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I will have Friday and Monday free bookending a conference. I've not been to Chicago since I was a kid so I don't have a frame of reference for how crowded places typically are on weekdays. I have some risk tolerance for being in public spaces with masks (and don't involve eating or drinking indoors) if they're not too crowded but definitely don't want anything with a dense crowd. The current forecast is moderate rain Friday morning and likely scattered rain Monday. [more inside]
posted by Candleman around Chicago, IL at 10:37 AM - 11 answers

I'm living with an immunocompromised person, so my vaccinated self and a vaccinated friend would like to meet somewhere outdoors. I would also like to avoid grass/ticks and water/mosquitoes. Are there wide-paved trails or restaurants with extra-spaced outdoor seating, somewhere approximately halfway between Chicago and Normal, Illinois? Unremarkable but ok restaurants, as well as especially weird/cool suggestions, are welcome.
posted by zeek321 around Chicago, IL at 7:07 PM - 2 answers

I live in Chicago, have an impromptu week off, and want to do some day trips with friends. What are my best options for leaving in the morning and getting back home by midnight with an amazing day behind me. OK if they’re in the city or outside of it, provided the above occurs :)
posted by sirion around Chicago, IL at 7:03 PM - 14 answers

Where to stay in Chicago? [more inside]
posted by cozenedindigo around Chicago, IL at 3:06 PM - 19 answers

I'd like to step deeply into a different spiritual place for a few weeks in November in East Asia -- What specific venues take in foreigners who want to be amateur, yet dedicated practitioners? [more inside]
posted by jander03 around Dekalb, IL at 11:43 AM - 8 answers

We have a week off in early August and are in Chicago. What are some good, toddler-friendly, social distancing-friendly things to do? [more inside]
posted by huskerdont around Chicago, IL at 10:16 AM - 6 answers

It is late spring and that means I start to dream about buying a lake house. We are in Chicagoland and it seems like most people go to Lake Geneva or to southwest Michigan, but are there lakes/towns that you have loved to visit that are less well-known? Preferences are down below. [more inside]
posted by AgentRocket around Chicago, IL at 12:16 PM - 7 answers

Every Mother's Day since forever, we have gone to Indiana Dunes National Seashore/Park. It is my wife's favorite thing in the world. This year of course we cannot do that, but I really want to find a place where we can at least still enjoy a nice view of a beach and the lake while we sit safely in the car. Do you know of a Chicagoland beach/viewpoint that is particularly nice from the parking lot?
posted by AgentRocket around Chicago, IL at 12:10 PM - 5 answers

Next May I'm going to be in Illinois/Iowa for a week with not much to do (long story). Are there any cool places that run week long retreats, intensive courses, or just ways to be immersed in something new alongside interesting people for a few days that you'd recommend? [more inside]
posted by Junebug79 around Illinois at 6:33 AM - 7 answers

I have one day to entertain two kids ages 3 and 7 anywhere in Chicago. I'd like to visit a neighborhood rather than the center of the city where we've spent most of the time so far. [more inside]
posted by Shusha around Chicago, IL at 7:25 PM - 13 answers

I'm going to a conference at Loyola University next week. I didn't register early enough to get in the main hotel. The shuttles they're setting up probably won't be enough for me. I could also use recommendations for vegan food in the area. Please help. [more inside]
posted by FencingGal around Chicago, IL at 6:37 AM - 14 answers

What the title says! It's almost my birthday and I want to eat the best penne arrabbiata in Chicago. Bonus points for good atmosphere, burrata, outdoor seating, and easy to get to on public transit, but all of those things are negotiable.
posted by goodbyewaffles around Chicago, IL at 4:31 PM - 2 answers

I'm planning a little getaway to Chicago for a few days in October. I've never been, and am looking for ideas for places to stay, whether it be neighborhoods or actual hotels/B&B's. (And a bit of specific advice on things to do -- details inside!) [more inside]
posted by kalimac around Chicago, IL at 10:19 AM - 9 answers

Last minute plans for vacation went south. How best to salvage a mini Chicago vacation by myself? [more inside]
posted by Champagne Supernova around Chicago, IL at 7:24 PM - 14 answers

We are headed to Chicago second week in April with a 10 year old. I've always wanted to take him to the Field museum so that is on the list. What else is a really terrific and uniquely Chicago thing to do with a kid? Doesn't have to be ONLY for kids. I am not interested in a kids' museum, aquarium, or zoo, etc. unless it's a particularly good one - I just feel like we see plenty of those and can do that any time. I'd also love suggestions for any good, unusual, and fun restaurants that a kid might also enjoy. No car.
posted by ReluctantViking around Chicago, IL at 1:45 PM - 26 answers

Can you help me compile a list of beautiful places to visit and beautiful things to see in northern Illinois or thereabouts? [more inside]
posted by SuperSquirrel around Illinois at 2:16 PM - 18 answers

I'll be heading with a friend to Chicago on 12/1 for a concert. I'd like to go someplace fun and unique for dinner before the show. I would rather not spend more than about $100 for the two of us. [more inside]
posted by bigdamnnerd around Chicago, IL at 11:22 AM - 10 answers

I'm taking the IO Theater's intensive improv summer program right now in Chicago. Awesome fun. Me and my classmates are looking for recommendations on the hottest improv shows. Standup too. I've seen Improv Shakespeare and was blown away. Also Hitch*cock and Matt Damon Improv at Annoyance Theatre.
posted by storybored around Chicago, IL at 11:45 AM - 5 answers

I'll be in Chicago next week for a conference and will have most of the day Tuesday and a small portion of Friday to do what I'd like. I am especially interested in places to photograph (but don't have to limit yourself to that). Any suggestions? I will be staying basically corner of Michigan and Ohio St - not too far from Chicago Riverwalk.
posted by UMDirector around Chicago, IL at 6:50 AM - 16 answers

Where in Chicago can I get my car underground as cheaply as possible? [more inside]
posted by theodolite around Chicago, IL at 9:46 AM - 11 answers