PLEASE HELP with advice for a family of first time visitors to Chicago
VideoCollector
advice on our impending visit to Chicago (first time)......
We are staying at a nice hotel just off of Magnificent Mile, centrally
located to the other hotels around there, but are wondering what to do,
where to go, where to eat, fun, etc while we are in town for the first
time!! We've been told to try to check out Navy Pier, as well as Millenium
Park, and the Sears Tower is obvius, and Dad wants to see Wrigley
Field.........anything else we should take in? How about meals? (budgeted
for a working family of 4)???
If you can email reply please do, as it won't further clog the group, which
we do apologize for but we just wanted trusted advice, not from
tourist-trap-guides/services etc etc.......thanx
Foul Weather Fan
Billy Goats Tavern would be nostalgic, affordable and a treat.
You might remember an old John Belushi skit from Saturday Night Live
where he plays a fast food cook who never has anything you ask for. "No
fries! Cheeps!" (read: Chips) "No Coke! Pepsi!" Well, that's a real
grill. It's a hamburger joint. Popular with the lunch crowd and
probably walking distance from your hotel. Phone ahead as I haven't
been there in years, but, if it's still there, it's cheap, good and a
great talking point.
It's on Michigan Avenue, just in front of the Wrigley Building, but
it's underground. It's literally, a hole in the wall. There's a
staircase just in front of the bridge near Starbucks.
Also, definitely look up Ed Debevics. It's decently priced, but cheap
wouldn't describe it. It's a 50's style diner with deliberately rude
waitresses. It's part of the act.
And, of course, you must try deep dish pizza. Pizzeria Duo would be
closest for you.
Plenty to see and do where you're staying.
sv0f
> Hi...and thanks and sorry if off topic but not sure where to get trusted
> advice on our impending visit to Chicago (first time)......
> We are staying at a nice hotel just off of Magnificent Mile, centrally
> located to the other hotels around there, but are wondering what to do,
> where to go, where to eat, fun, etc while we are in town for the first
> time!! We've been told to try to check out Navy Pier, as well as Millenium
> Park, and the Sears Tower is obvius, and Dad wants to see Wrigley
> Field.........anything else we should take in? How about meals? (budgeted
> for a working family of 4)???
Here are a few things to do in Chicago. I assume that since you and
your family have never been there, that you *want* to do some touristy
things, but since you are posting here, you want to experience some of
what the locals enjoy as well. I also assume that you want to avoid
driving too much, but public transportation and the occasional cab ride
are fine. Finally, I assume this has to be fun for both kids and adults
alike.
Here are three ways to spend the day:
Downtown:
Get out of the room by 10. Ask the concierge whether the water is
flowing at Buckingham fountain yet - this will be important later.
Grab a quick pastry and cup of coffee/juice from somewhere on the
street to tie you over for the next hour and a half. Stroll down
Michigan Ave, first away from the river (N). Pop in stores, but don't
buy anything - this is expensive territory. Notice the Water Tower
and read the plaques that surround it to understand its historical
significance. Don't take the tour, though. When you've reach the
end of the street, cross Lake Shore Drive (LSD). You are at Oak street
beach. You should have a nice view of Lincoln Park and the North side.
The beach is a haven for Chicagoans on hot summer days. Cross back over
LSD and walk down the other side of Michigan Ave, towards the river
(S). When you've almost reached the river, stop. On your left is the
Tribune tower. Walk along its north and south walls. Embedded in them
are stones from famous sites across the country and across the world.
Bore your family with your knowledge of history. Now, cross over to the
west side of the street and look for a curious opening in the sidewalk.
There might even be a placard advertising a restaurant down there.
Descend to "lower Michigan Ave". At this point, your heart will be
racing and you will fear for family's safety. Perhaps a scene from
"Adventures in Babysitting" will play in your mind. Fight these
feelings. Walk to the corner, towards the river, and you will see the
Billy Goat tavern. This legendary haunt for Chicago newspapermen was
made famous by the "cheeseburger-cheeseburger-not-Coke-Pepsi"
sketch on the original Saturday Night Live. Go in and have a quick,
cheap, and early lunch. When you are finished, head back upstairs and
cross the river. If you are lucky, the bridge will raise for some water
traffic. Regardless, take in the views both west to the lake and east
inland. Continue up Michigan Ave. On your left will be, if I understand
things correctly, Millennium Park. (I haven't been there since it
opened.) Next will come Grant Park. You'll see a white bandshell -
if there's music playing, stop and listen for a few minutes - and
then the Art Institute of Chicago. Spend time in Millennium Park and
then the Art Institute. The Art Institute is free on Tuesdays. There
are a couple of iconic American paintings (e.g., Wood's "American
Gothic" and Hopper's "Nighthawks") and a number of seminal
European paintings (most ntoably, Seurat's "Le Grande Jatte",
which you must see). You said Sears Tower was on your agenda. Catch a
cab there, go on up, and have a look around. Then descend and continue
west to the Greek and Italian neighborhoods that surround the
University of Illinois at Chicago campus. The campus itself is a
curiously brutal modernist sculpture which I have always enjoyed. The
restaurants here are fantastic. Find a family-run Greek joint and have
a nice, long dinner. If the concierge told you that Buckingham Fountain
is on, and if it's past 8 PM, catch a cab back to Grant Park, to the
fountain. When night falls, the water dances and soars and is
illuminated by lights. Otherwise, have the cabbie take you to Michigan
Ave. and Randolph Str and walk north on Michigan, back towards the
river. On the bridge, have another look east and west. Chicago is
beautiful at night. Cross the river; the building on your right is the
Wrigley building; it will be impossible to miss. Look down Michigan at
the lights and the people. Then head back to your hotel. You will be
tired.
South:
Head to Michigan Ave and then south. Cross the river. When you get to
Randolph Str - right at the edge of the Park - look for a way down
to railroad. Catch a train heading south. After about 10 minutes, you
will come to the Hyde Park stop. On your right will be the University
of Chicago; a bit to your left, will be the Museum of Science and
Industry. Get off the train and walk towards the university.
(Alternatively, skip the train and take a cab.) It's a beautiful
Gothic campus done in the Oxbridge style. Walk through the quads and
then head over to the monument commemorating where Fermi and his
colleagues first achieved nuclear fission. It's still an awesome
thing to consider. You will be close to 57th street; walk east, towards
the lake. Lots of restaurants, coffee shops, and bookstores frequented
by students and the Hyde Park intelligentsia will be around. Look for
the Medici, an old pizza joint. There are many pizza places in Chicago,
and people have strong opinions about which one is best (and which are
now too touristy). I've always favored the Medici. It's a local
place, the pizza is good, and there are a number of quirks. For
example, if you happen to order orange juice, you will be presented
with an enormous metal presser and a bowl of oranges. When you are
full, continue walking east. You will have to maneuver a bit, but soon
you will see the Museum of Science and Industry. It is one of the
largest and most museums in the world. However, I have trouble
recommending it to you. It's so large that it might be overwhelming.
On the other hand, if your family has the energy and the interest, you
will have a grand time. It used to be free when I was growing up;
don't know if this is still the case. As you enter, look for the
F-104 Super StarFighter jet hanging above. On your right are a couple
of rooms that stoked my love of math and physics as a young man. On
your left, upstairs, is a human heart that you can walk through, a
bizarre set of circus dioramas, spacecraft, a captured German sub (well
worth the extra charge), and an Omnimax theater. Skip the coalmine at
the back of the museum - it's a dud. Or skip the museum altogether
and walk around it, to the back, where you'll find a beautiful
sanctuary. Or skip that and head back to the train station (check the
schedule - these trains run only periodically) and return downtown.
Get off before Randolph Str, at the south end of Grant Park. This is
the "Museum Campus". The Field Museum of Natural History and Shedd
Aquarium are brilliant, the Adler planetarium less so. The admission
charges add up so choose carefully. If you choose the Field Museum,
focus on the dinosaurs, caveman exhibits, and Egyptian artifacts
(including the many mummies). The aquarium is solid all around. I
recommend paying the extra charge to see the Pacific Northwest exhibit,
which includes a beluga whale and dolphins in a tank that is both huge
and visually integrated with the lake. (Aside: After the Bulls won
their first championship, I attended the rally at the Grant Park
bandshell and rather than returning to work, spent the afternoon at the
aquarium watching the dolphins.) Buy dinner from the hot dog venders,
walk out towards the planetarium, and sit on the rock steps on the
downtown side. This is the best view of the city, especially at night,
and you can watch the fishermen trying for smelt (a Chicago favorite!).
Enjoy your dinner and keep walking to the end. On your right is a small
beach of great sentimental value for me. It's not much to look at,
but given the setting, it's a heavenly oasis. Beyond the beach is
Meigs field, which I understand has not been in operation since 9/11.
Too bad. Catch a cab downtown, to the Daly center. Admire its spartan
elegance. Spend a few minutes walking around the Picasso; look for the
surprising angles and views. Walk to State Str and find the Carson
Pierre Scott and Marshall Field buildings, both Chicago landmarks. At
the former, notice the ironwork around the entrances (by Louis Sullivan
I think); at the latter, take the escalator to the restaurant and enjoy
dessert. Descend and walk back to your hotel.
North:
Walk to the nearest El station (these are just west of Michigan Ave)
and catch a train heading north. Get off at Fullerton. Find Ann Sathers
restaurant and enjoy breakfast, or if it's too late for that, find
Demon Dogs and enjoy lunch. The former is a Chicago tradition. The
latter is where the guys from the band "Chicago" would hang out;
for proof, check out the jukebox. Walk around these neighborhoods.
There should be plenty of interesting shops. If it suits your fancy,
have your picture taken outside Wrigley Field. Then head east towards
the lake. You will run into Lincoln Park. Walk to the zoo, which used
to be free in my day but may now cost money. It's quite a delightful
experience, although the old style animals-in-cages presentation is a
bit cruel. When there is still some light left, catch a cab back to
Michigan Ave (or walk back to the El station). If you are lucky, the
sun will have set and the street will be lit up like a Christmas tree.
There's a place on west side of the street, maybe by the Crate and
Barrel, that sells different varieties of hot, fresh caramel corn. I
always enjoyed buying a bag and walking the streets on a cool night, a
sweet taste in my mouth, blending into the crowd.
It has been a long time since I lived in Chicago and I have undoubtedly
gotten many of the details wrong. I hope the current residents will
correct me. I have left off many interesting things because I get the
sense they will not work on a first family trip to Chicago. One could
spend a day seeing the architecture of Mies van der Rohe and Frank
Lloyd Wright, in which case I would have directed you to the IIT
campus, Oak Park, and numerous buildings and houses around the city.
One could make the pilgrimage to the Jordan statue outside the United
Center. Once could head to Devon Ave in Rogers Park for some Indian
food like amma used to make (plus a sari for the wife and Indian movies
for the kids), or further to the Bahai temple in Evanston and the
Walker Bros pancake house in Wilmette. One could tour the high schools
of the many great NBA players Chicago has produced (e.g., to Sandburg
high school in Oak Lawn, where you will no doubt find Dwayne Wade's
picture on the wall). One could head south, on the stretch of I-80 that
crosses a huge quarry, to the Indiana or Warren dunes for an afternoon,
and on the way back stop in at the Café Borgia for a fantastic meal in
gritty Calumet City. (Bring your own wine.) One could suggest all these
things, but I won't. I'll simply say this: Try to find a
baby-sitter for at least one night. Perhaps your oldest child can watch
the other, I don't know. Find a play somewhere on the north side.
Catch a cab there, have a nice meal with your wife, and then see some
theater. Chicago has some of the best. Don't go for a big production
("Joan Cusack in the Tempest!"). The smaller stages have first-rate
work. I remember seeing the premiere of Mamet's "American
Buffalo" many years ago at a place with fewer than 200 seats, with
some TV actor trying to prove his acting chops, and it was wonderful.
td might have more to say here.
Anyway, enjoy.
David the Nationals Fan
> Downtown:
> inland. Continue up Michigan Ave. On your left will be, if I understand
> things correctly, Millennium Park. (I haven't been there since it
> opened.) Next will come Grant Park. You'll see a white bandshell -
> if there's music playing, stop and listen for a few minutes -
The "new" band shell is part of Millenium Park. IF the weather is warm
and the Twin Tower Face Fountain is open, have your kids take off their
shoes and play with everyone else. But watch out for the spitters....
(You'll know what I mean when you see it). The "Egg" is also
interesting and should be seen now before it is ruined by the weather.
> then the Art Institute of Chicago. Spend time in Millennium Park and
> then the Art Institute. The Art Institute is free on Tuesdays. There
> are a couple of iconic American paintings (e.g., Wood's "American
> Gothic" and Hopper's "Nighthawks") and a number of seminal
> European paintings (most ntoably, Seurat's "Le Grande Jatte",
> which you must see). You said Sears Tower was on your agenda. Catch a
> cab there, go on up, and have a look around.
Actually I'd walk to the Sears Tower. The walk across the Loop isn't
bad and if they go up Randolph and then over they can see the famous
Picasso Horse or if they go up Monroe or Madison (I forget which... its
the guy who was President earlier...) they can see the famous four
seasons tile work).
> west to the Greek and Italian neighborhoods that surround the
> University of Illinois at Chicago campus. The campus itself is a
> curiously brutal modernist sculpture which I have always enjoyed.
To some extent. Much of this related to the old "Circle" concept.
All of that was torn down. Its now a lot more "ordinary". That being
said, if you have gone that far, see if Mario's is open.
> The
> restaurants here are fantastic.
Fantastic is a bit of an overstatement. They range from fair to good.
It all depends on your standards.
> South:
>
> Head to Michigan Ave and then south. Cross the river. When you get to
> Randolph Str - right at the edge of the Park - look for a way down
> to railroad. Catch a train heading south. After about 10 minutes, you
> will come to the Hyde Park stop. On your right will be the University
> of Chicago; a bit to your left, will be the Museum of Science and
> Industry.
There are several stops in Hyde Park. The "old" main stop is no longer
the main stop. The new stop is a bit North of the Mueseum.
>Get off the train and walk towards the university.
> (Alternatively, skip the train and take a cab.)
I would suggest taking the Museum of Science and Industry CTA Express
or the Number 6 Bus (No longer the Jeffrey).
>It's a beautiful
> Gothic campus done in the Oxbridge style. Walk through the quads and
> then head over to the monument commemorating where Fermi and his
> colleagues first achieved nuclear fission. It's still an awesome
> thing to consider. You will be close to 57th street; walk east, towards
> the lake. Lots of restaurants, coffee shops, and bookstores frequented
> by students and the Hyde Park intelligentsia will be around. Look for
> the Medici, an old pizza joint. There are many pizza places in Chicago,
> and people have strong opinions about which one is best (and which are
> now too touristy). I've always favored the Medici. It's a local
> place, the pizza is good, and there are a number of quirks.
And its gone way down hill. The Medici Pizza is, average at best.
> For
> example, if you happen to order orange juice, you will be presented
> with an enormous metal presser and a bowl of oranges. When you are
> full, continue walking east. You will have to maneuver a bit, but soon
> you will see the Museum of Science and Industry. It is one of the
> largest and most museums in the world.
I guess opinions differ. Its an interesting half day or so of stuff to
see. Its not nearly as big or comprehensive as the German Museum in
Munich, the Smithsonian's in DC, the British in London and so forth.
Its a bit "corporate" for my taste with many of the exhibits sponsored
by Corporations and the exhibits "shill" for the Corporations by
telling everything from the "corporate" perspective.
> However, I have trouble
> recommending it to you. It's so large that it might be overwhelming.
> On the other hand, if your family has the energy and the interest, you
> will have a grand time. It used to be free when I was growing up;
> don't know if this is still the case.
Not at all Free. Rather expensive as a matter of fact. As are most
of the Chicago Museum's. But you can buy a special "City" Pass that
will get you into the MSI, the Field Mueseum (bigger, and to my mind
better, than the MSI), the Shedd Aquarium and the Adler Planetarium).
> As you enter, look for the
> F-104 Super StarFighter jet hanging above. On your right are a couple
> of rooms that stoked my love of math and physics as a young man. On
> your left, upstairs, is a human heart that you can walk through, a
> bizarre set of circus dioramas, spacecraft, a captured German sub (well
> worth the extra charge), and an Omnimax theater. Skip the coalmine at
> the back of the museum - it's a dud. Or skip the museum altogether
> and walk around it, to the back, where you'll find a beautiful
> sanctuary. Or skip that and head back to the train station (check the
> schedule - these trains run only periodically) and return downtown.
> Get off before Randolph Str, at the south end of Grant Park.
Actually get off TWO stops before Randolph Street. You want Roosevelt
Road, not Van Buren....
> This is
> the "Museum Campus". The Field Museum of Natural History and Shedd
> Aquarium are brilliant, the Adler planetarium less so. The admission
> charges add up so choose carefully. If you choose the Field Museum,
> focus on the dinosaurs, caveman exhibits, and Egyptian artifacts
> (including the many mummies). The aquarium is solid all around. I
> recommend paying the extra charge to see the Pacific Northwest exhibit,
> which includes a beluga whale and dolphins in a tank that is both huge
> and visually integrated with the lake. (Aside: After the Bulls won
> their first championship, I attended the rally at the Grant Park
> bandshell and rather than returning to work, spent the afternoon at the
> aquarium watching the dolphins.) Buy dinner from the hot dog venders,
> walk out towards the planetarium, and sit on the rock steps on the
> downtown side. This is the best view of the city, especially at night,
> and you can watch the fishermen trying for smelt (a Chicago favorite!).
> Enjoy your dinner and keep walking to the end. On your right is a small
> beach of great sentimental value for me. It's not much to look at,
> but given the setting, it's a heavenly oasis. Beyond the beach is
> Meigs field, which I understand has not been in operation since 9/11.
Actually its now a park called "Northerly Island"....
> Too bad. Catch a cab downtown, to the Daly center. Admire its spartan
> elegance. Spend a few minutes walking around the Picasso; look for the
> surprising angles and views. Walk to State Str and find the Carson
> Pierre Scott and Marshall Field buildings, both Chicago landmarks. At
> the former, notice the ironwork around the entrances (by Louis Sullivan
> I think); at the latter, take the escalator to the restaurant and enjoy
> dessert.
FIelds no longer has any in store restaurants worthy of much. I would
have recommended the Berghof, but it closed last month after nearly 100
years of operation. A very sad sad loss.
>
> Walk to the nearest El station (these are just west of Michigan Ave)
> and catch a train heading north. Get off at Fullerton. Find Ann Sathers
> restaurant and enjoy breakfast,
Ann Sathers is at the Belmont Station.
or if it's too late for that, find
> Demon Dogs and enjoy lunch.
Demon Dogs is gone. It was closed and destroyed to make way for an
expansion of the Fullerton L Station.
> The former is a Chicago tradition. The
> latter is where the guys from the band "Chicago" would hang out;
> for proof, check out the jukebox. Walk around these neighborhoods.
> There should be plenty of interesting shops. If it suits your fancy,
> have your picture taken outside Wrigley Field. Then head east towards
> the lake. You will run into Lincoln Park. Walk to the zoo, which used
> to be free in my day but may now cost money.
No. The Zoo's still free.
> It's quite a delightful
> experience, although the old style animals-in-cages presentation is a
> bit cruel.
They have gotten rid of most of the "old style animals in cages"
approach and gone to a much better "recreate the environment" approach.
The New Ape Houses are particularly nice. (Yes, they built yet
another set of Ape Houses... even though the prior ones were less than
20 years old when torn down... and the New Children's Zoo has a lot to
recommend it...)
> There's a place on west side of the street, maybe by the Crate and
> Barrel, that sells different varieties of hot, fresh caramel corn. I
> always enjoyed buying a bag and walking the streets on a cool night, a
> sweet taste in my mouth, blending into the crowd.
Was....
> It has been a long time since I lived in Chicago and I have undoubtedly
> gotten many of the details wrong.
The only things you got wrong were assumptions that many great
traditions would stay for a long time, when, in fact, they have not
survived. Much of it is quite sad. Demon Dogs, for example, will be
greatly missed, as will the Berghof and Marshall Fields. Demon Dogs
and the Berghof gone, Fields will be dead before the end of the Summer.
David the Nationals Fan
Foul Weather Fan wrote:
>
> Billy Goats Tavern would be nostalgic, affordable and a treat.
>
> You might remember an old John Belushi skit from Saturday Night Live
> where he plays a fast food cook who never has anything you ask for. "No
> fries! Cheeps!" (read: Chips) "No Coke! Pepsi!" Well, that's a real
> grill. It's a hamburger joint. Popular with the lunch crowd and
> probably walking distance from your hotel. Phone ahead as I haven't
> been there in years, but, if it's still there, it's cheap, good and a
> great talking point.
Its still there and has expanded to several other locations (without as
much charm as the original)
> It's on Michigan Avenue, just in front of the Wrigley Building, but
> it's underground. It's literally, a hole in the wall. There's a
> staircase just in front of the bridge near Starbucks.
> Also, definitely look up Ed Debevics. It's decently priced, but cheap
> wouldn't describe it. It's a 50's style diner with deliberately rude
> waitresses. It's part of the act.
Eh... To each his own. I would recomend in a heartbeat Hot Doug's up
on the North Side. (Visit his website) Long lines, but great cased
meats of all kinds and very very reasonable. On the weekend he also
has Duck Fries.
> And, of course, you must try deep dish pizza. Pizzeria Duo would be
> closest for you.
Eh... to each his own. The Pizza at Art of Pizza is much better. If
I have to eat Pizza in River North, I would consider Lou Malnati's on
Wells on Gino's East in its new Location in the Old Planet Hollywood on
Wells would rank up there.
It also depends on what you have in your home town. If you do not have
good Chinese Food then Dim Sum in China Town is a good idea. If you
don't have good Indian Food then a trip to Devon Street. If you don't
have good Barbeque... well it depends on the risk/reward for your
choice. The best Ribs also have the greatest risk. The Ribs without
risk are only very good. If you don't have good Greek Food, the greek
restaurants in Greek Town are passable.
MARVIN THE MARTIAN
"David the Nationals Fan" <davidth...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1143225499.2...@v46g2000cwv.googlegroups.com...
sv0f
Thanks for correcting and clarifying my mistakes.
David the Nationals Fan wrote:
> FIelds no longer has any in store restaurants worthy of much. I would
> have recommended the Berghof, but it closed last month after nearly 100
> years of operation. A very sad sad loss.
> The only things you got wrong were assumptions that many great
> traditions would stay for a long time, when, in fact, they have not
> survived. Much of it is quite sad. Demon Dogs, for example, will be
> greatly missed, as will the Berghof and Marshall Fields. Demon Dogs
> and the Berghof gone, Fields will be dead before the end of the Summer.
I knew about the Berghoff's closing. Didn't know about Marshall Fields.
Damn.
David the Nationals Fan
sv0f wrote:
>
> I knew about the Berghoff's closing. Didn't know about Marshall Fields.
Yup. Its been Macy-ed. Frango Mints went away a couple of years ago.
What's left of Fields prior to the rebranding is a faint shadow of the
Old Company. Its amazing how many Chicago "traditions" are gone. You
do know that Fanny May, the Candy Company closed down and shuttered its
plant. Its been restarted in a limited fashion with Candy made outside
of Chicago by non-Union workers (with a decline in quality and no
decrease in price).
keish...@gmail.com
> Just go to New York, Its a better city!
For me to poop on!
Rose Bush
While you're getting some answers here, a much better place to ask
this question is chi.general. Some really great folks in that group
(not that the folks here aren't great, but chi.general has more pure
Chicagoans in it).
Steve In Louisville
Getting way off topic, and most of what you said about the Fannie May candy
is true, but there hasn't been a decline in quality noticed here.
But don't let that stop anybody from visiting Chicago or cheering for the
White Sox (just to bring it back on topic).
marika
>
> Here are a few things to do in Chicago.
those are nice ideas,
I was gonna go to Mardi Gras, but
decided I was Fat enough for now.
>I assume that since you and
> your family have never been there, that you *want* to do some touristy
> things, but since you are posting here, you want to experience some of
> what the locals enjoy as well.
I'd like a vacation where just enjoying all my books, art, toys,
computer, and
redecorating my bulletin boards ( I have one that's 4' by 8'). It was
great.
> driving too much, but public transportation and the occasional cab ride
> are fine. Finally, I assume this has to be fun for both kids and adults
> alike.
>
> Here are three ways to spend the day:
>
> Downtown:
>
> Get out of the room by 10. Ask the concierge whether the water is
> flowing at Buckingham fountain yet - this will be important later.
is he a trip. a sweetheart. a true blue trooper,
married to Bubba Gump.
> Grab a quick pastry and cup of coffee/juice from somewhere on the
> street to tie you over for the next hour and a half.
Still no word
>Stroll down
> Michigan Ave, first away from the river (N).
I am supposed to get training in two weeks there , presumably
there.
>Pop in stores, but don't
> buy anything - this is expensive territory. Notice the Water Tower
> and read the plaques that surround it to understand its historical
> significance.
I suppose I could handle working there (Easy on the Tabasco), but I
would prefer just dealing with a band of
Syncopaters. (Some like their allusions Hot).
mk5000
"i'm going to take them to Ivy on Robertson Boulevard and show them
where i got my second accident"--lindsay lohan
ImLittleJon
sv0f wrote:
Wow, that brought back quite a few childhood memories. And a few good
ideas for the next time I come back and visit, too.
> Then descend and continue
> west to the Greek and Italian neighborhoods that surround the
> University of Illinois at Chicago campus.
Random bit of trivia: if you order saganaki in one of these Greek
restaurants, they will light it at your table. In Greece, none of the
restaurants do that. I don't know why.
> [The Museum of Science and Industry] used to be free when I was growing up;
> don't know if this is still the case.
It's fairly common for museums to have reciprocal arrangements with a
group of other museums around the nation. We belong to a local museum
(up your way, actually, Sashank. Check out the Lindsay Museum in
Walnut Creek, if your kids like animals) which
gets us in free to the Field Museum, for way less than it would cost
for single day tickets there. Looking at
http://www.astc.org/sciencecenters/participating.htm I see that the MSI
is part of the same group. So if there's a cheap museum near you that
you could join, that could pay for itself in no time.