Mmmm....Chicago...
"It's 106 miles to Chicago, we got a tankful of gas, it's dark...and
we're wearing shades."
"Hit it!"
I don't recommend getting up to the same mischief Jake and Elwood did
in Chicago, but there's plenty else for you to do while you're there!
The Chicago Bulls have two games at the United Center while you're in
town. They'll be playing Orlando on December 16th, and Cleveland on
the 20th. To get tickets, just click the blue "Tix" icon next to the
date you want:
The Chicago Bulls - Schedule
http://www.nba.com/bulls/schedule/#Dec
Special Chicago events can be found at 877Chicago.com, as well as
through the Mayor's Office of Special Events:
"A Christmas Carol" at the Goodman Theater
http://www.877chicago.com/happenings_1.html#carol
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light at MOSI
http://www.877chicago.com/happenings_1.html#world
Star of Wonder Sky Show at the Adler Planetarium
http://www.877chicago.com/happenings_1.html#wonder
Christkindlmarkt (An outdoor Christmas Market, fashioned after the
famous one in Nüremberg)
http://www.877chicago.com/happenings_1.html#chistkindl
Holiday Windows on State Street
http://www.877chicago.com/happenings_1.html#windows
Zoolights Festival at the Lincoln Park Zoo (Free! And very cool. We
light our Zoo up here in Toledo, and it draws people from all over.)
http://www.877chicago.com/happenings_1.html#zoolights
For more Special Events:
Chicago Sun-Times Special Events Calendar
http://www.suntimes.com/calendar/special.html
The Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau
http://www.chicago.il.org/
Things to do in Chicago
http://www.chicago.il.org/TODO.HTM
If you like museums, you can see the best among them very affordably
with CityPass. CityPass includes admission to The Hancock
Observatory, The Art Institute of Chicago, The Field Museum, Shedd
Aquarium, Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum, and the Museum of
Science and Industry for just $49:
CityPass
http://citypass.net/cgi-bin/citypass/city_fly?mv_arg=chicago&rand=8485
The Joffrey Ballet's Nutcracker (If you love this holiday classic,
you'll adore the Joffrey Company's production. The Joffrey Company is
world famous for their grace and outstanding choreography.)
http://www.877chicago.com/happenings_1.html#nutcracker
At the Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier, you can catch the
"Rose Rage", a production of Henry VI, Parts 1,2,3, on the 17th, 19th,
20th or 21st - *if* you can score a last minute ticket. Most
performances are already sold out, but if you're on your own, you
stand a good chance of being able to get a ticket:
Chicago Shakespeare Theater Season Schedule
http://www.chicagoshakes.com/calendar.html
Tickets
http://www.chicagoshakes.com/shows.html
For additonal theater listings:
The Stage Channel
http://www.stagechannel.com/home/index.htm
For movie listings:
Chicago Reader On Film
http://www.chicagoreader.com/movies/index.html
Movie Listings @ ChicagoNewsCenter.com
http://www.chicagonewscenter.com/movie.htm
When I'm in Chicago, I like to *eat*. There are a number of
wonderfully interesting places to try:
Fogo de Chao - Brazilian Barbecue. *Expensive*. The last time I was
there, my tab was $65 (including drinks and dessert). Worth every
penny.
Fogo de Chao
661 North La Salle
(312) 932-9330
http://www.fogodechao.com
Soprano's - Italian. Moderate. If you try them out, I highly
recommend the Chicken Involtino Florentine (though others love the
Veal Portofino). Save room for Cannoli Cake.
Soprano's
2901 N. Sheffield
773-871-0990
Heaven on Seven - Cajun. Moderate. Terrific atmosphere and food to
die for. I love Jimmy's Big Ass Breakfast after a night of carousing
with my friends, and Heaven on Seven thorougly understands the concept
of "Keep the coffee coming". For dinner? Shrimp VooDoo, and bring
your appetite.
Heaven on Seven
Various locations in Chicago, I prefer the original on Wabash
http://www.heavenonseven.com
Emilio's Tapas - Spanish. Moderate. My favorite way to go to
Emilio's is with a bunch of friends. Everyone orders two "tapas"
(little dishes), and they all get passed around the table for a nibble
here and a nibble there. The bacon wrapped dates are killer, and the
patatas con alioli will knock your socks off. Bring your Altoids,
Emilio's is not afraid of the garlic.
Emilio's Tapas
444 W. Fullerton
773.327.5100
http://www.emiliostapas.com/
No Hana - Sushi. Surprisingly inexpensive. A very tiny little
restaurant, staffed by some of the nicest, most prompt people I've
ever encountered. The sushi lunch special typically runs around $8,
including tea, and you're well fed for it. This is another great
place to go with a bunch of friends. I'll be in Chicago for New
Year's, and our group has planned a visit to No Hana to relieve some
of our friends of their "sushi virginity".
No Hana
3136 N. Broadway
(773)528-1902
For more restaurant choices:
Centerstage Chicago
http://centerstage.net/chicago/restaurants/index.html
877Chicago.com
http://www.877chicago.com/dining_map.html
In addition to the Metromix, noted in the comment below, a terrific
place to find out what's going on, where it's happening, and what to
eat in Chicago is *usually* City Life:
City Life
http://www.city-life.com/chicago/
They're having some site difficulties today, but if you check back in
a day or so, they should have them resolved.
I hope you find this helpful! Have a terrific time in Chicago!
--Missy
Search terms: None. I spend a lot of time in Chicago, and have a
huge bookmark stash. |
