Goin' to Chicago!

[dreamshark]

Strangely enough, I have lived in Minneapolis for more than 40 years and have NEVER touristed to Chicago! Well, okay, Thorin reminds me about that 5th grade chess tournament, during which he says we visited the aquarium. I do dimly remember sitting around in a hotel function room for many hours watching boys play chess, but I don't even remember the aquarium, so that doesn't count. I guess it counts for Thorin, but not for me.

Anyway, I had some free hotel nights to use up at ANY HILTON IN THE WORLD. Some people would have booked a flight to Paris, but I decided Chicago was adventurous enough. And then it occurred to me that we could take the train (which I can pay for with travel points on another credit card) and the whole trip is practically free.

So... tomorrow we are getting up early and taking the train to Chicago! I bought us a couple of 3-day Go-Chicago passes that allow us to gallop from one attraction to another until we are completely worn out. I have a tentative plan. If the train gets there on time, we should be able to make it from our hotel to the Art Institute, which happens to be open late Thursday night. If the train gets in late, which I gather has been known to happen, we'll just have a leisurely evening and take a trip up the Sears Tower on Sunday before we catch the train home. Day 3 was on sale, so one attraction breaks even.

The itinerary on the 2 full days in the middle is somewhat weather-dependent. If it's nice, more with the boat tours and bike rentals and zoos. If it's rainy or unbearably hot - more museum time. I had no idea Chicago was such a disneyland! 

Comments

[mplsfish.livejournal.com]

Cabs in Chicago are about half the price of Mpls cabs. If you get stuck or lost.
Have a great time! Sounds like you have a solid plan. :)

[laurel]

Sounds like excellent fun! In my youth we went to Chicago quite a few MEA weekends. I'm particularly fond of both the Art Institute and the Museum of Science and Industry, as far as museums go.

[mle292.livejournal.com]

I love Chicago. The Illinois Labor History Society can tell you some cool landmarks if you're into that sort of thing.

[carbonel]

Have fun! The Field Museum used to be fairly staid, but they've upgraded it a lot since I moved away, and it's great fun now.

I also recommend the Lincoln Park Zoo, and the boat tours. And Navy Pier. And whatever else you choose to do!

[vgqn.livejournal.com]

Chicago has a surprising amount of public art. I particularly adore Chagall's Four Seasons. If I worked in downtown Chicago, I would happily visit that and sit in front of a different panel every time.

Of course there's the bean (aka "Cloud Gate"). And the Tiffany stained glass at Marshall Fields. Here's a guide.

Have a great time! I'm sure you will.

[skylarker.livejournal.com]

Have fun! I'm glad you posted about it, as now I know better than to show up at Dreampark for games on Friday. :)

[dreamshark.livejournal.com]

Actually, Thorin hosted the game party.

[skylarker.livejournal.com]

So I heard, late on Friday from KAustin when I ran into him at a bus stop. :)