A Suburbanite's Vacation in Chicago

I've been trying to figure out where and how to post this, so I hope this isn't an inappropriate location for this request.

I'm planning 1-2 night outing to the city in the next month or so. Since we can't go on our usual vacation out west, we decided to have a vacation here in Chicago.

I put together a small list of restaurants that I want to visit (obviously, I know I won't get to all of them), and created a Google map for myself here so I could track where everything was at exactly.

I'm asking for the following advice. Based on the map:

- Where is a nice place to stay downtown? I'm looking for a decent 3-4 star hotel. I'm not too concerned about rates at the moment. I want a comfy bed, a nice bath, and good service.

- Any suggested restaurant / sight-seeing itineraries? Obviously, eating is a highlight for me, but you can't do that 24-7. Recommended shopping areas (besides Michigan Ave)? Art galleries? Architectural tours?

- Should we take a train to the city to avoid parking charges, or would it be better to have a car? I'm wondering if the cost of taxis would equal or outweigh the cost of just driving in and parking where we needed.

I feel like a crappy vacation planner. We took a trip to the city last year, and it ended up being a small disaster. We had a gift certificate to stay at the Hyatt Regency Chicago (on Wacker). It was awful. Our room was crappy and small, the service at the front desk was rude, and we had to take taxis to most of the restaurants/places we went because of the hotel's location. I definitely don't want to repeat that experience.

In addition to that, we walked around too much; I obviously didn't plan locations well, and food-wise, we only ate at two fairly decent places (Nacional 27 & Quartino).

I want to plan out a potential itinerary ahead of time so I don't feel lost when we're trying to figure out what to do. It's pathetic that I've lived near Chicago for almost 30 years and have no idea what to see or do. Any suggestions?

Hi

as to shopping - there are a few areas off Michigan ave. that I can think of right off the bat if you are looking for the concentration of boutiques that have been mentioned in national publications, and have the most non-chain places there.

1 - Intersection of North/Damen/Milwaukee - damen blue line stop - walk N. on Damen, E. on North and S. on Milwaukee (there are a few things in the other directions on each street, but not much and not too far).

2 - Division between Western and Ashland (maybe the Division stop on blue line el?)

3 - Halsted/Armitage (mostly W. on Armitage and N. on Halsted) - Armitage stop on the brown line.

If there is something in particular you are looking to buy, let us know, we can point you there.

We did some internet research, and gave ourselves a nice little Tiffany-in-the-Loop tour, including the incredible Tiffany mural in the Marquette Building. And the dome in the Chicago Cultural Center.

Anyway, here are some links to organized tours:

http://www.walkchicagotours.com/index.html
http://www.allgetaways.com/region.asp?areaid=100944
http://www.chicagofoodplanet.com/html/public_tours.html This one is a food tour
http://www.chicagotraveler.com/tour-chi ... alking.htm

We also got a reasonable rate at the Renaissance at 1 W Wacker.

leek wrote:3 - Halsted/Armitage (mostly W. on Armitage and N. on Halsted) - would this be the Sheffield stop on the brown line?

The nearest stop to this location is Armitage. I'd say your other CTA stops are right on.

I haven't stayed at a hotel downtown, but the retail parking rate at most of the hotels is more than $30 a day; I don't think guests get all that much discount.

I would second the suggestion of visiting the Chicago Cultural Center, which I think is one of the underappreciated jewels of Chicago. Odds are pretty good you can catch some kind of free music or other live event, and there are usually 4-5 different art shows. And of course, the building itself is gorgeous.

My favorite urban tourism is in neighborhoods more like the ones Lee mentioned, where the scale is a little more human. In addition to those, I really like to walk around the old residential area south and east of the Chicago History Museum (North and Clark).

The Hotel Burnham might be a good, central location for any city adventures. It's located at State and Washington, close to the Chicago Cultural Center and Millennium Park. State Street and Michigan Avenue shopping is a short walk or bus ride away. Various el lines are easily accessible for trips to the afore-mentioned neighborhoods. You'd also be a short el ride or cab ride to a great meal in Chinatown. (For any public transit travels, be sure to check the CTA website to learn of construction that might reroute your trip a bit.) Whatever you do, be sure to let us know how it goes and how your meals were!

With all due respect to the folks here, I suggest that you visit the boards on Fodor's.com or Frommer's.com for more fullsome travel advice. I think you figured out from your last trip that there is a lot of planning that goes into any vacation in order to make the most of it and your time there. Those websites will provide you with much-needed research to start your planning.

The most popular architecture tours, I think, are run by the Chicago Architecture Foundation. They provide both walking and boat tours. Highly recommended.

For museums, the Art Institute and Field Museums are fantastic.

If you want to catch a play, Chicago has a well-rounded theatre scene. The Goodman and Steppenwolf and Victory Gardens are nationally regarded and awarded for their directing, acting and playwriting, but the plays lean towards the serious and slightly avant-garde. This website provides half-price tickets to many (but generally not the most popular) plays. Jersey Boys just opened a run here, if you like mainstream musicals.

Like I said, please visit one of the aforementioned travel-oriented websites for more information.

GreenFish wrote:Should we take a train to the city to avoid parking charges, or would it be better to have a car? I'm wondering if the cost of taxis would equal or outweigh the cost of just driving in and parking where we needed.

I always pick public transportation, but if you take your car, you'll probably pay at least $40 a day if you park at your hotel. I recently had to stay at the Ritz and paid $43 (?) for parking, which is pretty close to average, I think, or maybe just a few bucks higher.

GreenFish wrote:Any suggested restaurant / sight-seeing itineraries? Obviously, eating is a highlight for me, but you can't do that 24-7. Recommended shopping areas (besides Michigan Ave)? Art galleries? Architectural tours?

I can give art recommendations if you give me a sense of what you and Mr. GreenFish like. I know the collections of the Art Institute and MCA like the back of my hand (having given probably 100 tours at both institutions combined). I can also suggest galleries, again, if you give me a sense of what types of things you enjoy.

I love vacation planning!

If you want to PM me with your e-mail address, I created a walking tour last year for the IACP convention, and I'd be glad to send it along to you. It just covers Michigan Avenue and the Loop, but it's a good start.

If you like stained glass, the Smith Stained Glass Museum on Navy Pier is pretty amazing.

Fox & Obel is always fun for a browse, if you like your art edible.

Art Institute is fun -- if you get tired of paintings, you've got the history of decorating in the wonderful Mrs. Thorne Rooms, miles of armor and weapons in the armor gallery, plus silver, stained glass, Chinese porcelain, paper weights, and more.

Where are you staying? That might affect whether or not a car is a good idea.

Cynthia wrote:miles of armor and weapons in the armor gallery

Not that it would change anyone's plans, but the Art Institute's Arms and Armor collection is currently in storage as part of a gallery reinstall.

Cynthia wrote:If you want to PM me with your e-mail address, I created a walking tour last year for the IACP convention, and I'd be glad to send it along to you. It just covers Michigan Avenue and the Loop, but it's a good start.

If you are not opposed to posting it here, it might be a handy item to reference to all the out-of-town guests who are staying downtown.

Regards,

First off, a disclaimer -- I'm a volutneer with the CAF. Nonetheless, I wanted to second the idea of taking a tour with the Chicago Architecture Foundation. While the tour schedule does slow up once summer is over, there should be plenty of options still available. In particular, the Architecture of Culture & Commerce is a pretty comprehensive tour, covering both older and newer buildings, the Millennium Park Revealed tour can be very eye-opening if you haven't spent much time in the park before, and if your interest lies more in art than architecture, per se, the Sculpture in the Loop tour is a great idea.

As far as restaurants, they're all excellent choices. One note about Fronterra Grill, however -- they generally don't accept reservations, and so it can be a hard place to count on eating at. And speaking of reservations, I'm sure of the other options may already be booked (I'm looking at you, Alinea), and that may help you narrow down the options from which to choose.

I regularly refer business guests to the W Hotel City Center on Adams. They all seem quite happy with its comfort and location. You should note that there are two W Hotels in Chicago. This one is much closer to Union Station though the other is on the lake.

Just one brief comment, thouhg it's not on my usual list of tourist stops, there's a photo exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Art about rock musicians, I'm taking an outta town friend there this weekend.

Also, I second the architecture tour recommendations, I've taken some walking tours and the river boat tour as well, they are some of the best tours in the city, their doecnts really know their stuff!

sujormik wrote:Just one brief comment, thouhg it's not on my usual list of tourist stops, there's a photo exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Art about rock musicians, I'm taking an outta town friend there this weekend.

Also, fwiw, the MCA is free now through November 14th as part of their 40th anniversary celebration.

I haven't seen the current rock exhibit, but will probably check it out while the price is right...

Another upcoming event about which I'm excited is the Festival of Maps. Many exhibits last into next year, and some have already started. Many museums and galleries are participating, and several Humanities Festival events are linked in as well. (That reminds me, there are several food-oriented events at the HF that belong on the events board.)

I suppose we're really getting way off topic by now, but I do enjoy playing Chicago tour guide

I'm a relatively new transplant to Chicago so I still frequently do many "touristy" things. My favorites, some of which have been mentioned, are:

1. Architecture Tour - I now take each visitor on this tour and, I have to say, repetition of the tour has only increased my desire to learn more about the spectacular architecture Chicago has to offer. Incidentally, I would recommend the CAF tour over others that are offered - it is infinitely more informative! ( I have no affiliation with CAF)

2. The Art Institute. The building is gorgeous and the art collction is world class. I enjoy havng lunch in their restaurant - try to get a table where yu can look out onto the courtyard.

3. The CulturalCenter is a jewel of a building. Do not miss this one.

4. Millenium Park - often what is in your backyard gets taken for granted, but this park is amazing. I believe it was listed as one of the top places to visit by numerous travel magazines.

5. I have also taken a short sunset cruise on the lake and seeing the Chicago skyline at sunset is a glorious experience.

I am sure others on this forum can and will provide many dining suggestions.

Have fun exploring the city!

Jyoti

If you want to see a very cute and well done show, I recommend "I Do! I Do!" at American Theater Company (through Nov 11, though sometimes plays get extended). From Nov 28-Dec 30 they are doing "It's a Wonderful Life" - done as a live radio broadcast. It's tons of fun, and I'm not even a big fan of the movie.

http://www.atcweb.org/

This is just a comment about recommending the Hotel Burnham to folks -- i had a colleague stay there a bit earlier in the summer and he was miserable because the construction going on across the street (the never ending Block 37 work) goes on all hours of the night. He didn't get a wink of sleep. And it's too bad too because i think the Burnham is charming and their restaurant is a fun spot for lunch. But if you're going to be coughing up close to $200 plus for a room in downtown Chicago...you should really get some sleep.

Palmer House Hilton on Monroe, the Monaco, the W City Center, the Renaissance, the Allegro...all of those are loop hotels that might suit your needs.

There's always something fun to do in Chicago...pick up a Chicago Reader in a free news box or go to the website before you go and see what's happening from one of their many activities lists. (chicagoreader.com)

Personally -- i never miss the penguins at the Aquarium....

shannon

aschie30 wrote:If you want to catch a play, Chicago has a well-rounded theatre scene. The Goodman and Steppenwolf and Victory Gardens are nationally regarded and awarded for their directing, acting and playwriting, but the plays lean towards the serious and slightly avant-garde. This website provides half-price tickets to many (but generally not the most popular) plays. Jersey Boys just opened a run here, if you like mainstream musicals.

I would definitely second this; however, I'd recommend getting out of the Loop Theatre District and visiting some of the smaller North Side theaters where tickets can run in the $15 to $25 range. Some of the tiniest theaters produce wonderful stuff. Chicago Plays is a good place to start.

You might also want to go hear some live music. I don't know your taste, but the city has everything.

Some other tourism resources:

City of Chicago's Exploring Chicago

Chicago Office of Tourism (note that you can sign up for a free Chicago Greeter tour)

Chicago Dept. of Cultural Affairs (guide to city-sponsored cultural activities and events)

Chicago Cultural Center (as others have mentioned, lots of free things to see and do here, as well as a well-equipped visitors' center staffed with culinary concierges, among other folks to answer questions, plus a gift shop)

Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau

Illinois Bureau of Tourism (lots of Chicago stuff here)

Other things to do:

Go up to the lounge on the 96th floor of the Hancock and have a drink while looking down over the city. (Or have brunch at the Signature Room one flight down.)

Visit Chinatown, Greektown, Pilsen and/or Bronzeville for food, shopping and sightseeing.

Take in a show at The Second City or an improv venue.