Chicago - Visiting Chicago this Week...need advice

I am traveling with my 10 year old daughter for the weekend (thurs/fri/sat/sun). I expect we will do the usual tourist things (museums, millenium park, some shopping, pizza, etc). I do not know my way around at all in Chicago, and this trip was literally booked (air) a couple of hours ago without a lot of research.....other than the fact that I know Chicago is a great city.

At the moment we are trying to figure out where to stay. Five star is a possibility as I have a very good deal at the Trump or Penninsula. Thing is I have no idea whether these are good locations (and to me location is very imporant). Ideally I like to walk out the door and be in an interesting area, not some blocks from it. I do tend to appreciate a view too from where I stay. It's nice to know that I am in Chicago simply by looking out the window sometimes.

I am curious to know any activities, points of interest, favorite casual restaurants, etc, that should not be missed.

Either hotel is in a great area. Trump is slightly closer to the theater district across the river. (Easy walk). Both are at or near Michigan Avenue--great shopping. Lots of restaurant choices, depending on what you like.

You will be very close to the Architectural River Cruises--a fun trip I recommend.
http://caf.architecture.org/Page.aspx?pid=574

Easy walk to Art Institute (Trump is closer).

Theater Choices:
http://www.theatreinchicago.com/

Restaurants? Many many choices--what do you like?

Oh yes--and there is an American Girl shop (ugh!--but I have sons) at Water Tower Place on Michigan Avenue if your daughter is into that sort of thing.

Thanks, that helps a lot. I like to be walking distance from so many things. Be glad you have sons....that American Girl addiction is expensive! We have been to the store in LA (roughly 90 minutes from home) so will probably skip that. Your other suggestions sound brilliant. Thanks.

As for food we are very flexible so long as we can dress casual. We like most things. Of course, i think we need to have real Chicago Pizza at least once. Any suggestions in the area?

The Pen would be a little better location due to its location one block away from Michigan Ave.

As for pizza, Giordano's (stuffed pizza) is literally across the street from the Pen. Not even two blocks away, across Michigan Ave (162 E Superior), is Gino's East, famous for its deep-dish pizza.

If you like shopping, there is the Water Tower Mall and a few blocks further north is the 900 North Michigan Shops. Two blocks north of that is Oak Street, where you will find a lot of high-end boutiques.

Have fun.

http://www.giordanos.com/
http://www.ginoseast.com

http://www.shopwatertower.com/
http://www.shop900.com/

Unless your specific interests dictate otherwise, for a short trip Chicago is centered around "Magnificent Mile", ie, Michigan Avenue starting from Chicago River up to about Chicago Avenue (Water Tower), perhaps even another few blocks to John Hancock Building and Drake Hotel. As long as you are within walking distance of this strip, you'd be fine. Open the google maps and familiarize yourself with this area.

There are many big and famous as well as small and boutique hotels. I don't know which ones may be offering what deals, but you should have many choices. Good luck.

As for food we are very flexible so long as we can dress casual. We like most things. Of course, i think we need to have real Chicago Pizza at least once. Any suggestions in the area?

1. California or Midwest casual;

2. Chicago pizza is overrated. The stuff in Naples (Italy) is better.

3. Thanks for visiting Chicago. Please spend lots of money.

1. California or Midwest casual;

2. Chicago pizza is overrated. The stuff in Naples (Italy) is better.

3. Thanks for visiting Chicago. Please spend lots of money.

Sounds to me as if you want him to go to Italy instead.

As the op will read elsewhere in this forum, most people would recommend Pizzeria Uno or Pizzeria Due (same thing, one block apart) or Lou Malnati's, a few blocks to the west. Giordano's, while good, is not traditional Chicago deep dish pizza, but a "stuffed" variation (crust on the bottom and top).

You'll be happy at Trump or the Peninsula. The Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons are in between. All are great locations. Trump is just a couple of blocks from Millenium Park -where you will probably want to spend quite a bit of time if the weather cooperates. The Park Grill, within the park, has great burgers.

Intercontinental is right on Michigan Ave., and is a good choice too. I think the Architectural boat tour is nice, not sure if your daughter is too young to enjoy the architecture descriptions, but will probably enjoy being on the boat.

***

As the op will read elsewhere in this forum, most people would recommend Pizzeria Uno or Pizzeria Due (same thing, one block apart) or Lou Malnati's, a few blocks to the west. Giordano's, while good, is not traditional Chicago deep dish pizza, but a "stuffed" variation (crust on the bottom and top).

***



Agree w/the above.

Can't go wrong with either of the OP's hotel choices. As for the respective views, I'd think Trump would be a lot better. It's right on the river and more in the middle of everything as it sits between the Loop and Mag Mile/River North area. Regradless of which you choose, you'll defintiely know you're in Chicago when you look out the window.

Cross your fingers....weather's look'n good.

Have a great trip!

Sounds to me as if you want him to go to Italy instead.



Nope...While here, OP should think ethnic...pizza isn't worth the calories.

It's a bit more of a hike (especially if at the Penn) but if your daughter likes aquariums...the Shedd is wonderful. (Don't miss the sea dragons). It's pricey and you may want to cab it one way or the other, but very good if she enjoys such things. Field Museum is right near it as well.

A trip to the top of the Hancock is probably a worth goal as well :)

http://www.sheddaquarium.org/

http://www.fieldmuseum.org/

http://www.hancockobservatory.com/en/Plan_your_visit/highlights.html

Thanks for all the suggestions. My daughter is a budding photographer so I think the architectual tour will hold her interest just for the photo ops. I am very excited about Millenium park and I imagine spending a fair amount of time there. I think we have to do the pizza thing.....just because it is Chicago. But what about ethic foods? What do you recommend?

The weather looks to be spectacular....hope it holds!

But what about ethic foods? What do you recommend?

Chicago is a city of ethnic neighborhoods, where some of the best options reside, but I am not sure if or how far you'd want to commute during a short trip. So I'd only list a few walking distance options:

Akai Hana (Japanese), 846 North State St
Gaylord India, 100 E Walton
India House, 59 West Grand
Mei's Corner (Chinese), 105 E Delaware Place
Russian Tea Time, 77 East Adams
Topolobampo / Frontera Grill (Mexican), 445 N Clark (Rick Bayless' places)

If you decide to venture out a little, Greek Islands (200 S. Halsted, in Greek Town) is not far. Not exactly walking distance, but an affordable cab ride (about 2.5 miles). Greek Town is easily combined with Sears/Willis Tower if you go there (about 15 minutes walk). Definitely get one order of Saganaki (flaming cheese) for your table!

Another interesting place about 1.5 - 2 miles would be Old Town. That's where Second City theater is (1616 N Wells).

Two non-ethnic recommendations -

Signature Room, 95th floor of John Hancock Center (875 N Michigan). Quite a view; will be a great memory. Lunch is more affordable than dinner. :)
Grand Lux Cafe, 600 N Michigan Ave. It is at the center of the whole area and so easy to stop in.

Chicago pizza is great, but most pizzerias are dark dingy crowded places trying to simulate the basement feeling; maybe your daughter will like the experience? :)

Update. Chinatown is always fun and an easy train ride. I left it out at first as you are from California which has bigger and greater Chinatowns of its own.

All of the following are capable of wowing a 10 year old:

Museum of Science and Industry. About 8-9 miles south, near University of Chicago, President Obama's neighborhood. :) Take Metra train from Millennium Station to 57th Street. Will take at least 1/2 a day. If you want to spend even more time, visit Oriental Institute (has real mummies) and Frank Lloyd Wright's Robie House. As you'd expect in a university area, lots of pizza, burger and Thai places.

Field Museum of Natural History. Home of Sue the dinosaur.
Shedd Aquarium.
These are much closer, but still a cab or trolley or bus is needed. You can also take a boat from/to Navy Pier. Walk between the Aquarium to the Planetarium offers a magnificent view of the city. This area is often referred to as "Museum Campus".

Navy Pier. Walking distance from where your hotel might be. Generally a touristy place but magnificent city view; Ferris Wheel is great fun. One hidden gem is stained glass exhibit at the eastern end. There is a boat to/from the "Museum Campus".

Might also consider the Conrad, right smack in the middle of the Magnificent Mile, almost across from the Intercontinental.

Other lower-end choices like Embassy Suites, Hilton Garden Inn, etc. close by.

The Palmer House is a bit south, but convenient on foot to the Art Institute, Millennium Park, and the theater district. Closer, too, to museums although you will still have to take a cab or the commuter train. Or a CTA bus if you listen to some of the posters here.

If you and/or your daughter are science-oriented, the Museum of Science and Industry is amazing, one of the best in the world (msichicago.org). Great Muppets exhibit right now.

The American Girl store here is much better from what I have heard than any of the other ones around: it is something like 30,000 square feet and considered the "mother ship." They took over an old Lord and Taylor store as I recall. My nieces (about the age of your daughter) consider it their #1 stop in Chicago.

A fun excursion for your daughter might be to take the train (EL) to Chinatown. Very easy from your hotel choices, and you can get on the Red line at either Grand or right across the river at State/Lake and take the train marked "95th" to the Chinatown stop at Cermak/22nd. This is the first station after you emerge from the tunnel.

Fun to walk around a little. Everyone has their favorite places to eat, but for spicy we like Lao Schezuan, and for slightly less firey but still tasty Schezuan Beijing. Both are in the mall that runs down Archer Ave.

A cab wouldn't cost that much either, but the EL sort of adds to the city experience.

Stayed at the Trump last year with a child and really enjoyed it. If you can afford it, it has wonderful views and a nice pool. Also great walking to both shopping and Millennium Park.

It's a bit more of a hike (especially if at the Penn) but if your daughter likes aquariums...the Shedd is wonderful. (Don't miss the sea dragons). It's pricey and you may want to cab it one way or the other, but very good if she enjoys such things. Field Museum is right near it as well.

A trip to the top of the Hancock is probably a worth goal as well :)

http://www.sheddaquarium.org/

http://www.fieldmuseum.org/

http://www.hancockobservatory.com/en/Plan_your_visit/highlights.html

Also Museum of Science and Industry is great for kids--you can take the Metra from Millennium Park station---very easy if you stay at the Trump.

Just another data point....Chicago has really good Indian food!!
In downtown area, I liked India House..it had an amazing buffet!

In Devon street, there are way more choices (but thats far from Downtown area).

No idea if OP likes Indian food or not...

Definitely get one order of Saganaki (flaming cheese) for your table!

....

Chicago pizza is great

Please stop pushing the drek.

A fun excursion for your daughter might be to take the train (EL) to Chinatown....Everyone has their favorite places to eat, but for spicy we like Lao Schezuan, and for slightly less firey but still tasty Schezuan Beijing. Both are in the mall that runs down Archer Ave..

There are actually three restaurants Lao Schezuan, Lao Shanghai, and Lao Beijing, all owned by the same person and each specializing in the regional cuisine suggested by the name. They are in Chinatown Square, which is an extension area, basically one long strip mall along Archer Avenue.

I am a big fan of Chinatown but refrained from recommending it as OP is from California, and their Chinatowns are bigger as well as more dynamic - chalk it up to Chinatown envy. :)

There is also a Museum of Contempory Photography just a walk south of the Art Institute that might interest your daughter. Unfortuntately, the Henri Cartier-Blesson exhibit just ended in the Art Institute. Another highlight that you may want to do is go to the water's edge between the Shedd Aquarium and the Adler Planetarium; a great view of Chicago's skyline can be found here. It's also a nice place for a picnic lunch, as a break between visiting the various museums nearby.

Just food for thought... if you are thinking of dining in the Signature Room, they have a reasonably priced Sunday brunch buffet. Just make sure to make a reservation; easy to do on OpenTable.

Not sure where all the Chicago pizza love/hate is coming from. It's OT and we already recommended close by places if the OP chooses to indulge.

Not sure where all the Chicago pizza love/hate is coming from.

I guess some people just can't handle knowing that Chicago has the best pizza. :D

I may be wrong, but I rather doubt ethnic food is what someone bringing a 10 year old girl to Chicago has in mind.

I'm guessing the Hershey's Store or Rock and Roll McDonald's are more like it.

I think the Trump offers a better location for "getting around" due to it's proximity to the Red line. Either hotels are in great locations, but the draw for the "Pen" is being close to the Magnificent Mile.

I'll be playing host to relatives this weekend. I believe the MoSI and American Girl store are mandatory stops for this year's visit.

A great transportation alternative to cabs is the double decker bus tour (http://www.coachusa.com/chicagotrolley/). Aside from the tour itself, you get unlimited on/off trips to take you all around the Loop for a period of 2-3 days. It may not be as fast/direct as taking cabs, but with some advance sightseeing planning it can definitely work to your advantage and be cheaper than cabs.

If you plan to visit several of the museums and skyscrapers, a City Pass (http://www.citypass.com/chicago) offers a far better deal than buying each individually.

With your daughter's draw to photography, there are many buildings with great skyline views. The wait to get up to the Sears Tower can be 2 hours on a weekend, so try to do that one early if you choose. Otherwise, there’s a thread with some tips on nice views:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/chicago/1042158-free-views-skyscrapers-not-hancock-building.html

This Sunday (10 Oct) is the Chicago Marathon, so quite a few major streets will be closed (http://www.chicagomarathon.com/CMS400Min/uploadedFiles/Chicago_Marathon/Get_Involved/10_CM_ROADCLOSURES.pdf) on Sunday morning.

I may be wrong, but I rather doubt ethnic food is what someone bringing a 10 year old girl to Chicago has in mind.

I'm guessing the Hershey's Store or Rock and Roll McDonald's are more like it.

You got kids?? :D

Please stop pushing the drek.

The OP's tastes (and/or the girl's tastes) just may be different from yours.

I personally have had great pan pizza in Chicago. I have also had great traditional thin crust authentic pizza in seveal cities in Italy. I have had great coal oven thin crust Pizza in the East Coast.

And I have had very bad pizza in all of the above locations.

The Pen is close to the Red Line as well.

don't forget to drop by after the visit and give us a full report--we're all now emotionally invested in you both having a great weekend.;)

You and I differ a fair amount here! :)


Topolobampo / Frontera Grill (Mexican), 445 N Clark (Rick Bayless' places)

Except that they have perennially long waitlists for reservations, and usually 1-2 hour waits for non-reserved tables.

Instead, check out Bayless's new Mexican street food joint, Xoco. If you go within an hour or so of mealtimes, there will be a significant wait, however.


Signature Room, 95th floor of John Hancock Center (875 N Michigan). Quite a view; will be a great memory. Lunch is more affordable than dinner. :)

But none of their food is really that good, and it's all incredibly overpriced. Instead, just get a drink (and a root beer float for the kids).


Grand Lux Cafe, 600 N Michigan Ave. It is at the center of the whole area and so easy to stop in.

Grand Lux is owned by the Cheesecake Factory. Its menu and decor are virtually indistinguishable from the Factory. Don't waste your time. Instead, go to Bandera. It's a southwestern grill with excellent rotisserie chicken, just down the street. Not at all touristy (kind of hard to find, even though it's on Michigan Avenue in the middle of the tourist zone). It's on the second floor; you enter through the door for the fur store and go up the escalator.


Chicago pizza is great, but most pizzerias are dark dingy crowded places trying to simulate the basement feeling; maybe your daughter will like the experience? :)

Huh? Many good pizzerias are also bars, but there are a zillion pizzerias (like the aforementioned Uno, Due, Lou Malnati's, Giordano's) that are just nice pizza places.


Update. Chinatown is always fun and an easy train ride. I left it out at first as you are from California which has bigger and greater Chinatowns of its own.


This is the first thing I've agreed with you on. Instead of Mei's (which I've always found lousy), go to Lao Sze Chuan or Lao Beijing for some good, authentic stuff.

Thanks for all the suggestions. My daughter is a budding photographer.....!

....then I'd recommend going to top of Hancock bldg, rather than Sears/Willis Tower. The Hancock is on the lake shoreline, so photos are more dramatic with lake, beach, buildings and sky elements.

Another interesting fact for a 10-yr old is that the top 30 floors or so of the Hancock Bldg are residential apartments. Those people, including kids, live the highest above local ground level of anyone in the world (if I recall correctly).

***** Watch out for Chicago Marathon on Oct 10...... looks like it starts/stops at Soldier Field near the Museum Campus (Field Museum, aquarium, planetarium)......so vist those spots before Oct 10!).....concierge will be able to tell you how much the marathon will block downtown streets!******

Also for photography, trips on the "L" elevated and subway system will be great. Ask concierge to map out a trip on the L to north-of-Loop neighborhoods along lakeshore.

There is likely a city bus route which makes a circular trip to the major museums and back to Navy Pier recreation area and North Michigan Ave area. A bus trip can be an urban experience (different than LA) and allow easy hop on-off for photo ops. See website for transitchicago.com.

enjoy......and be ready to dress for relaltive cold in morning and night!!!!

....then I'd recommend going to top of Hancock bldg, rather than Sears/Willis Tower. The Hancock is on the lake shoreline, so photos are more dramatic with lake, beach, buildings and sky elements.



Except the Willis Tower Ledge is far more fun for kids.

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.home-designing.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/willis-tower-chicago.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.home-designing.com/2009/07/amazing-balconies-of-willis-tower-formerly-sears-tower&usg=__ue9hz3zf6Tfo0SvaUIXocdFQOtY=&h=421&w=640&sz=56&hl=en&start=0&zoom=1&tbnid=OLT3pJ7k1CeE0M:&tbnh=111&tbnw=169&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dwillis%2Btower%2Bledge%26hl%3Den%26cl ient%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26biw%3D1280%26bih%3D642%26gbv%3D2%26t bs%3Disch:1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=405&vpy=183&dur=1033&hovh=182&hovw=277&tx=148&ty=100&ei=PO-rTI-SCsygngej0dnhDA&oei=PO-rTI-SCsygngej0dnhDA&esq=1&page=1&ndsp=22&ved=1t:429,r:2,s:0

Wow! Thanks again for all the great ideas. I am sorry the pizza thing became such a point of contention. But dang it, we're eating pizza in Chicago. As for my daughter, she is quite worldly. She spent 5 weeks in China and Tibet this summer, a similar period in Turkey last year, and several weeks in Italy the year before, plus trips to mexico etc, etc. So, ethic food is part of her reality. I do imagine the China town might be a let down after spending so much time in China....so will probably skip that. We can be pretty happy just cruising around town (I like the idea of riding the L to check things out) and seeing the life in the city. I think seeing the lake too will seem pretty cool to her...an inland ocean nearly.

I remember when I took her to new york a few years ago, there was a way to buy express tickets to the top of the empire state building.....eliminated the entire line. I am going to do some research, but perhaps there is something similar for the Hancock building?

We did end up booking into the Trump......I liked the proximity to Millenium Park and I had a good rate through an association.

Again, thanks for all the great information.....keep it coming if you think of something....I am paying attention and taking notes!

Cheers!

As noted earlier, the Chicago Architectural Foundation runs some wonderful tours, including the aforementioned boat one. They also have a "L" train tour too that may interest you; they're run on Thurs. and Sat.

There isn't an express elevator at the Hancock. There's one line for the observatory and another for the restaurant/lounge.

Grand Lux is owned by the Cheesecake Factory. Its menu and decor are virtually indistinguishable from the Factory. Don't waste your time. Instead, go to Bandera. It's a southwestern grill with excellent rotisserie chicken, just down the street. Not at all touristy (kind of hard to find, even though it's on Michigan Avenue in the middle of the tourist zone). It's on the second floor; you enter through the door for the fur store and go up the escalator.

Gonna have to chime in here on both points. Agree on Grand Lux -- skip it. And wholeheartedly agree on Bandera -- the roast chicken is absolutely the best. And the corn bread in the pan is even better.

Gonna have to chime in here on both points. Agree on Grand Lux -- skip it. And wholeheartedly agree on Bandera -- the roast chicken is absolutely the best. And the corn bread in the pan is even better.

ZOMG, I forgot about the corn bread. That and a margarita and I'm set. :)

Also get the queso fundido.

Wow! Thanks again for all the great ideas. I am sorry the pizza thing became such a point of contention. But dang it, we're eating pizza in Chicago. As for my daughter, she is quite worldly. She spent 5 weeks in China and Tibet this summer, a similar period in Turkey last year, and several weeks in Italy the year before, plus trips to mexico etc, etc. So, ethic food is part of her reality. I do imagine the China town might be a let down after spending so much time in China....so will probably skip that. We can be pretty happy just cruising around town (I like the idea of riding the L to check things out) and seeing the life in the city. I think seeing the lake too will seem pretty cool to her...an inland ocean nearly.

I remember when I took her to new york a few years ago, there was a way to buy express tickets to the top of the empire state building.....eliminated the entire line. I am going to do some research, but perhaps there is something similar for the Hancock building?

We did end up booking into the Trump......I liked the proximity to Millenium Park and I had a good rate through an association.

Again, thanks for all the great information.....keep it coming if you think of something....I am paying attention and taking notes!

Cheers!

Good story in the Tribune recently about the fabulous Lurie Garden within Millenium Park. Supposed to be great weather for the next week!

Her big surprise was the bees. They arrived when the first crocuses bloomed in March. Soon they were everywhere, swarming the mints and salvias, loving anything that bloomed blue or violet, a buzzing haze around the catmint. Honey from the beehives on the roof of City Hall a few blocks away tastes of Lurie Garden mint.

When Jennifer Davit arrived last spring as the new executive director of Millennium Park's hidden jewel, she knew she was taking on a garden in the middle of a great city. But over her first growing season, she has learned that she is the steward of a veritable wildlife refuge — not just for bees, but for dragonflies, goldfinches and red-winged blackbirds, among others.

In just six years, "it went from being a concrete deck to being this big harbor of life," says Terry Guen, who has been the master landscape architect for Millennium Park since the first plans were laid in 1998.

The 3-acre Lurie Garden, with its sweeping meadow of intermingled perennials against a scrim of skyscrapers, its dancing grasses, its arrow-straight seam of water, its muscular surrounding hedge framed in sculptural black steel, is not what most people expect from a public garden. It is nothing like the traditional style of Grant Park, with its allees of elms, parterres of clipped hedges and beds of annuals.

In most public gardens, you won't find dried stalks and blackened seed heads left standing. You won't find leaves with holes or brown edges as you sometimes do in this garden, where no herbicides or insecticides are used. And that's why you will find birds and bees.

"People are surprised by the type of garden it is," says Davit. "Most people have never seen anything like that. But they really enjoy it."

Faced with the grand but subtle sweep of color and form, "people have an emotional response," Guen says.

More:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/tribu/ct-sun-garden-1003-davit-20101004,0,3238770.story

I am sorry the pizza thing became such a point of contention. But dang it, we're eating pizza in Chicago.



Hang out at this forum long enough and you'll find every thread, if it gets long enough, becomes a fight about pizza :D:D:D:D:D:D So, no worries--it's what we do!

And I vote for a trip to the Malnati's for your pizza adventure (and they deliver in the area, so maybe just stay in and have it delivered to your hotel).

The tomatoes/tomato sauce are fabulous (see the Uns vs Malnati's thread below).

Hang out at this forum long enough and you'll find every thread, if it gets long enough, becomes a fight about pizza :D:D:D:D:D:D So, no worries--it's what we do!

And I vote for a trip to the Malnati's for your pizza adventure (and they deliver in the area, so maybe just stay in and have it delivered to your hotel).

The tomatoes/tomato sauce are fabulous (see the Uns vs Malnati's thread below).

To continue the pizza fight, I would recommend going to Lou's. :) There is nothing like that first bite, when the crust is still crunchy and the pizza comes straight from the pan (not having sat in a cardboard box for 20 minutes). Having it delivered is an alternative, but a distant second alternative. ;)

BTW, the first time I brought a friend visiting from Virginia for deep dish pizza, he INSISTED on returning the next night. :D

If you go Lou's, call ahead for a reservation.

You guys have put a big smile on my face this morning. Thanks for all the banter and suggestions. We are at the LAX RCC right now chilling before the flight. We are both very excited for this last minute trip. Thanks again....I will report back.

If you go Lou's, call ahead for a reservation.

I don't think they take reservations, but you can call ahead to pre-order the pizza, which can take about 45 minutes if you don't order until you sit down. If you call ahead, they'll partially bake it and then finish it off after you sit down - usually another 20 minutes or so.

Uno and Due will take your pizza order when you request a table. Weeknight evenings can be a very long wait.

Peter,

I rarely leave my Chicago visit without visiting Garretts Popcorn. Your daughter (and you!) will go crazy for their carmel corn-maybe the best I've had anywhere. Always a line to get in, but it moves fairly quickly.

I'll be there next week and will make sure that I get my fix. It's really outstanding.

http://www.garrettpopcorn.com/

They have a number of locations, depending on where you'll be during the day. One is only 3 or so blocks from the Trump.

Gonna have to chime in here on both points. Agree on Grand Lux -- skip it. And wholeheartedly agree on Bandera -- the roast chicken is absolutely the best. And the corn bread in the pan is even better.

Well, our first night was a success.....Bandera was wonderful. The chicken was insanely good. I asked my daughter if she wanted the leg and she said she would have a bite but was getting full. After a bite she said, I am not giving this back.

They had a nice jazz trio playing, we had a table overlooking the street.....balmy evening here in Chicago. Fantastic.

Peter,

I rarely leave my Chicago visit without visiting Garretts Popcorn. Your daughter (and you!) will go crazy for their carmel corn-maybe the best I've had anywhere. Always a line to get in, but it moves fairly quickly.

I'll be there next week and will make sure that I get my fix. It's really outstanding.

http://www.garrettpopcorn.com/

They have a number of locations, depending on where you'll be during the day. One is only 3 or so blocks from the Trump.

I had a friend tell me about this place the other day too. Will give it a try. Thanks!

I had a friend tell me about this place the other day too. Will give it a try. Thanks!

Sorry to keep chiming in, but the REAL treat at Garrett's is the Chicago Mix!

balmy evening here in Chicago. Fantastic.

You picked a great weekend weather-wise. We usually get a stretch like this in October, just never know when it's going to be.

The weather does seem lucky....I was in SF a couple of weeks ago and had 80 degree weather there too....was spectacular.

Here's a few pics from yesterday....

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7365183@N04/

nice pix. looks like you had a great trip.^

Sorry to bump this old thread but I'm doing something similar to the OP and it is the same weekend in Oct. just a year later!

I just booked the 14 y.o. daughter and I to ORD on the 120.00 RT from Phoenix. She is a shopaholic so I want to keep her busy doing other things besides shopping:p

Can you give me some advice on which Hilton family properties are in a good location? Same requirements...good location, walk to attractions, great restaurants, wonderful views etc.


From the Chicago forum I've learned I should sign up for Chicago groupons, do the archtectural boat tour, Navy Pier. Anything else? Is the cupcake buffet still open at the RZ? A great place for Sunday Brunch that won't break the bank? (shopping will do that)

Garretts Popcorn- yes, it's worth it. Get the caramel corn. Your daughter will love it (and you will too!)

The architectural boat tour is nice, but I'm not sure a 14 yo will not get bored. And if it's chilly in October that boat ride could be really cold.

My daughter says to take her to the Cheesecake Factory. It's not Chicago specific, but I guess all the kids love it and it's always packed.

Ed Debevics for good diner burgers and fries.

Bistro 110 for brunch. Great food. Reasonable. And a great location.

Have fun!

Sorry to bump this old thread but I'm doing something similar to the OP and it is the same weekend in Oct. just a year later!

I just booked the 14 y.o. daughter and I to ORD on the 120.00 RT from Phoenix. She is a shopaholic so I want to keep her busy doing other things besides shopping:p

Can you give me some advice on which Hilton family properties are in a good location? Same requirements...good location, walk to attractions, great restaurants, wonderful views etc.


From the Chicago forum I've learned I should sign up for Chicago groupons, do the archtectural boat tour, Navy Pier. Anything else? Is the cupcake buffet still open at the RZ? A great place for Sunday Brunch that won't break the bank? (shopping will do that)


All Hiltons that come up within a 5 mile radius search on HH's website are in a reasonably good location. From a location standpoint, I'd only avoid the Hilton Chicago (720 S. Michigan) and the Hampton Majestic Theater. theWit (Doubletree) is right next to the El stop that can get you darn near anywhere in Chicagoland without transferring to a different train.

All with addresses in the 500 - 900 North range will be in the River North and Magnificent Mile areas, which is where all the main shopping and restaurants are concentrated.

Views depend on what you want to see - skyline, Lake Michigan, Chicago River - and how much you're willing to pay.

Bistro 110 is good advice. I'll add that the best breakfasts/brunches I've had anywhere in the world are at Yolk (3 locations, maybe 4 by October). Figure about $10/person there, and go early. The wait can be up to an hour for a table on Saturdays and Sundays, but it's worth it.

For stuff to do, the Museum campus has a lot to offer. A trip to the top of the Sears Tower or Hancock Center are worthwhile. Check explorechicago.com and metromix.chicago.com for events happening when you visit as the time draws near. I didn't refer back to which weekend in Oct you're coming, but the Chicago Marathon is Oct. 9 and causes many road closures and lots of crowds.

Sorry to bump this old thread but I'm doing something similar to the OP and it is the same weekend in Oct. just a year later!

I just booked the 14 y.o. daughter and I to ORD on the 120.00 RT from Phoenix. She is a shopaholic so I want to keep her busy doing other things besides shopping:p

Can you give me some advice on which Hilton family properties are in a good location? Same requirements...good location, walk to attractions, great restaurants, wonderful views etc.


From the Chicago forum I've learned I should sign up for Chicago groupons, do the archtectural boat tour, Navy Pier. Anything else? Is the cupcake buffet still open at the RZ? A great place for Sunday Brunch that won't break the bank? (shopping will do that)

Of all the Hilton properties, the Hilton Chicago is the furthest away from the shopping. ;)

Of all the Hilton properties, the Hilton Chicago is the furthest away from the shopping. ;)

Despite being on Michigan Avenue, so OP can play dumb. "I booked a hotel on Michigan!" ;)

All great tips thank you! Especially the address ranges.

So, it seems that the marathon is on Sunday which means all hotels in the downtown area are sold out- or running about 450 + per night:eek:

Suggestions? Airport hotel for Saturday night and use the El? Or a convenient suburb location?

All great tips thank you! Especially the address ranges.

So, it seems that the marathon is on Sunday which means all hotels in the downtown area are sold out- or running about 450 + per night:eek:

Suggestions? Airport hotel for Saturday night and use the El? Or a convenient suburb location?

The Hilton Garden Inn in Evanston is in a good area and four or five blocks from the L. I'm guessing the ride to downtown is approximately the same as from the airport. Obviously, the airport hotel is more convenient to the "airport," however. :)

If you can use something other than Hiltons, there are a number of hotels in the mid $200 range for the weekend of 10-7 to 10-10 (I didnt have your actual dates so I plugged those in). Try Hotels.com

If you want the Chicago experience, try to stay in the heart of the city.

All great tips thank you! Especially the address ranges.

So, it seems that the marathon is on Sunday which means all hotels in the downtown area are sold out- or running about 450 + per night:eek:

Suggestions? Airport hotel for Saturday night and use the El? Or a convenient suburb location?

If you can use something other than Hiltons, there are a number of hotels in the mid $200 range for the weekend of 10-7 to 10-10 (I didnt have your actual dates so I plugged those in). Try Hotels.com

If you want the Chicago experience, try to stay in the heart of the city.

Thank you for making me think outside the box- or Hilton in this case:p

Looks like I can get the IC for Saturday night at my corp rate which is under 200.00 per night!

Even better!!

Don't get too excited about Bistro 110...it's closing in August.

Not sure if the cupcake buffet is still up & running at the Ritz Carlton, but Chicago has a ton of great cupcake places (all of which offer a veritable buffet of choices). From what I understand, you were still paying by the cupcake at the RC, so it's probably not very different. Close to Michigan Ave., you can get cupcakes at More and Sprinkles. (I'm sure there are other places I'm forgetting.) I'm personally a huge fan of Sweet Mandy B's and Sensational Bites, but both are a bit off the tourist path.

If you're coming over the Marathon weekend, you'll want to plan accordingly on Sunday, when many roads will be temporarily closed. (Then again, watching the marathon is always a ton of fun.) Are you flying home on Sunday? What time is your flight?

Here's the Marathon route (http://www.chicagomarathon.com/CMS400Min/uploadedFiles/Chicago_Marathon/Runner_Information/Marathon%20Map.pdf). If you decide to stay in the Mag Mile area, you'll see that the marathon skirts it--but if you need to get a cab to the airport, you could have troubles because the normal airport route would twice cross the marathon route. Staying on S. Michigan is even worse because of more closures and longer closures.

That's a serious bummer. Great food, great location. It will be missed.

Don't get too excited about Bistro 110...it's closing in August.

...........

We are coming in on Saturday and leaving on Tuesday.

What do you all suggest to do on Sunday given the Marathon is running?

Does it take over the whole downtown area?

We are coming in on Saturday and leaving on Tuesday.

What do you all suggest to do on Sunday given the Marathon is running?

Does it take over the whole downtown area?

I'd actually suggest watching the marathon. Even if you don't know anyone who's running, it's tons of fun to see the frontrunners, the wheelchair racers and the everyday folks. I'm happy to cheer on tens of thousands of runners even though I might only know a handful.

See the map re. the answer to your question "does it take over the whole downtown?" Yes and no.