Chicago visit help

[LuvDaBlues]

My wife and I are heading to Road America for the Kohler International in July. We plan on visiting Chicago and hitting some highlights July 11th - 14th:
Architectural Boat Tour
Grant Park
The Museum Complex
Lincoln Park
Maybe a blues club
Any other ideas?

My idea is to stay on the west outskirts and take the light rail into the city during the day. I don't want to pull the trailer and race car around during our short stay. If no rail, maybe drop the trailer and drive the pick up in.

We're looking for ideas of where to stay (secure) and how to get around (easy).

Thanks,

Steve

Larry R is pulling the Formula Ford up also, while a handful of other CVAR cars will be running too.

[petegtsv10]

You can stay at our house. We have a driveway long enough for a truck/trailer and 3 extra bedrooms. The train into Chicago is 3 miles from the house and the city is 35 miles away. We'll be in and out a lot that week, so as long as we don't need to entertain you, we're fine
PM me if you want to try his.

[krhayden]

Oak Park is about 8 miles west of downtown and has a Metra and two different "L" lines that go right downtown. There are a few decent things to do in Oak Park as well. There are two hotels within walking distance of the train stops. One is the Wright Inn and the other is the Carleton Lodge (just avoid the motor inn).

Also, if you do decide to drive the truck downtown, be aware you can't drive it on Lakeshore Drive or any Boulevards if you have truck plates.

[lal Naja]

Looks like you have picked a bunch of nice thing to do while visiting our great City.

The Museum Complex; Field Museum, Shedd Oceanarium, and Alder Planetarium will require a full day to really enjoy it. If you try to do it in less time you will be running and your enjoyment level will suffer.

If you've never seen dolphins perform and want to book your tickets for the show in advance. Check out the Shedd website. If you've seen that before just walk the place at your leisure.

The Museum of Science & Industry is roughly another 40 city blocks South. Take the buss that run the route. While here make sure you see the OmniMax show at the Air & Space wing.

If you've not walked your feet off you can for sure get your fill of music. Lincoln park or in the Gold Coast/Rush street area.

The Art Institute on Michigan Ave. is a must if you're into art. Again, check the website to see if any special exhibit is taking place that you must see. Then walk over to Millennium/Grant park, less than 100 yards.

If you're in to opulent shopping it's another mile and a half walk North down the Magnificent mile district. Worth the window shopping too.

If no convention is taking place stay by the Airport at a hotel close to the 'L' (Train) Check with hotels on parking Truck & Trailer.

Enjoy your stay in the City that I have grown to love.

Arthur

[LuvDaBlues]

Thanks guys,

It looks like we're going take a fellow Cobra owner up on an offer to drop our trailer and gear off at his house, travel into downtown for a hotel. Then use the light rail for Chicago traveling.

The F250 has a normal tag, no truck status. We'll probably have to pay a hefty charge to park downtown, but heck, we're on vacation!

Thanks for the recommendations. Looks like we can really fill our plates up with things to. A friend recommended Gino's for pizza. What say you?

[lal Naja]

Looks like you have a good plan in the works. It is so nice to see Cobra owner hospitality. Restores ones faith in humanity.

Gino's would be one good place to have a Chicago style Deep-Dish pizza. But may I suggest that after your long day at the museum campus that you find your way to South State street then take Archer Ave. it heads South West.

Archer will take you through China town and if you're interested, you can do a drive around a couple of blocks, see the pagoda gateway and a drive South on Wenthworth (4 to 6 blocks) Or spend as much time as you want walking around. If you're tempted to eat Chinese go ahead, just stay away from Three Happiness. You can find your own eating dive by checking out their menus. Moon Palace has not let me down, they are right next to the Fire house filmed in the movie Back Draft. http://www.chicagochinatown.org/ccco...a1214545920334

If Chinese didn't float your Junk, Then head back to Archer and continue S.W. to Connie's for a Deep Dish Pizza. Plenty of free parking in their own parking lot. My Favorite is not on the menu but the will make it for you. Deep Dish, I ask them to go a bit thinner with the crust, But you can have the crust however you want it. Italian sausage, spinach and cheese. You can double up on meat or cheese if you are so inclined. If you like it piquant they can add it for you or you can sprinkle your own. See the following link
http://www.conniespizza.com/

I do not know where you plan on staying. I would consider Crowne Plaza hotel on Madison & Halsted street right in the heart of Greek town. Close to Down town, with parking at reasonable rates I would think. Within 10 minutes drive to almost everything you would want to see and do. http://www.crowneplaza.com/h/d/cp/1/...lsearchresults

And if you like Greek food you've got it made. Greek lamb chops thin cut, cooked the way you like it (fire burned crispy on the outside and rare on the inside, if that's how you choose it) with potatoes and rice, a side of Okra, Dandelion greens and whatever else you fancy. You can then walk a block back to your hotel for a few hours of calorie coma sleeping! http://www.thechicagometro.com/html/...ls-chicago.asp

But then again, you may want to stay on of just off the Magnificent mile. Within a 100 yard radius you will find luxury to the extreme with white glove Brute Champagne & Beluga caviar room service.

Arthur

[Glen]

Don't forget Autobahn Country Club in Joliet. If you already have the car with you, maybe you can get on the track.

[Paul F]

Don't forget to find a good Italian Beef sandwich shop and also try Chicago Hot Dogs. Forget the salad on top, but some of the stands have some other great toppings for the dogs. I haven't lived there for a long time so perhaps a local can suggest some good shops.

One of the best displays at the museum of science and industry is cross-sectional slices of real human bodies in one of the stairwells. It's fascinating. Easy to miss. Ok, I know it sounds gross, but it really is something to see.

[lal Naja]

Try Al's for your Italian beef sandwich on Taylor street. Order with or without sweet or hot peppers, or both as I do. It's an Italian restaurant row not far from the Crowne plaza hotel I suggested on Halsted & Madison. You can walk to Al's (a mile +) and after your sandwich & fries cholesterol bomb, you can cool off with an Italian lemon ice at another vendor. http://www.alsbeef.com/company/locations.asp

For a Chicago style hot dog try Gold Coast Dogs. http://www.goldcoastdogs.net/

And if you like street food try to get a Polish sausage. Polish Sausage served in a Hot-Dog bun with golden brown onions grilled in butter and a splash of mustard. Back in my younger days, This vein clogging delight was a 3am treat after an evening of dining & drinking. You would head South on Halsted to the Famed & Historical Maxwell St. Market area. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maxwell_Street

Again, not too far +- one mile from the Crowne Plaza. It was a rough neighborhood back then. You would order at the sidewalk window and jump back into your car & lock the doors for fear of being accosted by street vendors selling XXX video tapes & fake gold bling. Today the area has been completely gentrified with 1/2 million $ Town-houses & Condo's interspersed with Starbucks and the usual that go along with modernization. The original Polish sausage place was pushed out. But you will still be able to chow down this original at: http://www.jimsoriginal.com/jimsoriginal/Welcome.html

[lal Naja]

Seeing that you are an Architect, you may want to visit the Frank Lloyd Wright homes in Oak Park. http://www.oprf.com/flw/

Also, If you head to the Museum of Science & Industry try to make time to see Wrights Robie house very close to the Museum. http://www.gowright.org/visit/robie-house.html

And at that time make sure you see the Oriental Museum within 100 yards of the Wright house. The most amazing collection of relics of our human ancestry from the fertile delta of Mesopotamia. http://oi.uchicago.edu/museum/

[bulletbrown]

Would someone from the WCCC like to sponsor a Snake and Eggs on July 11th for LuvDaBlue and pick out a great Chicago Breakfast restaurant? Its not everyday we have someone from Texas pay us a visit.

[LuvDaBlues]

WOW! Thanks guys,

It looks like I'm going to add some weight this trip. This looks like a culinary delight right of passage.

Everybody, especially Arthur, has some great ideas. I'm probably going to make reservations for the hotel in or near downtown this week. And yes, the F.L. Wright pilgrimage was definitely on my list. I'm pretty much just dragging Yancey, my wife, with me.

Thanks for the information on the track Glen, but we'll keep the car in the trailer until we arrive in Elkhart Lake. I've learned over the past few years, the more you race these old cars, the more they break. $$$. I'd also much prefer saving the Hoosiers and Goodyears for Road America.

As for Snake and Eggs, that sounds fantastic Mr. Brown. But it might have to be late afternoon. We plan on pulling into the Chicago "area" early Sunday afternoon.

I'm getting pretty excited. Maybe I'll keep a photo diary for this trip. Then post each day.

Steve

[lal Naja]

Steve you are most welcome!

And remember, in addition to the typical Chicago Pizza & street treats. Chicago offers some of the finest culinary delights. If you're looking for suggestions let me know.

Arthur

[krhayden]

The FLW studio and home is about 10 blocks from my house. If you need anything on your trip through the area, don't hesitate to ask.

Kevin

[LREYBURN]

Hey Steve:
Check out Gene & Georgetti's Steak House...
http://www.geneandgeorgetti.com/...it used ti be one of my favorites.

Looking for a qualified opinion from the "Windy City Group"...is it still one of the best?

[got snake?]

I've done the Architectural Boat Tour twice. Learned something new each time.

http://www.shorelinesightseeing.com/cruisesfaq.html

[LuvDaBlues]

Looking forward to a fun trip. Is anyone heading to the KIC Brian Redman at Road America? Drop by and introduce yourself to Larry and me. We'll be in the "Texas Section".

[Renlady]

The "L" runs more frequently, but Metra is nice too. Plus they have weekend passes for unlimited rides Sat & Sun for $7. Hope you have a great visit! If there's a Snake and Eggs on Sunday, I'll try to be there (I'll be working on Sat).

[gsharapa]

Hey Steve,

Chi Town is my home town (been gone since 1987) and you have to try the Chicago pizza ie; Home Run Inn or other great ones (not sure there is a bad pizza in Chicago) and then the Italian Beef with cheese, hot peppers and wet! Portillos is one of the best........just talking about it makes me want to go up and eat.....have fun you will love road america. If you see a orange boss 302 running the track and the guy's name is Phil Schultz, he's my college room mate from the 70s. He restores cobras. Gt350s and the like.........have fun!

[taipan]

Best blues clubs- Kingston Mines- Buddy Guy's legends

Best steak in the city- Gibson's on Rush

Best Pizza? That's a religous topic. I prefer any of Lou Malnati's

Best hotel for the money in the loop? Hilton Garden on Grand.