full advantage of the convenience of public transit, as it is very user friendly and cost efficient. Things also seem much closer to one another when I%26#39;m actually there than looking on a map, and I%26#39;ve felt comfortable walking around the main parts of the city and riding transit alone. As for restaurants, my favorites are Fogo de Chao, Ditka%26#39;s and Orange (for breakfast). The only thing I%26#39;ve done in Chicago that I wouldn%26#39;t waste time on again was Navy Pier as it felt very touristy, but other people seem to enjoy it.

Better still - get in touch with someone who%26#39;s also going to be at the convention. Most organizations give you some sort of sign up list beforehand. If you%26#39;re with a group - don%26#39;t worry, just tag along.

Thanks for the great info. I have been reading as many forums on this site as I can . This is my first time going to Chicago and I cant wait. I have decided that I am riding the L from O%26#39;Hare to my hotel. Thanks Again