[Travel] Chicago

[jessiejames]

Last time i was in Chicago, March a few years ago, went horse racing at Hawthorn park in the snow and freezing cold, flew home 2 days later 70 degrees.

 

[Machiavelli]

A similar story for us, but we eventually made it to NYC this August. At the third attempt after the pandemic ended 2020 and 2021 bookings.

My original plan was NYC and either Boston or DC but, not exchange rate related, the total cost would’ve got out of control. ‘Just’ NYC was a happy compromise.

$1.20 to the £ was the rate we got. A $1.07 tourist rate today, if you shop around.

The US, for several reasons including the exchange rate, has become expensive in general. My parents did many great road trips in the US on the 90’s and early 00’s. They were paying next to nothing for hotels and meals. When we went to Florida 5 years ago, it was different ball game, $100 plus a generous tip for Denny’s type meals for 4.

My advice (which you’re not asking for ) is to tailor it to just NYC and just go. An amazing city, so much to do, we didn’t see it all in 11 days. Grab the cheapest flights and there’s lots of hotel capacity …. cabbies told us the city had never recovered in any shape or form the lockdowns.

Thanks. We haven't given up on it, but just looking less and less likely now. I did spend three days in NYC in 99, on the way back from a wonderful circular tour of California. Very keen to go with our son while we can.

 

[Steve Foster]

Thank you to everyone who has made comments & tips. It is very much appreciated. NSC at its best . We will certainly try & pack as much in, within our short time in the Windy City & very much looking forward to be running 26.2 miles round the City, as well as eating lots of pizza.

 

[Not Andy Naylor]

There won't be a game on but I would recommend a tour of Wrigley Field. Iconic stadium and some interesting history about the team and city. There is a bar near the stadium called Sluggers which has batting cages upstairs, which is fun.

100% do an architecture tour. They take you on a boat down the river and onto the lake. Lots of great views and the MC tells you lots of great Chicago history.

As others have mentioned, the Skydeck.

The Bean is an iconic landmark but only worth stopping at on your way to/from somewhere.

For food, Little Goat Diner has amazing breakfast/brunch. The sister restaurant Duck Duck Goat is very good for dinner. Italian beef sandwiches are famous in Chicago, with Al's #1 Italian Beef being the best known. Portillo's is also a famous spot for Chicago-style hot dogs. For Pizza, Pequods and Lou Malnati’s are the high profile ones but you would certainly be able to find better once you're there just by asking around. Au Cheval is a super famous burger place but the line is always hours long… BUT they have other locations called “Small Cheval” which is more of a fast food spot and the burgers are still very good.

Great, great city. Completely agree about Wrigley Field and Sluggers. It's worth strolling on down N Clark towards the city centre - some interesting bars, shops and restaurants down there. It's a great city for walking around, although riding the El is a great way of getting around too. On food, don't miss the original* Billy Goat Tavern just off (actually under) Michigan Avenue, a subterranean greasy spoon that was the hangout for the journalists at the nearby Tribune and the Sun-Times offices.

 

[Albion my Albion]

On food, don't miss the original* Billy Goat Tavern just off (actually under) Michigan Avenue, a subterranean greasy spoon that was the hangout for the journalists at the nearby Tribune and the Sun-Times offices.

https://www.google.com/maps/@41.890...4!1surX7zkah9ig9ZDHSNCPX2A!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

The Billy Goat is on the left.

 

[HastingsSeagull]

If you have only a couple days can stay more centrally, but if longer then Evanston where North Western Uni is, is nice for a slow day. On the lake shore, bit of a slower pace and easily walkable by American Standards. Good excuse for a short, iconic train ride out there too on their equivalent of a tube.

I remember the bean, a pier and canals Centrally, but spent most of my time at the university, eating food and chilling in the suburbs with a friend sorry.

 

[Albion my Albion]

If you have only a couple days can stay more centrally, but if longer then Evanston where North Western Uni is, is nice for a slow day. On the lake shore, bit of a slower pace and easily walkable by American Standards. Good excuse for a short, iconic train ride out there too on their equivalent of a tube.

I remember the bean, a pier and canals Centrally, but spent most of my time at the university, eating food and chilling in the suburbs with a friend sorry.

https://generalintelligences.org/2020/05/12/virtualcollegetour-northwestern-university/

 

[Albion my Albion]

Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry

https://www.facebook.com/msichicago/

https://www.msichicago.org/explore/...2IF-512P9gquG5E556x-pwxda7u1iNyhoCk7kQAvD_BwE

 

[Barham's tash]

It’s all a bit 25 or 6 to 4

 

[Albion my Albion]

It’s all a bit 25 or 6 to 4

"Chicago" the band is the only rock band that has never stopped working (recording or performing on stage) for 55 years, since 1967.

citiretailservices.citibankonline.com/RSauth/signon?pageName=signon&siteId=PLCN_MEIJER&langId=en_US

https://chicagotheband.com/news/new-chicago-documentary-comes-to-theaters/


https://youtu.be/ecaX7xw5ras

 

[Albion my Albion]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUAYeN3Rp2E


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRfy1yorkec


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9_d-sFhmRM


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FzCWLOHUes

 

[Albion my Albion]

Sorry, you know, posting Chicago songs is a..........................


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aCAZNcTVeo

 

[Jim Van Winkle]

The Art Institute of Chicago is a must see.

Yes, get a deep dish if you have never had one but they are overrated. Detroit style pizza is light years ahead.

As for the poster that said they’d like to spend NYE in Chicago — DON’T — the Midwest is an Arctic Tundra in the Winter. Avoid like the plague.

 

[Steve Foster]

Only 3 hours away till the Chicago Marathon. 40,000 runners expected!

Yesterday, went up the Willis Tower & into the glass box overhanging the top. Well worth doing. A walking trip around the City with a guide. Highly recommended & a boat trip. What a view!
Chilly though.