Chicago weekend trip

[whiskeytails]

I hate to admit this, despite living in Wisconsin, I’ve only ever been to Chicago as an adult for work.

My spouse and I are doing a weekend in September, tentatively planning on staying at the Virgin Hotel on Wabash and taking the L to Logan Square for a Star Wars burlesque show. 😂

Any suggestions for daytime activities? Are all the museums kid-focused?

[RockNVoll]

I enjoy wandering through Millennium Park: see the bean, Crown Fountain, the music pavilion, etc.

The only museum I've gone to is The Field Museum, which was great. There's definitely stuff for adults at the various museums and I've only heard good things.

The architecture boat tour is popular, though it's not my personal favorite.

I enjoy the glass platforms at Willis (Sears) Tower.

Then there's the eating. So many great places to eat!

[wineenthusiast]

The field museum is great, unfortunately you will just miss the Death Exhibit which is pretty neat but there is a Kings of Europe exhibit I think looks interesting. I also love the Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium.

You can check the schedule for Millennium Park for any events/music they have the weekend you are in town. Jazz Fest is in September.

Weather depending, usually Sept is great- a walk along the lake front and you can stop at a few different beach bars for a drink/lunch/apps. Ohio Street beach has a cool Mexican bar, Oak Street beach has a nice (but much pricier) beach bar, North Avenue is more of a party crowd- not my favorite but then if you go just past North Ave The Shore Club is great- a good indoor/outdoor restaurant.

I'm a huge fan of the architecture boat tour but really enjoy hearing the history on the buildings/Chicago. Living here, I am always up for doing it but it's not for everyone.

If you want any restaurant recs, let me know what you are looking for. I'll say upfront I am not a fan of "Chicago style" deep dish pizza and the 3 top recommended pizza places are my least favorite. I would much rather eat something like Pizzeria Portofino along the river or a dive pizza place like Pizano's.

If you like Zoos- Lincoln Park Zoo has free admission and is great to walk around. Even the grounds outside of the zoo have some great walking paths and is really pretty. Lincoln Park has a great farmers market Saturday mornings (Green City Market), tons of great vendors.