my friend and I are planning to get away for the weekend in the next month to chicago.. if there's any chicago'ers on 365 .. what do you say would be great things to do and see this time of year in Chicago? ( of course I'll be bringing my camera! )
I’m planning a trip there in late March/early April. One thing I know I want to do is get a picture of my reflection in “the bean” in Millennium Park. It’s silly, but I’ve seen so many other people’s pictures of it so I think I need my own!
Have you checked out the double decker bus tour? You can jump on and off all day and it stops at a lot of tourist attractions.
The Bean is cool. There are other structures within Millenium Park, and the neighborhoods are incredible in their diversity and photo opportunities. Take mass transit out to some of them, great food and friendly folks!
We have two great zoos, Lake Michigan, Navy Pier, some beautiful architecture, parks...you will find lots of things to photograph here. The weather can be a challenge - though, could be getting warmer, could snow or rain or be very windy so your outside choices may be quite weather dependent.
@lisjam1@emsabh
I'll be wanting to bring my camera of course.. but also thinking of my friend who will not only be wanting me to take pictures// lol~
Other then pic opportunities what is there to DO? (we are in our late 30's)
@nanascraps sounds like fun! ( for me ) but still wanting to know about things to do for the un-photographer friend coming along.. nightlife? things to do not just see...eat? Experience..
@melaniep The food scene is excellent. Lots of places to explore. try www.yelp.com for some peer-driven reviews, pretty accurate. Museums galore. It can be pretty unpredictable in March, so prepare for the elements.
Shopping on Michigan Avenue. Navy Pier. We have really good museums - Musuem of Science and Industry, Field Museum, Art Institute, Planetarium. Shedd Aquarium. Zoos - Lincoln Park or Brookfield. Morton Arboretum for flowers, Lincoln Park Conservatory. Willis Tower if you want to go to the top and see the city. Lots of great restaurants - depending on where you're staying. If you email me at lamacki1@gmail.com, I can give you some names.
There's the big river going through the centre and that weird car park near millenium avenue (I think) too. I think there's quite a lot of blues/jazz venues too if that's your thing.
@nanascraps
Just hearing a Chicagoan (at least I assume you are since you seem to know Chicago well) call The Sears Tower Willis Tower, makes me cringe. ha ha. It will always be The Sears Tower.
Oooh, there's so much to see and do here in Chicago! I would recommend the Shedd Aquarium and Art Institute, Millennium Park and the observation deck at the Sears Tower (go in The Ledge if you dare - it's scary but really cool and makes for amazing photo ops). Also, going on an architectural walking tour of the downtown area is always fun and super interesting, and of course you can't miss the shopping on State Street and mag mile.
@lisjam1 The bean is right next to the Art Institute - a must see! @melaniep do you know which weekend you will be in Chicago?
In general, there is tons to see, do and eat! The weather changes drastically sometimes so I would suggest clothing for both warmer and colder temperatures.
I agree the Ledge at the Sears Tower is a must see! Navy Pier (ride the ferris wheel if possible too)! The Bean, the zoos, double decker buses YES!, Enjoy beautiful Chicago!
also, there's a Cheesecake Factory restaurant (mmmm!) under the John Hancock Observatory (which I've heard is a better view than the Sears Tower because you can see the Sears Tower from it? also, it's a little bit north of downtown and a little cheaper I think).
The Brookfield Zoo is out of the city and isn't free but is much bigger... The Lincoln Park Zoo is free everyday but lots of animals are probably not out because it's cold.
There are also some GREAT Ethiopian restaurants in Chicago. But if you prefer diner food, there's some great places for that too, Ed Debevic's is my favorite because it's a 50's diner and the waiters are rude but sometimes they dance (I would go on a weekend or during dinner rush. I went on a weeknight around 7-8pm and it was kinda empty and lost some of the atmosphere).
CTA is pretty decent. Most CVS's sell 1-day, 3-day, 7-day unlimited ride passes. A 1-day pass is worth it if you take the train more than twice in one day.
@lisjam1 Ed Debevic's is fun. You might also want to consider Dick's Last Resort. Similar concept, the restaurant is located in the iconic Marina Towers (one of my favorite buildings). And if you're interested in seeing the architecture I would recommend a boat tour, if the weather is nice enough. Or even a ride on the water taxi will get you some beautiful views from on the river.
Thank-You ALL , now we are torn between chicago and ottawa.. .. now we have an extra friend coming along and it would be wiser to go to Ottawa, but Chicago will defintely be another soon trip to do soon!
Thank-You all for the information.. I bet it will be nicer to visit when there's no more snow.. can't believe the pounding we got today ( Windsor Ontario /Detroit Michigan ).. wowzers!
@trishaj Thanks for the info! I’ve only been to Chicago a handful of times despite living just a few hours away in Indianapolis. I really need to get there more often, especially since I can take the Megabus so easily.
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Have you checked out the double decker bus tour? You can jump on and off all day and it stops at a lot of tourist attractions.
The Bean is cool. There are other structures within Millenium Park, and the neighborhoods are incredible in their diversity and photo opportunities. Take mass transit out to some of them, great food and friendly folks!
I hope you have a great visit.
I'll be wanting to bring my camera of course.. but also thinking of my friend who will not only be wanting me to take pictures// lol~
Other then pic opportunities what is there to DO? (we are in our late 30's)
Shopping on Michigan Avenue. Navy Pier. We have really good museums - Musuem of Science and Industry, Field Museum, Art Institute, Planetarium. Shedd Aquarium. Zoos - Lincoln Park or Brookfield. Morton Arboretum for flowers, Lincoln Park Conservatory. Willis Tower if you want to go to the top and see the city. Lots of great restaurants - depending on where you're staying. If you email me at lamacki1@gmail.com, I can give you some names.
Just hearing a Chicagoan (at least I assume you are since you seem to know Chicago well) call The Sears Tower Willis Tower, makes me cringe. ha ha. It will always be The Sears Tower.
In general, there is tons to see, do and eat! The weather changes drastically sometimes so I would suggest clothing for both warmer and colder temperatures.
Here is a link for the city's official tourism website:
http://www.explorechicago.org/city/en.html
http://www.explorechicago.org/city/en/supporting_narrative/events___special_events/special_events/tourism/Museum_Free_Days.html
I remember reading that the Art Institute is changing their weekly free day from Thursday to Wednesday so check that before you go.
also, there's a Cheesecake Factory restaurant (mmmm!) under the John Hancock Observatory (which I've heard is a better view than the Sears Tower because you can see the Sears Tower from it? also, it's a little bit north of downtown and a little cheaper I think).
The Brookfield Zoo is out of the city and isn't free but is much bigger... The Lincoln Park Zoo is free everyday but lots of animals are probably not out because it's cold.
There are also some GREAT Ethiopian restaurants in Chicago. But if you prefer diner food, there's some great places for that too, Ed Debevic's is my favorite because it's a 50's diner and the waiters are rude but sometimes they dance (I would go on a weekend or during dinner rush. I went on a weeknight around 7-8pm and it was kinda empty and lost some of the atmosphere).
CTA is pretty decent. Most CVS's sell 1-day, 3-day, 7-day unlimited ride passes. A 1-day pass is worth it if you take the train more than twice in one day.
Thank-You ALL , now we are torn between chicago and ottawa.. .. now we have an extra friend coming along and it would be wiser to go to Ottawa, but Chicago will defintely be another soon trip to do soon!
Thank-You all for the information.. I bet it will be nicer to visit when there's no more snow.. can't believe the pounding we got today ( Windsor Ontario /Detroit Michigan ).. wowzers!