Can you help a TX Nestie?

travelingkris

XP from local board

 

Hey girls--

 

Any recs on where to stay in Chicago (hotel names, yes... but even just "districts")

 

Or... ideas of what to do?  I've found the most "popular" things to do, but I'm thinking of more off the wall sort of stuff that might not be found in a random google search

 

Thanks!

Xtina712

One of my favorite things to do in the city is go to Second City (Improv).  Lots of famous comedians started there and it's always a ton of fun.

joelen&louis

Most of the hotels are located in the Magnificent Mile (N. Michigan Ave & adjacent streets).

Others can be found in the Loop and along S. Michigan Ave.

As for things to do, what kind of things do you enjoy? You can check out Meetup,com to see if there are any events happening during your stay for interests that you have. To search meetup.com, use the Chicago zipcode of 60601 (downtown/city center zipcode I believe).

The city is full of various neighborhoods, many of which are ethnic based. If there is a specific culture or cuisine that you're interested in, I can suggest some areas of the city that highlights it with food and area shops and stores. Some examples (which can also be viewed in my blog with agendas and pics of previous tours I've hosted):

Chinatown
Little Argyle (Thai/Vietnamese/Lao)
Little Italy
Pilsen (Mexican)
Koreatown
Albany Park (Melting pot)
Andersonville
Old Town

Another suggestion is to check out Chicago Greeter. They specialize in FREE walking tours of the various neighborhoods like Wrigley Field, Michigan Ave, The Loop's Theatre District, etc.

I'm not sure if you have family/friends who are actual Chicago residents, but if so, they can check out a Museum Pass from any local Chicago library which provides FREE admission to the museums, aquariums, etc.

ladychicago

I always tell people to use Hotwire for hotels.... for the touristy areas, you'll want to stay Michigan Ave/Mag Mile, Streeterville, Wacker Drive, Gold Coast... any of those areas.  

I also really recommend the architectural river boat tours (if the weather is decent).    and Second City.    There's also a Chicago History Museum that is pretty cool, but not usually considered one of the main museums.    

wifeplzak

I def recommend the Architectural River Boat Tour (one leaves from Navy Pier). Also at navy pier they have live bands and great bars if the weather is nice to sit out an listen.