Other than... sleeping in Jeremiah Wrights church.... hanging out with Oprah.... organizing the community or bribing the Mayor..... what is there to do in Chicago?
The wife and I are going to Chicago the first week in April to see my sons graduation. We'll have a free day and we'd like to see/do something fum.
If you're into museums you should check out the Shedd Aquarium. [thumbsup]
If your wife is super cool take her to the Museum of science and Industry. see the U-505.
http://www.msichicago.org/whats-here/exhibits/u-505/ (http://www.msichicago.org/whats-here/exhibits/u-505/)
It is one of my bucket list things I have yet to do.
or you can go to the Field museum. Say hi to Sue for me.
http://www.fieldmuseum.org/sue/index.html#index (http://www.fieldmuseum.org/sue/index.html#index)
you could for a Polar Bear swim off Lakeshore Drive. ;D
You can head down to Wrigley-ville for a Cubs game. The season will just be starting.
Food... my favorite thing about Chicago. Haven't been in a few years though, need to get back up there.
Lou Malnati's - Classic Chicago deep dish. I prefer them over Uno's.
Perry's Deli - Touristy as hell, but great if you want a decent sandwich as big as your make the beast with two backsing head.
Alinea - Food for art's sake. May need a second mortgage.
Odie's - Excellent greasy diner food. One of my favorite places in the country to eat.
Old Chicago Smoke Shop - If you're into that sort of thing it's a great little cigar shop downtown. It's on LaSalle, IIRC. Conveniently located a couple doors down from a Godiva Chocolate store for the perfect his/hers shopping bonanza.
As far as shit to do, There's the Sears (Willis) Tower with the new creepy-as-make the beast with two backs skyboxes, the Navy Pier, the Field Museum, Wrigley Field, etc. A plethora of good bands to see live, always a decent show somewhere.
Quote from: Monster Dave on March 07, 2011, 09:07:02 AM
If you're into museums you should check out the Shedd Aquarium. [thumbsup]
+1 and +1 to the Museum of Science and Industry.
mitt
There is no end of great restaruants - I like Chinns Crab House - some of the best seafood available away from the coast.
EAT A BUNCH OF SHORTIES!
Quote from: mitt on March 07, 2011, 09:58:11 AM
+1 and +1 to the Museum of Science and Industry.
mitt
+2
Lots of good stuff. [thumbsup]
For added entertainment, you can always check out the homeless around 1:00 AM down near Union Station. (I spent the better part of two weeks working nights on a project down there last year, and it was interesting to put it mildly.)
Dues pizza 619 North Wabash Avenue. Any of the museums that have been mentioned or the Art Museum is a +1.
Sears (Willis) or Handcock view decks are cool, I've been in both, but lines can be HUGE and I think that time would be better spent doing something else.
Quote from: spolic on March 07, 2011, 12:25:15 PM
Sears (Willis) or Handcock view decks are cool, I've been in both, but lines can be HUGE and I think that time would be better spent doing something else.
True. I've only been on a weekday during work hours and it was about a 20 min wait for the elevator. I imagine it would be brutal on a weekend. Worth it for the view if it's a nice day though. And the skybox in Willis with the glass floor is terrifying. It took everything in me to walk out on it.
looks like the white sox have a home game that day :)
Are you planning on taking your son to Chicago with you on liberty weekend? Keep in mind, he might just want to crash out. After weeks of basic, all I wanted to do was veg in front of a tv with no shoes on and my feet up.
But, that's me.
Quote from: slowpoke13 on March 07, 2011, 02:01:07 PM
Are you planning on taking your son to Chicago with you on liberty weekend? Keep in mind, he might just want to crash out. After weeks of basic, all I wanted to do was veg in front of a tv with no shoes on and my feet up.
But, that's me.
We planned on do'n a lil exploring Chitown the day before graduation.... and do'n whatever he wants while on liberty
(http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/16336_1162545388660_1378602219_30419744_6061227_n.jpg)
my feet and a long way down.
I stood back about 2 feet and jumped into the box. weeeeeee!!!!!
Borrow a friends' dads' prized Ferrari...
Ferris Bueller's Day Off - Star Wars Ferrari Flight (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_S7AyiVfNdA#normal)
And, have a drink at the Signature Room. [wine]
Eat a real Chicago Hot Dog.
At the Chinatown, don't miss Joy Yee's Noodles. They have great food with awesome price (at least 3 yrs ago). And, try dim sum @ Happy Chef.
If you're adventureous, want to save money and have the extra time, I suggest Greyhounding it from B'field to Chicago. So many sites along the way! The Chicago bus stop has a lot of character and is conveniently located. You'll never forget the experience! [beer]
Has your son found out yet where he'll be going after basic?
Almost forgot, no stop in Chicago is complete without a sanwich from Al's Beef. [thumbsup]
+1 on everything everyone already said :)
Malnatis, Giordanos, Ginos. You have to try the pizza.
There's always something to do down by the aquarium/lake and downtown is great as well. You've only got a day, may as well do the touristy shit.
My uncle owns a pool hall out in Buffalo Grove (suburb) that's always a good time, but I'm not so sure that would pertain to your particular trip :)
In case your wife isn't as interested in sports/science...
The last time I was in Chicago the ladies in my group were fans of window shopping on the Magnificent Mile (Michigan Ave) and the boat tour on the river (seeing downtown from a different perspective). I must admit, I'm a total dork & preferred the science museum, but I was alone amongst the girls.