Hello All,

Going on honeymoon in a little over three weeks to Chicago and Seattle. We've not visited either before, and wondered if you may have any tips of places to visit while we're there.

We're going to San Francisco too, but have been there twice before, so we know what we want to see there.

Any thoughts much appreciated.

Thanks ...

L

I've only been to Seattle for a few days so I can't really speak about the highlights. There are however a couple of places that are overrated; the Space Needle which is expensive and pretty boring since the view isn't anything spectacular (from what I can remember, Sears Tower was very spectacular though). Also the port, which some say is a nice area for a walk, but I thought it was one of the dirtiest and most industrial ports I've ever been to. The most fun I had in Seattle was at the hostel we were staying at. There were some real characters there.

Now the real Se(a)ttlers can add what you should see...

Regarding Seattle, I agree that the Needle and the port aren't particularly worth your time.

It depends on what you like to do. More active stuff, foodie stuff, artsy stuff. . .?

Seattle's awesome! You'll have a great time here. Go for a dinner cruise, or take a horse drawn carriage ride. I'm sure these things are pricey, but hey, you're on your honeymoon! YAY!

well, whatcha wanna do in chicago? touristy stuff, dining stuff, music stuff...? i'm not the BEST minister of tourism for chicago but i do live here, and if you have any vague ideas of what you'd like to see or do while you're in chicago, i could try my best to point you in the right direction.

http://www.wright20.com/

if you can make it on the preveiw dates,
its like going to an art museum exhibit that you would normally pay for,
but its free!

(the preveiw is usually the week before the actual auction dates.)
[Edited 4/27/07 17:46pm]

Anx said:

Thanks Anx. The unimaginative answer to your question is all of the above. Sinc we've not been before, the touristy stuff would be good. And we do love eating out, so tips of restaurants would be fantastic. We enjoy live music too, espceially in smaller venues / bars etc.

So far, the only thing we've booked is a baseball game (White Sox). We're staying in the Hilton at 720 South Michigan Avenue.

Thanks Anx.

The Shedd Aquarium is a must.

http://www.navypier.com/home.html

http://www.sixflags.com/g...index.aspx


Here are a couple of places in Chicago to go during the day. I think Navy Pier should be starting their fireworks nights on the pier soon.

Thank you to all of you for the tips. Very much appreciated.

L

Levi said:

Do check out the Field Museum and the galleries in River North. One of the boat tours on the Chicago river is a must. I suggest the SeaDog!! The Lake Michigan portion rips across the water at break neck speeds, then the architectural tour begins. Bring a camera!

Anx is a good person to ask about Chicago, even though I never did find that resturant he told me about last August. I ended up having a zillion different choices on Halsted, and all over the city for that matter.

lazycrockett said:

And the art museum(s).

I kind of liked the Experience Music Project in Seattle, but I bet its on your list already. http://www.emplive.org/

I'm from Chicago and live in Seattle, so perhaps I can help.

Chicago: Absolutely check out the Green Mill on Laurence Ave. It's an OLD jazz club (once owned by Al Capone) that is Dive-tastic! Patricia Barber plays on Sunday and Monday nights when she's not touring the world. Rose Angeles is my FAVORITE restaurant in the city....GREAT northern Italian food that's CHEAP! They have a great patio, and an expansive wine list...Here's the website:http://www.roseangelis.com/. Make sure to see the Pritzker gallery at the Art Institute of Chicago...some of the worlds GREATEST paintings and sculpture s reside there. Millenium park, designed by Frank Gehry, is right next door.

Seattle: The Triple Door, at 3rd and Union, is a GREAT date place. It's a music club that has table service...and the food is out of sight. I've seen SO MANY great jazz, blues, and world acts there. If you don't feel like seeing a show, the Musiquarium lounge is upstairs, and still features great Pan-Asian food. It's right around the corner from Pike Place market. The Olympic Sculpture park is a new art park nearby, and has lovely views of the Puget Sound. You can walk on a ferry and ride out to Bambridge Island, which has cute shops and GREAT food. I recommend Cafe Nola for a weekend brunch...The ferry rides are inexpensive and LOVELY, and the food at Nola is delicious. Try the french toast. Here's the website: http://www.cafenola.com/. My FAVORITE jazz act, the Bad Plus are playing here May 17th-May 20th, and Branford Marsalis is playing 5/10-5/13. They're both at Jazz Alley, which is a decent room, though not as lovely as the Triple Door. If you haven't seen the Bad Plus yet, you're missing out. Here's the website for Jazz Alley: http://www.jazzalley.com/.

Whew! Hope this was helpful...Feel free to PM me if you have any other questions!

By the way, if you haven't eaten at the Stinking Rose in San Fran, I REALLY suggest that you do.

jackmitz said:

Second that on the Triple Door. Great place.

Pike Place Martket is essential. Make sure to detour down Post Alley.

If you're into coffee, go straight to Vivace (Capitol Hill, near the intersection of E. Denny and Broadway). Victrola (also on the Hill, 15th Ave) is also worth a visit. Broadway itself is well worth an afternoon stroll. Nearby Volunteer Park has a nice arboretum and great view of the Space Needle, as well as the Seattle Asian Art Museum, and often free entertainment on weekends.

Make time to wander around the Pioneer Square neighborhood. FAB bookstore in that area: Elliot Bay Books.

Useful tool: www.thestranger.com, the box in the upper right has great restaurant and event information. It's what I use when I'm trying to figure out what I want to do in Seattle.

Again ... many thanks to all contributors. Really appreciate your taking the time to share your knowledge

L

when is the wedding?

emm said:

Saturday (May 19th)

go to the original pizza uno and get a deep dish, it was the best I've ever had.

I used to live in Chicago so here are my suggestions:

Check out the Museum of Contemporary Art ( www.mcachicago.org ); I used to work there, so I'm a bit biased. If contemporary art scares you then hit the Art Institute instead ( www.artic.edu ) to see famous paintings such as Grant Wood's American Gothic (aka Farmer w/Pitchfork) or Seuraut's Sunday Afternoon on the Isle de Grand Jatte. Both museums have suggested admission so you don't *have* to pay the full fee, just pay something.

If you like architecture I highly recommend a boat tour on the Chicago River. I think you have to buy your tickets about an hour before the tour you want and the boats leave underneath the bridge at Wacker & Michigan (400 N. Michigan). Check out http://www.wendellaboats.com/sunset.htm Get the cruise that goes down the south branch of the river AND on Lake Michigan. Sunset is a nice time to go. And even if you don't like architecture, the skyline is gorgeous at sunset (and kinda romantic).

Also, if you want another spectacular view of the city head to the John Hancock building--but don't go to the Observation deck--go to the Signature Room on the 96th floor for a drink. Ladies must visit the restroom on the 96th floor to check out the floor to ceiling windows! The drinks cost about as much as the ticket to the observation deck, but the ambience is nicer. Unless you're into learning the history and all that--then go to the observation deck.


Personally, I'd avoid Navy Pier as there's nothing really there except kitschy tourist knick-knacks. If you want to see the fireworks, go to North Avenue beach and watch them from there. You won't have to fight the crowds, either.

Wrigley Field (home of the Cubs) has more 'nostalgia' factor to it, but if you're a Sox fan, then I guess ya gotta go to US Cellular field.

If you'll be in Chicago the last Sunday of the month that's PRINCE NIGHT at Berlin (Sheffield & Belmont); which is one of the 3 things I miss about Chicago. (The MCA & the beach being the other 2.) Prince night is always a good time, there's no cover, and they spin everything from Vanity 6 to extended versions 'til 4am!

Since I haven't lived there for about 4 years, I don't know what the hip restaurants are anymore, but as jackmitz posted, Green Mill is a good spot for jazz. Check out www.metromix.com for Chicago specific bars, restaurants and other things to do. (It's like citysearch, but just for Chicago.)

Have fun, Chicago is a great city and congrats!


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[Edited 5/12/07 19:14pm]