Chicago people

[Avista]

My daughter, granddaughter (17) and I are planning a girls trip to Chicago this July. Any advise what to do or where to stay would be appreciated. We're thinking of Airb&b near the Water tower or Loop. Any thoughts?
Will be flying into Midway. I read where we take Orange train into town. How and where do we pick it up? I will have carry on and small suitcase so am a little concerned about getting to where we will stay from airport.

I was in school in Chicago, but that was 55 years ago lol. At that time dorm was between water tower and lake on Pearson.

Thanks for any help offered.

[Record10ti]

Pretty certain that you will have issues with AirBNB in the city proper as they are trying to ban it (if they didnt). I would stay in Bucktown.

No matter what it is a trek from ORD or MDW to the city (ORD is easier and FAR safer feeling). ORD you can take in a much safer train on the cheap.

In the city try to avoid the pier (nothing local there and the Ferris wheel is closed). BLue Man Group at Briar St is VERY cool and very affordable compared to Orlando or Vegas. Dont forget to go to "La Scarolla" for Italian...you will not be disappointed (and it also is very affordable compared to Shaws and what not).

[Jima64]

Good luck on the trip. Chicago has a terrible crime rate and should be avoided.

[Record10ti]

Good luck on the trip. Chicago has a terrible crime rate and should be avoided.


SOUTH Chicago has issues. The loop, Navy Pier, Michigan Ave and the area are perfectly safe (or at least as safe as The Villages)

[maryh]

I'm a long time resident of Chicago...it's a beautiful city BUT you do have to know where you are going like any other big city. Avoid the further south and west sides of the city. Michigan Ave is just wonderful and not to be missed. Make sure you secure your transportation and enjoy the beautiful lakefront.

[Schaumburger]

My daughter, granddaughter (17) and I are planning a girls trip to Chicago this July. Any advise what to do or where to stay would be appreciated. We're thinking of Airb&b near the Water tower or Loop. Any thoughts?
Will be flying into Midway. I read where we take Orange train into town. How and where do we pick it up? I will have carry on and small suitcase so am a little concerned about getting to where we will stay from airport.

I was in school in Chicago, but that was 55 years ago lol. At that time dorm was between water tower and lake on Pearson.

Thanks for any help offered.

Avista,

The Orange line (the "L") goes from Midway Airport to downtown Chicago...what you will remember as the Loop. The web site for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is Chicago Transit Authority - CTA Buses & Train Service - 1-888-YOUR-CTA (http://www.transitchicago.com). This web site should give you information about where to get the train at Midway.

I would also recommend staying at a hotel in the Loop or the near north side (Michigan Avenue area) rather than an a lodging through airbnb. If you look on TripAdvisor: Read Reviews, Compare Prices & Book (http://www.tripadvisor.com), that may be helpful in choosing a hotel.

Chicago has so many things to see and do, especially in the summer. Consider taking an architectural boat tour of the Chicago river or a river cruise on Lake Michigan. If you Google "Chicago tourism" that will give you many good ideas of what to see and do. Chicago has many great museums, Shedd Aquarium and the Adler Planetarium also many great places to eat. Although Navy Pier is quite touristy, you can get great views of Lake Michigan from Navy Pier.

As far as the safety of Chicago for tourists, the Loop and near north side of Chicago are safe. These are the prime tourist areas in Chicago. I have taken family members sightseeing in these areas on many occasions. As you would in any tourist area/large city, keep a watch on your purse and belongings. If you are out after dark, I would take a cab rather than public transit.

Have a great time in Chicago, and if you have any questions, please feel free to PM me. And Go Cubs!

[Taltarzac725]

Avista,

The Orange line (the "L") goes from Midway Airport to downtown Chicago...what you will remember as the Loop. The web site for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is Chicago Transit Authority - CTA Buses & Train Service - 1-888-YOUR-CTA (http://www.transitchicago.com). This web site should give you information about where to get the train at Midway.

I would also recommend staying at a hotel in the Loop or the near north side (Michigan Avenue area) rather than an a lodging through airbnb. If you look on TripAdvisor: Read Reviews, Compare Prices & Book (http://www.tripadvisor.com), that may be helpful in choosing a hotel.

Chicago has so many things to see and do, especially in the summer. Consider taking an architectural boat tour of the Chicago river or a river cruise on Lake Michigan. If you Google "Chicago tourism" that will give you many good ideas of what to see and do. Chicago has many great museums, Shedd Aquarium and the Adler Planetarium also many great places to eat. Although Navy Pier is quite touristy, you can get great views of Lake Michigan from Navy Pier.

As far as the safety of Chicago for tourists, the Loop and near north side of Chicago are safe. These are the prime tourist areas in Chicago. I have taken family members sightseeing in these areas on many occasions. As you would in any tourist area/large city, keep a watch on your purse and belongings. If you are out after dark, I would take a cab rather than public transit.

Have a great time in Chicago, and if you have any questions, please feel free to PM me. And Go Cubs!

You have me missing ChicagoLand. I just lived near there while helping my Aunt prepare my Uncle to go into assisted living before a space opened up for him in a facility within walking distance of their long time home. This was in late 1994 as I remember my cousin Jeff picked The Specialist to go see and we both agreed what a turkey it was. The Specialist*(1994) - Rotten Tomatoes (http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1056079-specialist/) my choice was a lot better. The River Wild*(1994) - Rotten Tomatoes (http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/river_wild/)

I felt safe going into Chicago by train from Itasca as long as I stayed in the downtown area and this was in the day. They told me to nix my plans of checking out the University of Chicago Campus because it was in a very bad neighborhood.

I remember my Aunt and I toured Holy Name Cathedral. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Name_Cathedral,_Chicago

Remember it is Da Bears and Da Cubs to sound like a native of Chicagoland. https://dawindycity.com/category/chicago-cubs-2/

They have some nice museums and the downtown public library was interesting. http://www.chipublib.org/locations/15/

http://www.timeout.com/chicago/attractions/10-best-chicago-museums-top-institutions-to-visit-in-chicago

[Greg Nelson]

Naperville is nice

[Chi-Town]

The Inn of Chicago at Michigan and Ohio is reasonable and a great location to walk anywhere. It's not new but definitely doable. Cab it from Midway.

[ColdNoMore]

Avista,

The Orange line (the "L") goes from Midway Airport to downtown Chicago...what you will remember as the Loop. The web site for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is Chicago Transit Authority - CTA Buses & Train Service - 1-888-YOUR-CTA (http://www.transitchicago.com). This web site should give you information about where to get the train at Midway.

I would also recommend staying at a hotel in the Loop or the near north side (Michigan Avenue area) rather than an a lodging through airbnb. If you look on TripAdvisor: Read Reviews, Compare Prices & Book (http://www.tripadvisor.com), that may be helpful in choosing a hotel.

Chicago has so many things to see and do, especially in the summer. Consider taking an architectural boat tour of the Chicago river or a river cruise on Lake Michigan. If you Google "Chicago tourism" that will give you many good ideas of what to see and do. Chicago has many great museums, Shedd Aquarium and the Adler Planetarium also many great places to eat. Although Navy Pier is quite touristy, you can get great views of Lake Michigan from Navy Pier.

As far as the safety of Chicago for tourists, the Loop and near north side of Chicago are safe. These are the prime tourist areas in Chicago. I have taken family members sightseeing in these areas on many occasions. As you would in any tourist area/large city, keep a watch on your purse and belongings. If you are out after dark, I would take a cab rather than public transit.

Have a great time in Chicago, and if you have any questions, please feel free to PM me. And Go Cubs!

I second the architectural boat tour, it was extremely interesting.

My deceased wife was a huge 'foodie' and we didn't even realize that on our last trip there, they were having the 'Taste of Chicago.' She was over the moon when she found out.

City of Chicago :: null (http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/taste_of_chicago.html)

Taste of Chicago is the nation's premier outdoor food festival showcasing the diversity of Chicago's dining community. The delicious array of food served at Taste of Chicago is complemented by music and exciting activities for the entire family. Every summer since 1980, Chicago's beautiful Grant Park on the city's magnificent lakefront has been home to the world's largest food festival.

We were at the gates as soon as it opened, filled up on eats then went on the boat ride, checked out Michigan Ave. and Water Tower Place, then went back and gorged again. :mmmm:

[jnieman]

My daughter, granddaughter (17) and I are planning a girls trip to Chicago this July. Any advise what to do or where to stay would be appreciated. We're thinking of Airb&b near the Water tower or Loop. Any thoughts?
Will be flying into Midway. I read where we take Orange train into town. How and where do we pick it up? I will have carry on and small suitcase so am a little concerned about getting to where we will stay from airport.

I was in school in Chicago, but that was 55 years ago lol. At that time dorm was between water tower and lake on Pearson.

Thanks for any help offered.

Here are a couple of websites that will help! Enjoy!

The Everygirl's Weekend City Guide to Chicago, IL | The Everygirl (http://theeverygirl.com/the-everygirls-weekend-city-guide-to-chicago-il)

7 Must-Dos for a Fab Girls Getaway to Chicago (http://www.choosechicago.com/blog/post/2012/10/7-Must-Dos-for-a-Fab-Girls-Getaway-to-Chicago/335/)

A friend of mine goes every year and they don't miss the 13 blocks of shopping called the Magnificent mile

[Schaumburger]

You have me missing ChicagoLand. I just lived near there while helping my Aunt prepare my Uncle to go into assisted living before a space opened up for him in a facility within walking distance of their long time home. This was in late 1994 as I remember my cousin Jeff picked The Specialist to go see and we both agreed what a turkey it was. The Specialist*(1994) - Rotten Tomatoes (http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1056079-specialist/) my choice was a lot better. The River Wild*(1994) - Rotten Tomatoes (http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/river_wild/)

I felt safe going into Chicago by train from Itasca as long as I stayed in the downtown area and this was in the day. They told me to nix my plans of checking out the University of Chicago Campus because it was in a very bad neighborhood.

I remember my Aunt and I toured Holy Name Cathedral. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Name_Cathedral,_Chicago

Remember it is Da Bears and Da Cubs to sound like a native of Chicagoland. https://dawindycity.com/category/chicago-cubs-2/

They have some nice museums and the downtown public library was interesting. Harold Washington Library Center | Chicago Public Library (http://www.chipublib.org/locations/15/)

http://www.timeout.com/chicago/attractions/10-best-chicago-museums-top-institutions-to-visit-in-chicago

Itasca is a hop and skip (15 minutes) from the suburb I live in. Many people who go to my church live in Itasca. Actually if someone likes to see churches, Holy Name Cathedral would be a good one to see. It is not too far from Water Tower Place.

The University of Chicago campus itself is safe, but some of the neighborhoods near campus are not the best. I attended Loyola University's campus in the Rogers Park section in the far north side of Chicago, and some of the neighborhoods near Loyola are not great. Moving to Chicago at 18 from Iowa to attend Loyola was a real eye opening experience. Never saw a homeless person or a transvestite until I moved to Chicago. Now there are shelters for the homeless operated by churches in most of the Chicagoland suburbs, at least from October through April.

And another Chicago tourism tip...try Chicago style pizza or visit one of the restaurants in Greektown which is on the west edge of the Loop. Have some saganaki (an appetizer of fried Greek cheese). I'm sure it's loaded with cholesterol, but it is delicious. Opa!!!

[Taltarzac725]

Itasca is a hop and skip (15 minutes) from the suburb I live in. Many people who go to my church live in Itasca. Actually if someone likes to see churches, Holy Name Cathedral would be a good one to see. It is not too far from Water Tower Place.

The University of Chicago campus itself is safe, but some of the neighborhoods near campus are not the best. I attended Loyola University's campus in the Rogers Park section in the far north side of Chicago, and some of the neighborhoods near Loyola are not great. Moving to Chicago at 18 from Iowa to attend Loyola was a real eye opening experience. Never saw a homeless person or a transvestite until I moved to Chicago. Now there are shelters for the homeless operated by churches in most of the Chicagoland suburbs, at least from October through April.

And another Chicago tourism tip...try Chicago style pizza or visit one of the restaurants in Greektown which is on the west edge of the Loop. Have some saganaki (an appetizer of fried Greek cheese). I'm sure it's loaded with cholesterol, but it is delicious. Opa!!!

I believe that the movies my cousin and I saw in 1994 were at a mall in Schaumburg. Welcome To Woodfield Mall - A Shopping Center In Schaumburg, IL - A Simon Property (http://www.simon.com/mall/woodfield-mall)

Not sure if that is the same one as the one there now in 2016?

I do not believe we have any relatives now living in Itasca. But my Dad had eight siblings so I have a ton of cousins so one of these could still live in Itasca.

[Schaumburger]

I believe that the movies my cousin and I saw in 1994 were at a mall in Schaumburg. Welcome To Woodfield Mall - A Shopping Center In Schaumburg, IL - A Simon Property (http://www.simon.com/mall/woodfield-mall)

Not sure if that is the same one as the one there now in 2016?

I do not believe we have any relatives now living in Itasca. But my Dad had eight siblings so I have a ton of cousins so one of these could still live in Itasca.

Woodfield Mall is still in Schaumburg...it opened around 1970, which is when the suburbs near the Woodfield area really began growing in population. My former employer's office was located about 1 block from Woodfield from 1992 to 2003. I only live 5 miles from Woodfield Mall, but I only go there 2 or 3 times a year. If I stay out of the mall, I am not tempted to buy something I don't need. :) And I have not done any Christmas shopping at Woodfield in years...way too crowded for me, and parking at Woodfield is atrocious, especially the week before Christmas. I am not a mall chick :).

[Taltarzac725]

Woodfield Mall is still in Schaumburg...it opened around 1970, which is when the suburbs near the Woodfield area really began growing in population. My former employer's office was located about 1 block from Woodfield from 1992 to 2003. I only live 5 miles from Woodfield Mall, but I only go there 2 or 3 times a year. If I stay out of the mall, I am not tempted to buy something I don't need. :) And I have not done any Christmas shopping at Woodfield in years...way too crowded for me, and parking at Woodfield is atrocious, especially the week before Christmas. I am not a mall chick :).

I tend to stay out of the Leesburg and Ocala Malls for those reasons as well.

Thanks for that information.