I am going to be flying to Chicago for work early next month and will have at least an afternoon/evening free (at least I hope). So far I know I have a reception to attend on Friday, Seminar/tour on Saturday morning and dinner Sunday night. Other than that, I don't want to be stuck at the hotel.
I don't know exactly where I will be staying only that it is by O'Hare airport. I won't have my own transportation. Is there anything around there that is interesting? Or is it fairly cheap to go downtown and what might be fun there?
[ January 18, 2006, 07:47 PM: Message edited by: KetchupPrinceConsort ]
Posted by Sister Annie (Member # 8480) on :
Art Institute! Art Institute!
Yeah, downtown's the way to go.
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
The Art Institute is indeed much fun. Posted by KetchupPrinceConsort (Member # 8047) on :
I did some work for the Art Institute of Dallas. I guess the one in Chicago might be worth looking into...that or a Sox game Posted by Sister Annie (Member # 8480) on :
Seurat.... White Sox Seurat.... White Sox
Hmmm.....
(and if you'd rather see the Sox than the Cubs, I'm not contributing anything further to this conversation. I won't even tell you where the Chicago dog restaurant is.)
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
In person, even. Seurat's colors are said to have a "glittery" effect. Prints/ditigal imagery just don't do impressionists any justice.
edited for horrible spelling errors!
Posted by xnera (Member # 187) on :
<insert random love for transitchicago's Trip Planner here>. I use that site a lot since I don't have a car. It's awesome. And yeah, downtown's probably a good bet. It's about 40 minutes on the Blue Line from O'Hare to downtown, and it lets you off right in the heart of the Loop, so it's an easy walk to the Art Institute, and Grant and Millennium parks. Also not far from the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and the Planetarium.
If you're going to be traveling by public transportation a lot, I recommend getting a Visitor's Pass. They're good on both the CTA and Pace busses, and on the El trains (but not on Metra).
Posted by KetchupPrinceConsort (Member # 8047) on :
quote:(and if you'd rather see the Sox than the Cubs, I'm not contributing anything further to this conversation. I won't even tell you where the Chicago dog restaurant is.)
Well, I actually would rather see the Cubs, but they are on a road trip the weekend I am there
I have always wanted to go to Wrigley Field too.
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
If you have a chunk of time, the Art Institute, the Museum of Science and Industry, the Field Museum, or the Shedd Aquarium are all worth the price of admission. (I miss them all a lot.)
And be sure to get a personal deep dish pizza at Giordano's. Posted by xnera (Member # 187) on :
Giordano's fans UNITE!!! When my sister and I played Barbies, we always had our Barbies "order" a large stuffed cheese from Giordano's. Posted by Sister Annie (Member # 8480) on :
Ah, but Giordano's isn't nearly as cool as Gino's where you can write on the walls! Posted by Vána (Member # 6593) on :
Mmm...Gino's!
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
Gino's is fantastic, but it's a completely different kind of pizza. If you only have time for one, I'd hit Giordano's. Posted by KetchupPrinceConsort (Member # 8047) on :
Both are downtown?
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
Okay, you guys coming to Chicago HAVE to go to Billy Goats!!!! cheezborger cheezborger no pepsi coke... LOL
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
quote:How can you miss an opportunity to see this?!
Well, since I had to drag him to the Dallas Museum of Art before we moved away because he'd lived there since he was 3 and had never been... Art museums aren't exactly his thing.
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
Go see BannaOJ -- hang out at her place. She can show you everything else (as can Goody Scrivener -- she took me to Billy Goats! It was wonderful!)
I can vouch for you to them since I met you in Dallas.
"Hey! Take him around -- he's a really cool guy!"
Farmgirl
[ August 25, 2005, 10:28 AM: Message edited by: Farmgirl ]
Posted by KetchupPrinceConsort (Member # 8047) on :
I had been to the Dallas Art Museum prior to us going. I just hadn't been there in a really long time.
Posted by KetchupPrinceConsort (Member # 8047) on :
I could meet hatrackers! Although KQ may get jealous if I have too much fun.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
Hey, I'm jealous anyway...
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
If you'd like, we could make it a whole Clump. Posted by Icarus (Member # 3162) on :
I've never been to Chicago, other than an hour or so in an airport, but I recommend seeing the Chicago production of Wicked! If it's anything like the Broadway one, it's an awesome show!
Posted by Indignigo (Member # 8496) on :
I'll second/third the Giordano's recommendation! For me, I think the best part of my Chicago trips was walking around, looking at the architecture, enjoying the lakefront, etc. Just look out for waves if you're walking the shoreline on a breezy day--I've been soaked to the knees over by the planetarium!
If you don't mind being a total tourist, the Sears Tower does offer a pretty impressive view, although it can take *forever* to get up and back down, which is kind of a drag if you're trying to make the most of a short window of time.
Oh, and I think the Museum of Science and Industry currently has Body Worlds on display--not sure how much longer. It looks fascinating but perhaps a bit disturbing.
Posted by Goody Scrivener (Member # 6742) on :
Sears Tower is extremely busy on weekends and during the summer. I've gone on my lunchbreak during the winter and been up and down, including time to wander, in less than an hour. It's all in the timing. It's getting expensive, though, I think tickets are up to $15 per person.
Body Worlds leaves on September 5. Labor Day. Also extremely expensive - general admission plus Body Worlds is $30 per adult. (General admission alone is $9)
Wicked is on an open run with a permanent cast headed up by Ana Gasteyer (from Saturday Night Live) as Elphaba. I saw it with the touring cast and loved it, I'd really like to go back and see the Chicago crew to see how different it is. And my 12 year old is begging to go see as well.
And I'd definitely recommend Giordano's over Gino's or Uno's any day.
Clump! Clump! Clump!
Posted by Vána (Member # 6593) on :
I guess the reason I prefer to go to Gino's is because we have a Giordano's in Rockford. I can go any time I like. But Gino's - can't get that here! Uno's is okay, I was happy to go to the one near my college, but I don't think I'd make a point to go there while in Chicago.
It was sorta fun to go to the flagship Giordano's, though, when I was there with some friends over Christmas.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
If he goes to see Wicked! without me, I swear I will never forgive him.
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
quote: Clump! Clump! Clump!
What do y'all think? Dan, Julie, could you get down to Chicago around the end of the month? We haven't seen you guys in a while, either. Posted by starLisa (Member # 8384) on :
quote:Originally posted by TomDavidson:
quote: Clump! Clump! Clump!
What do y'all think? Dan, Julie, could you get down to Chicago around the end of the month? We haven't seen you guys in a while, either.
Hopefully the weather will be better by then. It's supposed to be back in the 90s and humid here next week.
And people tease me about Chicago winters...
Posted by Goody Scrivener (Member # 6742) on :
quote:Originally posted by starLisa: And people tease me about Chicago winters...
That's cause they're wimps who have no idea how to deal with snow. Posted by KetchupPrinceConsort (Member # 8047) on :
Well, I will miss out on Body Worlds...I will not arrive until September 9th and even then not have free time until the 10th. I guess I better pass on the Wicked!
Posted by Goody Scrivener (Member # 6742) on :
Well, then you and KQ just need to come back another time for Wicked!!!
Posted by KetchupPrinceConsort (Member # 8047) on :
Yes, maybe when I rack up enough frequent flyer miles.
This is the only business trip this year, but I think next year I will be going to Pittsburgh and Georgia.
Posted by Hamson (Member # 7808) on :
The aquarium is fantastic. And so is the museum of science and industry.
Posted by KetchupPrinceConsort (Member # 8047) on :
Well, I am in Chicago...Oak Brook, actually. There only seems to be a shopping mall nearby and a cheesecake factory. I have from 4pm on tomorrow free, but not to much to do around this area and I think downtown is a bit far....any ideas?
Posted by kmbboots (Member # 8576) on :
I heard the rumor that the Gino's on Rush was closed. Sob. We usta could get free pizza for music there.
I can, however recommend the best Irish pubs in town! Especially if you're an irish music fan.
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
A cheesecake factory? What more could you possibly need???
I stood there and stared at this painting for the longest time. It was captivating.
Posted by sarcasticmuppet (Member # 5035) on :
Have a Ferris Beuller Day!
Posted by Goody Scrivener (Member # 6742) on :
This is actually a pretty BAD weekend for downtown stuff... because the Stones are in town. I didn't realize it was this weekend that you were coming.
I've got a morning appointment with the kids but we'll be free from that around noon. We could come pick you up and at the very least do lunch?
My email is in my profile and I won't be moving from the computer for several hours... LOL
Posted by johnsonweed (Member # 8114) on :
You can pick up the Metra in Elmhurst and be downtown in no time! If you are near the Oakbrook Center mall you are very close (10 min cab ride)
Posted by johnsonweed (Member # 8114) on :
The Angels are in town as well, if you are a baseball fan. I'm watching them right now. GO HALOS!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by KetchupPrinceConsort (Member # 8047) on :
Yeah, I might make it downtown. If anyone is interested in swimming in the hotels rooftop pool, I might do that depending on how warm it feels...
Posted by Goody Scrivener (Member # 6742) on :
Doing some quick checking: Sears Tower Skydeck is open till 10pm both Saturday and Sunday. Cost is 11.95 per person. Museum of Science and Industry is only open till 4pm. I have a membership to another museum that allows me reciprocal access to MSI, so that's free. The rest of the museum campus is probably a bad idea because of the Stones concert, Field at least is closing early to avoid conflicts. Fireworks at Navy Pier on Saturday! There's lots of stuff to do there (www.navypier.com) to keep us occupied until 9:00, including a couple allegedly excellent restaurants. I haven't eaten on the Pier before, unless you count McDonalds.
And as for warm? it's supposed to hit 90 tomorrow!
Posted by johnsonweed (Member # 8114) on :
Sounds like a great day, Goody. Eating on the Pier is fun, but pricey! You are better off snacking and fining a better place in the loop.
We had no visitors this summer, so I missed out on most of the tourist stuff. We had planned on Brookfield Zoo today, but the kids are sick. Welcome back to school germs!
Posted by Goody Scrivener (Member # 6742) on :
Bummer, JW. I spent most of my childhood at Brookfield Zoo... course I was practically walking distance from the South Lot entrance. Now that I have kids, we spend lots of time on the Pier instead. And price is why we don't buy food there, although all of Chicago is expensive compared to DuPage County. Normally we pack a picnic basket or cooler and eat in the Crystal Gardens under the funky shooting fountains.
KPC has an early dinner with the regional manager after today's session, and then we're going to head into the city. I'm trying to convince the 8 year old to lay down and at least take a time out if not a full nap so she's not cranky for fireworks.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
*so, so jealous that Jeff got to meet Goody*
Posted by Goody Scrivener (Member # 6742) on :
Well, ya know, KQ, now either you and Emma need to come to Chicago or the Goodlets and I need to go to LA!
And I just realized that we never got a picture of Jeff and Goody...
Posted by kmbboots (Member # 8576) on :
"With heavy hearts and steely New Orleans resolve, REBIRTH BRASS BAND will bring their raucous road show to several Midwestern cities in September, including Martyrs' in Chicago on sept. 16th. With no idea when its members will be able to get back to their beloved city, the tour must go on. Demonstrating the Crescent City's determination and strength of spirit, Rebirth Brass Band embarks on an eight night, seven city tour. Additionally, each of the performances on the tour will have some form of Hurricane Relief present. This Midwestern tour marks the first time the Rebirth Brass Band has been to the region since early in 2004."
Martyrs is a great music venue. Last night the Irish music community held a very successful fund raiser for hurricane relief there. Martyrs is located at 3855 N. Lincoln (quite near the Irving Park stop on the Brown Line)
Also - don't forget Celtic Fest.
Posted by johnsonweed (Member # 8114) on :
Did KPC enjoy Chicago?
Posted by KetchupPrinceConsort (Member # 8047) on :
Yes, I did enjoy my time in Chicago. Depsite having to be at the seminar for most of the time. I did have Saturday evening off and enjoyed going into downtown and the Navy Pier with Goody and her kids. Thanks again Goody.
Saturday afternoon our regional manager took us to Girodano's. I do have to admit that it is some of the best pizza I have had. I would like to go back sometime and maybe take KQ and KP with me
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
(But we are not going there in the winter!)
Posted by johnsonweed (Member # 8114) on :
Yes the winters here suck! I'm originally from So. Cal and after ten years here in Chicagoland I have finally matured to simply hating the winter.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
Yes, considering that I start getting cold and wearing sweaters and flannel pjs when the weather hits about 72, I think I would not survive a Chicago winter.
Posted by johnsonweed (Member # 8114) on :
KQ,
When I moved here and had to "winterize" my car (new concept) in November and the mechanic (he knew I was from CA) was looking at my coat and asked, "is that the only coat you got?" I replied, "yes." He laughed and said, "that ain't gonna cut it, you'd better buy a real coat."
What struck me was that this was a heaviest coat I had ever owned, and one I had been sledding on Mt. Baldy with on several occasions.
Needless to say, in late November I bought myself a real coat, and hat, and gloves, and scarf...
JW
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
KQ, seriously? 72 is almost as warm as I like it to ever get.
Posted by KetchupPrinceConsort (Member # 8047) on :
Well, I am off to San Jose, CA on the 27th and 28th of January for an awards banquet and conference....
I am arriving about 9:30am and I did not find out until a couple of days ago, that nothing will be starting until about 4pm. I will be staying at the Doubletree, is there anything interesting to do around the city?
Posted by Celaeno (Member # 8562) on :
I live near San Jose, and I'm sorry to say that there's not much going on here. San Franicsco, my favorite city in the world, is only forty minutes away.
Let's see. I remember The Tech being particularly awesome, but I haven't been there in four years. If you have the time, it would probably be worth checking out.
I'll add other things if I think of them. I still feel so new here--I hardly know what's going on anywhere.
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
I was going to recommend the Tech! My (former) father-in-law used to be a volunteer there, and helped work out many of the exhibits (the majority of which are still there, I think). It's also just a really cool place.
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
Hey! I just got BACK from San Jose! How come you and I didn't plan our trips at the same time?
Heart of Silicon Valley - beautiful area. I hope you have as good of weather as we did.
We spent one day driving down to Santa Cruz and exploring the coast. One evening we drove up to San Francisco to see the Pier area downtown. Everything was gorgeous.
If you have a company budget, eat at McCormick & Schmick's in downtown San Jose. Absolutely awesome.
FG
Posted by KetchupPrinceConsort (Member # 8047) on :
Okay, that sounds good. I might go there for lunch since the first company thing is dinner. Also, I am looking to make a good impression on the managers, so if someone in the SJ area wants to look at the knives, I will be sure to pack them and it would be fun to meet more hatrackers.
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