hairpeace

Spending a week (next week) off with the significant other in Chicago.

Will be staying at the Peninsula and dining one night at Spiaggia.

Planning to check out the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Lincoln Park Zoo.

Looking for other dining and activity recommendations, please! Thanks!

legalalien

I find that Chicago Architecture Foundation tours are always fun: http://caf.architecture.org/page.aspx?pid=698.

Theater and performing arts options are plentiful, too, although hard to recommend anything in particular not knowing your preferences.

Ice skating at the Millennium Park, followed by a meal at Park Grill next door: http://explorechicago.org/city/en/mi...ml/parkevents/

Soviet Art Experience is a unique, year-long expo of works by artists from the Soviet Union: http://www.sovietartsexperience.org/

Vermilion restaurant for a fusion of (spicy) South Indian and Latin cuisines: http://www.thevermilionrestaurant.com/.

Christkindlmarket Chicago (next to Daley Plaza, http://www.christkindlmarket.com/) - Chicago's version of German Christmas markets. Also, see Marshall Field's (err...Macy's) storefront on State Street for some kitschy displays.

Enjoy!

WhiteOut

Coco Pazzo is a fine little Italian place we like quite a bit. Two locations -- we've only been to the one by Northwestern. Rosebud is usually recommended, but i find it a bit touristy...Coco Pazzo does not have that vibe to me.

If you like live blues, try Buddy Guy's over by the Chicago Hilton.

For Chicago deep dish, the main ones you'll hear about are Gino's East, and Giordano's. My clients (locals) all prefer Lou Malnotti's.

Also try Al's (Italian Beef). cash only.

almost forgot -- really good steak place/italian = Petterino's in the theater district #24 urban spoon...

shedd's is a pretty nice aquarium and if the weather is nice Millenium Park/art institute.

It'l be crazy crowded for Tgiving weekend...but you'll have a great time. chicago is a really fun town.

feedmeflyer

There are tons of great restaurants within walking distance of the Penninsula. If you haven't already, you may want to check out the Chicago board on www.chowhound.com for some ideas.

Have a great time!

ILuvParis

Good thin crust pizza at Pizano's, a couple blocks away on State. Deep dish at Lou Malnati's, Gino's East or Uno's _ all walkable or a short cab ride.

If you like champagne, Pops for Champagne, also on State - by the glass or more by the bottle and excellent small plates - easy to make a dinner. Great crab croquettes (like small crabcakes). It's pricey but really good.

Great Italian at Osteria via Stato (also on State) - go for the Italian dinner party. Everything is always seasoned to perfection. Had quinoa for the first time there - couldn't imagine that it would be good and it was fab-u-lous.

Heaven on Seven (Cajun) is always fun. Gotta have the gumbo.

Owner's son also has a place nearby, The Purple Pig.

Did you know they decorate the zoo with Christmas lights for the animals?

14940674

If you are a fan of science museums, then I highly recommend a visit to one of the best, if not the best, science museums around, the Museum of Science and Industry:

http://www.msichicago.org/

It has an operating coal mine exhibit, large model train display, the Pioneer Zephyr, and numerous other fascinating exhibits. I highly recommend it.

toomanybooks

One of the very best museums of its type in the world; I have been a member since 1998.

Has now a nice exhibit on Dr. Seuss, including some original drawings. Saw it Sunday.

For more science in Chicago, the planetarium, the aquarium, and the Field Museum (great chocolate exhibit going on, and a new gallery just opened). You won't regret seeing any of them.

ILuvParis

Which reminds me - the op doesn't say anything about kids, but Sue, "the largest, most complete, and best preserved Tyrannosaurus rex ever discovered," not to mention the shrunken heads will thrill any kid (and most adults).

chgoeditor

It also currently has a human on exhibit, for at least a few more days. http://www.msichicago.org/matm

toomanybooks

Yes, my son met him Sunday and got picture/video. Seems like a very nice fellow.

Today is his 30th day.

Sweet Willie

Great suggestions overall legalalien, I do have to take exception with Vermilion, our dining group felt that the overwhelming flavors were Indian, so not a 50/50 mix of Indian Latin as billed. We also felt that the flavors were ones we could taste for FAR less $ at other Indian restaurants. We were bummed as we all were excited at the prospect of those two cuisines married.

hairpeace

Currently writing to you from Chicago!

Happy to report that dinner at Spiaggia was incredible. We had the tasting menu, which was fabulous.

Up early today, planning our day's itinerary.

Would like to look at nice Chicago neighborhoods so I can consider purchasing property. I've been told that Hyde Park and Kenwood are pleasant areas... anybody have an idea?

Thanks

chgoeditor

Honestly, your question is too vague to get a useful answer. Care to share any additional details that might help us give you a useful response?
* Price range
* Size of the property
* Single-family home, townhouse or condo?
* Looking for a city feel or more of a neighborhood?
* Do you have kids? Are schools important?
* Are you looking for any particular neighborhood demographics?
* Are you looking for an easy commute to downtown, ORD, MDW or elsewhere?
* What kinds of neighborhood amenities are you interested in?

ILuvParis

Unless you'll be affiliated with the university or other work in that area, I would steer clear. The areas are nice, but an island in any number of ways and pretty distant from everything else. I'm sure others will disagree, but IMHO the West Loop, South Loop, Lincoln Park, Lakeview, West Loop, River North and any number of other north side areas are better for entertainment, restaurants and culture in general.

sonofzeus

The answer is "Streeterville."