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Chicago - Help GM & 2/5 of His Kids do Chicago (1 Viewer)

Gm, you should put your current agenda on the first page.  You don’t have a lot of time.  If i were in town when you are here, i would definitely meet you.

 
Joe Bryant said:
On the idea of not trying to keep a strict schedule, I was a big fan of Bourdain's take on this:  http://time.com/money/5191759/anthony-bourdain-advice-great-travel/
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I was quick to hop in this thread because I’m fresh off a week in Chicago with my wife and 15-year-old.  Had a great time and will come back.

I’ll push back a bit on Bourdain’s thesis here because part of the purpose of our trip was to have experiences we can’t replicate where we live: we don’t have The Second City theater, or a Hamilton residency, or a downtown that pretty much invented the skyscraper.  I’m good with doing those tourist-y experiences; they were great.

I have the resources and schedule to travel a lot more than most people my age with my background, but I still don’t have the luxury of traveling 250 days per year like Bourdain did.  It’s a lot easier to travel like Bourdain did when it’s your job.  

I get Bourdain’s disdain for Yelp.  (I highly recommend Al Madrigal’s standup special “Shrimpin’ Ain’t Easy”; his bit about Yelp sums up my feelings on the subject nicely).  But I’ve found TripAdvisor to be a terrific resource; I may be subconsciously filtering the content there in a way that makes it more useful, but IMO its a great starting spot.

I like his suggestion about finding a place like Chowhound and starting up a discussion to get information.  I don’t think the premise needs to be dishonest they way Bourdain suggests, but the approach and results are good.  (Also speaks a bit to why I like FFA so much; the collective amount of information and broad range of expertise in this community is staggering, easy to find someone who knows a lot about something I know little about).

 
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Bruce Dickinson said:
I get Bourdain’s disdain for Yelp.  (I highly recommend Al Madrigal’s standup special “Shrimpin’ Ain’t Easy”; his bit about Yelp sums up my feelings on the subject nicely).  But I’ve found TripAdvisor to be a terrific resource; I may be subconsciously filtering the content there in a way that makes it more useful, but IMO its a great starting spot.

I like his suggestion about finding a place like Chowhound and starting up a discussion to get information.  I don’t think the premise needs to be dishonest they way Bourdain suggests, but the approach and results are good.  (Also speaks a bit to why I like FFA so much; the collective amount of information and broad range of expertise in this community is staggering, easy to find someone who knows a lot about something I know little about).
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this is the foodie message board in Chicago. Will always have great recommendations for restaurants.

http://www.lthforum.com/

here's a spinoff that was created:

http://fooditor.com/

 
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otello said:
Gm, you should put your current agenda on the first page.  You don’t have a lot of time.  If i were in town when you are here, i would definitely meet you.
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Good idea.  I ran it by the Mrs. last night and she's on board.  Loves the idea of the Architect Cruise w/ docent instead of waiting in line at Willis.  Very much likes the idea of going to the Hancock Tower for a beverage on Saturday morning before we take the train back.  Also is very pleased that we'll not need to pack in everything in limited time; slow down a little, let's let things develop.  Not every minute needs to be filled on our itinerary.  :thumbup:

 
I would usually warn anyone planning on Hancock tower to be ready for wait.  It used to be shark move to skip the observatory and go to free lounge with same views for pricey drinks. Last few times I've been there it's be a long line for both.  But, on a Saturday morning, you should have no problem for waits. 

If Top of the '#### isn't open when you want, check out London House Rooftop which is going to be close to where you get on the river cruise.  You will have great views of the city (not as good as Hancock), cool atmosphere and be high enough up to make your knees quiver.  Rooftop is out in the open, so don't go in the rain. 

 
Leaving Chicago by train now.  What an incredible city.  We will be back.  Did not get to all the things we wanted to do but packed a lot in.  Art Institute was sensational.  Discovered new (to me) artists that I will research further.  Cubs game was everything I dreamed it would be.  The architecture, parks, landmarks....wow. And the people - my gosh.  So nice!  Had a cab driver tell me he loved me today.  

Little spendy and no way I could afford to live in Chicago, but it is  easily in my top 5 of favorite US cities.  

 
General Malaise said:
Leaving Chicago by train now.  What an incredible city.  We will be back.  Did not get to all the things we wanted to do but packed a lot in.  Art Institute was sensational.  Discovered new (to me) artists that I will research further.  Cubs game was everything I dreamed it would be.  The architecture, parks, landmarks....wow. And the people - my gosh.  So nice!  Had a cab driver tell me he loved me today.  

Little spendy and no way I could afford to live in Chicago, but it is  easily in my top 5 of favorite US cities.  
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Glad you had such a great time!  

Yeah, Art Institute is awesome.  All those great impressionist paintings, the Chagall stained glass windows, and that gigantic O’Keefe in a back stairwell.  Wow.

Were you able to fit in a River architecture tour?

 
Bruce Dickinson said:
Glad you had such a great time!  

Yeah, Art Institute is awesome.  All those great impressionist paintings, the Chagall stained glass windows, and that gigantic O’Keefe in a back stairwell.  Wow.

Were you able to fit in a River architecture tour?
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We didn't get the River tour in; it DUMPED right when we wanted to go.  I thought of you because we were touching the relics of the Tribune building when it started pouring and ducked inside there for a bit.  What a neat building!

We stayed with my wife's cousin who just beat stage IV testicular cancer.  The more time we spent with him and his wife the more we just felt like hanging with them.  I knew I loved them from earlier encounters, but we never hung out together like this.  They live by Wrigley with a great rooftop patio and terrific views of the skyline.  Was so nice to chill with them.  My older boys liked having a home base there and exploring around them.  We were even joined by the esteemed IDP writer @Aaron Rudnicki last night. 

We are coming back.  For sure.  We will do the architecture cruise and take in more museums.  Can definitely pass on Navy Pier and while I loved Wrigley, I'll use my time doing something new when I'm back. 

 
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General Malaise said:
We didn't get the River tour in; it DUMPED right when we wanted to go.  I thought of you because we were touching the relics of the Tribune building when it started pouring and ducked inside there for a bit.  What a neat building!

We stayed with my wife's cousin who just beat stage IV testicular cancer.  The more time we spent with him and his wife the more we just felt like hanging with them.  I knew I loved them from earlier encounters, but we never hung out together like this.  They live by Wrigley with a great rooftop patio and terrific views of the skyline.  Was so nice to chill with them.  My older boys liked having a home base there and exploring around them.  We were even joined by the esteemed IDP writer @Aaron Rudnicki last night. 

We are coming back.  For sure.  We will do the architecture cruise and take in more museums.  Can definitely pass on Navy Pier and while I loved Wrigley, I'll use my time doing something new when I'm back. 
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1.  Nothing is more important than family. Nothing.

3.  Sounds like you found the next entry in the hack memorial deck & patio Hall of Fame.

iv.  There’s no way that boat tour would have been fun in a rainstorm.

E.  Navy Pier has a cool children’s museum the younger ones might like and a couple nice boat launches if you want to cruise the lake (there’s also a pirate-themed boat tour if you have kids into that) but IMO put the river tour ahead anything launching from Navy Pier.

siete.  I’m hoping to make it back sometime this winter to take a few friends to Hamilton and a docent tour of the Second City theater.  If that trip breaks out I’ll post about it.

 
Bumping this, hoping to piggyback it.  Gonna take a short trip down to Chi-town at the beginning of August.  Is there a good place to stay - hotel - in order to hit the Shedd, Sears tower and maybe a museum or the planetarium.  Idea is to do that over two days...just not sure where I should be looking to stay.

 
Is this the best Chicago thread?

Heading back to Chicago on Friday for work the following week. Wife will be with me over the weekend. Staying at the Blackstone and working in the Central Loop. 

Been to Chicago 4-5 times and did most of the tourist stuff with the wife in September of last year (river cruise, hancock lounge, art inst., Shedd, Field museum, Navy Pier, etc.)  Planning to hit Second City theater this time and probably a return visit to the Art Inst. Shedd is a maybe. 

Any suggestions for different types of fun things this weekend? Concerts, beer fests, Halloween events, etc?  We are going to Second City Sunday night so will have Friday and Saturday night free. 

Will also take food suggestions. Maybe a nice place that had good food but not too crazy expensive (for Chicago).

Thanks. 

 
Poke_4_Life said:
Is this the best Chicago thread?

Heading back to Chicago on Friday for work the following week. Wife will be with me over the weekend. Staying at the Blackstone and working in the Central Loop. 

Been to Chicago 4-5 times and did most of the tourist stuff with the wife in September of last year (river cruise, hancock lounge, art inst., Shedd, Field museum, Navy Pier, etc.)  Planning to hit Second City theater this time and probably a return visit to the Art Inst. Shedd is a maybe. 

Any suggestions for different types of fun things this weekend? Concerts, beer fests, Halloween events, etc?  We are going to Second City Sunday night so will have Friday and Saturday night free. 

Will also take food suggestions. Maybe a nice place that had good food but not too crazy expensive (for Chicago).

Thanks. 
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Try Revival Food Hall. There is one guy who goes to Chicago once a year for work, and he ate there for lunch every day.

 
Poke_4_Life said:
Is this the best Chicago thread?

Heading back to Chicago on Friday for work the following week. Wife will be with me over the weekend. Staying at the Blackstone and working in the Central Loop. 

Been to Chicago 4-5 times and did most of the tourist stuff with the wife in September of last year (river cruise, hancock lounge, art inst., Shedd, Field museum, Navy Pier, etc.)  Planning to hit Second City theater this time and probably a return visit to the Art Inst. Shedd is a maybe. 

Any suggestions for different types of fun things this weekend? Concerts, beer fests, Halloween events, etc?  We are going to Second City Sunday night so will have Friday and Saturday night free. 

Will also take food suggestions. Maybe a nice place that had good food but not too crazy expensive (for Chicago).

Thanks. 
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If you are going to Second City for a show, it's great to combine this with dinner at Twin Anchors, which is close by there. Really good ribs and a place that's been around forever.  Very casual. 

 
General Malaise said:
Man, this was a fun trip.  I love the city of Chicago.*

*In the summer.  Heard my tune might change in January.  
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Should be 50's for highs most days next week.  That wind off the lake will be a bit brisk tho!

 
Bumping this thread as I am planning a couple days with the family (wife + 2 teenage boys) in March.  I suspect there is another Chicago thread somewhere with more than 2 pages of info, tips and suggestions, but I didn't see it my futile search attempt. 

Has anyone been to any of the Second City shows recently?  Are they any good?  I suggested the idea to my wife, but she scoffed at it and seems disinterested.  I could force the issue, but I'll never hear the end of it if she doesn't enjoy it.  I think my boys and I would enjoy it.  @Poke_4_Life how was your experience?  Aside from the Second City review, I am more than interested in people's suggestions for where to stay downtown...where to eat (definitely want to got to Pequad's after reading this thread)...any must do's for teenage boys?

 
Galileo said:
Bumping this thread as I am planning a couple days with the family (wife + 2 teenage boys) in March.  I suspect there is another Chicago thread somewhere with more than 2 pages of info, tips and suggestions, but I didn't see it my futile search attempt. 

Has anyone been to any of the Second City shows recently?  Are they any good?  I suggested the idea to my wife, but she scoffed at it and seems disinterested.  I could force the issue, but I'll never hear the end of it if she doesn't enjoy it.  I think my boys and I would enjoy it.  @Poke_4_Life how was your experience?  Aside from the Second City review, I am more than interested in people's suggestions for where to stay downtown...where to eat (definitely want to got to Pequad's after reading this thread)...any must do's for teenage boys?
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Usually. It all goes pretty quickly too. 

As far as where to stay, the Loop is center of downtown. Loop and the adjoining neighborhoods (River North, West Loop, South Loop, Streeterville) are all filled with restaurants, shopping, and easy access to the sights (Millenium Park, Field Museum, Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute). Visiting in March, there is no baseball to take in. You can see the Bulls (they stink, so tickets are cheap) or Blackhawks (making a push for playoffs). There is good theater all over town, if that's your thing, and music venues all over. As far as restaurants, West Loop area is full of great joints for food and craft beers. 

 
Galileo said:
Bumping this thread as I am planning a couple days with the family (wife + 2 teenage boys) in March.  I suspect there is another Chicago thread somewhere with more than 2 pages of info, tips and suggestions, but I didn't see it my futile search attempt. 

Has anyone been to any of the Second City shows recently?  Are they any good?  I suggested the idea to my wife, but she scoffed at it and seems disinterested.  I could force the issue, but I'll never hear the end of it if she doesn't enjoy it.  I think my boys and I would enjoy it.  @Poke_4_Life how was your experience?  Aside from the Second City review, I am more than interested in people's suggestions for where to stay downtown...where to eat (definitely want to got to Pequad's after reading this thread)...any must do's for teenage boys?
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We really enjoyed Second City when we went in October.  If you like sketch comedy and/or improv you will like it.  There was a lot of political humor, plus lots of humor that may be slightly uncomfortable with teenage boys (sex jokes, anal jokes, anal sex jokes, LGBTQ+ jokes, oral sex jokes).  

 
Poke_4_Life said:
We really enjoyed Second City when we went in October.  If you like sketch comedy and/or improv you will like it.  There was a lot of political humor, plus lots of humor that may be slightly uncomfortable with teenage boys (sex jokes, anal jokes, anal sex jokes, LGBTQ+ jokes, oral sex jokes).  
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Which show did you see...looks like a few different ones running

 
I asked my kids..."hey, you want to see mom get really upset?"  I then proceeded to tell her that I booked a room at Trump Tower for our stay in Chicago.  Hilarity ensued  :lmao:

Would it be too mean to drive up to Trump Tower when we arrive?  

On another note, I am seeing a couple of different architectural river cruises.  Is one company better than another?  All pretty much the same experience?

 
Galileo said:
I asked my kids..."hey, you want to see mom get really upset?"  I then proceeded to tell her that I booked a room at Trump Tower for our stay in Chicago.  Hilarity ensued  :lmao:

Would it be too mean to drive up to Trump Tower when we arrive?  

On another note, I am seeing a couple of different architectural river cruises.  Is one company better than another?  All pretty much the same experience?
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There is one done by the Architecture Foundation is generally regarded as the best. 

 
saintfool said:
There is one done by the Architecture Foundation is generally regarded as the best. 
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Yeah, what he said.  I didn’t realize there were competing ones now.  It’s like when suddenly there was a second Tamale Guy showing up in bars.

I miss Chicago.

 
krista4 said:
Yeah, what he said.  I didn’t realize there were competing ones now.  It’s like when suddenly there was a second Tamale Guy showing up in bars.

I miss Chicago.
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Without digging through Google very far...

1. https://www.odysseycruises.com/chicago/cruises/lunch/chicago-river

2. https://www.cruisechicago.com/tours/architecture-tour

3. https://architecturetourchicago.com/

4. https://www.wendellaboats.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=gmb

5. http://www.toursandboats.com/

6. https://shorelinesightseeing.com/tours-taxis/architecture-tour/

7. https://www.seadogcruises.com/chicago/cruises/architecture-tour

Looks like #2 is partnered with the Chicago Architecture Center...

 
 
Hey, Pequad's folks ( @Aaron Rudnicki)... Could a group of 4 get a seat in there say around 7 pm on a Thursday or Friday?  I see the website has a "Request" system online, but it does not guarantee a reservation.

 
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