Visiting Chicago end of July (Lincoln, Fulton: home, neighborhoods, movie theaters)

[NYLATINQT]

Hi Everyone,

My husband and I will be visiting Chicago next month for a few days. I've been to Chicago before but that was over 10 yrs ago. I'm really excited. I know it's a beautiful city. I've been living down South for the past 3 yrs (raised in NY) and i'm ready to see some people actually walk down the street and see some tall buildings for a change of scenery. I think Chicago is the only other major city in this country that I think is great, besides NY. That's not to knock other cities, so don't start the hate mail, but based on my own preferences, I like big cities.

Anyway, any suggestions on what to do while we're there? We will be staying at the Hyatt Regency on E. Wacker Drive. Is this a good location?

p.s. Do you all like living in Chicago overall?

Thanks.

[wv wildflower]

The Hyatt Regency is a great location as it is on the Chicago River. It is centrally located t be easily accessible to both the central, north and south loop. There is a Hoolihan's restaurant half a block away and it has a wonderful weekend brunch. The prices there are very reasonable. Of course, the Hyatt has great restaurants and a Sunday brunch that I never miss. They have a French born pastry chef who makes exquisite desserts. The Hyatt is 2 blocks from the New Millenium Park which was designed on the part of Grant Park that borders Michigan Avenue. Millenium Park has a dance theater, permanent indoor home for the Grant Park Orchestra, and a building that hosts all kinds of childrens arts. It has an outdoor ice skating rink too. Venetian Night at the Monroe Yacht Club will be held on the last weekend in July which includes a parade of decorated yachts and a fireworks display. The Art Institute is 3 blocks south of Millenium Park and its a must-see. Further south is the Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium and Field Museum. All 3 of these can be reached by taking a trolley bus, although you can walk to them. Most of the shopping and restaurant district is north of the River and extends for about 10 blocks. Movie theaters are about 5 blocks north of the River on both the east and west sides of Michigan Avenue. Have a great time.

[Fishtacos]

Originally Posted by NYLATINQT

Hi Everyone,

My husband and I will be visiting Chicago next month for a few days. I've been to Chicago before but that was over 10 yrs ago. I'm really excited. I know it's a beautiful city. I've been living down South for the past 3 yrs (raised in NY) and i'm ready to see some people actually walk down the street and see some tall buildings for a change of scenery. I think Chicago is the only other major city in this country that I think is great, besides NY. That's not to knock other cities, so don't start the hate mail, but based on my own preferences, I like big cities.

Anyway, any suggestions on what to do while we're there? We will be staying at the Hyatt Regency on E. Wacker Drive. Is this a good location?

p.s. Do you all like living in Chicago overall?

Thanks.

I wouldn't say those are the only two great cities, but Chicago is a good city. I've lived in both cities you mentioned.

I would walk up and down N. Michigan Ave(walkable distance from where you are) shops, restaurants etc...hustle and bustle. I would also go to Millenium park, new since your last visit. I'd take an architectural boat cruise, 1 hr 15 min, $20(cheap and great way to be on water and see the skyline and learn a thing or two) ....lots of museum choices and aquarium based on interests, in that area. Oak Street Beach or North Ave Beach. If time, try to see a few different city neighborhoods, and do something in them...say Cubs game, 2nd City in Old Town, Museums a little further South etc...

Chicago in the summer is an outside place.

[Kalysa19]

Depending on what days you come...I'd recommend the following...

-Grant Park Outdoor Film Fest is every Tuesday night. I've gone for the past couple of years once or twice a summer and love it.

-Venetian Night is July 28th along the lake front (awesome boat parade with awesome fireworks)

Of course you can always take in a ball game or visit the beaches. There are probably a few neighborhood festivals too. Chicago is the best in the summer!

Check out the City of Chicago for other ideas of what to do while in town.

[Manigault]

For a change of pace from the trendy to the very basic, I would walk across the river and then down the steps to lower Michigan Avenue. You should get a cheeseburger at Billy Goat's, the restaurant of Saturday Night Live fame. It has always been a workingperson's joint and was frequented by the pressmen for the Chicago Tribune before the printing operation left. It's an experience to have the host order for you based on what he thinks you need to eat!

It's cheap, safe, reasonably clean and a world away from chain restaurants.

[SloopyJ]

Seconding the recommendation on Second City in Old Town...the current show (Between Barack and a Hard Place) is enormously popular due to fabulous reviews, and it's sold out far in advance. It would be worth calling now to see if you can reserve tix for a weeknight while you're here. If you're unfamiliar with Second City, it's the sketch comedy troupe that has launched a thousand SNL comedians and other comic actors. Also a great deal at around $23 a ticket - p.s., if there are two shows go for the later so you get a "free" improv session afterwards.

Also, I would second the idea of seeing some neighborhoods while you're here. In particular, you might want to have dinner at a West Loop (Randolph or Fulton Market Streets) market district restaurant, or take the Blue Line to the Damen stop for some drinks or a meal in Wicker Park/Bucktown. A walk through the Gold Coast and Lincoln Park neighborhoods would be nice too.

[Fishtacos]

Originally Posted by Manigault

For a change of pace from the trendy to the very basic, I would walk across the river and then down the steps to lower Michigan Avenue. You should get a cheeseburger at Billy Goat's, the restaurant of Saturday Night Live fame. It has always been a workingperson's joint and was frequented by the pressmen for the Chicago Tribune before the printing operation left. It's an experience to have the host order for you based on what he thinks you need to eat!

It's cheap, safe, reasonably clean and a world away from chain restaurants.

Just my opinion...not a big deal, but IU find this to be the most over-rated thing and place in Chicago, including some of the River North deep dish pizza places. ...especially for people who are visiting. To each their own.

[cvatasoiu]

Originally Posted by NYLATINQT

Hi Everyone,

My husband and I will be visiting Chicago next month for a few days. I've been to Chicago before but that was over 10 yrs ago. I'm really excited. I know it's a beautiful city. I've been living down South for the past 3 yrs (raised in NY) and i'm ready to see some people actually walk down the street and see some tall buildings for a change of scenery. I think Chicago is the only other major city in this country that I think is great, besides NY. That's not to knock other cities, so don't start the hate mail, but based on my own preferences, I like big cities.

Anyway, any suggestions on what to do while we're there? We will be staying at the Hyatt Regency on E. Wacker Drive. Is this a good location?

p.s. Do you all like living in Chicago overall?

Thanks.

the location is awesome, they have a nice bar also. They used to have a nightclub there on weekends, but not anymore.
There are tons of things you can do in Chicago, it depends what you're looking for: shopping, theaters, museums, entertainment, restaurants. It all depends