Unless they've changed their timing, Chicago does their fireworks on July 3.
If you're going to the Taste, go on a weekday for lunch or, if your schedule permits, a leisurely afternoon of grazing to avoid the largest crowds.
Good call, Jenni.
Thank you all for your contribution. I plan to have a good time in the "Garden City" and am looking forward to my visit. I will also visit as many of the places you have recommended as I can manage to cover (definitely all the recommended eating places) and will not stop shopping even after I have dropped:-) .
I will pass your hello to your home town Jaro.
@ jennifromSC, i will be there from July 1 to 15 so I will have time to enjoy the Taste of Chicago.
Now I have a big task of deciding which hotel to stay in:-)
Merci à tous et bon après-midi.
The swissotel and Hyatt Regency should offer good views of the fireworks if you pony up for a lakefront/-view room. Of course, if you're staying on North Michigan Ave or the area, it's a short walk down to Grant Park to watch them as well.
went to uni at northwestern. love love love chicago.
its been discussed - the miracle mile.
four seasons is hard to beat.
throw a stone and pick a place to eat - can't go wrong!
its the architecture that moves me most in chi-town. any of the architecture tours are worth a go.
best wishes and have a blast!
July will be hot and muggy (high humidity). Also lots of mosquitos in the air. You should bring some Swiss mosquito repellant. They work very well.
To cool off, you can stroll down the lakeside by Buckingham Fountain. At night, they light up the fountain.
-I just remembered these details from childhood memories.
I had the good fortune to live in Chicago for six months - it must be one of the most fascinating cities in the world!
There is only once place to stay - the Drake Hotel on Michigan Avenue - full of old-world charm, oak-pannelled bar, excellent food and service, beautiful rooms over-looking the lake or Michigan Avenue and within walking distance of all amenities. Spoil yourself!
The Art Institute is worth a visit.
It's funny, my wife doesn't like Chicago (lived in London, from Sussex) but I love it.
I wonder why? Of course, I grew up in Indiana less than 2 hours drive from the windy city. Maybe I have always remembered the trips to the Museum of Science and Industry.
Brian.
Then thing is, Chicago is barely a metropolis. For those who lived in a major city, it feels a bit lacking in some way.
I know there have been recent attempts to hip the place. The feedback I get from friends who live there now is that it still just doesn't have the critical mass to feel like a universe of its own.
But yeah, Chicago is nice place..... da Bears!
Museum of Science & Industry is fantastic (even for technophobes) do go see the permanent U101 submarine exhibit (its about $5 extra), we've been to this museum twice & would still go again to see the rest of it. Its a train & a bus ride out of town.
Beware it can get cold - we went in May & it was 5'C
it's nice to walk along Lakeshore and the museum/aquarium are excellent.
Wrigleyville is great to eat and drink. Take me out to the ball game.....
Michigan Ave is cool and another vote for Morton's - that's also a happening part of town at night.
You should also take the L and ride it around until you see where they filmed ER ....
they say Chicago is the most underrated city in the World..
barely a metropolis? it is 5-10mil people depending if you count the burbs or just the city? 3rd largest in US?
ahhh come on Phos....perhaps it is not dirty enough for a metropolis and too green? maybe too safe unlike NYC or LA?
I know its a metropolis. But that's just the feedback I get. Who knows... perhaps my city-addicted friends just need more alienation and discombobulation in their lives than they were getting in Chicago.
Chicago is very much a city of neighborhoods, each one with their own vibe. It's been this way for a very long time even if the vibe of each neighborhood has changed over time. Maybe that's why your friends say that it doesn't feel like a metropolis. Just curious, where did these friends grow up and/or which cities are they comparing to Chicago?
Yes, I know. I'm familiar with Chicago. I lived there. These are associates from the Advertising industry in New York, San Francisco and LA. They were transplanted to some agency in Chicago. Apparently, they were missing the glitz.
But about the neighborhoods, another tip comes to mind for the OP. Chicago has a strong Polish neighborhood and they make awesome hot dogs called Polish Dogs. They are sometimes smoked flavored. They also make great kelbasas in Chicago. Some say the best in the world.
Also, Chicago has a style of pizza called Deep Dish Pizza. It's more like a pizza pie. Try Giordanos for this. http://www.giordanos.com/
I would avoid the typical national fast food chains and opt for these instead.