Chang Meiran ([info]meiran) wrote in [info]thequestionclub,
@ 2009-01-08 13:08:00
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Current mood: determined

Spring break?
So, my husband made a random comment about how it might be neat to see Chicago. But he said he didn't know what was in Chicago except cool buildings (we're both really into cool buildings).

I was thinking we should go there for a few days over my Spring Break.

Have you been to Chicago?

What's fun to do there?

What was the last trip you went on?

What was the best part of it all?

If we decide to go, should we get a small cheap hotel to spend money on other stuff or should we get a room at a cute B&B?


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[info]chesterismyhero
2009-01-08 06:15 pm UTC (link)
Yes...and only once..which is kind of pathetic since I live in Illinois.

I don't know..I didn't get to do much.

My trip to Chicago last April. I went to a VBI conference for work..and I got stuck rooming with my pothead co-worker. I ended up having to take the train home. Which was nice, because TQC actually kept me from getting lost!

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[info]crysania4
2009-01-08 07:56 pm UTC (link)
and only once..which is kind of pathetic since I live in Illinois.

Heh. I've only been to New York City once and I live in NY.

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[info]suzermagoozer
2009-01-08 06:15 pm UTC (link)
there is a great architectural tour you can take...you get on a boat and float around on the chicago river and the guide tells you all about the fabulous buildings...which are truly amazing.

chicago art institute is one of the best museums i've ever been in.

eat pizza (either Genos East or Unos) and a hot beef sandwich at Due.

shop! there is a cool basement store there...someone can tell you more.

we went to a springsteen show there...so maybe catch a concert.

wrigley field is NEAT

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[info]suzermagoozer
2009-01-08 06:16 pm UTC (link)
also, they have the best nightlife in chicago.
blues clubs!!!!!!!!


also, the navy pier

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[info]meiran
2009-01-08 06:31 pm UTC (link)
That sounds like the most awesome tour ever. *puts it on the list*

I was an art history student once upon a time, so I love art museums! And deep dish pizza!

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[info]alieislove
2009-01-08 07:13 pm UTC (link)
Haha, was the Springsteen concert recent? At the United Center? My dad did security for that show.

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[info]suzermagoozer
2009-01-08 07:16 pm UTC (link)
i think it was october of 2007

it was really kind of warm that weekend!!!!!

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[info]rudezombie
2009-01-08 06:16 pm UTC (link)
I love Chicago. There's the aquarium, the museum, Millennium Park, Navy Pier, a whole shitload of great bars & neighborhoods. Plus yeah, the cool buildings.
Last trip was to Toronto & Niagara. Best part was the food. I'm a fatass.
I'd rather stay someplace cheap.. but when I go on a trip I'm usually out all day and only use the room for sleeping in.

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[info]meiran
2009-01-08 06:20 pm UTC (link)
Yeah, I usually just use the room as a place to dump my stuff so I've never really cared about what it was like. But I figured if we were taking a trip together, I'm supposed to be girly and want to do something cute ; )

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[info]enjoy_your_day
2009-01-08 06:17 pm UTC (link)
I've only ever driven through it and been in the airport.

I went on a road trip to Vegas with a bunch of friends :]
hanging out and talking shit with them for a couple days was totally the best part. They all moved very far away over a year ago and I rarely get to visit them, so it was good to see them.

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[info]plain_mornings
2009-01-08 06:18 pm UTC (link)
The last trip I went on was to Maine/other places in the area. The best part... idk probably horseback riding even though I was in super pain afterwards, and just fun times and lolz with my mom.

small cheap hotel.

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[info]crystal_talbo
2009-01-08 06:19 pm UTC (link)
I live in Chicago.

Usual touristy things include: Sears and Hancock Towers, Art Institude, Shedd Aquarium, Museum of Science & Industry, Adler Planetarium, Millenium Park/go see the Bean, walk along the Mag Mile... If you like zoos, the Lincoln Park Zoo is quite nice despite being free. There's also a greenhouse on the property with all kinds of exotic plants. Depending when you go, you might also want to take a boat ride on an architecture tour along the river.

Last trip was Orlando, FL. Forgot how much I still love Disney. ^^

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[info]stakingaclaim
2009-01-08 06:20 pm UTC (link)
omg what is up with these free zoos?! why the fuck does my city not have a free zoo?

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[info]khendrix85
2009-01-08 06:25 pm UTC (link)
it's not worth it. you pay for the "free zoo" through ridiculously high taxes. (although i should say not all free zoos are like this. there are some that run off of charitable donations)

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[info]stakingaclaim
2009-01-08 06:26 pm UTC (link)
i'd rather my taxes go to a zoo than a stupid hotel downtown. which is what they're probably going to.

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[info]khendrix85
2009-01-08 06:29 pm UTC (link)
i'm sure most people would rather have their money go to the zoo, but that is not the point. we should be able to choose where our money goes IF it is even spent on the community at all.

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[info]crystal_talbo
2009-01-08 06:29 pm UTC (link)
I'd rather pay for a nice zoo than god knows what my money's going to thanks to the corrupt politicians in this city/state.

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[info]meiran
2009-01-08 06:33 pm UTC (link)
I can't complain, I live next to D.C. where most of the museums and the zoo are owned by the Smithsonian which is always free.

When I found out the Newseum charged an entrance fee I was so confused.

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[info]mr_green_jeans
2009-01-08 06:45 pm UTC (link)
I live near St. Louis, and the STL Zoo is not only awesome, but is FREE as well

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[info]shotie
2009-01-08 07:08 pm UTC (link)
Yeah, last time I went to the STL zoo, it was free, but they charged a small fee to see the koalas they had, and to go into the nursery area.

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[info]meiran
2009-01-08 06:32 pm UTC (link)
My husband loves science stuff, so that museum looks AWESOME. *puts it on the list*

I'm becoming so psyched for this trip and I haven't even brought it up to him again yet *laugh*

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[info]slumber
2009-01-08 06:20 pm UTC (link)
There are a lot of cool buildings in Chicago. *nods* If you ever go, make sure you at least drop by the Hancock at night, and visit 95th. It's a bar that gives you the best view of the city at night. (I wouldn't recommend Sears Tower unless going to the highest points of cities and viewing everything from there is your sort of thing-- I do it at nearly every place I visit ever just because people sort of expect you to, but I've never found it interesting.)

I live in Chicago, have been for about a year and a half now, and it's just fun to sort of go around and be there when things happen. I've done the tourist-y things like Navy Pier and stuff, but I think my favourite part of living in Chicago is going around and trying all kinds of restaurants and going to the things that happen in the summer.

The Hostelling International in Chicago, if you don't mind hostels, is located in a REALLY nice place close to (or almost in) the downtown area. Depends on what you and your husband plan to do though. If you're only going to need a place to sleep then cheap is good, but if you think there are gonna be some days when you just want to relax and do nothing, go for something cuter.

My last trip was to Kansas City, I think. The best part of it was basically spending a weekend with a ton of friends.

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[info]crystal_talbo
2009-01-08 06:25 pm UTC (link)
I also recommend going to the 95th floor if you want to see the view of the city. Getting drinks and being able to sit down and lazily take in the scenery is cheaper than paying to go to the skydeck area. And if you go, grab something to eat at L'Appetito in the recessed area outside the building.

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[info]slumber
2009-01-08 06:31 pm UTC (link)
See, I've been trying to get my SO to do just this, but no dice. Drinks are pricier than average, but hey, it would still be cheaper than going to the actual restaurant up there.

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[info]crystal_talbo
2009-01-08 06:33 pm UTC (link)
I've heard the restaurant isn't even all that great. Probably better off to go try something elsewhere near the building (all kinds of good options) and then go up for drinks.

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[info]slumber
2009-01-08 06:34 pm UTC (link)
That's the plan for the next SO visit. :P

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[info]meiran
2009-01-08 06:36 pm UTC (link)
I've actually never been all that big on seeing things from great heights just to do it. Except the London Eye, I was all about that. Otherwise, I want to go places where I can take cool pictures.

I don't know that I've ever stayed at a hostel...but since we'd only be there a few days, I bet we won't want to just stay in much.

I might bug you later about more details about stuff ; )

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[info]slumber
2009-01-08 06:44 pm UTC (link)
Yeah, but I do like seeing cities at night, haha. Something about the lights just seem so much prettier to me.

Hostels aren't for everyone, I agree. Other places that I think are fairly cheap are Amalfi Hotel (close to bus stops), Holiday Inn (by Harrison and Canal), etc etc.

No problem. I'm still discovering this city but I'd love to help any way I can. :)

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[info]khendrix85
2009-01-08 06:23 pm UTC (link)
yes.

navy pier. wondering around. six flags. chicago is an alright place to visit, but it would be a terrible place to live.

i went to madison, wisc a few months ago

cheap hotel.

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[info]slumber
2009-01-08 06:30 pm UTC (link)
!!! But I love living in Chicago, probably more than I loved it when I visited. I mean, weather, yeah, but pfft. Weather.

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[info]khendrix85
2009-01-08 06:32 pm UTC (link)
it's beyond corrupt, though. if you feel strongly about liberty whatsoever.... forgetaboutit!

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[info]slumber
2009-01-08 06:33 pm UTC (link)
Oh, yeah, that. Haha, I guess this is one thing that growing up in the Philippines has at LEAST prepared me for. I can very easily ignore corruption. :\

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[info]khendrix85
2009-01-08 06:42 pm UTC (link)
i think that is part of the problem... the reaction to just 'ignore it'. the constitution states that if the american people dont like how the government is doing something, we have the right to overthrow it. we DON'T though because we are overworked and don't want to take on any other responsibilities. we just want to go home, watch tv, and go to bed.

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[info]slumber
2009-01-08 06:46 pm UTC (link)
Also not an American citizen so it doesn't feel like it affects me as much. I've done the overthrowing government thing-- back in the Philippines, that is. Didn't really work out all that well either. (Yeah, sure, we've thrown out two presidents, but, uh, their replacements weren't all that either, and people just forgot.)

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[info]alieislove
2009-01-08 07:11 pm UTC (link)
I don't think my liberty is compromised at all.

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[info]due27south
2009-01-08 06:37 pm UTC (link)
I've been to Chicago, but mostly I go there for shopping and food. They have lovely museums and such, like the Shedd Aquarium.

The Cheesecake Factory there is the best - no other one I've been to compares. And it is right by Sears tower!

There is also an outside area with fountains, gardens, and an area where you can climb on stones that have a waterfall. I wish I remember what city that was, I just recall being in Chicago and walking a lot:D

Since you're into buildings, check out this map maybe?
http://www.chicagotraveler.com/maps/chicago-downtown-buildings-map.htm

And I didn't think Chicago had small, cheap hotels:9 Unless you stay outside of Chicago proper and take the train into the city!

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[info]meiran
2009-01-08 06:48 pm UTC (link)
Woo, awesome map!

I was afraid of that with the hotels, but I guess we'll just see how the prices work out *bleh*

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[info]bo1ng
2009-01-08 07:06 pm UTC (link)
- yes, i've been to Chicago many many times

- My lil'sister was majoring in Architecture, so we did a couple Architecture Tours... the boat one which was amazing and another one all on Frank Lloyd Wright, which was pretty spectacular as well. For my husband and I.. it was going to the Art Museum, wonderful! Another thing, is check out the music/bands that are playing at the 'House of Blues'... cocktails on top of the Hancock Bldg...

- Last trip, was a road trip from Bozeman, MT to SLO, CA (home) w/my husband over the holidays... did the wineries in WA/OR and sonoma/napa. As far as a major trip... last August, Mexico City!

- the wine on our holiday trip... and the pyramids/luche libre in Mexico City.

- for Chicago, we lucked out w/Priceline and scored the 'Club Quarters Chicago - Central Loop' for only $50/a night!! or perhaps check out some hostels?

have fun and go for it!

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[info]shotie
2009-01-08 07:07 pm UTC (link)
I've been once, it was fucking horrible. There weren't any damn street signs so we kept getting lost. "Oh, I see...unmarked road #3 was actually our turnoff!" Seriously, it was annoying.

Plus traffic was just god-awful.

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[info]meiran
2009-01-08 07:13 pm UTC (link)
Yeah, that's one thing I'm always afraid of with a new city. But I have a tendency to drop my car off somewhere and not go back for it if I can help it. I either walk or figure out public transport to avoid it, because I get lost in my hometown.

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[info]alieislove
2009-01-08 07:19 pm UTC (link)
Just as long as you avoid getting turned around on the odd diagonal streets and avoid getting stuck in nastier neighborhoods, Chicago is on a grid system and pretty easy to navigate. I've better familiarized myself with the through-streets using Google Maps.

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[info]alieislove
2009-01-08 07:10 pm UTC (link)
I grew up three blocks out of Chicago.

Shedd Aquarium, Belmont & Clark area for funky shops, Brookfield Zoo (Lincoln Park Zoo is free, but smaller than Brookfield), State Street shopping, restaurants (Pizzeria Uno = best Chicago style deep dish pizza EVAR), Art Institute of Chicago, Field Museum of Natural History (my favorite growing up), etc. Steer away from Navy Pier because it's just a tourist trap, unless you can get in to see a play at the Shakespeare Theatre there (we had season passes and they were very good). Walk along the beach, and be sure to take public transpo like the L and CTA buses instead of taxis.

If you like architecture, the Frank Lloyd Wright home and studio is in Oak Park - just take the Green Line L out of the city and you'll be right there.

Best trips are just trips home to Chicago, IMO.
The ethnic food! Omg, I hate being stuck in Wisconsin.

Cheap hotel. I never remember the places I stay while vacationing, just the things I do.

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[info]meiran
2009-01-08 07:19 pm UTC (link)
Now that I've mastered the D.C. public transit, I am all about busses and metro!

We actually went to a Frank Lloyd Wright house for our honeymoon so I have a feeling we'll end up there ; )

The only hotel I can remember that I've stayed in was when I was in Vegas because those are so theme-y. And the weird one in Atlanta but that's because it was just strange.

I'll probably bug you again too once I get all the stuff together, if you don't mind : )

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[info]alieislove
2009-01-08 07:25 pm UTC (link)
Hahahaha, my best friend's house is around the corner from the Frank Lloyd Wright house, so we'd always count the tourists on their way to there. That's so cute! :)

If you have specific tastes in restaurants I could probably recommend something. I know the west side of the city the best though.

And no worries, I'll be here! If I can't answer a question, my parents surely could, so don't hesitate to send me a message.

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[info]noreentry
2009-01-08 07:32 pm UTC (link)
I lived there for awhile. Go in the summer and they have a bunch of really cool architectural boat tours, since you're into buildings. otherwise, yknow, museums, parks, the usual.

Um I went to philly for christmas. christmas was the best part.

it's a city, neither are really a viable option. hotels are expensive downtown.

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[info]crysania4
2009-01-08 07:55 pm UTC (link)
1. Yes.
2. The Chicago Symphony. They're awesome.
3. We went to Ireland in May 2007.
4. Being with my boyfriend and good friends in an awesome place. Being on the Burren, especially at the Poulawack Cairn, was my favourite part.
5. Cheap hotel. Who cares where you sleep?

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