Hog-Butcher to the World
May 15, 2007
I've mentioned in passing that I'll be attending BlogHer '07 this year. What I haven't mentioned is that Roger and I are actually flying together to Chicago a week before the conference. It'll be a mini-vaca, to hang in Chi-town and relish his old stomping grounds.
Chicago River dyed green for St. Patrick's Day
(Click on the photo to enlarge.)
I've never been to the city, but Roger spent four years there during college. He's made lists upon lists of activities for us – so much that we may not actually have time for all of them – and I've started making lists, too. (Have I mentioned how I love making lists?)
Granted, everything on my list was already on his, but I'm becoming a bit concerned: Everything I suggested was centered around eating food.
- Eating Giordano's pizza
- Visiting the penny candy store he frequented during college
- Sampling Garrett's popcorn
With all the eating I have planned, I'm going to need more than just a couple of walking tours and an architectural river cruise to work off the extra calories. (Plus, I need substantial contributions to Roger's lengthy plans for us, contributions that don't entirely involve food.)
This is where I beckon you, Internets. Have you been to Chicago? Or do you love to read about other cities? Where do you suggest we go? What should we do? MUST we eat at a certain restaurant to gain the complete Chicago experience? What has been your favorite part of visiting the Windy City in the past?
Our planning stage is in full swing, and we don't want to leave anything off our list. Tell us what you couldn't leave Chicago without doing, and we'll make sure we fit it into our plans. In the meantime, I'll be researching, too. Afterall: I couldn't give up the opportunity to learn about another city.
Comments
I'm so jealous! I wanted to go there when the Congress for New Urbanism was meeting there. Chicago has a number of great things going on, planning-wise. Not so great? The public school system. But I'd still want to visit there. Jealous!
Posted by: JLR | May 15, 2007 11:45 AM
I have never wanted to visit Chicago, but I hear it is gorgeous. Take lots of pictures! Maybe next year I will go to Blogher too!
Posted by: eddo - you know, the one from Posted Note | May 15, 2007 12:38 PM
Went there for a conference and got to see a taping of WHEEL OF FORTUNE. Do that.
Posted by: Katie | May 15, 2007 12:55 PM
Eddo: You should be going THIS year!
KT: Done.
Posted by: jes | May 15, 2007 01:11 PM
Oh girl...where to begin. How about this for starters...
http://whoorl.com/?p=9
Email me if you have specific questions - I took full advantage when I lived there. :)
Posted by: whoorl | May 15, 2007 01:27 PM
I suggest you visit the Navy Pier and either one of the following depending on your interests; the art museum, the aquarium, the planetarium, the museum of science and industry, or the natural science museum. Also, tour Lincoln Park by DePaul and the zoo.
Posted by: Amy Beth | May 15, 2007 01:48 PM
My best friend from way back is the lead in Wicked. She's wonderful, and I can't recommend seeing her enough. Plus, if you say you know me, she'll squeal and hug you after the show.
Posted by: jonniker | May 15, 2007 02:20 PM
Ummm when I went to Chicago, I went to see Oprah. :-)
But can we go to Giordano's together?? I went there like 7 times last time I was in town. It's so freaking good.
Posted by: Heather B. | May 15, 2007 04:08 PM
Happy holiday... ^o^
Posted by: PrettyInTheCity | May 16, 2007 03:46 AM
Enjoy Michigan Ave, that's for sure!
Oh! And if you want to see the view from the John Hancock building, just go up the lounge (it's actually a few floors up from the observation deck) and order a fun drink and/or dessert!
Posted by: jacks | May 16, 2007 08:14 AM
The Navy Pier is awesome. I went to Chicago forever and a half ago, so I don't really remember a lot, but I do remember the Navy Pier.
Posted by: my life is brilliant | May 16, 2007 09:31 PM
Go see a taping of the Jerry Springer Show. What? Don't judge me. You don't know me. YOU DON'T KNOW ME! You jus' jellus. ;)
Posted by: lizgwiz | May 17, 2007 11:19 AM
I live in Chicago and highly recommend the Lincoln Park Zoo (free); whichever neighborhood festivals (bands, food, people watching) are going on any given summer weekend (see Metromix.com for listings); the museums (Art Institute, Field, Science & Industry, MCA); neighborhoody restaurants in Bucktown, Wicker Park Lincoln Park & Lakeview - as opposed to more expensive tourist traps off Michigan Ave); seeing a Cubs game at Wrigely Field; the lounge in the Hancock for the view and a pricey beverage over the Sears Tower (just pricey, no beverage and kind of out of the way); Wicked as well as more avant garde theater in small venues on the North Side; Fox & Obel food market at North Pier (just west of Navy Pier); lakefront bike rental(especially on a week day); Ravinia Festival for a picinic and music (take the Metra train straight there); and avoiding the tacky tourist trap Navy Pier at all costs since you will be there anyway for Blogher. But it's not a bad place to enjoy a beer in the beer garden.
Posted by: Laurie | May 17, 2007 12:35 PM
I have no suggestions other than you need to see me for drinks. Blogher 2007! Whoo-hoo!
Posted by: Jenny | May 17, 2007 02:08 PM
Very cool that you're going to be able to spend so much time there before the conference! I'm going for a few extra days before/after I think, but not quite as long as you. I can't wait! :)
Posted by: Zandria | May 18, 2007 12:43 PM
Get a Portillo's hotdog.....most excellent and very Chi-Town.
Posted by: Jeff | May 18, 2007 05:10 PM
You know Jenny, right? You have to ask her. And you have to drink Scotch with her. Possibly bourbon. And then you have to write to me and tell me how much fun you had. I do hope you have a great time.
Posted by: mike | May 18, 2007 07:01 PM
Excellent! It will be my first time in Chicago, too (aside from layovers.)
BlogHer will ROCK!
Posted by: Kari | May 21, 2007 07:53 PM
I'll be there for Blog Her only. It's been years since I've been there so I have no good assvice for you but I'm totally begging for 1) to meet you and 2) for your list of good places to eat.
Posted by: CPA Mom and Soccer Mom Angela | May 23, 2007 11:49 AM