Background: I grew up and lived in Chicago my entire life, until I graduated college, then I moved out to Omaha (2 years ago). Hence, I still know a lot of stuff to check out (especially the touristy stuff).
That being said, my wife is from Los Angeles, and we are finally taking our “honeymoon” of sorts at the beginning of next month. So while it will technically be our “honeymoon”, it will be more of a sight-seeing tour.
Some plans include Navy Pier, the IMAX at the MSI, and the riverboats. Would have loved to go visit Wrigley, but the Cubs are in LA/SD (go figure :)) What I’m asking I guess, is if anyone has any particular suggestions for maybe some cool stuff I’ve never heard about, or thought much of. If you need any more information, ask about it, I should check back fairly regularly. I also know about Chicago’s Office of Tourism, and have checked them out online as well.
I still have fond memories of my visit to the ‘Feet First’ Museum - ‘a one-of-a-kind exhibition dedicated to Dr. William Mathias Scholl and to the amazing structures that are our feet’ - in the Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine. Well worth making a detour for. It’s as weird as it sounds.
For a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience, you could try booking a reservation at Charlie Trotter’s Restaurant (though when I made a weekend reservation, they were booked about a month and a half in advance). For something less expensive, (it doesn’t cost to look) just window shopping on Michigan Av. is fun (and if Trotter’s isn’t your style, stop down for a cheeseburger in the Billy Goat Tavern by the Tribune Tower.).
Too bad the new hotsy totsy Apple Store/showroom won’t be open 'til Fall. As a true Mac geek, that’s what I’m drooling over.
All good ideas so far. You were already considering the Museum of Science and Industry, and someone suggested the Shedd Aquarium. The Aquarium is part of the Museum Campus at the south end of Grant Park along with the Adler Planetarium and the Field Museum of Natural History (Sue the Dinosaur, Egyptian mummies, the real lions from the incident that inspired “The Ghost and the Darkness,” etc.).
There’s a pass that gets you into the MSI, the Museum Campus attractions, the Art Institute, and the Sears Tower Skydeck – yes, it’s positively tourist central, but still a MUST-see for the view – at one price. Go to: Official Chicago CityPASS® | Visit 5 Chicago Attractions for $109
My personal suggestions:
The Loop Tour Train, a special L train that goes around the Loop with guides that point out the sights. It operates in the middle of the day (say, noon to 2pm) on Saturdays in the summer months only. Tickets are needed but they’re free, and are obtained at the Cultural Center at Michigan & Randolph (the old main public library), which also contains…
The Museum of Broadcast Communications, including exhibits on the radio stars of the 30s and 40s, Bozo and other kid shows, and the (in)famous 1960 Nixon-Kennedy debates.
Whether or not you do the Loop Tour Train, take the L or subway up to Wrigleyville – see Wrigley Field even if there is no game – and then take the L back down into the Loop. The point is to take the L back (Brown Line elevated, NOT Red Line subway) to get a panoramic view of the skyline. It doesn’t seem like so many skyscrapers when you’re in the middle of it, but from a mile or two away, it’s really impressive.
John Hancock Observatory. Yes, even if you’ve done the Sears Tower Skydeck. It’s a different view – more lake – and a good break from Michigan Avenue shopping. OR
Signature Room at the 95th. The above-mentioned observatory is on the 94th floor, and this restaurant is one floor up. Fairly expensive dining, really good food but you’re mainly paying to eat with a spectacular view. (So DON’T let them stick you behind a pillar!) If you choose this instead of the Observatory, make reservations NOW! The phone is 312-787-9596.
Between the Sears Tower Skydeck on the one hand, and the Hancock Observatory or Signature Room on the other, do one during the day and the other at night. (The Signature Room does brunch as well as lunch and dinner for that very reason.) The city must be seen from a great height during the day for all the details (There’s Wrigley Field! There’s Midway Airport!) but the city lit up at night is spectacular.
One thing I’ve always wanted to do is take an architectural boat tour. The architectural society of Chicago runs these, they follow the river through downtown and narrate what you’re seeing. If this is your kinda thing, though, call ahead–you need reservations, and they don’t run every day (I don’t think).
Although they’re cheesy and touristy, I kinda get a kick out of the trolley tours. After you buy a ticket you can ride the trolleys around their loop–they narrate the sights on the way, and you can hop off at major attractions and use your ticket to catch a later trolley to continue.
I was pretty wowed by the Palmer House Hilton (shoot, do I have the name right?) It’s something to see, the interior.
And I’ve always found Navy Pier to be overrated. Maybe I’m just a curmudgeon.
I agree that Navy Pier is a bit overrated, but the Museum Campus is very cool (haven’t been there since they moved LSD), and I have not visited those museums in a long time. I did not know about the CityPass, and sounds like a great deal.
Have been to Wrigley many times, for day and night games, wife too, so that’s no biggie, but thanks for the dining suggestions, will definitely look into some of them.
Go hang out with MissCreant. Tell her she’s fantastic, and that I stopped emailing her for depressing personal reasons, not because of anything endemic to her. Make sweet love to her down by the fire, and all will be well.
Also, you could go to Pizzeria Uno, and also visit the prison in Joliet where Jake Blues spent 3 out of 5 for armed robbery.
Is The Parthenon (www.theparthenon.com) it’s a real experience. They have great food, especially the saganaki, you have to try it. They pour brandy over the saganaki (goat cheese) and then light it on fire at your table!
If any current Chicagoans haven’t been there you should be ashamed! (I also second what everyone else has already mentioned)
I don’t know if this is what you meant by “riverboats,” but I will second Cranky’s suggestion about the architectural boat tour. I did it once and it was really fun. It was interesting to see the familiar buildings from an unfamiliar perspective.
[minor hijack] Cranky,, I am not stalking you, honest. I just responded to the college thread in which you mentioned Earlham College, too. [sub] now where exactly does she live?[/sub]
