Heading to Chicago Jan 8-10

[Robin Hood]

My best friend and his GF are jetting in from Buffalo for a few days of fun in Chicago with Becky and I. We are staying at the Best Western River North. So we are right in the mix of things.

Even being from IL I am not that familiar with all things Chicago. We are planning the usual stuff, such as Field Museum, Aquarium, etc.

We have a couple things on the must do list for out of towners. Is there anything that is must do we are missing on the list? Was hoping to go to someplace nice after dinner at Ditka's on Friday night, Jazz/Blues Club maybe.... We do kinda have a small fly in the ointment though....Jay's GF is only 20....so we have to be mindful of that when picking an after dinner place.

Eat at Ed's
Going to Ditka's for dinner
Sears Tower
Field Museum
S&I Museum
Aquarium

[Chicago Jake]

Navy Pier is a popular tourist attraction. Lots to do there. There is also shopping on Michigan Avenue (Water Tower Place is a favorite). The Old Water Tower itself (Michigan and Chicago Avenues) is pretty cool; one of the few downtown structures to survive the great fire.

You might want to check out "The Bean" in Millennium Park. It's a huge stainless steel sculpture that has to be seen to be believed. It's just a few steps east of Michigan Avenue, and just south of Randolph Street.

Across the street from "The Bean" is the Cultural Center. This is an old, fancy building that was originally built to be the public library. Now it's just a cool joint with amazing architecture and lots of free exhibits.

My favorite joint to hang out is Carmine's on Rush Street (about 1000 North). They have a little piano bar in the basement which is a lot of fun. Since the place is mostly a restaurant, they don't card or stop minors from coming in, even to the bar/music area. It's not far from Ditka's. Most of the authentic jazz and blues joints card hard, but not Carmine's.

Pizza: you have to check out the pizza at Uno's or Due's on Rush Street. Don't be fooled by the Uno's chain pizza; that crap sucks. Only these two locations have the real McCoy.

While you're at the Museum Campus already, you might find time for the Planetarium. It's right by the Aquarium. Also, when you go to the Field, be sure to check out the giant dinosaur skeleton outside on the grounds.

You might take a ride on the elevated train; that's good for cheap entertainment. Get on anywhere in the Loop, ride for awhile, then get off and get back on in the other direction. If you stick to the Brown Line, you won't have to worry about any gnarly neighborhoods.

There are also free trolleys on the weekend. Not sure of the winter schedule, but you can pick up info on line, or while you are at the cultural center. I'm pretty sure it serves Navy Pier, Michigan Avenue shopping, and the train stations.

There's a few thoughts off the top of my head! Have a great time!......Jake