[redneckotaku]

I know there are certain things I should see and do in Chicago on the Shoulder days of ACen. Sadly the Cubs are in Boston during Acen or seeing Wrigley Field would be taken off my bucket list. This leads to a couple of questions from this Marylander.

1. I should see the Sears Tower when I am there. What other cool things are in Chicago? I am planning to see Chicago on Thursday Sunday Afternoon, and Monday of the weekend, so time is of the premium.

2. I know I should eat a deep dish Pizza (knowing how heavy it is from Uno's) and a Chicago Style Dog (with Neon green relish and Poppy Seed bun). What places offer a good one either on CTA or near the convention Center area?

3. How easy is it to see the White Sox? Can I walk up and buy a seat? Is there a Minor League team closer to the Convention Center? I love Baseball, but I love Minor League Baseball because not only is it affordable. You also get the best stories from watching it. Thanks for your thoughts on this.

This post has been edited by redneckotaku: 23 October 2010 - 06:27 PM

[FluffyXCrayon]

You should visit The Bean at Millennium Park!
It's really cool!
And the park is gorgeous~

And shop at Michigan Ave. if you get the chance. It's a great experience!

Another suggestion I would recommend going is to Navy Pier.
It's a fun place that has all sorts of attractions, like they have a giant Ferris wheel!!!
It's HUGE!!!
And you get a great view of Chicagos harbor!


They're not far from each other if you take a cab or the CTA.

[KnitChick]

There's so much to see and do in Chicago, it's hard to do in just a couple of days!!

That said, if you're looking for a Chicago dog one of the best places is Gene & Jude's. Their hot dogs are SO YUMMY that it kills me that I can't really eat them (my body disagrees with me on the merits of G&J!), and the nice thing is it's about a 5 min or so drive from the convention center. It's not walkable but if you can get a ride it's worth it.

I couldn't tell you about seeing the Sox, I honestly don't bother unless I'm going to the Stitch & Pitch event (I'm a Cubs fan). But there are a few minor league teams in the area... the only one coming to mind is the Schaumburg Flyers but I know there's more (I'm just way tired and braindead tonight).

I'll second FluffyXCrayon's suggestions of Millennium Park, Navy Pier, and Michigan Ave. The Hancock building is another great place to visit, and right by it is the Water Tower (wonderful piece of Chicago history!) not to mention the Hershey's Store and Ghiardelli store right across from each other behind the Water Tower.

Hope that helps!

[sentinel28a]

I'm not from and don't live in Chicago, but I can kind of see where you're coming from, being an out-of-towner.

My suggestion is the Museum of Science and Industry. It's the one place in Chicago I really busted my butt to get to two years ago, and it was worth it. There's so much to see there--the U-505 (one of only three WWII U-boats left in the world), aircraft, one of the largest model railroads in the world (the 1/87 scale Sears Tower is awesome), human anatomy exhibit, whatever traveling exhibit is there now (it was Harry Potter when I was there)...man, you've got to see it.

On my list of things to do this year, I want to visit the Field Museum, and I second the motion on Navy Pier--another place I want to see.

I finally just bought a guidebook to Chicago, which are worth the $10 or so. It lists good places to stay and eat, and all the places to see in Chicago...along with a few places to avoid and how to stay safe. Downtown's okay, but I avoided some bad areas thanks to my guidebook.

Ben Da Mad Irishman
"Just watch out for those freaks at ACen"

[Demon Slayer]

Another cool thing about the Museum of Science and Industry is that it's the only building standing from when Chicago hosted the 1893 World's Fair (It had to be permanent as it housed the fine arts exhibition). And the exhibits are really sweet.

Try to get to Museum Campus (Field Museum/Shedd Aquarium/Planetarium), since they're all in the same general area. I'm not sure but you might be able to get a pass for all three at a discount rate (I'm not really sure).

As for Hot Dogs, Gene and Jude's is a definite must, and it's near to the con center. Not walk-able but if you have a car/there may be a Pace bus that will get you there. Another good place for hotdogs (I think) is SuperDawg, I believe at Milwaukee and Devon. It's a classic drive in and, while it's a bit pricey, it's really delicious and it's just a total experience. Just make sure you order a superdawg, they won't serve you if you order a hot dog!

Pizza wise, Geno's East, Giordano's, Lou Malnatti's are all classic deep dish places. Giordano's is right by the con center, and Geno's East is maybe 10 minutes by car from the con center.

With re: to the Sox... I would say you can probably get a ticket if you go to the box office, but if they're playing a big rival (I.E. Minnesota, Detroit, Yankees, etc) you might want to buy ahead. Heck, you might want to do so anyhow. ALSO, Sox Park is near-ish to the Museum of Science and Industry, as they are both on the south side of town.

Hope this helps! Now you've made me homesick. Hah.

[Voxx]

I like the Shedd Aquarium ^.^ You could walk up through the park, see the Bean, and continue through the park along the lake and walk up to the Field Museum and the Shedd and Planetarium is within walking distance. Another unique area is Chinatown if you are interested in that.

[Lina]

If you go to the museums, you will probably need a whole day at least. My boyfriend and I went to the Field Museum about an hour after it opened and stayed til it closed and we felt we didn't get everything done. We love to take our time and soak in all the wonderful information. My favorite sections are the Dinosaur and Egypt ones. What they did with the Dinosaur exhibit blew me away. I remember when it was just one room with a few dinosaurs. They really did a nice job with the huge upgrade. LOVE IT!

[KirbyFanOne]

Call me a philistine but I didn't find the Bean all that awesome. Sure it looks cool, but on retrospect it is a giant testie.

As for what to do, I only had one year in the city. Most of the time I explored and did recon for myself while on my off time from school. Just don't look like a tourist, walk with purpose, and you should be fine. Just be aware that Subway and 7-11 are a dime a dozen here, and I mean it when I say they're basically on every corner. It's pretty hilarious, if you ask me.

[basili1250]

Do yourself a favor man and go to Uno's on 29 East Ohio Street for deep dish pizza or even its sister restaurant down the street, Due. Giordano's sold out and became a chain which isn't cool in my book and their pizza is average. Before anyone jumps on me I would like to point out that the chain Pizzeria Uno's Bar and Grill is merely a franchise associated with Uno, not owned by Uno. Lou Malnati's, Uno, and Gino's East are definitely your top places to go to for some real pizza. My vote is you order some sausage since they put an entire patty of meat on your pie, not just some crumbled bits.

Hot dogs, I agree with everyone when it comes to Gene's and Jude's. Once you feel/hear the snap of that wiener you'll never have another wiener like it (yeah, I said that!). Superdawg is also acceptable.

You also need to get your hands on a Chicago beef sandwich as well. Whether you get just a beef or a combo (beef sandwich with an Italian sausage), you gotta get peppers and some gravy on there (dipping broth). Best places are Johnny's Place(get their pepper and egg sandwich too!), Buona Beef, or Al's Beef

If you really want a secret surprise, go to Paradise Pup in Des Plaines. Voted best cheeseburger in Chicago. About a 10 min drive from the convention center.

All of these are pretty close to the con and if you don't have a vehicle or any other means by which to get around town then I'll be your personal chauffeur

[Alkaren Hyralt]

Oh, how I wish I had the time to see the city while I was there.

Personally though, I've found the train system to be a pretty decent way to get around (albeit how much they scare me.) So it shouldn't be too hard for you to get in to the city to see some of the things mentioned here. :]

Though I suggest you go to lou malnati's instead for pizza.

[TekoMuto]

DUDE! where in Marylands are ya? I'm currently in delaware and can totally give you the rad info on Chicago :3

[Kaay-chan]

I like how everyone's saying to shop on Michigan Avenue on the weekend of ACen. XD Seriously, guys? Like the poor guy isn't going to be broke enough as it is? lol. I suppose he could always go window shopping, though...

Um...I really hate to give you yet another recommendation for food (we're not trying to make you fat! I swear! We Chicagoans just really like our food!), but I'd say, if not on this trip than another, try to make it to Margie's Candies. It's right off the Western stop on the Blue Line of the CTA (the same line that's near the convention center) and they have really phenomenal ice cream sundaes (and a pretty mean cheeseburger, too).

I agree with Sentinel about the MSI. It was one of my favorite places to go on field trips back in elementary school, and I've always kinda wanted to go back and see the place not as a student, but sadly, haven't had the chance >< (Somehow, people who grow up in a place rarely end up going to the tourist attractions until later in life. I had never been to the Sears Tower until, like...two years ago, and my mom grew up in Philadelphia and never visited any of the historical sites there until she was about 18 or so...).

I'm trying to think of things that you can do in Chicago that don't cost much money, since it will be ACen weekend, but unfortunately Millennium Park (and Grant Park, if you want to see Buckingham Fountain and the site of Lollapalooza) are the only things I can think of...

I'm surprised nobody's mentioned the Art Institute, though that could be because of the admission price. If you're really interested in going, though, I'd say go for it. It's got some really great exhibits.

[TekoMuto]

i'll take u to the redlight district ;3

[Roark]

Chicago deep dish is overrated and, by this point, overdone. Try Piece Pizza and Brewery in Wicker Park. You won't be disappointed. Or Mista's on Clark for a more Italian experience.

If you're in on a Thursday night, hit Violet Hour. You will not be disappointed. Don't bother on the weekend, as the wait is enormous.

The Museum of Contemporary Art is better than the Art Institute, IMO.

For hot dogs AND a show, hit Wiener Circle on Clark & Fullerton either Friday or Saturday evening around 2 a.m. Prepare to be offended.

Pub crawl your way through Ukrainian Village at some point. Ignore the flashy places and focus on the dives. They're much more awesome. The tip off is seeing a vintage Pabst, Schlitz, or Old Milwaukee sign.

Early morning bike rides along the lakefront path = win.

Green Mill on Lawrence and Sheffield is amazing.

Wandering through Boystown is always an experience. Just don't be shy. Get lunch at Nookies. Your mouth will thank me.

Lincoln Park Zoo is free and wonderful.

Tramonto's in Wheeling is delicious. Also try Bob Chinn's, down the street.

Avoid Navy Pier. It's a dump; there's nothing to do except buy overpriced trinkets that you can find at any mall.

Empty Bottle, Double Door, Metro, Schubas, Lincoln Hall all = win, depending on your music tastes.

[redneckotaku]

TekoMuto, on 25 October 2010 - 07:09 AM, said:

DUDE! where in Marylands are ya? I'm currently in delaware and can totally give you the rad info on Chicago :3

I am from Aberdeen, Maryland, which is Northeast of Baltimore. Where in Delaware are you?

[TekoMuto]

redneckotaku, on 25 October 2010 - 04:34 PM, said:

I am from Aberdeen, Maryland, which is Northeast of Baltimore. Where in Delaware are you?

Dover!
Didja go to Otakon this year? If ya did you mighta saw me!

[redneckotaku]

TekoMuto, on 25 October 2010 - 04:47 PM, said:

Dover!
Didja go to Otakon this year? If ya did you mighta saw me!

Yes, I Did. I also blend easily because I don't cosplay and wear a black or white T-Shirt around Otakon.

[TekoMuto]

redneckotaku, on 25 October 2010 - 04:53 PM, said:

Yes, I Did. I also blend easily because I don't cosplay and wear a black or white T-Shirt around Otakon.

lol

I was the legoman in the business suit

[Alkaren Hyralt]

Roark, on 25 October 2010 - 04:15 PM, said:

Chicago deep dish is overrated and, by this point, overdone. Try Piece Pizza and Brewery in Wicker Park. You won't be disappointed. Or Mista's on Clark for a more Italian experience.

If you're in on a Thursday night, hit Violet Hour. You will not be disappointed. Don't bother on the weekend, as the wait is enormous.

The Museum of Contemporary Art is better than the Art Institute, IMO.

For hot dogs AND a show, hit Wiener Circle on Clark & Fullerton either Friday or Saturday evening around 2 a.m. Prepare to be offended.

Pub crawl your way through Ukrainian Village at some point. Ignore the flashy places and focus on the dives. They're much more awesome. The tip off is seeing a vintage Pabst, Schlitz, or Old Milwaukee sign.

Early morning bike rides along the lakefront path = win.

Green Mill on Lawrence and Sheffield is amazing.

Wandering through Boystown is always an experience. Just don't be shy. Get lunch at Nookies. Your mouth will thank me.

Lincoln Park Zoo is free and wonderful.

Tramonto's in Wheeling is delicious. Also try Bob Chinn's, down the street.

Avoid Navy Pier. It's a dump; there's nothing to do except buy overpriced trinkets that you can find at any mall.

Empty Bottle, Double Door, Metro, Schubas, Lincoln Hall all = win, depending on your music tastes.

As expected from the person who heads GR

[Kaay-chan]

Roark, on 25 October 2010 - 04:15 PM, said:

The Museum of Contemporary Art is better than the Art Institute, IMO.

This depends on the kind of art you like. While the MCA is interesting, I've always had a fascination with ancient civilizations, and the Art Institute has exhibits from ancient Egypt and Rome and Greece, as well as stuff from various periods European and Asian History.

[TekoMuto]

MCA is fun. Always get lost when i look for it. Art Institute is fun too. Can't wait to see it after the renovations :3

[Roark]

Alkaren Hyralt, on 25 October 2010 - 05:10 PM, said:

As expected from the person who heads GR

And I'm not even listing my personal favorites. The places where I go that everyone knows my name

Kaay-chan, on 25 October 2010 - 10:17 PM, said:

This depends on the kind of art you like. While the MCA is interesting, I've always had a fascination with ancient civilizations, and the Art Institute has exhibits from ancient Egypt and Rome and Greece, as well as stuff from various periods European and Asian History.

It does depend on the art styles, but I have a fondness for the design of the MCA. Plus, it's three blocks from one of my aforementioned personal haunts

[Kaay-chan]

Roark, on 26 October 2010 - 09:10 AM, said:

And I'm not even listing my personal favorites. The places where I go that everyone knows my name



It does depend on the art styles, but I have a fondness for the design of the MCA. Plus, it's three blocks from one of my aforementioned personal haunts

Somehow, the way you say that just sounds so....sinister....Dun know why, though...

[Roark]

Kaay-chan, on 26 October 2010 - 04:04 PM, said:

Somehow, the way you say that just sounds so....sinister....Dun know why, though...

Specifically crafted to keep people away from the places I really love

[TekoMuto]

Roark, on 26 October 2010 - 08:55 PM, said:

Specifically crafted to keep people away from the places I really love

wish i could find a way to do that with bookstores. I would like to keep all the annoying people out

[Sandstorm]

Alright, some non-tourist-y crap to do in Chicago:

Brown line to western, you're in German-town. There's also a couple comic shops (one just south on Western and one right off the Montrose brown line stop, which is only a few blocks away) and a really cool park up there.

Green Mill Lounge (if you're over 21), an old Jazz lounge. Sometimes a big name will show up on a Saturday and jam randomly (Chick Corea and Herbie Handcock among them), and the normal groups there are pretty sweet.

Kuma's Corner/Hot Dougs. Best burgers/Hot dogs ever. Kuma's is also a metal bar. It's loud and the wait is long, but so worth it. Google the menus.

If you want to go shopping, some people prefer thrift stores to Michigan Ave. If so, check out Belmont and Clark (Red or Brown line to Belmont). Ragstock is there, as are some other cool independent stores, a record store, a book store, and The Alley (Overpriced, but window shopping is fine).

Check out some of the concert places, like The Empty Bottle, beat Kitchen, and Schubas (if you're over 21), Reggies, Lincoln Hall, Kinetic Playground, ect. Music, other stuff, sometimes Roller derby.

Chinatown's sweet, but go to the north plaza area.

Last but not least, unlike the west/east coast, we had a sushi explosion instead of a ramen explosion, but if you want some ramen, Tokyo Hotel or Ko-Ko-ro.

If I think of anything else, I'll let you know.