Chicago Day!
July 20, 2010 5:35 PM Subscribe
Help me plan a "Chicago Day"!
Lifelong resident of Chicago here. My friend (also a Chicagoan) and I are planning a "Chicago Day" this coming Saturday to do lots of tourist type things.
It isn't so important if I have done them before, but two things we have already planned are the Architectural tour, and going to to the top of the Sears Tower (can you believe I have never done that?)
So, MeFites, what are your favorite Chicago related activities? Any must-dos for a full "Chicago experience"? All suggestions will be appreciated, even if it is only a place to go to, something to see, or even just a thing to experience! Enlighten us please!
Lifelong resident of Chicago here. My friend (also a Chicagoan) and I are planning a "Chicago Day" this coming Saturday to do lots of tourist type things.
It isn't so important if I have done them before, but two things we have already planned are the Architectural tour, and going to to the top of the Sears Tower (can you believe I have never done that?)
So, MeFites, what are your favorite Chicago related activities? Any must-dos for a full "Chicago experience"? All suggestions will be appreciated, even if it is only a place to go to, something to see, or even just a thing to experience! Enlighten us please!
The Weiner Circle. Hot Doug's is all well and (delicious) good, but TWC is where it is at for people who just want a good dog and quick.
The Field Museum.
Running through the Crown Fountain.
posted by bibliogrrl at 5:52 PM on July 20, 2010
The Field Museum.
Running through the Crown Fountain.
posted by bibliogrrl at 5:52 PM on July 20, 2010
I have been a resident of Chicago since 1991 and I, too, have never been up the Willis Tower. The long lines disuaded me. Better, to my mind, is the John Hancock Tower's 95th floor lounge. No waiting, and a drink in hand, yahoo.
The Bean for sure.
A little farther afield is Frank Lloyd Wright's Robie House on the campus of UofC.
On the esoteric side, allow me to recommend The Purple Pig for eats. I love that place.
posted by Short Attention Sp at 6:01 PM on July 20, 2010
The Bean for sure.
A little farther afield is Frank Lloyd Wright's Robie House on the campus of UofC.
On the esoteric side, allow me to recommend The Purple Pig for eats. I love that place.
posted by Short Attention Sp at 6:01 PM on July 20, 2010
The Green Mill for the Uptown Poetry Slam. If Mark Smith (so what!) does a Carl Sandberg poem, you're set.
Second the Architectural Boat Tour.
If you get down to U. of C., you need to go to the Oriental Institute, and eat some Harold's Fried Chicken (the one on 53rd and Kimbark is safer than the one on 63rd or the one on Stony Island).
One of my other favorites was looking at the cool stones embedded in the Tribune Tower.
posted by scblackman at 6:08 PM on July 20, 2010
Second the Architectural Boat Tour.
If you get down to U. of C., you need to go to the Oriental Institute, and eat some Harold's Fried Chicken (the one on 53rd and Kimbark is safer than the one on 63rd or the one on Stony Island).
One of my other favorites was looking at the cool stones embedded in the Tribune Tower.
posted by scblackman at 6:08 PM on July 20, 2010
I really like to go on the rides at Navy Pier and eat overpriced ice cream and pretend I'm a tourist. The swings are especially nice on a warm summer evening.
posted by coppermoss at 6:26 PM on July 20, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by coppermoss at 6:26 PM on July 20, 2010 [1 favorite]
I just asked a somewhat similar question a few days ago.
posted by phunniemee at 6:33 PM on July 20, 2010
posted by phunniemee at 6:33 PM on July 20, 2010
I moved away from Chicago a little over a year ago, and miss it dearly. NYC is great, but ah Chicago. Anyway, here's a handful of things I recommend to visitors to truly experience Chicago (I'll try to leave out things already mentioned, along with the requisite "deep dish at Lou Malnati's / Giordano's").
posted by leo. at 6:34 PM on July 20, 2010 [2 favorites]
- Go up the escalators at the Water Tower Mall, and try and catch a water fountain bullet
- Pork Chop Sandwich or Maxwell St Dog over at Jim's Original
- Stand in the reflecting pool at Crown Fountain
- Take in the light show at Buckingham Fountain
- Watch the Friday (or is it Saturday?) fireworks at Navy Pier, preferably from the ferris wheel
- The Art Institute's modern wing. It opened up 2 weeks after I left (!!!) and it's supposed to be beautiful. Plus, if memory serves right it connects to the Lurie Garden over in Millennium Park. Lovely.
- A trip around the loop on the brown line. Maybe a stop off at Harold Washington Library?
- The Museum of Science and Industry, or the Museum of Surgical Science. The former is just plain awesome, but the latter is in the only mansion left on north LSD (I think) and has a working iron lung. CRAZY. Plus, it's a short walk from North Beach.
- That ship thing on North Beach. I forget what it's called, but have lunch or a drink there. Beach to the left of you, the Hancock to the south. Nothing quite like it.
- Go to iO (formerly ImprovOlympic) on a Friday or Saturday night. It shares a *lot* of the same performers as Second City, but isn't nearly as well known. Plus, go during the prime slots and it'll be amazing.
posted by leo. at 6:34 PM on July 20, 2010 [2 favorites]
I hear good things about the gangster tour.
posted by backwards guitar at 6:40 PM on July 20, 2010
posted by backwards guitar at 6:40 PM on July 20, 2010
Do you shoot pool? We have plenty of famous pool halls... And some very swanky gangster bars (some still have Speakeasy's in the basement, like "Simon's" up in Andersonville, which is a cute Chicago neighborhood). The food here is insane and there is a restaurant every 10 feet. I recommend the Publican. Also, if you exercise- please help yourself to a nice run down our beautiful lakefront on its jogging path. You can always take a breather and hit the beach! Go Sox!
posted by boostershot at 7:04 PM on July 20, 2010
posted by boostershot at 7:04 PM on July 20, 2010
Molly's Cupcakes!
Walk along the Lakefront Trail at dawn! Totally gorgeous though not entire too touristy.
If you're going to head down to Hyde Park to see the Robie House, make sure to visit the Oriental Institute too!
Get carne asada in Pilsen.
posted by astapasta24 at 7:18 PM on July 20, 2010
Walk along the Lakefront Trail at dawn! Totally gorgeous though not entire too touristy.
If you're going to head down to Hyde Park to see the Robie House, make sure to visit the Oriental Institute too!
Get carne asada in Pilsen.
posted by astapasta24 at 7:18 PM on July 20, 2010
Oh heck, if you're going to do cupcakes, go to The Bleeding Heart Bakery. Or if you can find them The cupcake truck is also awesome.
posted by bibliogrrl at 7:33 PM on July 20, 2010
posted by bibliogrrl at 7:33 PM on July 20, 2010
Man, these last few weeks have been a bonanza of "Help me amuse myself in Chicago!" questions and answers. Which is so fabulous, because I head up there in just a few days. Whee!
posted by SecretAgentSockpuppet at 7:38 PM on July 20, 2010
posted by SecretAgentSockpuppet at 7:38 PM on July 20, 2010
I keep harping on this in every what to do in Chicago thread but it's true. This town is the best place in the world to see live theatre. Don't believe me? Listen to London's Gaurdian, Toronto's Star, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times.
Theatre on the Lake will have Rivendell Theatre's production of Mary's Wedding
Red Twist Theatre has a stupid name but they put on some amazing shows in a tiny space. They are currently running Equus.
This city launched improv as an art form. As leo. said check out iO, or the playground or Annoyance for improv.
HotTix is the half priced ticket program run by the Leauge of Chicago Theatre. For reviews of shows check TimeOut
I almost forgot. Probably the most Chicago Theatre thing you could do was go see Mary Arrchie's production of Cherrywood the theatre seats about 50 people and is above a liquor store on west Sheridan and Broadway. The show has a cast of 49 and was directed by David Cromer who is slatted to direct two shows on Broadway next season and currently has a critticaly acclaimed productions of Our Town running in New York, and A Streetcar Named Desire running out in Glencoe.
posted by Uncle at 8:02 PM on July 20, 2010 [1 favorite]
Theatre on the Lake will have Rivendell Theatre's production of Mary's Wedding
Red Twist Theatre has a stupid name but they put on some amazing shows in a tiny space. They are currently running Equus.
This city launched improv as an art form. As leo. said check out iO, or the playground or Annoyance for improv.
HotTix is the half priced ticket program run by the Leauge of Chicago Theatre. For reviews of shows check TimeOut
I almost forgot. Probably the most Chicago Theatre thing you could do was go see Mary Arrchie's production of Cherrywood the theatre seats about 50 people and is above a liquor store on west Sheridan and Broadway. The show has a cast of 49 and was directed by David Cromer who is slatted to direct two shows on Broadway next season and currently has a critticaly acclaimed productions of Our Town running in New York, and A Streetcar Named Desire running out in Glencoe.
posted by Uncle at 8:02 PM on July 20, 2010 [1 favorite]
Do not listen to anybody who suggests that you get cupcakes anywhere other than at Molly's Cupcakes. Molly's is the best. It isn't even close.
posted by sinfony at 9:01 PM on July 20, 2010
posted by sinfony at 9:01 PM on July 20, 2010
...Or you could skip cupcakes altogether. It's not exactly a quintessential Chicago food. Instead, opt for Eli's Cheesecake! Much more authentically Chicago touristy.
posted by me3dia at 10:31 PM on July 20, 2010
posted by me3dia at 10:31 PM on July 20, 2010
Oh, and go to Garrett's and get the "Chicago mix" caramel and cheese popcorn.
posted by me3dia at 10:31 PM on July 20, 2010
posted by me3dia at 10:31 PM on July 20, 2010
If you are into architecture then the Stained Glass Museum at Navy Pier is a must see.
posted by JJ86 at 6:08 AM on July 21, 2010
posted by JJ86 at 6:08 AM on July 21, 2010
I've been to the top of the Willis tower and the view is awful....
John Hancock Tower's 95th floor lounge (mentioned above) on the other hand blew my mind. This is your pre-dinner drink place.
Also, the fireworks show every Saturday is great.
posted by xammerboy at 1:46 PM on July 21, 2010
John Hancock Tower's 95th floor lounge (mentioned above) on the other hand blew my mind. This is your pre-dinner drink place.
Also, the fireworks show every Saturday is great.
posted by xammerboy at 1:46 PM on July 21, 2010
To add to the theater recommendations, check out The Neo-Futurists "Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind".
posted by ZeusHumms at 8:30 PM on July 21, 2010
posted by ZeusHumms at 8:30 PM on July 21, 2010
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Kuma's Corner! One of the Rick Bayless restaurants! (Note: that twit keeps 'em closed on Sundays and Mondays, aka when I last tried to visit. Boo for breaks.)
Hell, you could just reenact all of Ferris Bueller's Day Off.
posted by Madamina at 5:47 PM on July 20, 2010