I'm going there near the end of July, and even though I have been there four times to visit relatives, I have yet to really experience the city. Sure I've been to the top of the Sears Tower and DuSable Museum, which I wouldn't mind seeing again; but there has to be much more than that. For those natives or former natives, and repeat visitors what places should I check out? What should I avoid? What would make a Chicago trip complete?

Thanks!

funkyslsistah said:

Your avatar is awesome!

what kind of things are you looking for? clubs, food, shops?

I would like to hang out with Dick Butkus. How can I make that happen? Chicago's my kind of town.

kidelrich said:

dick what? go to boystown.

Anx said:

He's into grilling on the beach. With newspaper. And I like that.

Anx said:

kidelrich said:

grilled newspaper can't taste very good.

Anx said:

Instead of charcoal.

But seriously folks, I've been to Wrigley Field for a Cubs game and that was pretty cool.

kidelrich said:

Yeah, I saw cubs v. cards there, it was awesome.

jerseykrs said:

that's where i get on the train to go to work every morning! never seen a game there, though. but you can hear the crowd from my apartment if you open a window. i like to think they're cheering for me.

Anx said:

cool.

Yes, please keep it serious for once. Anyways, I'm interested in experiencing what is authentic Chicago...food, some places that are popular tourist attractions, native hangout spots, a shopping center or area, maybe a night spot or two.

What do they call the beach there, Lakeshore? You gotta see that.

kidelrich said:

yeah. the beaches around lakeview and edgewater are nice.

All you need to do is visit IVY!

She is all of Chicago, and more!

Visit Al Capone's Grave

kidelrich said:

Wow, I mentioned him on Anx's silly smoothie thread (though, I butchered his name).

What are the odds that Dick Butkus would show up on two Org threads in a day???

sag10 said:

You are awesome. ;hug:


Funky, I have a thousand suggestions but i am really interested in what you are into and what you want to do.


Record shopping? Visit Hyde Park Records.
Wanna go to another museum? Go the Museum of Science and Industry.

You have to visit Millenium Park in downtown Chicago at night. It is so beautiful.

Romera said:

THIS is the person to ask.

Anx said:

Thanks to all who have tossed out suggestions. I'm making a list, and narrowing it down that way.

To be honest Romera, I haven't thought about what I really want to do. Up to now I was just focusing on getting in touch with a few relatives and friend, and just getting a decent ticket. After Chicago, I'm heading to Saginaw, MI for a couple of days, then heading back home. My stay is pretty limited, only four full days, with maybe three of them open for whatever. This trip is a little different for me because I'll probably be on my own most of the time since everybody else has plans, so I just wanted to make the most of that experience. I just want to see as much of the city as possible.

Like I mentioned before, I wouldn't seeing a well known shopping district or area and I definitely go to a museum on the first day. Are there any events happening in late July - early August? What are the popular evening spots?

Keep the suggestions coming, I'm pretty open to going and doing whatever.

funkyslsistah said:

August 4-6 - Lollapalooza in Grant Park. 130 bands including Kanye West, Common, and The Red Hot Chili Peppers. Tickets $60 per day or $150 for all three days.

Hot Night Spot 1 - Last Sunday in July - Prince Night at Berlin (chicagonation.com) and it's Free.
Hot Night Spot 2 - Le Passage (you have to go through the alley to get to this place where all the stars hang out. The owner Billy Dec is a sexy MF).
Hot Night Spot 3 - Funky Buddha Lounge (all the Hip Hop stars hang out here and they have spokenword on Monday. this joint is a must visit it's been around for 10 years)
Hot Night Spot 4 - Smart Bar (this is the oldest club in Chicago since they close all the time. Go the night one of the two resident female DJs spin, Heather or Collette)
Hot Night Spot 5 - Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club (the food is all right, but it's nothing like watching the Queens sing and perform). Or you can go to Baton's same show, larger venue and the Ts look so much like women, that I need to see their doctors and I am born a woman.
Hot Night Spot 6 - Green Mill (Sundays is open mic (7-9p) with the spokenword. This is the place that started Slam. Bring a poem to spew.)

Shopping
Michigan Avenue has 4 indoor malls.
1. Water Tower Place (845 N. Michigan Ave)
2. 900 Shops (900 N. Michigan Ave)
3. Chicago Place (630 N. Michigan Ave)
4. North Bridge (500 N. Michigan Ave)

The stand alone stores to visit on North Michigan Avenue is:
1. The Apple Store (every computer is hooked up to the Internet. I usually run in to check my email).
2. Garrett's Popcorn (it's across the street from the Apple Store - you must get the caramel and cheese mix)

Eating
1. Italian - Carmine's (Yes! Lord the bread)
2. American Cuisine - Grand Lux Cafe (again, the bread)
3. Vegan/Vegetarian - Chicago Diner (I love this place and it's in the hood... I mean, Boys Town).

Museums
1. Museum of Science and Industry - You MUST go to the Da Vinci exhibit. It's a once in a lifetime treat. The man must have time traveled because the word genius does not describe him.)


Concerts, clubs, shopping, eating and snacking. Is a start.

HEMA'S KITCHEN has some amazing indian food. if you're into that, it's not to be missed.

also, check out MUSIC BOX theater if you'd like to see a film in an old-fashioned movie house setting. it's on southport - they play a lot of old movies, foreign films, etc. - it's worth going just to experience the theater.

incognito said:

Great list...definitely want to check out a night spot. Oh I think I've been to Garrett's Popcorn, it's definitely one of a kind for everything popcorn. I had the butter, caramel, cheese mix. It melts in the mouth. Thanks alot, I'm going to find out more out those places.