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Chicago?

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saskskier
Posts: 4774 - Karma: 10,005
Any suggestions? I am trying to get there for a seminar first weekend in Oct and am thinking about staying for an extra day or two. Chicago is one of the only big cities in the US I've always wanted to check out other than NY. Any "must see/do" suggestions?
Aug 14 2014 1:23PM
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JAHpow
Posts: 7282 - Karma: 17,175
I went there when I was younger and remember the Navy Pier being a pretty cool place.
Aug 14 2014 1:25PM
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BeeRad
Posts: 206 - Karma: 842
Wrigley Field is pretty cool.. big part of American history as well
Aug 14 2014 1:32PM
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Barefootin_Fiend
Posts: 7618 - Karma: 4,727
navy pier

get wasted on clark street

eat a bunch of bomb ass food....good beef sandos, chicago style pizza, etc.

score dope, coke, etc. on the west side at the best open air drug market in north america., but watch out for the jump out boys.
Aug 14 2014 2:02PM
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Lucky.
Posts: 318 - Karma: -641
chicago sucks ass, its pretty much just a bunch of ghettos and cirminals
Aug 14 2014 2:28PM
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BeeRad
Posts: 206 - Karma: 842
Lucky.chicago sucks ass, its pretty much just a bunch of ghettos and cirminals


Nice t shirt company
Aug 14 2014 2:30PM
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Charlie_Kelly
Posts: 11954 - Karma: 12,297
I'd say part of Englewood and South Shore...and the middle of Humboldt Park and part of Austin.

After that the Museum of Natural History is pretty dope.
Aug 14 2014 2:35PM
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speedin
Posts: 731 - Karma: 131
What are you looking to do?
Chicago has a lot to do
Depending on the weekend you could go to a Bears Game at Soldier Field.
Amazing food all over. What do you like to eat?
Clubs? Chicago is host to some of the best night clubs
Comedy Plenty of Comedy clubs
field museum, shedd aquarium, museum of science and industry
Boat tours
Navy pier
North Ave Beach
Willis Tower Sky deck
Navy pier
Lakeshore drive
House of blues for live music

You tell me man and I shall direct.

Avoid the south and west side and you will be fine. I would stick to the loop gold coast/ magnification mile areas. Right in the heart of everything that is good.
Aug 14 2014 2:41PM
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Barefootin_Fiend
Posts: 7618 - Karma: 4,727
speedinAvoid the south and west side


unless you want drugs....
Aug 14 2014 3:20PM
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speedin
Posts: 731 - Karma: 131
Barefootin_Fiendunless you want drugs....


You can get drugs other places.
South/west side is terrible. Fucking jungle.
Aug 14 2014 3:30PM
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saskskier
Posts: 4774 - Karma: 10,005
speedinWhat are you looking to do?
Chicago has a lot to do
Depending on the weekend you could go to a Bears Game at Soldier Field.
Amazing food all over. What do you like to eat?
Clubs? Chicago is host to some of the best night clubs
Comedy Plenty of Comedy clubs
field museum, shedd aquarium, museum of science and industry
Boat tours
Navy pier
North Ave Beach
Willis Tower Sky deck
Navy pier
Lakeshore drive
House of blues for live music

You tell me man and I shall direct.

Avoid the south and west side and you will be fine. I would stick to the loop gold coast/ magnification mile areas. Right in the heart of everything that is good.


The seminar I'm planning on going to will be Saturday/Sunday during the day and it's in Orland Park (close to 159th/Harlem Ave). I'm probably going to stick around Monday, Tuesday and either fly out Tuesday night or sometime during the day on Wednesday. If I do that, I might move hotels to something closer to downtown, but we'll see.

I checked the Bears schedule and it sounds like they are out of town that weekend. Depending on what happens post season, I may hit up a ball game.

I don't drink and don't have any interest in the club scene, but love good music, so House of Blues might be something to check out in the evening.

I love architecture so I may spend some time wandering downtown and maybe the Willis Tower. Also definitely interested in checking out a museum or two.

I love all kinds of different food and am open to trying new stuff.
Aug 14 2014 3:30PM
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speedin
Posts: 731 - Karma: 131
saskskierThe seminar I'm planning on going to will be Saturday/Sunday during the day and it's in Orland Park (close to 159th/Harlem Ave). I'm probably going to stick around Monday, Tuesday and either fly out Tuesday night or sometime during the day on Wednesday. If I do that, I might move hotels to something closer to downtown, but we'll see.

I checked the Bears schedule and it sounds like they are out of town that weekend. Depending on what happens post season, I may hit up a ball game.

I don't drink and don't have any interest in the club scene, but love good music, so House of Blues might be something to check out in the evening.

I love architecture so I may spend some time wandering downtown and maybe the Willis Tower. Also definitely interested in checking out a museum or two.

I love all kinds of different food and am open to trying new stuff.



Chicago has architecture based tours. You should check that out if your in to that type of thing.
House of blues is just one venue, there are many others. So keep that in mind.

Sucks your seminar is Oak Lawn. Oak Lawn is ok...I guess. Right and I mean RIGHT on the boarder of the worst Ghetto you can imagine. Will you have car? If so, and if your driving around orland park, make sure you are very careful on which way your traveling. It can go from sububia to shit real fast out that way.

If I were you I would spend a little time as you can around that area, depending on your transportation situation.

Cubs or sox game is fun.

Go check out all 3 museums I mentioned. You can get a combo package deal to all 3.

Tell me what you want for food, and pricing point and I can point you in the right direction.
Aug 14 2014 3:46PM
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japanada
Posts: 13784 - Karma: 1,957
Be sure to check out 2nd City Comedy Club! Best of the best! Even the amateur open mics are a riot!
Aug 14 2014 3:49PM
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Iliveinutah
Posts: 1250 - Karma: 5,147
hotdog... eat the fucking hotdog...oh my lawd id kill for another
Aug 14 2014 4:13PM
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saskskier
Posts: 4774 - Karma: 10,005
speedinChicago has architecture based tours. You should check that out if your in to that type of thing.
House of blues is just one venue, there are many others. So keep that in mind.

Sucks your seminar is Oak Lawn. Oak Lawn is ok...I guess. Right and I mean RIGHT on the boarder of the worst Ghetto you can imagine. Will you have car? If so, and if your driving around orland park, make sure you are very careful on which way your traveling. It can go from sububia to shit real fast out that way.

If I were you I would spend a little time as you can around that area, depending on your transportation situation.

Cubs or sox game is fun.

Go check out all 3 museums I mentioned. You can get a combo package deal to all 3.

Tell me what you want for food, and pricing point and I can point you in the right direction.


Thanks for the heads up on being next to the ghetto. Which direction should I avoid or am I kind of surrounded in that area?

I'm not sure if I'll do any specific tours (kind of like doing my own thing), but I just remembered Frank Lloyd Wright lived in Chicago so might check that out. I also might throw everything out the window and just wander.

Will probably check out the museums.

Initially I was thinking I would taxi/transit, but renting a car might be easiest (perks of being older). What's parking like?

Again, with food I'm up for pretty much anything. I'm not going to hit up anything super high end, but I'm also not limited to fast food/chains either (again, perks of being older and having a decent job).
Aug 14 2014 4:23PM
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NEPTR
Posts: 766 - Karma: 1,936
dot get shot
Aug 14 2014 4:32PM
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speedin
Posts: 731 - Karma: 131
saskskierThanks for the heads up on being next to the ghetto. Which direction should I avoid or am I kind of surrounded in that area?

I'm not sure if I'll do any specific tours (kind of like doing my own thing), but I just remembered Frank Lloyd Wright lived in Chicago so might check that out. I also might throw everything out the window and just wander.

Will probably check out the museums.

Initially I was thinking I would taxi/transit, but renting a car might be easiest (perks of being older). What's parking like?

Again, with food I'm up for pretty much anything. I'm not going to hit up anything super high end, but I'm also not limited to fast food/chains either (again, perks of being older and having a decent job).


Oaklawn is south suburbs of Chicago. Generally as a whole not a good area to be in. I would venture north and east back towards the lake and city.
All in all spend a little time in oaklawn and ajacent areas in the soutside.

Frank Loyd wright is everywhere just google it.

Parking can be expensive and a problem in the City. So it really depends on where you staying.

Pizza- Pete's Pizza, Lou Malnati's
Hotdogs- Hot dougs, weiner circle, superdawg
Steak- Chicago cut (expensive), Gibsons (also expensive)
Italian- Bacchanalia- Medium expensive (little Italian place in the little Italy village)

Go to rush/division st for other good food selections.
Aug 14 2014 4:44PM
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speedin
Posts: 731 - Karma: 131
speedinAll in all spend a little time in oaklawn and ajacent areas in the soutside.


Spend as little time as you can in Oakland and adjacent areas located in the southside.
Aug 14 2014 4:46PM
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Casey
Posts: 7847 - Karma: 24,308
I'm staying at the Baker hotel tonight I'll let you know what I find out.
Aug 14 2014 6:09PM
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speedin
Posts: 731 - Karma: 131
CaseyI'm staying at the Baker hotel tonight I'll let you know what I find out.


????
Aug 14 2014 6:11PM
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Casey
Posts: 7847 - Karma: 24,308
speedin????


I thought I was going to Chicago I am travelling for work, but I am staying at the Hotel Baker which is a fancy historic hotel in St Charles. I am about to go bar hopping etc and was going to report my findings for the possible benefit of the NS community.
Aug 14 2014 7:56PM
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Turd.Ferguson
Posts: 1437 - Karma: 2,713
i live like 1 hr away from chicago, watch out if your gonna be there during the Columbus day weekend, they have the chicago marathon and all of the streets are either gridlocked or shut down completely. i went there last week and ended up spending a lot of my time in the gold coast/magnificent mile area. its pretty non sketchy and it basically stays that way all the way south until around the mccormic place. also if you have some time/money the architecture tour ran by windella is pretty cool. if your there go to nike town to cuz that place is so fucking awesome and one time a saw an ns'er there.

and goose island brews a beer called green line thats only available in city limits on tap so drink that too.
Aug 14 2014 9:12PM
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saskskier
Posts: 4774 - Karma: 10,005
So flights are officially booked. Whether or not I go to this seminar is still up in the air, but I couldn't pass up on $300 return flight from Calgary. Super stoked. I'm going to be there first weekend of October, so I'll miss Columbus Day.

Thanks for all the advise/tips and I'll be sure to hit you guys up if I have any questions as the trip draws closer!

+k to everyone!
Aug 14 2014 9:20PM
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.GaperMan.
Posts: 305 - Karma: 1,409
Navy Pier

John hancock building has some pretty cool views

strolls on the beach

If your into fishing there is some decent charters for some salmon

hotdogs

pizza

more hotdogs

check out the beautiful mountains too
Aug 15 2014 12:56AM
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Bwalks
Posts: 11 - Karma: 24
If you like architecture the boat tours are killer, you get to see a ton of the city

L train is a pretty cheap way to get around if you can figure it out too
Aug 15 2014 2:20AM
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japanada
Posts: 13784 - Karma: 1,957
CaseyI thought I was going to Chicago I am travelling for work, but I am staying at the Hotel Baker which is a fancy historic hotel in St Charles. I am about to go bar hopping etc and was going to report my findings for the possible benefit of the NS community.



Wanna stop and say high to my parentals? They live in STC. There is a metra train that will take you all the way downtown, get drunk, ride back with bitches and profit.
Aug 15 2014 8:00PM
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Turd.Ferguson
Posts: 1437 - Karma: 2,713
Mr.EpiculiarIf you like architecture the boat tours are killer, you get to see a ton of the city

L train is a pretty cheap way to get around if you can figure it out too



arcitecture tours are killer, personally i enjoyed the river one more but the river and lake one was also pretty sick. you get to see how the chicago river lock works and its pretty damn cool. i recommend the Windella boat tours

stick off the green line and all of the lines basically. if you do use the L just be smart and don't get robbed or anything cuz that wouldn't be fun.

and please stick away from cabs, those guys like to take the scenic route to get a few extra bucks.
Aug 19 2014 4:10PM
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baethoven
Posts: 4953 - Karma: 332
Check out Kingston Mines. It's a blues bar on N. Halsted and it's a great damn time any night of the week.
Aug 19 2014 4:13PM
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skiersupreme
Posts: 1549 - Karma: 4,872
i think its funny how chief keef and all similar "rappers" call chicago chiraq
Aug 19 2014 6:24PM
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Casey
Posts: 7847 - Karma: 24,308
japanadaWanna stop and say high to my parentals? They live in STC. There is a metra train that will take you all the way downtown, get drunk, ride back with bitches and profit.


I never even made it out of the hotel bar.
Aug 19 2014 8:03PM
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saskskier
Posts: 4774 - Karma: 10,005
Well, I'm sitting in the Calgary airport waiting for my flight to Chicago. Definitely stoked right now and super pumped for the next four days.
Oct 3 2014 5:18PM
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crotchvent
Posts: 1527 - Karma: 2,184
Go to Zoo. There are animals and stuff there.
Oct 3 2014 6:06PM
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jfp
Posts: 727 - Karma: 493
Chicago is the home of house music, if you like house than it doesn't get any better. It was invented here and the djs are a notch above the rest of the world. Go to smartbar. Or if you see any legendary names playing anywhere, than go.
Oct 3 2014 6:37PM
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ModMommy
Posts: 10815 - Karma: 57,158
THE AQUARIUM!!
Oct 3 2014 6:49PM
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theabortionator
Posts: 51620 - Karma: 162,052
Go to the hood and ask for directions.
Oct 3 2014 7:00PM
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erica
Posts: 3450 - Karma: 24,083
chicago style pizza yo.

the bean. cause if you go to chicago, and you dont take a selfie at the bean, did you really go to chicago??
Oct 3 2014 7:15PM
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Ethan.G
Posts: 1166 - Karma: 465
I don't think this is anything new but magnificent mile is pretty sweet, it's a really touristy area tho probably not as bad this time of year. Grant park is huge and there's lots to see around there, I was there for Lolla so it was pretty crazy and I'm sure the vibe would be completely different now haha. There's one deep dish place that I got recommended a few times I'm not sure if it's the best but it was pretty good, Lou Malnati's. Walking around the river was really cool I love the architecture in Chicago. And as pretty much everyone else has said just stick to the downtown area as much as possible, you shouldn't run into any problems (with people) there.
Oct 3 2014 9:06PM
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kingsskier
Posts: 6212 - Karma: 2,100
Where to begin? I grew up there and am actually headed there in the morning. So much good food and so many fun bars. Expensive but fun bars on Rush. My favorite dive that is decently priced is Timothy O'Tooles on fairbanks and ontario.
The museums are all nice. Around Wrigley is all nice. The Lincoln Park zoo is free and not a bad stop.
There is too much to name. Just look on yelp or something for womething you like and you will find a few good options.
Oct 3 2014 9:27PM
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Khaleesi
Posts: 23 - Karma: 22
Definitely go to Portillos for hot dogs and cheese fries!
Oct 4 2014 3:46AM
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saskskier
Posts: 4774 - Karma: 10,005
So I forgot to update. Had a blast in Chicago. Some highlights:

- Went to a weightlifting seminar Saturday/Sunday and snatched a new pr (118kg) with one of the best coaches in the US watching.

- ate one of the best (thin crust) pizza's of my life (Vito & Nick's). I don't think I'm a deep dish guy, or I didn't have the best while I was there. Whatever. I've always been more of a thin crust guy anyway.

- Spent a full day wandering Chicago Loop. Did the John Hancock and Willis Towers and the Art Institute. Those were pretty cool, but I loved just wandering more.

- Had coffee from Intelligenstsia (amazing) and BBQ from Blackwood BBQ (amazing)

- survived driving through East and West Garfield (accidentally) on my way to the United Centre, even though I didn't go to the Bulls game (could justify spending more on parking than tickets to the game)







All in all, would go again.
Nov 9 2014 12:19AM
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quixotic
Posts: 6937 - Karma: 2,978
little bit of chicago advice for you... if a super big black guy named phil tries to give you directions to a maxwell street hot dog shop, it's a trap.
Nov 9 2014 10:46AM
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