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Across the Fence:  Chicago  |
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Leezard
True Blue Farmgirl
950 Posts
Elizabeth
Novi
MI
USA
950 Posts |
 Posted - Apr 17 2007 : 05:22:37 AM
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Have you been? Do you live there? If so, what do you think are must see places? Any tips on getting around the city? We're going May 10-12, a girls weekend.
I've never booked a hotel before but I've heard of people being able to get cheaper rates different ways. Does anyone have any tips on how to go about that?
http://ruby--slippers.blogspot.com/
www.leezard.etsy.com |
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Kim
True Blue Farmgirl
146 Posts
Kim
Pflugerville
Texas
USA
146 Posts |
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cmandle
True Blue Farmgirl
846 Posts
Catherine
Minneapolis
MN
846 Posts |
Posted - Apr 17 2007 : 06:01:18 AM
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Hi Liz!
I just got back from a girls' weekend in Chicago last night! We went by train from Minneapolis and spent our time knitting, talking, knitting, eating, knitting, drinking, knitting, yarn store hopping, knitting, walking, knitting...
Chicago is so much fun. We stayed in the Loop downtown (the Silversmith Hotel) and it was super convenient for the "L" train and for walking around everywhere. If you don't have a hotel yet, I highly recommend using priceline.com to name your price. We paid $30 per night for this 3-star hotel and got a suite with two queen beds and a separate sitting room!
Chicago is great for walking because there are so many parks and green space and of course...the lake front. The museums are incredible and the Field Museum is my absolute favorite. I've been known to leave my friends and meet up with them later so I could spend an entire day there. The Art Institute is great too.
Wicker Park, Bucktown, Old Town, and Lincoln Park are all great neighborhoods for wandering around and finding fun boutiques and great taverns. Cabs are not too expensive and are really easy to find just when you need them.
Have fun!
Catherine
My Blog: http://yogurtandgranola.blogspot.com
My Etsy Shop: http://yogurtandgranola.etsy.com |
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KYgurlsrbest
True Blue Farmgirl
4853 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4853 Posts |
Posted - Apr 17 2007 : 06:02:24 AM
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A short train ride to Oak Park for the best collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture couldn't hurt. It's tremendous...also the Hemingway Museum is there and I really loved it--a great private collection of personal belongings that give a lot of insight into the man. Plus it's a great little artsy community, wonderful little shops, cafes and the like.
I usually just call hotels directly--sounds weird, but I always have trouble when I've booked through travelocity...when I get there, they never have my reservation (??), and I only like surprises of the "good kind" 
I will say this, I stayed in the Marriot downtown a few years ago, and it's an old hotel, completely remodelled, but the rooms were VERY small, to 1900's scale. So, if you have a few folks, you may want to hit the more modern hotels.
"In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt." Margaret Atwood
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Kim
True Blue Farmgirl
146 Posts
Kim
Pflugerville
Texas
USA
146 Posts |
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cmandle
True Blue Farmgirl
846 Posts
Catherine
Minneapolis
MN
846 Posts |
Posted - Apr 17 2007 : 06:45:42 AM
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(Oops, I meant that we paid $30 per night, per person. There were three of us, so our rate was $90. Our hotel was in an old building but had been updated. The size was perfect for us and it was so refreshing to not be in a typical "Holiday Inn/Motel 6" type of room. The hostel is an option too, at $34 per night, per person.)
Catherine
My Blog: http://yogurtandgranola.blogspot.com
My Etsy Shop: http://yogurtandgranola.etsy.com |
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ponyexpress
True Blue Farmgirl
320 Posts
Sandy
Kirkwood
Missouri
USA
320 Posts |
Posted - Apr 17 2007 : 08:16:44 AM
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Just got back from a weekend visit with my son. Fortunately, he lives downtown near Michigan Avenue, so my room and board were taken care of!
Forget the Magnificent Mile and hit State Street. Be sure to go into P.O.S.H. - wonderful little boutique store with collections from markets and antique stores around the world. Gold Coast area is great.
Chicago is great for walking. As mentioned before, cabs are not too expensive and are always lurking around waiting for passengers. But beware, this is not your typical driving/riding experience - it's every man for himself!
The museum in the Art Institute is a must, but you could spend all day there. On the lower level is a collection of miniature (almost shoe-box size) rooms - all in different periods with unbelievable detail in furnishings and decoration. If the weather cooperates, be sure to see Millenium park and look for the "giant bean" sculpture. Navy Pier is kind of fun - we did a dinner cruise on the lake...the view of the Chicago skyline is amazing. They also have lunch cruises.
I'm not much of a shopper, so the big stores didn't appeal to me....Filene's Basement (next to TJ Maxx on State Street) is supposed to have great deals on name brand merchandise.
If you like art/art supplies, the Dick Blick store is a dangerous place...dangerous to the wallet!
And last, but certainly not least, you must visit Garrett's Popcorn. The caramel popcorn is to die for...the State street store is usually less crowded than the Michigan Ave store. The lines have been known to fill the store and back up out onto the street.
I told my son that I finally figured out how to blend in with the native Chicagoians. Walk like you own the sidewalk, ignore the traffic signals and dare the cars to hit you as you cross, and of course, have a cell phone permanently attached to your ear!
You'll have a great time - but you will be TIRED when you get home!
I've tried to find a suitable exercise video for women my age...but they haven't made one called "Buns of Putty" |
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Leezard
True Blue Farmgirl
950 Posts
Elizabeth
Novi
MI
USA
950 Posts |
Posted - Apr 17 2007 : 08:27:45 AM
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What great ideas! Thank you all so much for your tips and ideas on where to visit. We've got quite a big group going 10-12 of us and we're taking the train over which is going to be awesome because most of us haven't ever been on a train like that and many of us have never been to Chicago, just through Chicago on our way to somewhere else. We're all quite excited!
http://ruby--slippers.blogspot.com/
www.leezard.etsy.com |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22937 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22937 Posts |
Posted - Apr 17 2007 : 09:19:56 AM
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Liz-
You will have to tell us all about your trip! I have only seen Chicago from the Air and been inside the O’Hare airport. Not much sight seeing there! I hope you have a wonderful trip and enjoy the sights!
Alee
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windypines
True Blue Farmgirl
4178 Posts
Michele
Bruce
Wisconsin
USA
4178 Posts |
Posted - Apr 17 2007 : 11:42:56 AM
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| My cousin Dawn can fill you in on lots of sights in Chicago. She and her husband do lots of neat things in and around the area. I hope she sees this thread. Michele |
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Vintage Redhead
True Blue Farmgirl
233 Posts
Kaylyn
Saint Charles
IL
USA
233 Posts |
Posted - Apr 17 2007 : 12:04:06 PM
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I'm out in the far western suburbs and DH works downtown in on South Wacker Dr. I head into the City about four times per year, almost never to shop.
~ Best Kept Dining Secret: Miller's Pub on Wabash next to The Palmer House Hotel. **AWESOME** food!!!! DON'T LEAVE just because it's crowded - there is a fair amount of turnover, so you shouldn't have to wait too long for a table. Just prepared that it will be *very* crowded. You'll get great service and your food will be hot & fabulous. I recommend the Prime Rib sandwich - it's a bargain and it's delish!
~ Best Greek Food: Greek Islands on Halstead (in Greektown). I am a sucker for greek food. This is one of those places that I get cravings for - and one of the reasons why I have to go in to the city so many times a year. Also: I have determined that I won't eat lamb unless it is prepared by a greek cook - preferably by the chefs at Greek Islands. (sorry if that makes me a snob.) I have given up trying to cook lamb right.
~ Best Museum: Museum of Science & Industry (it's not in The Loop, but about a 10 minute cab ride down the south shore.) But I'm partial to the *original* Burlington Zephyr 9100, suspended plane, genetics exhibit, model train exhibit, Foucault pendulum, etc. It is also the only building that remains from the 1893 World's Fair. It is pretty "hands-on kid friendly" - so if that doesn't appeal to you, go for Sue The T-Rex at The Field Museum.
~ Best Art: The Art Institute of Chicago. Grant Wood's "American Gothic" is part of the permanent collection, as is Georges Seurat "Sunday Afternoon..." (which is approx. 20' x 40'). There are also several Monets, 1 or 2Picassos, a few Renoirs, a Dali, some Tiffany glass, and I believe a few sculptures by Henry Moore. This is an all-day excursion - it may not look that big on the outside, but it is *enormous* on the inside! Plan on getting there as soon as it opens and staying until closing time.
~ I have used Priceline.com to get good hotel deals in the past. I use the service where I decide the "level" of hotel that I want and the "area" that I want. I generally declare a 3-4 star hotel in The Loop and a price that I'm willing to pay. Two years ago (last time I did it) I ended up at The Palmer House Hilton for $70/night -- that was when I had tickets to The Jacqueline Kennedy exhibit at The Field Museum. They were time-specific, so I didn't want to be too far away.
~ A trip up to the top of The Sears Tower is always fun. The day is okay...great, you can see four states *if* it is perfectly clear and you know exactly where to look. *BUT*...the time to go is about 6:30 at night. That way, you catch a bit of daylight and see some of the architecture from up high, plus dusk, sunset, and night. And *NIGHT* is when Chicago is finally *beautiful*!! My favorite view of The City is at night when the lights are all on and you can see how The City was all laid out in a grid pattern westward from Lake Michigan.
~ Tribune Tower on North Michigan Avenue next to the Chicago River has a rather interesting "rock collection" that shouldn't be missed, at least if you're a history buff. Imbedded into the face of the building are rather larger chunks of buildings and structures from different times and places of historic importance: The Great Wall of China, The Roman Colosseum, a Greek temple, and most recently one of the Twin Towers of The World Trade Center.
~ Other places that I've been to that are fun: Navy Pier, The Shedd Aquarium, The Adler Planetarium, Rush Street. There is also a really nice Crate & Barrel on Michigan Avenue, close to Water Tower Place if memory serves...
~ Oh, and The Water Tower, the only structure still standing from The Original Chicago. The only structure that didn't burn when Mrs. O'Leary's cow kicked over the lanter and burned The City down.
~ If the Cubs are in town, it is a great time. You've heard about The Curse on The Cubs? Well, in 1945, the owner of The Billy Goat Tavern tried to bring his pet goat into Wrigley Field during game 4 of The World Series. A security guard forbid it and Mr. Wrigley publicly supported his security guard. Well, the owner of the tavern (and the goat) publicly put a curse on The Cubs - saying that until his goat was permitted into The Friendly Confines (as Wrigley Field is often called) The Cubs would never again appear in The World Series. Goats still aren't permitted at Wrigley Field. The Cubs still haven't made it to The World Series. You decide.
~ I *LOVE* The Brookfield Zoo!! It's about a 15 minute cab ride out of The City, but it is *so* worth it. I've never been to the Lincoln Park zoo, so I can't comment on that one. (But DH calls it The Filthy Stinkin' Licoln Park Zoo.)
~ Try to avoid The El (The Elevated Train Line) unless you have been given *DETAILED AND SPECIFIC* directions by your Hotel Concierge. It can be very confusing and very dangerous. Neighborhoods change very rapidly in The City. And whatever you do: Do Not Go Out By Yourself!
Here is a link with information for you:
http://www.aviewoncities.com/chicago.htm
I *love* visiting the City! I hope that you enjoy your visit! ~ K
~ Kaylyn ~ (Living in Suburbia with a FARMGIRL Heart!)
My Cause: http://nickspavilion.blogspot.com/
My Life: http://vintageredhead.blogspot.com |
Edited by - Vintage Redhead on Apr 17 2007 12:11:02 PM |
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ponyexpress
True Blue Farmgirl
320 Posts
Sandy
Kirkwood
Missouri
USA
320 Posts |
Posted - Apr 17 2007 : 12:05:35 PM
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The train is fun, but just be flexible in your arrival and departure times. At least coming from St. Louis, I always factor in an hour or so later than the stated arrival time. Amtrak shares the rails with the freight trains, and there is usually a delay while one train passes,etc.
It certainly helps to have a cell phone handy so that you can call your family and let them know when to expect you. I got stuck on the train in early December for HOURS and HOURS (weather related), but didn't have a phone to call my hubby. He was expecting me at 7:15 pm and we didn't get in until 2:30 AM. Unusual circumstances, though -- this past train trip was fine.
I've tried to find a suitable exercise video for women my age...but they haven't made one called "Buns of Putty" |
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cmandle
True Blue Farmgirl
846 Posts
Catherine
Minneapolis
MN
846 Posts |
Posted - Apr 17 2007 : 12:38:12 PM
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I would second the advice to not go out alone and be aware of where you're going, but the El was awesome for us. We always had a map in hand, checked with store clerks along the way to make sure that a specific line would get us to our destination and just took a cab if we got confused. But taking the Elevated Train from neighborhood to neighborhood is another great way to see the city.
Catherine
My Blog: http://yogurtandgranola.blogspot.com
My Etsy Shop: http://yogurtandgranola.etsy.com |
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Leezard
True Blue Farmgirl
950 Posts
Elizabeth
Novi
MI
USA
950 Posts |
Posted - Apr 17 2007 : 3:46:03 PM
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You guys are great! Such great tips that support some of what we've got planned and a lot that add to the possibilities.
Kaylyn, we're staying at the Palmer House so I will put that restaurant on our list of must eats, so great to know!
http://ruby--slippers.blogspot.com/
www.leezard.etsy.com |
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kitchensqueen
True Blue Farmgirl
521 Posts
521 Posts |
Posted - Apr 17 2007 : 4:02:42 PM
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I live here, so I figured I should chime in. :-) I'm just going to tell you my personal favorites, because some good suggestions are posted already.
FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Bistro Campagne. Mid to upscale French bistro. If you got hit by a bus after eating their steak frites with chocoloate souffle for desert, it would be okay because you would die happy and go straight to heaven. It's THAT good.
FAVORITE STORES: Brown Elephant thrift stores (several locations), Plato's Closet (upscale clothing thrift store), J. Toguri Mercantile (Japanese goods), Powell's Bookstore (several locations), Afterwords bookstore.
FAVORITE BAR: Uptown Lounge on Lawrence. Upscale but not snobby. Decent music most nights and the drinks are comparatively cheap.
For "tourist shopping" I would definitely choose State Street over the "Mag Mile". It's not that magnificent (over-priced chain stores and hordes of people clogging the sidewalks).
For boutique/independent store browsing, hit Andersonville (Clark & Foster) or Wicker Park. For bars head to Lincoln Park.
http://apartmentfarm.wordpress.com
Now Open!: http://shadetreestudios.etsy.com |
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Vintage Redhead
True Blue Farmgirl
233 Posts
Kaylyn
Saint Charles
IL
USA
233 Posts |
Posted - Apr 18 2007 : 07:24:01 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Leezard
Kaylyn, we're staying at the Palmer House so I will put that restaurant on our list of must eats, so great to know!
Then your trip to Millers Pub is less than 1 minute away - no joke!
Seriously - while you're at The Palmer House, each of the four "Exits" is marked by the street...Monroe, State, Jackson (?I think) and Wabash. Exit on Wabash but do not cross the stree. Turn RIGHT to cross the alley and look up for the kelly-green Miller's Pub awning...it is *literally* like 15 seconds outside The Palmer House! Even if it's raining, you won't get wet! 
Amanda and everyone else who has weighed in about "The Magnificent Mile" is absolutely right - don't bother unless you have lots of extra cash & time to blow. I have heard lots of good things of Brown Elephant but have never been...pretty hard when you've got DH and DSs in tow. Maybe when I go in for my rubber stamping class in May...
Hope you & your pals have a *BLAST*!! It really is a great city! ~ Kaylyn
~ Kaylyn ~ (Living in Suburbia with a FARMGIRL Heart!)
My Cause: http://nickspavilion.blogspot.com/
My Life: http://vintageredhead.blogspot.com |
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Leezard
True Blue Farmgirl
950 Posts
Elizabeth
Novi
MI
USA
950 Posts |
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Leezard
True Blue Farmgirl
950 Posts
Elizabeth
Novi
MI
USA
950 Posts |
Posted - Apr 27 2007 : 3:40:42 PM
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www.chicagogreeter.com
I wanted to pass that link along to anyone that might be going to Chicago in the future. It's a group of volunteer locals that will take you on a free 2-4 hour tour of a part of the area, you need to send your information in at least two weeks before the date you want the tour and you can choose areas of the city or special interest areas. They also have an insta-greeter where you can go there when you get to the city and try to get a tour but I don't remember if you get to choose what you see like the other version.
We've signed up for an architecture tour of the city...I'm really looking forward to it!
http://ruby--slippers.blogspot.com/
www.leezard.etsy.com |
Edited by - Leezard on Apr 27 2007 4:28:07 PM |
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Kim
True Blue Farmgirl
146 Posts
Kim
Pflugerville
Texas
USA
146 Posts |
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ddmashayekhi
True Blue Farmgirl
4737 Posts
Dawn
Naperville
Illinois
USA
4737 Posts |
Posted - Apr 27 2007 : 7:39:25 PM
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Everyone has given you some great places to see & tips on how to do it. I think the Chicago Botanical Garden would be perfect for your group. You can check out their website on how to get there form downtown. Navy Pier is a lot of fun too. Millennium Park is right by the Art Museum and you can easily walk over to the lake front from there or stroll around Grant Park (Buckingham Fountain). As with any big city, use common sense & stay in the nice tourist areas. For restaurants, you could check out the website for "Check Please". They give you reviews, restaurant information & types of food for anything you desire. Chicago is a beautiful city, second to no one! Enjoy your visit & let us know what you think!
Dawn in IL |
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Libbie
Farmgirl Connection Cultivator
3579 Posts
Anne E.
Elsinore
Utah
USA
3579 Posts |
Posted - Apr 28 2007 : 08:59:01 AM
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Okay - now I just HAVE to visit Chicago, too!!!!!
XOXO, Libbie
"All through the long winter, I dream of my garden. On the first day of spring, I dig my fingers deep into the soft earth. I can feel its energy, and my spirits soar..." - Helen Hayes |
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Leezard
True Blue Farmgirl
950 Posts
Elizabeth
Novi
MI
USA
950 Posts |
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ddmashayekhi
True Blue Farmgirl
4737 Posts
Dawn
Naperville
Illinois
USA
4737 Posts |
Posted - Apr 28 2007 : 7:21:16 PM
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Liz, here is the url for the program: http://www.wttw.com/main.taf?p=1,5/
Just look under the heading for the show "Check Please". "Reviews by cuisine" may be the best way to check out the many different types of restaurants there are in Chicago. Go for something you've never had before! This is a great show here on PBS, we love watching it. Have fun choosing where you want to dine!
Dawn in IL |
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Leezard
True Blue Farmgirl
950 Posts
Elizabeth
Novi
MI
USA
950 Posts |
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Vintage Redhead
True Blue Farmgirl
233 Posts
Kaylyn
Saint Charles
IL
USA
233 Posts |
Posted - Apr 29 2007 : 09:38:23 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Libbie
Okay - now I just HAVE to visit Chicago, too!!!!! XOXO, Libbie
I live out here and I have the itch that now I *must* visit! Oddly enough my DH has taken the boys into the city for the past 2 visits. It has been too long since I went it. *MUST* change that! I think I'll go in June for Blues Fest...it's usually right around my birthday. ~ K
~ Kaylyn ~ (Living in Suburbia with a FARMGIRL Heart!)
My Cause: http://nickspavilion.blogspot.com/
My Life: http://vintageredhead.blogspot.com |
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CountryGirl85
True Blue Farmgirl
225 Posts
Laura
Oswego
IL
USA
225 Posts |
Posted - Apr 29 2007 : 10:43:26 AM
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Hey Liz!
I'm not a city girl, but do enjoy trips to the city occasionally. I live fairly close to Chicago and have taken trips there for as long as I can remember! I've always taken the train and strongly recommend it if one's available from where you live. I think I'd have a heart attack driving around downtown Chicago! In school, we always took field trips to the museums, zoos, musicals, and in 5th grade to a Cubs game! If you have a chance, go see Wicked! It's a musical about the untold story of the wicked witch from the Wizard of Oz. I LOVED it! For awesome pizza, go to Gino's East. They're my favorite for deep dish and you can write on the walls! Some of the best Italian food (other than my mom's, of course!) can be found at Rosebud. Or I'm sure my mom or granny would be happy to have you over for dinner! Mmm, eggplant parmigiana! I seriously had a dream about it last night! Can you tell I've got Italian blood in me? hehe! Ok, back to Chicago! My favorite museum is The Field Museum. I really like the Egyptian exhibit. I'd also recommend Brookfield Zoo. I could spend hours watching the gorillas. You can take the Metra train to Aurora (which stops at the zoo) from Union Station for less than a cab costs. And on Sat and Sun, a train ticket is only $5, and it's for unlimited rides those two days. I've never felt confident enough to take the bus or the El without someone who really knows the city, so I'd stick to walking or a cab. Oh, and I almost forgot! There's a free trolley system that runs to a lot of the popular destinations. It's only in the summer, so I'm not sure if it'll be running when you go. I hope you have a great time!
Laura
http://thecraftycatgirl.blogspot.com
http://www.craftycatgirl.etsy.com
"In spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart." Anne Frank |
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Across the Fence: Chicago |
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Chicago
