Staying in Chicago area for 3 weeks this October
 

Title says it all. I’m on an “away team” opening up a new fulfillment center in Markham, just south of Chicago, but still in Cook County. I’ll have weekends free to discover Chicago. I know the city has some great museums and shopping. Looking forward to the Pritzker Military museum and the Science and Industry museum. I love local food and don’t want to dine at chain places. I’ve signed up for a Ventra card. I’ll have a rental car, but I’ve heard the traffic is pretty heavy, and I’m not really used to driving in a large city. I’m open to any suggestions or tips you may have. As of this date, I know I’ll be staying at an extended stay type of hotel, but I have no idea where, and I don’t even know what airport I’m flying into. That being said, I’m sort of clueless.

I did a Google of museums, the Navy Pier, and shopping.

Well, you've been around the FT block, so know that you'll pick somethings that will be fun and some that will be dumb and you'll enjoy all of it.

Probably the first and most important question: where/which neighborhood will you be staying?

David

I’m assuming it will be within 20 miles of Markham. Hoping it’s not further out. Flying into MDW would be a whole lot better than ORD, and closer. I’ve been around, but never on business for three weeks straight, so this is new for me. Also, this will be the first away team for me with many more to come.

Keep and eye on Sweet Willie and see if he plans any FT get togethers. He knows the Chicago food scene very well.

Since it sounds like a one in and out, which airport shouldn’t be a big deal. If it was more frequent, From Markham, or anywhere in the vicinity, I prefer ORD. Straight shot from Markham on I-294. But MDW certainly has its hardened fans.

I’d chose Homewood, Tinley Park, Orland Park, Frankfort, Mokena for a long term stay. Markham is convenient to I-80/I-57/I-294 exits from these towns, or most others. Traffic tends to be an issue around 17:00 and on Friday afternoons. But nothing like farther north, unless you are going to Indiana. However once Labor Day hits, things calm down considerably. Either way, consider getting an I-pass, or EZ Pass for our numerous tollways.

Non chains that I like for a bite, on the casual side:
Hog Wild (pork and on Fridays, some of the best walleye you can get). Calumet Fisheries. By the lake, and a drive, but a must for fans of the Blues Brothers. Saigon (Orland Park), Joy Yee for Thai (Tinley Park). A little more upscale is Princess Cafe in Beecher for a supper club environment, Mr Benny’s Steak (Mokena). For real upscale, I tend to hit Oak Brook ( near western suburbs). This doesn’t scratch the many local great ethnic eateries.

Two chains you might consider are 1) Chicagoland’s Portillo’s. They are know for their Chicago dogs, as well as beef sandwiches. They are set to go public in the next few months. 2) Pizza in the area includes Chicago’s own Aurelio’s Homewood location, a real treat for thin crust fans.

About 15 miles west are various locations of the I&M canal, including the bridge that takes the canal over the Desplaines River. Nice walking trails. Further afield are Kankakee and Starve Rock State Parks. You can even take a day tour from the beginning of US Rte 66 through a number of scenic spots.

As far as the city goes, Markham and surrounds are well covered by Metra’s Electric line. Fast and frequent service, including to Museum of Science/Industry and the Museum Campus( Natural history, Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium.) Also Soldier Field where the Bears play Football. Another two stops north is the Art Institute.

Avoid Navy Pier. Do go to any of the museums; they're all fantastic.

What kind of food are you looking for? Chicago's Eater guides are pretty good, as are guides from Infatuation, though both are focused on the city proper. I'm also a huge fan of Chi BBQ King for much more under the radar places.

Chicago is a city of neighborhoods. Explore them and you'll have a great time.

I do want to try deep dish pizza, since I’ve never had the genuine thing. Thanks for the great tips. I won’t have any travel details until two weeks before my departure date. I am a Blues Brothers fan, so I will try the place. In fact, BDR 529, the plate on the BB mobile was the same plate on my brothers Ohio BMW way back when. Weird? I’m slowly gathering info about what to do/where to go. Thanks for the links.

The Art Institute is good one to have on your list. One of the biggest collections of French Impressionism outside of Paris.

If you must try deep dish, go to Pequod's. If you want the best pizza in Chicago, you'll try something other than deep dish. The original Vito and Nick's (get the sausage) and Pizza Fried Chicken Ice Cream are both great.

If you like Blues Brothers, the bridge they jump is right next to Calumet Fisheries, mentioned upthread. James Beard award winning smoked fish. It's so so good.

If you like (modern) architecture, there is/was a regularly-scheduled boat trip organized by some architecture institute with commentary. It's a nice rest break from a day filled with lots of walking.

Yes
 

It is the Chicago Architecture Foundation. There are other boat tours, but this is the one to take:

https://www.architecture.org/tours/d...-s-first-lady/

Some ideas
 

If you are a Blues Brothers Fan, you might enjoy a Second City performance...after all it's where Belushi and Ackroyd got their starts. Although it is touristy you might enjoy the Billy Goat Tavern ("Pepsi no Coke")

As for deep dish pizza, you will hear many opinions....my personal one is stay away from Uno's (they were good years ago but) and go with Malnatis (there are lots around the city).

The reason why I want to try deep disk pizza, is because I’ve never had, but my go to is thin crispy crust. There’s a place in Squirrel Hill, in Pittsburgh, Aiello's, which is my favorite. I always ask for extra thin and crispy. As for the Second City, and the Blues Brothers attractions, thank you.

I just started working for the company that did the MHE system in that FC. My manager is telling me that I'll be at that site next week.
Markham is not exciting and neither is Harvey that's just to the east of it. You'll probably stay at one of the hotels off Halsted in Homewood. Make sure to choose the Ipass toll transponder option in your rental car as the site is right next to the tolled I294. Another option is to bring your own EZ Pass if you have it.
Directly south of the site, along Dixie Highway is Homewood which has a decent downtown area with some restaurants and shops. South of Homewood is Flossmoor which has an awesome brewery located inside of it's Metra Station.
Further West of your site, along 159th street is Tinley Park and Orland Park which have malls and many restaurants.

How is the site coming along? The start date for my arrival has been pushed back like three times. I’m supposed to fly out October 3rd. I have my own EZ pass, so I’ll bring it. I know the car rental company will charge extra. I have iPhone, so Google maps, etc., so won’t need GPS. The description of the immediate is very helpful, thank you.