I would like to take some photographs of spiral staircases. I’m looking to capture the basic construction of the object from its components, rather than any particular aesthetic beauty. Simpler would be better, and emphasizing the engineering over the architecture. If possible, I would prefer to take my photographs at a quiet time in a public building walkable from the loop in Chicago. Do you have any suggestions?
posted by Fiery Jack around Chicago, IL at 11:27 PM - 1 answer

I Pricelined myself into a two nights at a hotel in downtown Chicago. A few seconds later, I thought to check the Bedbug Registry. DANT DANT DAH, it has bedbug reports. Given these reports, help me assess the risk of actually encountering bedbugs, so I can decide whether to just abandoned the money I just paid (~$300) and get another hotel. [more inside]
posted by ignignokt around Chicago, IL at 9:01 AM - 10 answers

Asking for a friend... just what it says on the tin. She's visiting her partner while he's on an extended work trip; he's in Kendallville, Indiana, but there are no decent accommodations there. His office suggested she stay somewhere in Chicago. Where's someplace nice in the Chicago area, not too spendy, and within easy reach of Kendallville?
posted by kythuen around Chicago, IL at 8:39 AM - 7 answers

We're interested in areas with lots of dealerships in close proximity, so we can see the models we're curious about without having to head all over town. [more inside]
posted by The Notorious B.F.G. around Chicago, IL at 9:46 PM - 7 answers

How does the airport shuttle work at the Embassy Suites Chicago - O'Hare/Rosemont? [more inside]
posted by Eumachia L F around Chicago, IL at 5:36 AM - 6 answers

This will be the biggest vacation yet for our family of four (son age 10, daughter age 12). Our vacations tend to run unsmoothly--some ugly surprise always pops up--and I'd like to get opinions from people who know Chicago before we set out. This will be a kid oriented trip. [more inside]
posted by mattu around Chicago, IL at 10:14 AM - 36 answers

What's the best cycling route from my place in the Ukrainian Village to the Western Ave (at Hubbard) Metra? [more inside]
posted by andrewesque around Chicago, IL at 8:31 AM - 9 answers

What would you do with 8 hours in Chicago? [more inside]
posted by Cosine around Chicago, IL at 1:57 PM - 24 answers

What's a good place in Chicago to take 5-7 people in their early 20s for dinner/some sort of entertainment on Sunday? Note that not all are over 21. [more inside]
posted by matildatakesovertheworld around Chicago, IL at 3:38 PM - 12 answers

Help me find non-Starbucks coffee shops open late on Sundays in Chicago! [more inside]
posted by andrewesque around Chicago, IL at 10:06 AM - 12 answers

My partner will be visiting Chicago at the end of October, arriving the morning of the 27th and departing the morning of the 31st. She's interested in checking out anything Halloween related that may be going on in the city during this time. [more inside]
posted by Mothra Pisces around Chicago, IL at 9:16 AM - 3 answers

Long bus / train trip with a couple of long stopovers. How to amuse myself? Things to do in Buffalo & Chicago? [more inside]
posted by SassHat around Chicago, IL at 10:47 AM - 18 answers

Where to stop and sleep on a road trip between Montreal and Chicago? [more inside]
posted by gillianr around Chicago, IL at 10:01 PM - 4 answers

I'm going to be in Chicago for 30 hours at the end of September on an international layover. I've never been before and want to squeeze in a lot in the time that I have. What should I do? [more inside]
posted by Tenacious.Me.Tokyo around Chicago, IL at 8:34 AM - 12 answers

On purchasing a hand built bicycle, similar to this one. I'd love some advice. [more inside]
posted by special agent conrad uno around Chicago, IL at 2:43 PM - 13 answers

Chicago Area Filter: International co-op student trying to find a 6-month housing lease near Argonne National Laboratory on the outskirts of Chicago. What areas around there should I search? Are there any I should avoid in my search? [more inside]
posted by TimeStove around Chicago, IL at 4:33 PM - 8 answers

Does anyone know what's going on with Chicago's bike sharing system? I'll be visiting in October for 1.5 weeks and planned to sign up for a month-long membership with b-cycle but am not so sure anymore. [more inside]
posted by bluelight around Chicago, IL at 11:29 AM - 8 answers

My (middle-aged, Chinese) parents and sister are coming to Chicago with me for a week this August to attend my graduation, and would like to make a vacation of it while they're here. Unfortunately, I'm enough of a homebody that few of my pastimes in Chicago are appropriate for groups, so I don't know how to entertain them for a week. We have a few ideas, and would love if the hive mind could offer advice on those or suggest additional ones. [more inside]
posted by d. z. wang around Chicago, IL at 2:28 PM - 17 answers

Chicago: Not The Band Or The Musical! What would you do on a long weekend there? [more inside]
posted by chrisfromthelc around Chicago, IL at 7:09 AM - 16 answers

Chicago PRIDE Parade parking question. What's my best bet for parking in the vicinity of the step-off point? [more inside]
posted by hwestiii around Chicago, IL at 1:40 PM - 6 answers