Planning a Trip to Chicago Anytime Soon?

August 15, 2011

I spent a week in Chicago earlier this year, and fell in love with the city! While it wasn't my first visit, it was my first time to stay in the city with a Chicagoan, and see, do, and EAT so many things!

If you have a few days and want to do things like the aquarium, Hancock building, Willis (Sears) Tower, then check out the CityPASS. For $76, you can visit Shedd Aquarium, The Field Museum, Skydeck Chicago (Willis Tower), Adler Planetarium OR Art Institute of Chicago, John Hancock Observatory OR Museum of Science and Industry. There's a little "perk" or "extra" for each attraction, from a free cup of coffee to being able to skip the lines (that alone was worth the $76!).

You won't need help finding a place to eat, but if you'd like to try one of the best cinnamon rolls you've ever had, you need to visit Ann Sather! Another must in my book is brunch at Orange - Contemporary Brunch with a Peel. I recommend the Orange-Rosemary French toast; you should at least stop in for a cup of orange coffee.

And then there is the pizza debate... I'm not going to pick a side, but this time around I tried Chicago's Pizza and Pasta. I have to say, it was better than my Gino's East pizza experience...

Some of the best places are going to be the "hole-in-the-wall" joints you won't find on the internet or in a travel book. Ask the locals where these "joints" are for a good 'ol Chicago style hot dog, burger, and Mexican food. Sorry, but I don't remember the names of the hole-in-the-wall places where I ate. But, man was that one good Chicago dog!

And of course, there is the shopping. Everyone knows about Michigan Avenue, which really is a must if you're a shopper. But one little "treasure" I was taken to in an alley off Belmont was Ragstock. I want to go back just to go to Ragstock. It is a fun, unique, interesting little place with good finds and great prices.
 
But, really, if you'd just left me in the quiet little neighborhood of Roscoe Village all week, or left me to hop the L into the city and spend the days simply walking and sitting in the parks, I would have been perfectly content. You have to look past the hustle and bustle, past those who are rushing from here to there, just slow down and enjoy it. I've been busily planning (in my head) my move to the city since I've been back! Someday...

Oh, and here are some books that will help you plan your trip, Frommer's 24 Great Walks in Chicago; Walking Chicago; The Michelin Guide, Chicago: Restaurants.

Sharon Z.
Smithville Branch