Chicago in the Spring

[picksthemusic]

DH is slated to go to Chicago for a work conference sometime in the Spring - no date set, but we're thinking April-May-ish.

I'd like to tag along and do a long weekend away with him (we did the same thing with New Orleans a year and a half ago or so), and we're kind of clueless as to what to do or where to go. He used to live in IL, but as a young kid, and not in Chicago.

What is there to do, see, eat, visit? We'd be probably sticking to within a mile or two of where we're staying (not sure where that is as of yet), but would probably be willing to get an Uber or something to go to a fun place.

Any insight would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[osumelissa]

We really enjoyed an architecture boat cruise when we were in Chicago in June 2021. There are really good cocktails bars if you are into that. We went to the Violet Hour. The Aviary was also on our list but we didn't have enough time. Having a drink at the lounge at the Hancock Building is a good way to see the skyline.

[dancingirl21]

I always recommend an architectural boat tour when people want to see Chicago. It's a good way to get some history of the buildings, while being on the river.

There is museum campus which has the Adler Planetarium, the Shedd Aquarium, The Field Museum. The Museum of Science and Industry is very good, too. Lincoln Park Zoo is a great zoo and is free. You can see the bean and walk around Millennium Park. The Art Institute is good if you have interest in art.

The spring means baseball and you could go see a Cubs game at Wrigley and experience the bar scene in that area. It can get rowdy but is very fun.

Food wise: we love the West Loop (and used to live in that area so we are biased). Many great restaurants are in the area such as Girl and the Goat (get a reservation weeks if not months in advance), Au Cheval, there's plenty of bars/bar food type places. If you want Chicago pizza (doesn't always mean stuffed - our favorite is thin, square slices), try Lou Malnati's, Giordano's, or the ultimate is Pequod's but they don't take reservations and you need to line up right when they open around 4pm. Portillo's is Chicago fast food - try their italian beef sandwiches, shakes, chocolate cake.