Thinking of a weekend in Chicago

[happyhomemaker]

After reading a article on the new Virgin Hotel in Chicago, I am more excited than ever to go to Chicago. I have never been but DH was as a child. I know there is incredible shopping, but what else would you recommend a first timer and an almost first timer do to get a true Chicago experience? We also like museums (loved the MOMA in NYC, a little bit of everything), baseball (though, dare I say that we are not Cubbies fans), I would love to get to a spa, good food, etc. Any chance to see Phantom of the Opera? Also, what spa is the the best? There are so many, but the one at the Langham and the one at the Waldorf look amazing. I enjoy the amenities (steam room, sauna, heated lounge chairs, etc.) almost as much as the treatment so I am interested in a high end spa. I would love any tour or restaurant recommendations. We would go for a long weekend, say Friday to Monday or Tuesday. We probably wouldn't go until our anniversary next April, but would love ideas for any season. 

ETA we would prefer not to rent a car as we would be flying to get there, but what are our transportation options?

[meowmaps]

I went for my first time a couple of years ago. Two of our favorite activities were seeing a show at Second City and taking an architecture tour. We also made sure to try deep dish pizza (not my thing) and Chicago-style hot dogs. We walked and took the train while in town. We loved it. It was my first time in the Midwest as well. Everyone's so friendly!

[marytini]

I agree with PP on Second City or a tour with the Architecture Foundation. We've done both the boat tour on the river, and also a walking tour that went on the El. I have also been on a walking food tour (TasteBud Tours) which is a neat way to experience the city.
I love the Museum of Science and Industry. We've also seen several shows in Chicago which is always a fun time.
As for transportation, you can get the El from either airport into the city. You can then use the El to get around the city, or a taxi for quick trips too.
We don't eat at fancy restaurants usually. Some favorites for breakfast are: Lou Mitchells, Yolk, Waffles or Eggy's.
Sorry, I'm no help on spas.

[jchokie79]

DH and I went there last summer for the first time ever and had a blast. We were there from Thurs. evening to Monday. I was there to run a Half so that Sunday was pretty shot for us. But we did hit up a few landmarks.

Here's my blog post on it if you're interested.

jchokie.blogspot.com/2014/09/chicago-hotel-restaurant-reviews.html

[happyhomemaker]

Thanks for all the replies. They have all been helpful. jchokie79, I will absolutely check out your blog. Thank you for sharing. RockNVoll, I really want to see the bean and Millenium Park. I also want to browse the Magnificent Mile. DH enjoys that show on NPR, so I think he would enjoy going to it. I appreciate all the input!

[mbcdefg]

restaurants: The Purple Pig, Farmhouse, Hopleaf, Lou Malnati's pizza 
architecture boat tour
Art Institute 
Cubs game, just to see Wrigley Field if nothing else
Millennium Park
Second City comedy show

I've been there twice with MH and we had our car, but we walked to a lot of places too. We took the El out to Wrigley. I went there once for work by myself and I stayed on the Magnificent Mile. I took a cab from O'Hare to my hotel for about $40ish. To get around town I either walked or took a cab ride. No issues getting around at all. 

[sunshinedaydreams]

Drinks at the Signature Lounge in the John Hancock Building. They're pricey, and it's crowded, but there's a great view from up there.

My favorite deep dish pizza in Chicago is Pequod's. Way better than Lou Malnati's, IMO. They only have one location, and it's fairly small, so be prepared to wait. But it's SO worth it.

Portillo's for hot dogs. Right off the Mag Mile, so you can do some shopping, too.

I'll also echo a show at Second City. We've seen 3 so far, and they've all been hilarious.

Walk around Millennium Park, get your picture at the bean. You can walk to Sears (Willis) Tower from there and go up for the glass floor view.

[librarygirl]

I really enjoyed visiting the Frank Lloyd Wright House and Studio which is in nearby Oak Park. It's outside of the city but it's an easy ride on the L, if I remember correctly only about 25 minutes (possibly less).

[caddywompus]

I haven't been there in a long time, but I do remember the 'Brookfield Zoo' and the 'Museum of Science and Industry' were both really cool.

[sunnysally]

If you are a member of a museum in your area, check out the reciprocity program. We are members of our science museum and we got free admission to the Natural History and Science and Industry museums.

We always use the El to get around. It is really easy especially if you have a smart phone.

If you like slightly odd shows/comedy, Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind is awesome!
neofuturists.org/toomuchlight/

PPs had a lot of good suggestions. Chicago really is awesome.

[v]

If you loved MoMA you'll love the Art Institute.

Eat lots of pizza!