WOW! Chicago!

dittmerbullard2010

I am in the midst of (last minute) planning our honeymoon. We are going to Chicago. I thought it was going to be super expensive (because we are the type that like to see everything the city has to offer), but I found some really great deals!

The Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, and Field Museum all offer free days throughout the year, and we just happen to be going during a 2 week time when they all have free days going on! So we are seeing those three for free.

Plus they have a Chicago Greeter program, where a volunteer shows you around the city for free. You don't get to see the whole city, you pick an area or interest and you get 3 hours, either on foot or on public transportation. But still! Awesome!

Plus of course they have the Lincoln Park Zoo which is always free.

Oh and this is all a surprise to the FH! It started with a belt buckle and my learning that Chicago has a Lego Discovery Center (which we are going to as well). And off we go, in 23 days!!!

hz80408

Yah, I love Chicago :O)  It's really a fun city and will be great for an October wedding!

And you are so lucky to be able to take advantage of the free days!!! (They never work for me since I usually have work).

Where are you staying?  If you want any recs for food, etc, email me! hannahzswanson @ gmail.com

ehathewa

The Museum of Science and Industry used to have free days...  you could look into that too.   Have fun!  I love Chicago!

MyWedding13

How exciting!! Don't forget all of the fabulous shopping that you can do with your newfound money!!!

Salamandy24

FI and I got engaged in Chicago! You've got to see the show "Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind". It's amazing. Have fun!

dittmerbullard2010

Thanks for the help everyone! I will look into that other museum too.

We actually are camping just outside the city (cause we are crazy fools who love camping, especially when it's chilly!)

Theresa626

There is a City Pass card that gives you admission to all of the major museums for a certain amount of days.  If you plan on seeing a lot of those, the city pass will save you money.  You should check it out.  Also, I would never miss the Museum of Science and Industry.  It is the best museum ever.  Also, check out the sears (willis) tower but make sure you have lots of time.  Sometimes, the line for the elevator can be over an hour long.  If you want a cheaper thrill, go up to the top of the John Hancock in stead and have a martini in the signature room lounge.  You still get a pretty good view and you don't pay for the elevator ride.   In the summer, there is usually a free trolley that goes around the loop and to Navy Pier taht you can ride.  Navy Pier is a lot of fun and don't skip Michigan Ave.  Also, I just read that you are camping..... have you looked into parking fees??  Parking in the loop can easily cost you about 30 -40 dollars for an entire day. Commonly, it is 20 - 25 bucks for the first half hour and then ten dollars for every hour after that and then it caps around 40.    If you're anywhere near the Metra or the L, you might consider taking those in instead.  It's a chain but I really love the Weber Grill restaurant and they don't have them in many other cities.  

dittmerbullard2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_honeymoon_wow-chicago?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:11Discussion:686d0971-956d-4a16-bb98-d6739c798ef8Post:e9f588bd-cff8-43d3-a896-25b1d0977aec">Re: WOW! Chicago!</a>:
[QUOTE]There is a City Pass card that gives you admission to all of the major museums for a certain amount of days.  If you plan on seeing a lot of those, the city pass will save you money.  You should check it out.  Also, I would never miss the Museum of Science and Industry.  It is the best museum ever.  Also, check out the sears (willis) tower but make sure you have lots of time.  Sometimes, the line for the elevator can be over an hour long.  If you want a cheaper thrill, go up to the top of the John Hancock in stead and have a martini in the signature room lounge.  You still get a pretty good view and you don't pay for the elevator ride.   In the summer, there is usually a free trolley that goes around the loop and to Navy Pier taht you can ride.  Navy Pier is a lot of fun and don't skip Michigan Ave.  Also, I just read that you are camping..... have you looked into parking fees??  Parking in the loop can easily cost you about 30 -40 dollars for an entire day. Commonly, it is 20 - 25 bucks for the first half hour and then ten dollars for every hour after that and then it caps around 40.    If you're anywhere near the Metra or the L, you might consider taking those in instead.  It's a chain but I really love the Weber Grill restaurant and they don't have them in many other cities.  
Posted by Theresa626[/QUOTE]


The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium all have free days, which we are taking full advantage of. Buying the City Pass or whatever would cost us money that we don't need to spend. :)

I completely forgot about Sears Tower! I definitely want to go there!

hz80408

I agree...since you're lucky enough to take advantage of the free days, don't buy the adventure pass!

However, depending on where you're staying (are you planning on coming into the city on day trips and then going back to your campsite at night?) you may want to consider buying the 7-day L pass.

Where are you camping?  We camped north of the city last summer at Chain 'O Lakes State Park and it was gorgeous!

meganb1977

I grew up in Chicago so I'm very biased :-)  Go to Navy Pier for souvenirs.  Get deep dish pizza at Gino's East.  Vienna beef hot dogs are also traditional Chicago fare.  The museums are fabulous!  Definitely recommend the Sears Tower as well, my fiance gave me my promise ring there.

hz80408

I have to say, that Giordano's is better than Gino's East in my opinion.  But Gino's East downtown is a cool atmosphere.

Also, you could check out the Signature Lounge on the 96th flr of the Hancock Bldg for a drink or dessert. 

There's mixed review on the food there and it's pretty pricey. FI took me the night we got engaged and I think our bill was like $220 (but with a bottle of wine).

The Roof at the Wit Hotel is an awesome rooftop bar with great views.

I'm not sure if it's still available since it's after labor day, but since you seem outdoorsy, you may enjoy renting bikes on the lake and riding the bike path.  It's really pretty.  You can rent at several places along the lake, including Navy Pier.

dittmerbullard2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_honeymoon_wow-chicago?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:11Discussion:686d0971-956d-4a16-bb98-d6739c798ef8Post:60fddd8b-0acf-4c45-9e65-bf17d501078a">Re: WOW! Chicago!</a>:
[QUOTE]IWhere are you camping?  We camped north of the city last summer at Chain 'O Lakes State Park and it was gorgeous!
Posted by hz80408[/QUOTE]

That's where we are camping! I can't wait!

hz80408

Oh awesome!!! FI and I went last fall and it was gorgeous!!!  We rented a canoe and went out on the lake.  It's really pretty!!!

If I remember correctly, it took us about 45minutes or so to get there from our apt (which is 10 minutes from downtown).

Have fun!

afloggie

I am going to Chicago next week for my honeymoon too!

JCM10

I prefer Giordano's to Ginos too. It's so weird thinking of people honeymooning there though...I grew up closeby. I was going to tell you to pack a coat but it looks like you know it'll be chilly We even had snow a few Halloweens when I was living in IL, so be ready for anything!

dittmerbullard2010

Thanks for all the help! I appreciate it.

EllenG27

I got engaged in Chicago too!! I guess it was a popular spot for that. Fiance and I take weekend trips there a lot (we live in Iowa). Actually going back there in about 3 weeks. There is so much to do there!! Fiance's favorite restaurant is Brazzaz!

amandamcconnell

I like Giordano's better too, and I used to work at Gino's Chicago is so much fun, you will have a great time!

elisabethb29

Have fun!! I lovvvvvveee Chicago!  My FI and I spent a whole day just walking seeing what we could see.  We even asked people where things were and they were very friendly about pointing us in the right directions.  There was a breakfast place we reallllyyy liked called Ann Sather's.  Have a wonderful time!!!!!!!!!   (I hope soon-to-be DH and I can go back soon!!)