Downtown or burb?

Hi posters! Looking to get opinions on where to stay for just one night (Saturday, July 21) Travelling from Detroit through Chicago to Milwaukee and then on to Door County, WI.

I%26#39;m taking my Mom for a weeks vacation and although she%26#39;s active, big cities kinda freak her out! I%26#39;ve been to Chicago a few times and I just booked the Swisshotel deal as an option to get the good deal (thanks DVD..)

Haven%26#39;t done much research yet on that weekend in Chicago but maybe there is a better choice for the two of us. We like walking tours, eclectic shopping and good dining. I always thought the cities North of chicago on the lake would be nice or we are gamblers and there seems to be a casino in Elgin..or should we try somewhere like Lake Geneva? Seems like a lot of options but I want to make this special. Even though this isn%26#39;t the bulk of our vacation I do want to start on a high note!

thanks for any input

Downtown or burb?

The Swissotel is a very nice option, but you could also stay along 94 in the northern suburbs - the Northbrook Renaissance comes to mind, or the Courtyard or Residence Inn in Deerfield. That area (called the Lake-Cook corridor) has a lot of shopping and restaurants, plus the Chicago Botanic Garden, which is just gorgous this time of year.

Elgin is out of your way. If you want to gamble, look into the Hammond Indiana area, or the Indian casinos in Wisconsin. There is a nice big one between (I think) Green Bay and Appleton.

Downtown or burb?

Thanks pgo. I%26#39;ll agree with you on Elgin, we%26#39;ll wait till we get up to Green Bay to get our gamblin%26#39; on! I like your ideas on the North area..anyone else?

2nd the Botanic Gardens, with a nice path for walking. If you dig deeper you will find great restaurants in that area, house walks and unique shopping more tailored toward your mother%26#39;s age than the Wicker Park type shopping. I would think there are B%26amp;B%26#39;s in that area as well. Check and see if Ravinia is having a concert the evening you are around. She would love that. Just have your hotel pack you a picinic lunch, bottle of wine and blanket--it%26#39;s very enjoyable, a unique adult music venue.

For breakfast Walker Brother%26#39;s Pancake House is one of my favorites, (their baked apple or german pancakes ummm). There are several in the north suburbs so just find one after you select a hotel. The location on golf has a beautiful outdoor patio, Winnetka has the old wood feel.

Hey I might just do this for my mom when she comes to visit!

Save gambling for somewhere else.

Try to make it to Kohler Wisconsin - the spa is amazing...

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