View Full Version : Chicago....
So my girlfriend's sister just moved to Chicago a couple months ago, and for Christmas both me and her are getting plane tickets from Dec 28 - Jan 4th. Mostly everything is paid for, we have the tickets, we have a place to stay, it's really just food and other expenses... which will be nice.
I've been in Chicago once before, but I was young and it was only for 2 days. What I'm asking you guys, is what should I do with my time? Keep in mind both of us are under 21 (tragic), and please post any ideas you have for our trip.
So far all I really have planned is Navy Pier, the aquarium, muesums and such... and although I don't want to have any sort of itinerary on this trip, I would like very much to have ideas in order to keep my girlfriend from being bored.
Also, is there anything fun the two of us could do on new years? I would like to do something more than getting smashed in the apartment, and wandering the Chicago late night streets... but if all else fails... http://www.totse.com/bbs/tongue.gif (http://www.totse.com/bbs/tongue.gif)
Thanks in advance, for any suggestions!
Soda_Can_Sniper
2006-12-19, 22:02
It's been a while since I've been back home, but if you can find one of those outside skating rinks, she might enjoy that.
BukkakeTsunami
2006-12-20, 01:17
Allright, you definitely want to take your girlfriend to Water Tower Place. It's just a big mall downtown, but it's a nice place to be around the holidays..lots of stuff to look at/do.
Just find a beach...and go walk on it with her. That's one of my favorite things to do with my lady here.
Uhmm...you could definitely check out a concert or something at the Vic, Riviera, Metro, or the Congress Theater or something if you're into music. I'm sure someone's playing at one of those 4 places while you're here.
Don't really waste too much time at museums and stuff. They're fun, but they'll be moving so slow because of all the tourists/people downtown shopping...
If you like food, you'll love Chicago..for Pizza try Lou Malnoti's...try the deepdish. http://www.totse.com/bbs/wink.gif (http://www.totse.com/bbs/wink.gif) Uhmm...I dunno man..just have fun. Chicago's pretty stellar.
As for the new years thing...I'm having a new years thing at my house, but I'm staying in Carol Stream right now which is like 45 minutes outside of Chicago... http://www.totse.com/bbs/cool.gif (http://www.totse.com/bbs/cool.gif)
Thanks for your help man. I'd totally have to agree with you as far as the museum deal goes... from my experiences traveling in Europe I've rarely found a museum that was better than the time potentially spent in the streets with the people/culture. None the less, I probly will hit up just one of them while I am there... any suggestions as to which I should choose?
She's love the Water Tower place, and I'll definitely walk along the beach with her. Does that zoo in that one park close down during the winter, or will I be able to walk through it with her? (If I remember correctly, it's close to the beach).
As far as music goes... her and me both would love to catch something while we're over there. But everytime we've looked online, all we can seem to find is what's playing at the House of Blues, and other larger establishments that haven't had much to offer other than Styx and Snoop Dogg. http://www.totse.com/bbs/rolleyes.gif (http://www.totse.com/bbs/rolleyes.gif)
Is there any jazz scene in Chicago these days? I would love very much to take her to some sort of live jazz or another... important thing to remember here though is that I am only 18 years old. http://www.totse.com/bbs/frown.gif (http://www.totse.com/bbs/frown.gif) So if there are any blues houses or juke joints, jazz venues or anything of the sort... that would be awesome. I'm looking for something a little less mainstream and probly located in a smaller establishment... Although I'll be honest, I haven't done any research to the places you've listed... so I'll look it up.
Another idea would be more theatrical stuff, plays, maybe the nutcracker? Something of the sort.
Don't think we'll have a problem with food... Haha. I've got that pretty much covered. One thing I did want to ask is how much dinner up in the John Hancock building goes for. I'd like to devote one night to giving her a really good time... go someplace nice and what not. But if that's ridiculously priced, do you have any suggestions?
I'm still looking for a place to spend New Years. My thing is, the place we're staying is a small studio right over the old Water Tower... but the four of us (Me, Kendra, her sister, and her sister's husband) will all be in this same room. I don't want to be a burden on her sister, and personally I'd like to give them some privacy so that they don't feel like they're baby sitting us. She won't mind us drinking at her place and what not, but I don't want them to feel they're "stuck" with us... So any suggestions would be awesome.
This is a bump... Only because I greatly need the advice... I'm leaving in just a few days.
BukkakeTsunami... come back my man. http://www.totse.com/bbs/frown.gif (http://www.totse.com/bbs/frown.gif)
GET CHICAGO PIZZZA
LOOK AT CHICAGO GRAFFITI
sears tower
the lake
museums
if your into that kinda shit.
shed aquarium is romaticish i guess.. its just fish.
But whats that one place, i forgot what its called right now, with the big fucking projector screen dome on the celling?
Yeah, find that and go there high. best day high of your life.
[This message has been edited by krys (edited 12-24-2006).]
ethical_digger
2006-12-24, 05:02
Sweet home Chicago
W Polska Mafia W
2006-12-24, 05:03
go to cabrinigreenie (sp??) hood in chicago http://www.totse.com/bbs/biggrin.gif (http://www.totse.com/bbs/biggrin.gif) say hey to all the black people there and say folk love.. then run before you get shot at.. its always fun and gives you a good adrenaline rush!!
Heywood Jablomi
2006-12-24, 05:08
Go to Cicero ave and pick up some SMACK
I live two hours from Chicago. I'd say that the museums are ok, and the aquarium is ok, too. However, that shit gets boring after you've done it a few times. Supposedly there is a breakdancer scene somewhere around there. I forget where it is. Also, it might not be around for the time because it's cold.
I'd say you're better off spending time going to some cool arcades and seeing a movie. You don't always have to take full advantage of everything a town has to do. I'm sure the girl simply wants you to spend time with her, not time with food, machines, and fish.
Make the time entertaining, but find a way to connect with her.
The pizza idea was something I was thinking aobut, too. You could always visit the various places that have different cultures, ethnicities, and language. Going through Chicago at times is like visiting different nations.
[This message has been edited by Genecks (edited 12-24-2006).]
quote:Originally posted by Heywood Jablomi:
Go to Cicero ave and pick up some SMACK
i remember driving down cicero ave one night, it took forever to get from one expressway to the other, and there was like 10 mcdonalds...what a piece of shit road
the_inner_war
2006-12-24, 05:44
quote:Originally posted by krys:
But whats that one place, i forgot what its called right now, with the big fucking projector screen dome on the celling?
The planetarium?
Eat at Lou Malnoti's, it really is the best pizza ever. Shop on, or at least walk down, Michigan Ave, and you really can't be a tourist in Chicago without seeing the bean.
frank the tank
2006-12-24, 06:36
its been a while since ive been in illinois,let alone chi-town.but the navy pier is ALWAYS cool for the first time a person is seeing it.maybe check out davie busters and....the sears tower.
OH,GO TO PORTILLOS!
dont know if there is one in chicago but there is an hour outside.
Heywood Jablomi
2006-12-24, 15:08
the bean blows.
emucraphole
2006-12-24, 15:21
quote:Originally posted by W Polska Mafia W:
go to cabrinigreenie (sp??) hood in chicago http://www.totse.com/bbs/biggrin.gif (http://www.totse.com/bbs/biggrin.gif) say hey to all the black people there and say folk love.. then run before you get shot at.. its always fun and gives you a good adrenaline rush!!
I will bet an infinite amount of money this guy lives on the Northwest side. Also Cabrini Green is just a bunch of vacant buildings and across from one of the best schools in the city. Alright. I agree, Water Tower Place is one of the best places to go for shopping, chilling, etc. As for music, theres lots of other places besides HoB. Check out the Aragon, Riviera, Logan Square Auditorium, Martyrs just to name a few. Millenium Park is cool, and you should see it at least once. The skatepark is on Wilson and Lakeshore Drive, if you wanna check that out...Yeah, I dunno. It also a good place to start a fight at night.
quote:Originally posted by Genecks:
I'd say that the museums are ok, and the aquarium is ok, too. However, that shit gets boring after you've done it a few times...
...I'd say you're better off spending time going to some cool arcades and seeing a movie. You don't always have to take full advantage of everything a town has to do. I'm sure the girl simply wants you to spend time with her, not time with food, machines, and fish.
Make the time entertaining, but find a way to connect with her.
Yeah... I completely understand how things like that could get incredibly boring... thing is neither of us have been there, so maybe it will be kind of neat, going the very first time. Plus... my darling has a crazy love for fish, and she will absolutely love the aquarium. Also, me and my girlfriend are very attached and very close... and I can honestly say that she would rather experience Chicago with me than just take it easy and go see a movie. Don't get me wrong... I appreciate your advice... but the girl's a real trooper and aside from going to bed a lot earlier than I will want to, she'll really want to get the most of this trip... Just like me.
quote:Originally posted by Genecks:
You could always visit the various places that have different cultures, ethnicities, and language. Going through Chicago at times is like visiting different nations.
Sounds awesome. http://www.totse.com/bbs/smile.gif (http://www.totse.com/bbs/smile.gif)
quote:Originally posted by Brady:
Eat at Lou Malnoti's, it really is the best pizza ever. Shop on, or at least walk down, Michigan Ave, and you really can't be a tourist in Chicago without seeing the bean.
That's actually exactly what I have planned. Her sister's apartment is literally right above the old water tower... and if i'm not mistaken these places are within walking distance? Anyways yes, I am very excited for the food. I'm going to constantly eat and tell her I'm trying to become fat. Also... what is the bean?
quote:Originally posted by emucraphole:
Water Tower Place is one of the best places to go for shopping, chilling, etc. As for music, theres lots of other places besides HoB. Check out the Aragon, Riviera, Logan Square Auditorium, Martyrs just to name a few. Millenium Park is cool, and you should see it at least once. The skatepark is on Wilson and Lakeshore Drive, if you wanna check that out...Yeah, I dunno. It also a good place to start a fight at night.
Although I don't plan on starting any "fights at night"... I will definitely look into the music places you listed. Also... the water tower place is a definite.
Thank you all, for your serious replies. You're already helped me immensely... keep em coming!
"The Bean" is a big metal bean in Millennium park. You can see pretty much the entire city's skyline's reflection in it. Any description doesn't really do it justice, Google image search it. As somebody else said, it kinda blows, as its only fun to look at for about 10 seconds, but its cool to see once.
edit: Since you're so excited about the food, there's a Brazilian meats place downtown, I forget the name. Its expensive, but absolutely amazing.
[This message has been edited by Brady (edited 12-25-2006).]
Go to the Billy Goat down north michigan avenue( the lower level)
the best place to get a double cheese buorger
go there!
Second City is pretty cool but sometimes the show can really suck.
or you go down michign avenue and wonder who the fuck pays this much for some clothes.
I Highly, Highly suggest going to millenium park(check out the big egg thing, preferable while high.)
enjoy the city!
Restless_K
2006-12-27, 22:42
go to the new years eve dance factory mega jam thing! its not in the city..about 40-50 minutes north.
slaytanicwhermacht_89
2006-12-27, 23:22
umm i live by chicago
museaums, sears tower, water tower etc.. can be fun
real good music around
the aragon,riviera, congress,metro, house of blues usually have good stuff
find some little clubs they usually have some stellar blues stuff, which is boring at times but its pretty cool to be sitting back in some club with some old guy with a guitar just going at it, but to each his own
under 21 might put a damper on that tho
new years, navy pier would be the place to go, get some wine/booze or something get to the lake earlyish, have a nice romntic picnic whilst drinking and eating and watching the fireworks, proly get the sex after that http://www.totse.com/bbs/wink.gif (http://www.totse.com/bbs/wink.gif)
just walk around find something to do, and use the el, its much better than driving expecially around the holidays
Welp... Looks like I leave here in about five hours. I'm excited... I can't sleep. Haha.
Thanks to all who contributed... A lot of your ideas will surely influence the outcome of this trip.
I'll be sure to follow this all up with lots of pics... so if I don't talk to any of you, you'll hear from me on the 4th!
Adieu!
If you like coffee, check out Intelligentsia. Supposedly the best coffee in the country.
I'm pretty sure I'll be going to Illinois Tech next year. Check out the campus for me and tell me if you like it. :P
Go to Hot Dougs. It's a hot dog place at 3300 N California. The best fucking hot dogs you'll ever eat. They fry their fries in duck fat on Fridays and Saturdays. They have like different kinds of meat hot dogs, all kinds of spices, every hot dog you could imagine. Last time I went, I had one stuffed with rabbit covered in baby duck liver (which I am told is illegal in Chicago, lol). Yeah, I live like 25 - 30 min from downtown ( SOUTH SIDE ). You should check out a blues club too. Check out all the different neighborhoods too, thats always fun (Bridgeport, Beverly, Lincoln Park, which blows, etc.)
GatorWarrior
2006-12-28, 19:52
quote:Originally posted by Kazz:
So my girlfriend's sister just moved to Chicago a couple months ago, and for Christmas both me and her are getting plane tickets from Dec 28 - Jan 4th. Mostly everything is paid for, we have the tickets, we have a place to stay, it's really just food and other expenses... which will be nice.
I've been in Chicago once before, but I was young and it was only for 2 days. What I'm asking you guys, is what should I do with my time? Keep in mind both of us are under 21 (tragic), and please post any ideas you have for our trip.
So far all I really have planned is Navy Pier, the aquarium, muesums and such... and although I don't want to have any sort of itinerary on this trip, I would like very much to have ideas in order to keep my girlfriend from being bored.
Also, is there anything fun the two of us could do on new years? I would like to do something more than getting smashed in the apartment, and wandering the Chicago late night streets... but if all else fails... http://www.totse.com/bbs/tongue.gif (http://www.totse.com/bbs/tongue.gif)
Thanks in advance, for any suggestions!
Depends on when your going, but you could go to a bears game. That is the true Chicago experience. The fans are nice, the team is great!
Star Wars Fan
2006-12-28, 20:01
quote:Don't think we'll have a problem with food... Haha. I've got that pretty much covered. One thing I did want to ask is how much dinner up in the John Hancock building goes for. I'd like to devote one night to giving her a really good time... go someplace nice and what not. But if that's ridiculously priced, do you have any suggestions?
At least 40-60 dollars...well, the last time I was there.
Go to Chi-tung. close to 95th St and Kedzie (actually, closer to 97th) but still. Good food http://www.totse.com/bbs/biggrin.gif (http://www.totse.com/bbs/biggrin.gif) (technically a suburb)
And go to the North Side. Fullerton seems like a good place as well.
Oh, and I answered everything you said in the PLRC thread, Kazz. http://www.totse.com/bbs/Forum14/HTML/007176.html
Millennium Park is pretty rad, as long as it's not too crowded when you go.
quote:Originally posted by jojabr:
If you like coffee, check out Intelligentsia. Supposedly the best coffee in the country.
I'm pretty sure I'll be going to Illinois Tech next year. Check out the campus for me and tell me if you like it. :P
Hey, if you're referring to illinois institute of technology, i visited there with a friend last january. Its nice. It has a nice atmosphere. Not necesarily a traditional college atmosphere, because a lot of the building are new, but its still nice.
It was freezing though, and there were lots of cop cars around cuz about 2 blocks out its ghetto.
Cozy Amnesia
2006-12-28, 21:39
I'm also going to Chicago with some friends, leaving January 6th, and this thread gave me some good ideas. Thanks.
We're staying with this rich-ass mother fucker way up north. We're going to take a bunch of acid and go to the museams and shit. Should be fucking awsome!
Star Wars Fan
2006-12-30, 19:07
quote:Originally posted by Cozy Amnesia:
I'm also going to Chicago with some friends, leaving January 6th, and this thread gave me some good ideas. Thanks.
We're staying with this rich-ass mother fucker way up north. We're going to take a bunch of acid and go to the museams and shit. Should be fucking awsome!
Heh...enjoy the North Side.
quote:Originally posted by Star Wars Fan:
At least 40-60 dollars...well, the last time I was there.
Go to Chi-tung. close to 95th St and Kedzie (actually, closer to 97th) but still. Good food http://www.totse.com/bbs/biggrin.gif (http://www.totse.com/bbs/biggrin.gif) (technically a suburb)
Yes, I live right by Chi - tung, and it is amazing. The Pad Thai spicy chicken is amazing. I could eat their Thai food all day long, god, i'm gonna go get some right now actually.