Mr. Dump wants to go to Chicago for a vacation....suggestions on where to stay, what to do....keep it reasonable, we're old and really don't want to spend a bundle.
Well, if you have an Marriott points, you can cash them in at the one on the Magnificent Mile. Lot's of shopping and great restaurants. Subway's not bad either. Good plays. Just saw Wicked before the end of the year. Not bad for a chick play. Summer's the time to get to Chicago though.
I'd take a hard look at Hyatt on Wacker. (151 E Wacker) Good central location. Nice hotel and close to Michigan Ave without paying Michigan Ave price. Mrs. Wonka is seeing rooms available for $99 a night. You don't want to stay in the loop. (Dead at night business district)
If you find a Hyatt for $99 I'd snag it. There also some charming boutique hotels in the same area. If you like blues, you have to go to Buddt Guy's Legends and I also like Kingston Mines on So Halsted. During the day, there's a lot of exploring you can do via cab, the L and walking. If you like pizza don't miss Giordano's. There's some nice restyaurants up by the Brownsones off the Lake too.
Incredible restaurants, great plays, good shopping, decent museums. It depends on what you are in but there are choices for everyone. I like Chicago alot more than NY. Cheaper, more open, and less dirty. You don't want or need a car - you can walk, cab, or bus everywhere if you stay near the Miracle Mile area and parking your car is $30 a day or more. The shows are incredible. The theaters and performances put broadway to shame. Depending on your taste and tolerance level, you can find all kinds of little theaters and shows like second city. I don't know you personally but from our discussions think you would have fun at Ed Dibevecs. Food is OK, nothing exciting, burgers and stuff (but great shakes) so go for lunch. You'll have fun with the wait staff! You have to have some of the stuffed pizza at one of the many choices in pizza restaurants - it's the best in the nation - we liked Giordano's best, but order it to go and eat back at your hotel because it can take 2 hours to get a seat. Harry Caray's is fantastic yet casual, and save room for Eli's cheesecake. Plus, you can get Giordano's and Eli's shipped back home once you are hooked! If it is warm enough, there are some river trips that let you see the city architecture. Many people like Navy Pier but I think it is not worth the time. The Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium are great, as is the Art Museum. The Museum of Science and Industry is really, really bad. Years ago, Greek Town was fantastic but it had gotten very old and not so great the last time I went. I'm not a huge baseball fan, but there's something about Wrigley field and the Cubs that brings out the best of the Chicago fans. Surprisingly, games have been some of my favorite days in the city. You're bringing back some great memories! I really love Chicago but wouldn't go until April or later.
Definitely take the Architectual Society boat tour. Took about an hour, and I enjoyed it. Harry Caray's at the Pier had great, inexpensive food and lots of sports memorabilia to look at. Have fun. I was there for a quick visit in the early fall and I loved it.
For your fancy night out you can't beat Gibsons. (Rush St) You gotta have a Hamburger and a Beef at Portillo's. (Many would say add hot dog and ribs to my suggestion) I second Vag on Buddy Guy's Legends. Museums and such: Museum of Science and Industry Field Museum Shedd Aquarium Art Institute of Chicago Lincoln Park Zoo Navy Pier
Chicago hot dogs are a must. You don't need a fancy restaurant, just any hole in the wall or stand that has a "Vienna Beef" sign. And get everything on them. Here is an app for your phone: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/vienna-beef-hot-dog-stand/id352609059 (They're good for breakfast too) A Cub's game is a great way to spend an afternoon, but good luck getting seats. Years ago the scalpers started buying every available seat the day tickets go on sale.
I'm very glad we won't be there for a few months......hell, I don't know if I'd make it with all that snow and ice. Where I live, the world literally stops on its axis when there's only 1/4" of ice as evidenced a mere few weeks ago. The older I get the less I like that stuff.
I have learned that first-hand this week. The same ice from Monday night is still here. It's 15 degrees here now and it may hit freezing tomorrow. Thankfully, we only have a few more days of this, as opposed to months. I am homebound and can't even go see my sweetie. Thank goodness for internet porn, and the great links that Wonka has made available.
