Chicago

taccoten

We've already gone on our honeymoon, but I figure this is a good place to ask any travel-related questions...

We are going to Chicago first weekend in April for 4 nights.  The only thing I have planned so far is opening weekend at Wrigley Field.  Anyone have any must-see/must-do/must-eats while we are there?

TIA!  Totally appreciated!

lilcassers

Go see the Blue Man Group! They are hilarious.

hz80408

Oh yeah! Opening weekend is always fun!

When's the last time (if ever) you've been here? and where are you staying/

Lots of tourist things to do:
-Lincoln Park Zoo (free)
-Drinks at John Hancock Signature Lounge
-Navy Pier <although I don't think the rides will be open by then)
-Shedd Aquariam
-Museum of Science and Industry
-Field Museum

Food favs/popular places:
-Portillos: italian beef (my fav in the city!), hamburgers, hotdogs, pasta
-Deep dish pizza: my fav is Art of Pizza, but other popular places are Gino's East, Giordano's, Lou Maltnati's
-Hot fudge sundae's at Ghiadelhi (sp)

taccoten

We are staying at Affinia - East Superior Street, close to MIchigan Ave.  I've never been to Chicago before, so all of this advice helps a ton!  We like to eat a lot, so love the food recs

MyWedding13

You are staying in the perfect location for wonderul Michigan ave. shopping! I agree with PP. You have to go to the Signature Room or Lounge at the top of the Hancock. It is absolutely amazing. The Sears/Willis Tower (I hate calling it Willis Tower) has a new skydeck ledge where you can walk outside the building and see amazing views. That is pretty cool. If you like tapas, you have to go to Tapas Valencia on the intersection of State and 16th street. Just have a cab take you there, it is amazing. Shopping on state street is also amazing.

barbbhoww

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_honeymoon_chicago?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:11Discussion:b135b1d9-549a-4fc0-a15b-3af635dbcb54Post:2562cdbd-b3c3-4dce-b0e0-88a5b20cba14">Chicago</a>:
[QUOTE]We've already gone on our honeymoon, but I figure this is a good place to ask any travel-related questions... We are going to Chicago first weekend in April for 4 nights.  The only thing I have planned so far is <strong>opening weekend at Wrigley Field.  </strong>Anyone have any must-see/must-do/must-eats while we are there? TIA!  Totally appreciated!
Posted by taccoten[/QUOTE]

I am SO jealous!!!!!!!!

You have to go to Portillos Hot Dogs (and get a Chicago Dog!)  One club you have to hit is Howl at the Moon.  It is an absolute BLAST!!!!!!!!!!!

Summer2011Bride

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_honeymoon_chicago?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:11Discussion:b135b1d9-549a-4fc0-a15b-3af635dbcb54Post:2562cdbd-b3c3-4dce-b0e0-88a5b20cba14">Chicago</a>:
[QUOTE]We've already gone on our honeymoon, but I figure this is a good place to ask any travel-related questions... We are going to Chicago first weekend in April for 4 nights.  The only thing I have planned so far is opening weekend at Wrigley Field.  Anyone have any must-see/must-do/must-eats while we are there? TIA!  Totally appreciated!
Posted by taccoten[/QUOTE]

Navy Pier is a cool place to walk around, esp. if the weather is nice. You can rent bikes and ride them around downtown/the beach. Shedd's Aquarium is really neat, but if you go on a weekend, get there early b/c it isn't uncommon to have a 2 hour wait just to get in . If you've never seen Chicago before, take a horse-drawn carriage ride (they pick up by the Water Tower place on Michigan Ave). The Rosebud Cafe has awesome Italian food! I forget the street it's on, but if you Google it, I'm sure you can find it. If you're into musicals at all, I'd check out what's playing at some of the theaters and maybe hit up a show. And if you want a more laid-back dining environment, go to Ed Debevic's (if you don't mind waiters that are rude on purpose!)

pretzelgrrl

-Drinks at John Hancock Signature Lounge for the view
-The Art Institute
-The tour at Wrigley Field--best field tour I've been on
-I agree Navy Pier is cool to walk around and you can great pictures
        but it may be too cold

Must eats-Gibsons for steak
                 Giordano's for pizza

taccoten

I wrote all of this down.  You girls are THE BEST!

hz80408

The Wrigley field tour won't be available if it's opening weekend.

Will you take public transport (aka the El) to Wrigley?  You're right by the red-line train, which stops right there (Addison stop)

Another fun and yummy place is Quartino's, on Ontario and State.  It's small plates (tapa style) italian food and is not too expensive, about $9 a plate.

Also obviously check out Millenium Park...the fountain there and the Bean and also the Buckingham Fountain in Millenium Park.

Corner Bakery has decent food and are a quick place to eat (a Panera type menu).

My parents always make us go to Bella Luna whenever they're in town.  It's a small italian place on the corner of Dearborn St and Superior.

taccoten

I love how you said "obviously go to Millenium Park" - I would have had no clue.

Ahhh all this talk of food makes me hungry!

hz80408

hehe, enjoy!! Definitely go there.  It's pretty and a popular spot!  Feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions.

I love Chicago and love sharing the excitement with others! :O)

girlinchicago

SOOOO many good restaurants in Chicago! 

If you have a biiiig budget, everyone says Alinea is tops.  This is for super foodies.

DH and I love these places:  MK, Frontera Grill (Rick Bayless's place - he won Top Chef Masters), Table 52 (Oprah's former personal chef's place,)  Carnivale (where we had our wedding reception,) Cafe Iberico.  None is cheap, but all totally hm appropriate/unique/romantic with great food.  Make reservations well in advance, especially if you want to go to Alinea or Frontera Grill.

Sue-n-Kevin

I was just there on business, and had a great (but I'm sure expensive, I didn't pay) dinner at Riva on Navy Pier. Nice view of the coast and boats on Lake Michigan.

I heard the boat tour that is primarily about architecture is great, but didn't get to do it.

jlawheed

Second City main stage tickets are a MUST

If you will be here on a Monday, and you like amazing, live jazz, go to the Green Mill.

Grand Lux Cafe on Michigan Ave is a huge variety of food and very cheap considering the location, plus window tables that overlook Michigan Ave.

Dont forget to grab your Garretts popcorn!

lamar0607

Lots of great suggestions! I agree with other posters on good ideas! Hancock 95th floor Lounge for evening drinks Grand Lux Cafe- yum! Lincoln Park Zoo (free!) Walk/bike along the Lakeshore Path to see the Lake Do some sort of improv comedy! Second City, IO... Museum Campus area is just fun to walk around to see the lake and skyline- and grab a Chicago dog I love MOSI- but it's further away State St has more low key shopping (and a huge Macy's!) Navy Pier is okay...I find it boring- but the IMAX is fun or if you can catch a boat ride there that is awesome! Going down the Chicago River you get to see so many fun sights! Look at all the stones on the Tribune building Mill. Park, Buckingham Fountain & the bean Hershey's store near Water Tower Place yuuuum Check online for any festivals/events going on when you are in town, Metromix is good place to check. Have fun in our city!