It's like Sex in the City, without the sex and in Chicago

May 16, 2008 5:54 AM

[ChicagoFilter] What are some inexpensive things for two 30-something, childless women to do in Chicago this Sunday, May 18?

She lives near Belmont & Sheridan (don't know the name of the neighborhood). I will be traveling there, since I live in a boring-ass suburb. So, firstly, should I drive or take the train (I'd pick it up in Fox Lake or Barrington)?

Then, what to do? Shopping is out because we're both semi-broke. I don't know the area at all except for Boystown, and although we're both very LGBT-friendly, I don't think she'd want to hang out there. (Plus I don't want the guy at Leather Sport saying "Hey, welcome back! Are you enjoying those restraints?") She's into music and theatre, and I'm into art, so anything cultural is good, except it has to be cheap. Evening/night stuff is fine because we don't have to work early on Monday.

posted by desjardins to grab bag (12 comments total)

The Art Institute of Chicago has free admission from 5pm to 8pm on Thursdays. Since you like art, you would totally enjoy the museum, plus it wouldn't cost you a dime. I know you said you'd be there on Sunday, so this probably doesn't help, but supposing you visit your friend again, it's something worth considering.

Nearby, there is a restaurant called "Tamarind". It's an "eclectic Asian bistro" or something of that nature. It's one of my favorite restaurants. It can be a little pricey, but if you can afford a $15 meal for one night, you should check that out. It's on Wabash Ave.

I don't know what your dietary habits are, but you must get an Italian beef from Mr. Beef if you are into meat. They are quite tasty. That restaurant is on 666 N. Orleans.

If the weather is nice, consider taking a walk down by the marina. It was always one of my favorite things to do since it is relaxing. It's also free.
posted by King Bee at 6:08 AM on May 16

As far as dietary habits - neither of us are vegetarians and both of us drink.
posted by desjardins at 6:15 AM on May 16

I think the Chicago Architectural Foundation is offering free tours of lots of different things this weekend.
posted by melodykramer at 6:29 AM on May 16

If you are in any way interested in medicine and bizarre history, go to the International Museum of Surgical Science! I'm a docent there (won't be there on Sunday, though), so I might be a bit biased, but it's really an awesome little museum, and frequently overlooked. (And then, if you have questions when you get back, you can just ask me! How convenient is that?)

p.s. Sounds like she lives in Lakeview
posted by phunniemee at 6:49 AM on May 16

Two of my favorite things in Chicago are the Cultural Center and the Mexican Art Museum.
posted by sulaine at 7:11 AM on May 16

Lakeview Mayfest is this weekend.
posted by limeswirltart at 7:12 AM on May 16

Seconding Mayfest... or any other festival that's going on... Chicago's street festivals kick ass.. That particular one will be close to where you're at.

Sunday nights at 7:00pm is one of my favorite things EVER in Chicago: Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind... I have never been to it on a Sunday (usually a Fri/Sat), but it's a really cool and unique experience... The neighborhood around there (Andersonville) is also filled with lots of great places to eat, shop and explore if you do pull together a little dough...
posted by twiggy at 7:35 AM on May 16

Seconding Too Much Light: there's really nothing like it (definitely not the poor man's version in NYC) and it's among my favorite memories of visiting Chicago. It sounds kind of precious when people describe it ("Like, radical improv theater with 60-second bits") but trust everyone who says it's worth the attendance, especially for out-of-towners starved for theater who also don't want to feel like they're sitting at the grown-ups table.
posted by zoomorphic at 8:02 AM on May 16

Many good ideas above- but also check into the Botanic Garden. Good time of year to walk around admiring leafy things.
posted by readery at 8:30 AM on May 16

Whether to take the train is somewhat dependent on what you end up wanting to do while you're in the city. Certainly taking the train in (though Sunday schedules are a bit sparse) and then switching to the el to go up north would be easy. Also depends on how much you want to walk but parking in Lakeview is pretty grim.

Do you want to do inside stuff or outside stuff? Chicago is rife with outdoor space to explore for free. And even if I weren't able to buy anything there are tons of neighborhood shopping districts to explore, if you're into window shopping.
posted by otherwordlyglow at 8:54 AM on May 16

Hard to park at Belmont and Sheridan on a Sunday afternoon (or really anytime). If you are as parking-phobic as I am, I'd take the Metra to Evanston (Main or Davis, as those are CTA/Metra transfer stations), switch to the El (you'll have to transfer to the Red line at Howard. Take that to Belmont and then either walk or bus the 8 or so blocks to Sheridan).

The Peggy Notebaert Museum and the Zoo are more or less there in her neighborhood (Sheridan and Fullerton). Museum has a cover ($9) but the Zoo is free. There is kinda cool off-the-beaten-track entrance to the Zoo right at Fullerton & the Drive through the Zoo Rookery.

Century Theater has good limited release movies (Diversey and Clark, still arguably her neighborhood.) There is a park district driving range at Sheridan and Diversey. You might need a reservation. If you're ever around Tuesday-Saturday, check out this hidden treasure.
posted by nax at 2:43 AM on May 17

Well, I'm too late now, but maybe this will help with your next visit to your friend (or will help someone else). The Chicago Greeter program: "Enthusiastic city-wise volunteers impart their love and knowledge of Chicago to parties of six or fewer during FREE two- to four-hour visits on foot and public transporation."

You can select from more than 25 neighborhoods and 40 popular interest areas including Fashion, Film, Ethnic Chicago and Public Art.
posted by Joleta at 10:04 PM on May 17