Chicago Honeymoon

KaylaD45

My fiance and I are planning a wedding a year from now, we want to go to Chicago for the honeymoon. We are on a low budget and I was just wondering if anyone out there has honeymooned there and have any ideas of places to stay and see? Thanks!

blubuilding

I like doing the touristy stuff. I am from there. Gino's pizza Smith and Wollensky Segueway tours Second City Navy Pier Blue Man Group

blubuilding

Oh, and all the museums! Don't forget the aquarium.

Summer2011Bride

Didn't HM there but grew up right by Chicago and have gone numerous times.

I have recently stayed at both the Westin Michigan Ave. and the Dana Hotel. I wouldn't call either  "budget" hotel; however, the Westin, as part of the Starwood family of hotels, often has really good online deals, so I would check their website. Michigan Ave. is a really central location to stay for all the main things you'd probably want to do there, like shopping, eating, bars, etc., and it's pretty easy to catch a cab there as well.

Will you be there in the summer? If so, and you've never been, I would probably hit up the basics: Navy Pier, where you can eat, rent a bike and ride around by the lake/beach, ride the ferris wheel, mini-putt, etc. You might also look into a dinner cruise or other cruise on the lake, perhaps a sightseeing one.

I'd do some shopping/sightseeing on Michigan and walk down to the Millennium Park area, which is really pretty during the spring/summer. There are also places to eat down there. Sightseeing is totally free too!

I've heard there is an architecture tour of Chicago that is really awesome but I personally haven't done it before.

If you like museums, there's the Field Museum or Museum of Science and Industry (a personal fave). The Shedd Aquarium is also really fun but I would buy tix in advance and try to avoid weekends; it gets very very busy.

For nightlife, Howl at the Moon is a fun dueling piano bar. For drinks with a view, I'd suggest the Signature Lounge on the 96th floor of the John Hancock Building (on Michigan Ave). For just a view of the city, there are observation decks on the top of the Hancock and the Sears (Willis) Tower if you aren't bothered by heights. If you do go to the Signature Lounge, you can get a great view of the city from the women's bathroom. Sounds silly I know, but true.

There is just so much to do, it's hard to write it all without writing a book. If you have more specific questions, feel free to ask.

KatWAG

I am a native who still lives in downtown Chicago.

The Lincoln park zoo is free.

North Avenue Beach is fun but gets crowded, you can bike here.
 
If you are coming in the summer check the Chicago Tribune to see if a street festival is going on.

Go see the Bean.

Only have a drink at that the Signature Room. The food there is bad and really expensive. The view from the women's bathroom is actually the best.

The museums can get expensive and busy. I would say pick one that you are interested and go there. The science and Industry museum is not downtown but on the South side and you would need to take a long cab ride.

Take the L if you can, it will save you a bunch of money.

If you want to go to a Cubs game, You can general scalp bleacher seats the day of, as long as its not a HUGE game. Sitting in the bleachers gives you a true Cubs experience.

Go to Wicker Park or Bucktown if you are looking for the local hipsters.

And I would avoid Howl at the Moon. This place always as a cover. Its expensive and its always filled with Bachelorettes wearing penis necklaces who should have gone to bed 3 hours ago. That doesn't scream honeymoon to me.

While the segway tour is very touristy, it is actually really fun. I dont think its horribly expensive and there are groupons sometimes.

For hotels, look into the Fairfield inn. It was our cheaper option for our hotel block. It is in a great location for restaurants and shopping.

Summer2011Bride

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_honeymoon_chicago-honeymoon-2?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:11Discussion:c94a0686-cae8-4d9d-9970-e9ca2fba218aPost:32f932e2-4c60-48ef-b93c-23fc8345b513">Re: Chicago Honeymoon</a>:
[QUOTE] And I would avoid Howl at the Moon. This place always as a cover. Its expensive and its always filled with Bachelorettes wearing penis necklaces who should have gone to bed 3 hours ago. That doesn't scream honeymoon to me.
Posted by KatWAG[/QUOTE]

Hmm we've been there three times with no cover charge and only one time did we see bachelorette parties. It could be that if you get there before a certain time there is no cover or possibly on certain nights of the week.

OP, if you go I would recommend going on not a Fri or Sat. Those will by far be the busiest and you'll have the biggest chance of having a cover or having the large parties PP speaks of. FWIW, I think they have some of the more reasonably priced drinks around Chicago and the drinks are not watered down and taste good. If you are looking for nightlife, I recommended this place because most bars in the city will have a cover and be busy; this way, even if you have to pay cover, at least you get some good entertainment for the price. The shows are always great and a hoot to watch.

Oh and we have been there on a non-weekend and it wasn't lame. They get a fun crowd all days of the week.

MobKaz

"I've heard there is an architecture tour of Chicago that is really awesome but I personally haven't done it before."

http://www.architecture.org/tours
It is a really good tour and a great way to see a different perspective of the city. 

You can check: http://chicago.metromix.com/ for particular dates to see what shows and festivals are happening when you are here. 

TeresaS1027

As far as hotels go, you can usually get a great deal on sniqueaway.com, groupon.com, or livingsocial.com. Also, I've booked on Travelocity.com through their super secret deals and I've had good experiences. They basically give you the "star value" of the hotel and the price, but no details until you check out. If you book a 4 or 5 star you usually can't go wrong. Just avoid the Congress, many claim its haunted but worst of all, the beds are insanely uncomfortable and the bathrooms haven't been updated in a couple decades. The W isn't a budget, but all of their locations are fantastic (The Blake, W, and W City Center). Have fun, it's a fantastic city with a ton to do. Personally, if you like food with a little flair, I love Carnivale. For seafood, Shaw's Crab House is great. Just make sure you make reservations! Have fun!

aragx6

Howl at the Moon is fine, but it's a chain. I would focus on local places that you can't go to in other cities!

And I highly recommend the Architectural Boat Tours and going up to the Signature Room at the John Hancock instead of the observation deck -- the cost of one drink is about the same (i think less?) than the admission price would be, and hey, then you have a drink

KatWAG

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_honeymoon_chicago-honeymoon-2?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:11Discussion:c94a0686-cae8-4d9d-9970-e9ca2fba218aPost:a3ef99ae-3db2-4e39-85f0-d94aee44c661">Re: Chicago Honeymoon</a>:
[QUOTE]As far as hotels go, you can usually get a great deal on sniqueaway.com, groupon.com, or livingsocial.com. Also, I've booked on Travelocity.com through their super secret deals and I've had good experiences. They basically give you the "star value" of the hotel and the price, but no details until you check out. If you book a 4 or 5 star you usually can't go wrong. Just avoid the Congress, many claim its haunted but worst of all, the beds are insanely uncomfortable and the bathrooms haven't been updated in a couple decades. The W isn't a budget, but all of their locations are fantastic (The Blake, W, and W City Center). Have fun, it's a fantastic city with a ton to do. Personally, if you like food with a little flair<strong>, I love Carnivale. For seafood, Shaw's Crab House is great</strong>. Just make sure you make reservations! Have fun!
Posted by TeresaS1027[/QUOTE]
 
These are both awesome restaurants. Others to considers that are not chains and at have varying price points:
The Gage
GT Fish and Oyster
Hubbard Inn
Twin Anchors
Japonias
RPM
Tarantinos
Piece
Chicago Q
The Pump Room

CallMeBubbles

Not a native, but currently live in Lincoln Park.

I second Twin Anchors! Best ribs in the city. Try The Violet Hour if you like a good mixed drink, their mixologists are amazing (and Big Star is great BBQ across the street). And any of Rick Bayless' restaurants are top-notch and amazing, but I personally love Frontera Grill the most.

I also second the Lincoln Park Zoo, it's free but still a great zoo, and you can spend some time at the boardwalk and surrounding parks while you're there. Just a great area to stroll and relax.

If you're into the Chicago-style hot dog, I'd hit up Hot Doug's or a classic like the Wiener's Circle (though they're vulgar there, so be warned). If you're into donuts, the Doughnut Vault is pretty delicious, and it's an easy walk to the river where you can sit with coffee and donuts and start your day off right.

Definitely do an architecture tour if you can, either on segway or on one of the boats up the river. There are also tons of fun walking tours you can take, some focused on food, that are fun and generally not too pricey.

My biggest advice with Chicago is not to stick to the Loop, explore the neighborhoods a bit, and definitely take the L and buses to save money. There is so much history and fun things to discover, and I find Chicago to be less intimidating than NYC. Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Old Town, Wrigley, Bucktown, Wickerpark are all great neighborhoods that are still relatively close to downtown and safe. And explore the lakefront, too! Such a great city.

CallMeBubbles

And if you're into craft beer, there are a few brewery tours to take, too! Goose Island, Revolution, Half Acre, Metropolitan and I'm sure more I'm not remembering.

aimers1525

I like doing the touristy stuff even though I'm from Chicago too

I agree on the PP who said sign up for Chicago Groupon/Living Social/YouSwoop. They have hotel deals often.  They also have deals for stuff like segeway tours, kayaking along the Chicago River (good way to see the loop), restaurants, etc.

You can also stay out near Ohare or Midway and take the L in? The hotels are less expensive.

thale0924

Dont forget to check out the cultural center!! The building is BEAUTIFUL and there is always art exhibits.  Also, across the street (to the north) there is a  hottix store so you can find great prices on second city tickets or musicals/plays downtown. 

I second Piece! Amazing pizza and great craft beers. 

Also, there are some really romantic restaurants such as the Tasting Room, and Geja's Cafe.  But Chicago has a ton of BYOB restaurants!  It defiantly helps save some money by bringing your own booze. :-)

TaraKeeley

Linkin Park Zoo, Second City Theatre, Navy Pier!

hz80408

-I don't think Howl at the Moon is that it's cracked up to be.  Generally on wknds there is a cover-fee and lines. 

-I've had a lot of friends and family who've got great deals on hotels using priceline

A lot of other pp's had great suggestions; another thought is to ask your hotel concierge if they have coupons or passes; especially if it's your HM.  Several restaurants, bars, etc, give hotels these items and people often don't think to ask or take advantage.

Throughout the year museums have free days; see if your trip coincides with any of them; next year when you're considering your travel dates; just google "Chicago free museum days"