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Visiting Chicago
Hi ladies. DH and I will be visiting Chicago this coming weekend, and we need some suggestions/help. We're currently planning on driving to Chicago, but we're wondering how expensive it will be (approximately) to park places. I've got an idea for hotel parking, but I'm not sure about other places throughout the city.
We don't know where we're staying yet (and suggestions are welcome), so we don't know if we'll be near the el or not. Any transportation tips would be much appreciated (sorry, I'm clueless)!
Also, any great suggestions on what to do or where to eat? We're catching a Cubs came on Monday, but that's the only thing on our schedule. We don't need anything extremely fancy - hidden gems (where locals go) are always our favorite when visiting places.
Thank you all so much!
Love.
Re: Visiting Chicago
Love.
Since gas is so expensive, you're better off finding a hotel that's near to the El. The Red Line will drop you off right outside Wrigley Field, and you can visit any of the bars and restaurants outside Wrigley before or after the game. Also, parking in Wrigleyville can be a nightmare--permit parking all over, especially on game days. Taking the train is cheaper and less of a headache.
Murphy's Bleachers is a favorite spot, but it can be CROWDED before and after games, so you might just have to play it by ear. Goose Island is right down the street from Wrigley, and that's a favorite place for many of my friends, though I've never been. Also, a few doors down is Improv Olympic (IO) if you're looking for something to do late night/evening in Wrigleyville.
Almost anywhere you stay downtown will be near the El. As long as you get on a red line train to Wrigley, you'll be fine.
HTH!
i know people who stay outside of the loop/mag mile area, and train in, but it is a hassle. these days, the blue line in from the O'Hare area takes over an hour... its a mess. and the commuter trains from the suburbs don't run as often during the day, and it can be a pain to stick to a strict train schedule to make sure you don't get stranded. i would say you are better off parking your car at your hotel, and leaving it there until you leave, using public transportation during your stay. if you are going to dinner at a place with valet parking, it is typically cheaper than a taxi to drive and valet, though. so keep that in mind.
i have a list of my favorite restaurants in my bio. and i always recommend that visitors do the Architectural River Boat Tour. if you want "local" stuff, I'd check out the Andersonville and Wicker Park neighborhoods... lots of boutiques and local shops/restaurants, and accessible by the El.
Because we're fancy like that.