Chicago

[CuseFaninVT]

The Shedd is awesome but a big section of it is under construction right now.

Oh yeah, ask Conrad. He lives just outside of town.

 

[chugg21]

My sister’s father in law was the guy who started the beer cup snake years ago. ESPN did a package on it a few weeks back.

Saw that after going to a DC Defenders game

 

[tbonezone]

saturdays in the park are nice. but try to arrive 25 or six to four.

 

[orangeinohio]

Get a beer at the Old Town Ale House, if you're in the area.
Lovely artwork.

EDIT: just noticed the part about your 11- and 14-year-olds. Do not go to the Old Town Ale House.

 

[Bill Orange]

I live in Chicago. My thoughts and recommendations:

• The architecture boat tour is awesome and a must.
• Yes, sit on the third base side of Wrigley to avoid the sun beating down on you. The Bleachers are very fun, but you're in the sun and it's a drunken frat party, so not kid-friendly. Big Star (Mexican) and Smoke Daddy (BBQ) are two good restaurants right next to Wrigley if you want to eat before or after.
• The Art Institute is world-class but not sure an 11 and 14-year old would enjoy. The Museum of Science & Industry is great and more likely to please your kids.
• Don't do the Willis Tower. It's a tourist trap that takes over an hour to get to the Skydeck (i.e., the top w/ the glass platforms that extend out and you walk on). You just go from one line on one floor to another for an hour+. The John Hancock Tower's 360 Observation Deck is much better.
• Like VT said, the West Loop has great restaurants.
• Cindy's at the top of the Chicago Athletic Association has an awesome view of Millennium Park.
• Lincoln Park Zoo is very meh. I find it depressing like most zoos.
• Rent bikes and ride up and down the path along the lake. Can't go wrong north or south. Maybe bring your swim suits and hit up a beach. Chicago's a beach town during the summer.

We were in Chicago this past weekend.

Attended the Cubbies walk off win on Sunday. Pregame at Murphy’s is a must. 3rd base side for seating is the way to go. Was fortunate to get a hookup for 6th row seats between home and 3rd. Only annoying thing about a win is that obnoxious “Go Cubs Go” song they play after the game. Right, @Chipper, Cuseguy and SU Barney?

We ate well. Gibson’s, Crosby’s and Armitage Ale House.

Avoid the 360 thing at the Hancock Building. 50 bucks a head.

Architectural Boat Tour is a must.

Just arrived in Napa. The Summer of Bill Orange marches on.

 

[Shrmdougluvr]

Seems unnecessary to do a trip report on a place so many people live near or visit. I'll just say we had a nice weekend with the highlight, for me, being the Cubs game Saturday (even though they threw up on themselves to lose it). We followed some recommendations. Glad we made the trip.

Lolapolooza made things interesting. I think my 14-year-old's voice dropped an octave while we were there.

 

[Symphony Steve]

We were in Chicago this past weekend.

Attended the Cubbies walk off win on Sunday. Pregame at Murphy’s is a must. 3rd base side for seating is the way to go. Was fortunate to get a hookup for 6th row seats between home and 3rd. Only annoying thing about a win is that obnoxious “Go Cubs Go” song they play after the game. Right, @Chipper, Cuseguy and SU Barney?

We ate well. Gibson’s, Crosby’s and Armitage Ale House.

Avoid the 360 thing at the Hancock Building. 50 bucks a head.

Architectural Boat Tour is a must.

Just arrived in Napa. The Summer of Bill Orange marches on.

Loved the boat tour. What I won't forget:

The narrator on the boat said the following as we passed a barge:

"That's a City of Chicago barge. How do I know that it's a City of Chicago barge? Because nobody on the barge is working."