OT - What to do in Chicago
So I saw all the posts about restaurants and hotels that everyone recommended in Chicago so I figured I'd ask a question here too: I'm in Chicago for the weekend and have 6-8 hours to burn this afternoon, what kind of things are there to do? I'm staying downtown at Adams and Clark so I can get around pretty easily. I'm not here for anything romantic, I actually came by myself to celebrate my bday last night and tonight at different bars with some friends who live here, but noone was free to hang out earlier today. Thanks in advance for any advice.
February 28th, 2009 at 12:41 PM ^
Uh, the weather sort of sucks, but Millenium park is a decent way to kill an hour or two - The Bean is one of the cooler works of public art around. If you're into museums, Chicago's Institute of Art is really good, and has several world-famous paintings. It's also right next to Millenium Park, so if you do one, you can easily do the other. You're in the loop - and I know that there is a land-bound architecture tour (the one on the boat is more popular) of the older "skyscrapers" that abound in that area of town.
If you're around tomorrow, you can always go watch the Chicago Polar Bear club go swimming at North Ave. Beach.
February 28th, 2009 at 12:44 PM ^
The Sheed Aquarium is really cool. Check out the dolphin show.
Then check out the Unicorn show. Brilliant.
February 28th, 2009 at 12:48 PM ^
Shedd.
February 28th, 2009 at 12:50 PM ^
The Sheed Aquarium is highly technical. And there's a random empty tank in the middle-back of it.
February 28th, 2009 at 12:54 PM ^
LOL...took me a minute to understand that one. Well done.
February 28th, 2009 at 1:29 PM ^
Awesome!
I'm actually going there tomorrow, I have a friend who works there and is getting me in there free.
February 28th, 2009 at 12:51 PM ^
I'm talking about Rasheed Wallace's aquarium. It's cool. The 'Sheed Aquarium.
February 28th, 2009 at 12:52 PM ^
Do all the fish wear headbands?
February 28th, 2009 at 12:53 PM ^
Yes, and they get an inordinate amount of technical fouls.
February 28th, 2009 at 1:32 PM ^
....sweet, I'll be in the Ganga Room.
February 28th, 2009 at 12:45 PM ^
I think the Art Institute is always good if you haven't been before and like cultural stuff. It's on Michigan Ave, just walk east on Adams four blocks and you'll probably see it, it's on the east side of the street. Lots of really famous paintings there, plus some other cool stuff too (suits of armor and weapons, ancient Eqyptian, Roman and Greek stuff, etc).
The Field Museum is cool too, that's on the Museum Campus down by Soldier Field. Would take more effort to get to though, and I think it's 20 bucks or so to get in. The Art Insitute is free today (as it has been all of February).
February 28th, 2009 at 1:30 PM ^
Thanks a lot, a couple friends just called me and we're now going to the Field Museum. Apparently they have a cool pirates exhibit there now.
February 28th, 2009 at 12:55 PM ^
...cultural stuff. Not that it's not great, because it is. But my priority would be to eat Chicago style deep dish, preferably at Gino's East though there are many good alternatives. Also (if you have a car) head up to Hot Doug's at Roscoe and California for a gourmet/bizzare take on a hod dog stand. They make a corned beef hot dog on a rye bun with saurkraut, gruyere and russian dressing. And Saturdays are duck fat fries day.
February 28th, 2009 at 1:03 PM ^
Is there a hospital around he can go to just in case, you know he has a heart attack?
February 28th, 2009 at 1:07 PM ^
I believe they fry their fries in duck fat. It's sort of creepy.
February 28th, 2009 at 2:32 PM ^
They only have the duck fat fries on Friday and Saturday. And they are delicious.
February 28th, 2009 at 12:57 PM ^
Shedd Aquarium and/or the Field Museum are great ways to kill time in the winter (you don't want to be standing outside for long in sub-30 degree weather).
Those two places are especially great given the fact that it's not summer (ridic lines / wait) and there is no Bears game on the weekend (right next to both, making transportation back pretty much on foot only).
February 28th, 2009 at 1:03 PM ^
Go to a northwestren basketball game if your really desperate mabye.
February 28th, 2009 at 1:32 PM ^
Thanks a lot for all the recommendations you guys!
February 28th, 2009 at 1:41 PM ^
Gotta go to Gino's East pizza. Yes the downtown location gets a little touristy, but I still think it's the best pizza in Chicago.
February 28th, 2009 at 1:53 PM ^
I think all the tourist Pizza is average at best (yes, that includes Gino's East), except for Giorganos. There is one on Rush St. Usually quite packed though on Saturdays because it is still touristy.
If you want to drive somewhere, I think the best pizza in town is Pequods, on Clybourne and Webster. Or for a unique pizza experience, try the Chicago Oven Pizza Grinder Co on Clark and Webster-ish.
February 28th, 2009 at 3:48 PM ^
http://www.whirlyball.com/home/index.php
It's one of my favs when I'm in the windy city.
February 28th, 2009 at 4:02 PM ^
Go for the steak.
I prefer Carmichael's, on West Monroe.
February 28th, 2009 at 4:28 PM ^
The aquarium is under renovations and doesn't have any dolphins, whales or penguins. I went last week.
February 28th, 2009 at 4:36 PM ^
ugh...that sucks. The Dolphin show was very memorable, I saw it 4 years ago and still remember it well.
February 28th, 2009 at 8:13 PM ^
I went to Shedd a few years ago and the dolphin show was awesome. I'm probably going back there tomorrow only because it will be free with a friend who works there.