Chicago visit help

[Johan]

I too am heading up to the races and am trying to figure out the logistics of parking a motorhome and trailer near as possible to Chicago so that I can show my son what a big US city looks like. I lived there for a few years in the mid 1960s and my uncle had an apartment overlooking the Playboy Mansion.

[lal Naja]

Originally Posted by Johan

I too am heading up to the races and am trying to figure out the logistics of parking a motorhome and trailer near as possible to Chicago so that I can show my son what a big US city looks like. I lived there for a few years in the mid 1960s and my uncle had an apartment overlooking the Playboy Mansion.

A good place to park would be at 31st & Lake Shore drive. It is the parking lot that is used for McCormic place convention visitor parking. I do not know what the parking situation is during non trade show times. Take a look at the parking lot via Google Earth or your GPS system to give you an idea where it is. It is just South of McCormic South building. If you need a hotel the Hyatt is right there too. Call the Hyatt too they may be able to give you some advice.

You may also be be able to park just North of McCormic East building. Do a fly over with your GPS map. Call McCormic place or the Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Also Check out the City of Chicago website to see if they have any suggestions for parking.

Enjoy your visit.

Arthur

[LuvDaBlues]

Originally Posted by Johan

I too am heading up to the races and am trying to figure out the logistics of parking a motorhome and trailer near as possible to Chicago so that I can show my son what a big US city looks like. I lived there for a few years in the mid 1960s and my uncle had an apartment overlooking the Playboy Mansion.

Johan,

What are you driving on the track? Be sure to hunt Larry and me down.

I've arraigned parking the rig outside of Chi town and hitting the Metra, then touristy by "L" and cab and foot.

Steve

[Johan]

Arthur, thanks for the helpful information !
I will be there with a Lola Can Am car or two. Whatever runs ! I am #36 and #3 in Can Am (again, whatever runs..) and #5 in the Group 5 race. Please stop by and say hello if I don't see you first ! Are you staying in the guy's driveway ? Does he want to have a big party ?!

[LREYBURN]

Johan: If you need a driver to run the Can-Am car that's not running real well, I be honored to help you out. Will you be under one of the Cam-Am tents? Steve & I will find you for sure!

Larry Reyburn

[LuvDaBlues]

Originally Posted by Johan

Arthur, thanks for the helpful information !
I will be there with a Lola Can Am car or two. Whatever runs ! I am #36 and #3 in Can Am (again, whatever runs..) and #5 in the Group 5 race. Please stop by and say hello if I don't see you first ! Are you staying in the guy's driveway ? Does he want to have a big party ?!

Nope. Dropping the rig off and staying downtown at Hotel 71. Gotta pamper the wife.

Nice racers. If you need help driving one or two, I'm sure I can work it into my schedule! Let's have fun and keep our eyes on the prize ..... having fun. Don't want to pull a Group 6 2005 pile up! I am a bit nervous from the horror stories about drivers with lot's of money and no skills.

Try and contact petegtsv10. He did offer his driveway to me earlier.

[LuvDaBlues]

Originally Posted by Johan

Is that a mower in the shape of a Jeep in the background????? Awesome

[Dumpling]

Avoid Viagra Triangle...name says it all. Starts with Gibson's as the bottom "point" of the triangle and on up Rush Street. Chop House has steaks at least as good, and probably better. Restaurant in Trump Tower (virtually next door to Hotel 71) has gotten excellent reviews if you're in the mood to splurge. The live Theatre district will be just south of your hotel, over the river a few blocks; walking distance. Maybe call ahead for shows and ticket availability? Cadillac Theatre has awesome seating, tilt, lots of legroom. Coming in on a Sunday night (and staying a Monday night?) means your entertainment options might be limited or at least not as "lively".

The Transformer movie crew is in town and planning on shooting July 19-21 at Hotel 71. Did you get a deal? Transformers

Shopping of course up Michigan Avenue, north of the river, and on the south side of the river along State Street. Grant Park and Millenium Park are straight east of the State Street shopping district, as is the Art Institute. The Cultural Center (on the corner of Randolph and Michigan) is having an architectural exhibit about Louis Sullivan complete with hands-on exhibits. Exhibit Info The old Carson Pirie Scott Store has had its cast iron Sullivan-designed facade restored and can be seen along State Street. And of course the AIA has displays and tours in the old Santa Fe building on South Michigan (I want to say 222 S. Michigan, but could be wrong).

I hope you're not driving in Chicago, if so bring a credit card with a big limit on it to pay for parking, and don't miss the hidden signage and search until you find it for the paying meter box (1 per block).

Walk north up Dearborn to Lincoln Park for a look at turn of the century mansions.

A possibility for breakfast is Ina's on West Randolph. Always rave reviews.

Museum of Science and Industry seems to be more emptiness and cobwebs than museum anymore. If you have kids along, they may like some of the interactive exhibits. The submarine is cool, though extra charge, as is some of the space equipment. Field Museum has a gem exhibit your wife might enjoy.

Have fun.

[RedSnake351]

Originally Posted by Johan

I too am heading up to the races and am trying to figure out the logistics of parking a motorhome and trailer near as possible to Chicago so that I can show my son what a big US city looks like.....

Johan, with the length of your rig, you're gonna have to rent a small state!
Maybe the unused military runway at O'Hare might be able to accommodate that monster!

Ralph