I have a conference in downtown Chicago this Wednesday-Friday. Most of my days will be taken up with seminars and such, but I'm wondering if there is anything fun and quick to do while I'm there. I'll have a few hours here and there.
My husband can work remotely, so he is tagging along and working from the hotel or coffee shops.
Any suggestions? Thanks for your help!
wonderful clementine / 24134 posts
The zoo is great if you are close enough because its free! Even go for a quick walk through it!
pear / 1657 posts
The weather looks like it will be warm and sunny Thursday and Friday, so you could take a walk along Lake Michigan. Dinner or cocktails in the evening - happy to recommend some spots - what kind of food/drinks do you like?
If you like art, you could check out the Art Institute or the MCA. Shopping on State Street or Michigan Ave.
If you want a great view of the city you can go up to the Signature Room of the John Hancock (that way you don't have to pay for the touristy observation deck) and either just take a look around or get a bite to eat or a drink while you are up there.
GOLD / wonderful apricot / 22646 posts
Navy Pier, Shopping/eating on michigan Ave, Shedd Aquarium, Walk around Millenium Park (bean), etc.
pear / 1998 posts
@CakeLady: Thanks! Most of my meals will be provided at the conference, but my husband will be looking for spots to eat. He loves craft beer and would probably prefer a casual place that wouldn't be too weird if he was alone. I think he would prefer something more local than touristy. We love all types of food - we aren't picky and love to try new things.
I love the idea of getting drinks after the conference at the Signature Room!
@T.H.O.U.: It's only about mile or two away, so I'm going to try to take a walk through it during a break! Thanks!
pomelo / 5132 posts
@TemperanceBrennan: For non-touristy options, look outside of the Loop/downtown. If he likes craft beer, I'd suggest Revolution Brewery in Logan Square or Half Acre in Lincoln Square (all accessible by the eL). Even Goose Island wouldn't be too touristy. Most places outside of downtown will have great beer selections. Oh! Another suggestion is Piece Pizza and Brewery in Wicker Park. They brew their own craft beer and you can build your own amazing pizzas.
Let me know if you have specific types of things you'd like to do/go/eat etc.
apricot / 262 posts
I second the reco for Piece Pizza - great food and beer and super easy to get to via the blue line. It's also in a neighborhood that's great for walking around and people watching. Big Star is another good place in that same neighborhood - not sure about their craft beer selection, but their tacos are fantastic and they have a big whiskey menu. Have fun! The weather here is awesome right now!
nectarine / 2641 posts
@Mrs. J: I second/third Piece Pizza. Soooo good. I lived in Chicago for 2 years and I miss this place so much. It's a fun neighborhood, too.
pear / 1657 posts
I asked DH about his fave breweries and he recommended Revolution or Hapf Acre as well. Another smaller one he likes is Begyle. All are easy to get to on public transportation.
My favorite restaurant in the city is Lula Cafe in Logan Square, a neighborhood northwest of downtown. There are lots of great bars and restaurants in that area too. Piece and Big Star are also great options, though they both get really crowded.
pea / 9 posts
For stuff near downtown/loop (and that are also things a typical Chicagoan would do)
-- walk through Millennium Park
-- Art Institute
-- Architecture Tour of the River
-- Run/bike the lakefront path
Also - if your hubby likes awesome food tell him to go to Xoco. He can go at an off-peak time to avoid the crazy lines and it's delicious. Mmmmmmmm.
nectarine / 2028 posts
A Wendella boat tour (https://www.wendellaboats.com) is a great way to see the city. I second the comment about the Signature Room-amazing views, and that way you don't have to pay to go up to the top. The Art Institute is an incredible museum (http://www.artic.edu). Chicago has a lot of fabulous food choices-definitely grab brunch if you have the time! Some options: Tempo (http://www.yelp.com/biz/tempo-cafe-chicago), Orange (https://orangerestaurantchicago.com), or Nookies (http://www.nookieschicago.com).
pear / 1998 posts
Thanks everyone! You really helped! We're looking forward to it.
eggplant / 11408 posts
Thanks for this! We're headed to Chi-town for the 4th, and I haven't been in forever. I'm excited!
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