Public Transportation information:
The CTA runs buses and trains in the city - their website is pretty good for trip planning both within the city and outside city limits. Going outside of the city is doable by public transit, but can be a pain as trains and buses don't run as frequently. All of the things I've mentioned below are within city limits and very accessible via public transportation.
Willis Tower or John Hancock Center Skydecks:The Willis Tower is my favorite of the two. It has Ledges, glass boxes that extend several feet outside of the building.
The Hancock has an outdoor (screened in) part on the Skydeck, and a restaurant a few floors below called the Signature Room - it's expensive, but worth having a drink up there to enjoy the view. In both cases, she'll want to go on a clear day. If it's cloudy you can't see as far, and if it's foggy, forget about it.
The Hancock has an outdoor (screened in) part on the Skydeck, and a restaurant a few floors below called the Signature Room - it's expensive, but worth having a drink up there to enjoy the view. In both cases, she'll want to go on a clear day. If it's cloudy you can't see as far, and if it's foggy, forget about it.
Willis Tower: http://www.theskydeck.com/
Hancock: http://jhochicago.com/en/
Millenium Park:
Featuring, among other things, Cloud Gate (aka, The Bean)
Art Institute:
Finally got a chance to go to the new modern art wing a few weeks ago - loved it. This is one of my favorite musuems anyway.
Shedd Aquarium:
This is just cool - walk around outside in back of the Oceanarium for a spectacular view of the Chicago skyline.
Museum of Science & Industry:
The neatest thing about this museum is the train display - it's a model train set that has miniature landmarks across the US, including a mini Chicago.
Cultural Center:
Has art and other exhibits, as well as free concerts daily at 12:15 - concerts alternate between classical, jazz, blues, and world music.
Wrigley Field:
Tickets for baseball games are relatively inexpensive in April - Wrigley is one of the few remaining historical ballparks. It was built in 1914.
Navy Pier:
This is touristy, but does house the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, has exhibitions that go through the Great Hall that can be interesting, and the Ferris Wheel is fun.
Architecture Tour:
I'm including a link to the company I've used before, but there are others. I'd recommend the combined lake/river tour.
http://www.wendellaboats.com/experience/riverarchitecturetour.aspx
http://www.wendellaboats.com/experience/riverarchitecturetour.aspx
Chicago Symphony:
They've got plenty going on in April.
Lincoln Park Zoo & Conservatory
Both are free - I'm a big fan of zoos. :-)
Must Eat:
Chicago Style Pizza:
Pizzaria Uno or Duo are the two originals, but that's Uno on Ohio Street. Do NOT go to any restaurant call "Uno Chicago Grill." If those two options don't work out, Lou Malnati's or Giordano's are good as well.
Chicago Style Hot Dogs:
Portillo's is a good spot - they also have Chicago style Italian Beef. Just remember that there's NO ketchup on a Chicago-style dog.
Garrett's Popcorn:
You have to eat this stuff warm right after you get it. It's divine.
5 comments:
Chicagoooooooooooooo :):):)
Don't forget the Field Museum....I think their current exhibit is on Genghis Khan?
The Signature Room is actually a floor higher than the Sky Deck at Hancock, and you don't have to pay to ride the elevator as long as you order a drink, making it a better value in my opinion ;)
I would double check on the Cultural Center concerts since they have been making a ton of changes this year...I know the cafe has closed down and the public program staff is nil, so not sure how much is going on there in terms of music. I would definitely walk through the building anyway, especially the Washington entrance and Preston Bradley Hall.
One of my favorite things about Navy Pier is the stained glass museum! It's on the first level all the way toward the end of the pier, so a lot of people miss it, but it's worth the walk through the screaming kids and horribly touristy shopping mall. The Crystal Gardens on the second level is also pretty neat.
As for things to eat....there are so many yummy spots. Not sure where she'll be staying, but I could recommend some good neighborhood spots if she'll be anywhere outside of the loop.
Also, check out ExploreChicago.org for a pretty extensive listing of events going on daily. I LOVE PEOPLE VISITING CHICAGO!!!!!
You should put a permanent link to this blog post on your sidebar! :-) Makes me want to come see Chicago! I've only driven through and Danny keeps saying we'll get up there (someday). :-)
Since i AM coming to Chicago this June i'm very happy to see this post! Good list!
Hey Sarge here....
One thing I would add to your lovely list here...
A Chicago visit just isn't complete unless you get a visit from your favorite soprano :)
Another thing that comes to mind when perusing your suggestions is that I have a lot more visits to take to Chicago-land !
I would also recommend:
eats- Vietnamese on Argyle Street, Svea or Ann Sathers in Andersonville, Hamburger Mary's
doing- walking the lakefront path from the south loop up to the Navy Pier, exploring Grant Park down to the Museum campus
music- indie at Phyllis', bluegrass at the California Clipper, what-have-you at the Double Door, swing dancing on Thursdays at the Green Mill, the Old Town School of Folk Music events.
lit- readings at the Poetry Foundation and at the Hopleaf (Andersonville).
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