Where are best places to visit at Chicago in June July? (Ohio: condo, hotels)

[ehs]

My brother-in-law's kid just won #1 in New Jersey FBLA competition and going to represent NJ to Chicago for Nationwide competition.

We may visit Chicago for a day or two, which places are best to visit at Chicago in June and July time frame?

[Fishtacos]

Several, depending on your interests and lifestyle etc...

During that time of year, it screams OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES near the Lakefront.

Just some top of head ideas for out of town tourist.....

1) Arhcitectural Boat Cruise. It's aprox $18-20....it's about 1 hr 15 min. It's very good. The view are spectacular, you go through the Chicago River through downtown....Highly recommended for a visitor.

2) Millenium Park downtown, all kinds of things to do and see there.

3) Navy Pier, especially for kids, they have a Children's museum and other activities and great views.

4) The Museums....the Shedd Aquarium is a good choice....indoors, but still a good choice....go early in day to avoid crowds and lines and being rushed.

5) Walk up and down Michigan Ave...duck into stores shops, restaurants, etc...and soak it all in....for all ages.

Cubs game if you are a baseball fan, more pricey but gives a good feel for a part of Chicago.

North Avenue Beach

I would take advantage of the summer weather in June/July.......and I would stay downtown somewhere....more activity will be North of the River....

For a first timer...some of these would be good starts. I would also check out which festivals are going on which weekend you visit....always fun and block parties too.

[ehs]

Thanks a lot for lots of info ...

I just bought this Chicago's 25 Best book and will check into all your suggestions.

[ehs]

How about hotels? Any good suggestions?

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by ehs

How about hotels? Any good suggestions?

Hotel Monaco is pretty cool, as is the Hard Rock (good location) and the House of Blues. If you have more $$, try the Four Seasons, the Hotel Intercontinental or the Palmer House or The Drake.

[nanannie]

Drake is a lovely old place,great for afternoon tea or a few drinks(we have christmas eve there), and its a wonderful location.The rooms are old ,typical though I suspect you will not be indoors much, and its a VERY busy place..Arc.boat tour is great,but there are other,shorter ones that take you down the river ,show you points of interest,then out to the lake.As wonderful as the museums are,its going to be nice weather and you may want to be outside.but.any thing you choose,,,Have fun!

[ehs]

Are they close to 200 E. Ohio St, Chicago IL ? I mean are they within walking distance ?

[Fishtacos]

Originally Posted by ehs

Are they close to 200 E. Ohio St, Chicago IL ? I mean are they within walking distance ?

Yes. Get a map online of hotels, or go to a Borders type bookstore....go to travel section grab a frommer's....they'll have hotel maps....and they have laminated street maps of city too. Very easy. Tons of hotels in that area for all styles and prices. You are very close to North Michigan Avenue, where all the acitivity, shops, etc...takes place. In that area, I have liked Omni, Westin, ....Courtyard Inn is newer and nice for more of a budget style, Wyndham is right there, more business like and older but they offer deals on rooms, $100 night sometimes in summer. Hotel Monaco and House of Blues Hotel are fun type hotels. Monaco is in Kimpton Hotel chain nationally. The D.C. one is great. The ones I mentioned except for Monaco and House of Blues are walking distance.Though the other two are very very short cab rides blocks away. Tons more to choose from.

Chicago is a big city, and that area will be hustle bustle crowded at that time...which is fun, many things at your feet....

Some are within walking distance, and some would be long walks, and some 5 minute cab rides for a couple of bucks. None more than that. Many places to choose from. Check online for deals....also try travel cites....for deals.

Wear tennis shoes during the day when bumming around. There's a lot to see walking. If you ever get tired of walking...cabs are easy to hail down, and can quickly take you to a little bit firther destinations.

You will be in a great area for hotels, shopping, restaurants, lakefront...etc...and can cab it easy to anywhere else. You are in a great spot at 200 E Ohio. The area you mentioned is called Streeterville, just East of Michigan Ave, part resdiential sky scraper 50 story condo type buildings, part hotel, part retail, etc...huge Medical Center is near there....Wyndham and Courtyard are two closest hotels on that side of Michicgan ave, walking distance.....but many others a few blocks down are great too. North, West of Michigan Ave...etc..a little bit South too.

You are a couple of blocks east from Michigan Ave, a couple of blocks from Lake Michigan and a couple of blocks from the River, and Millenium Park and Museums. You couldn't ask for a much better spot.

[ehs]

Wow! Thanks a lot for all the useful info, I click you all a postitive post ...

[passinthru]

I will be en route back to UK from Miami and have an overnight in Chicago on 11-12 July.

I'll be landing at 9.3pm - and have an ongoing flight leaving at 9am the next morning!

So, while I love the idea of the arc. cruise, I guess I will be too late for this. Any other suggestions for an evening/night well spent - somewhere other than an airport hotel???