Travel advice - CHI, WASH, or PHI? - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

tvp2003 · 05-26-2011, 05:14 PM

Thinking about travelling in the fall, and looking for advice/tips on where to go. We've already been to NY once, but would like to try something new (or we may do two cities and make it a "combo" trip).

So... between Chicago, Washington, and Philly, which would you pick and why?

Our criteria include sightseeing and food; being infant-friendly would be a bonus. Catching a pro sporting event may also be on the agenda, but that's secondary for now...

Regulator75 · 05-26-2011, 07:14 PM

Chicago. Because I'm a skyscraper enthusiast.

_Q_ · 05-26-2011, 07:22 PM

Chicago would be pretty awesome I think, but out of those three, I have only been to DC. Personally I loved it there. It seems very family friendly, and there's lots of stuff to do there in terms of family friendly activities (National Mall, White house, Zoo). It's has a very good transit system and as long as there's no hurricanes/tropical storms, the weather is decent in the fall. You used to be able to just walk into the White House and do a tour during their hours of operation, but after 9/11, they changed it so you need to book an appointment beforehand. Also food was great and nightlife was amazing (if you're still into that). All in all, a very fun trip. Oh and I also heard that Philly is a dump. Hope that helps a bit.

malcolmk14 · 05-26-2011, 08:05 PM

Chicago and Philadelphia are great cities for what you're looking for. For sightseeing, I'd pick Philadelphia (more historic places). For food, Chicago. If you do Philly you could even rent a car and go to DC for a day or two. It's around a 2 1/2 hour drive.

Does it have to be an Eastern US city? I just got back from San Francisco a few weeks ago and I've been recommending it to everyone! Loved it there, tons to see and do, and a FANTASTIC area for food (the city, Napa Valley, Monterey). Just not quite as much history as a place like Philadelphia.

Cactus Jack · 05-26-2011, 08:46 PM

Just a question - have you been to or would you consider Vancouver, Montreal or Quebec City? I think they're all much cooler than thoses 3 cities. I just find most Canadians don't know their own country well like we should

nieuwy-89 · 05-26-2011, 08:47 PM

Chicago is an awesome place to spend a few days. The architecture and urban parks around the downtown are excellent. Navy Pier is good for families, lots of activities for the kids. Excellent restaurants and a unique culture. Great sports city too.

I have recommended Chicago to a few people and no one has been dissapointed.

tvp2003 · 05-26-2011, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by malcolmk14

Does it have to be an Eastern US city? I just got back from San Francisco a few weeks ago and I've been recommending it to everyone! Loved it there, tons to see and do, and a FANTASTIC area for food (the city, Napa Valley, Monterey). Just not quite as much history as a place like Philadelphia.

We've done California a number of times (including SF, LA, and SD), as well as Seattle (which is one of my personal favorites). However, on the East Coast, we've only been to NY (again, one of my favorites).

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cactus Jack

Just a question - have you been to or would you consider Vancouver, Montreal or Quebec City? I think they're all much cooler than thoses 3 cities. I just find most Canadians don't know their own country well like we should

Yes to Vancouver and Montreal (mmm... smoked meat), but not Quebec City -- I wouldn't mind going back to Montreal some day (my wife has never been), but there are other places to see first (maritimes is also on the to do list).

I should have mentioned, shopping is one of the perks of heading across the border (versus staying in Canada), but we can do that more or less in any US city...

billybob123 · 05-26-2011, 09:57 PM

Depending on how old your kid is - we went to Philadelphia and went to the Please Touch museum. Kid loved it - he was 23 months when we went.

Mass_nerder · 05-26-2011, 10:03 PM

I would definitely go to Chicago.
It's my number one city I'd like to visit in North America, without question.

Malkin Cookies · 05-26-2011, 10:04 PM

Chicago hands down. Wrigley Field for a sporting event. The Chicago Zoo and Chicago Aquarium are amazing. The view from the Sears Tower is incredible. I'd highly recommend the boat tour, gives you a great view of the architecture in the city. Not to mention the great food and shopping downtown on Michigan Ave. I've never met anyone disappointed with a trip to Chicago.

Northendzone · 05-26-2011, 10:25 PM

I have only been to Philly but I was amazed at the amount of history there. I also went across the river and took a self guided tour of the battleship new jersey -I wish I had more time to have taken the guided tour

pepper24 · 05-26-2011, 10:31 PM

Chicago, hands down.

krynski · 05-26-2011, 10:54 PM

Chicago. my favorite US city i have visited. beautiful. If i had a choice to move to any american city, it would be CHI anyday.

SebC · 05-26-2011, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Regulator75

Chicago. Because I'm a skyscraper enthusiast.

Two words: THE BEAN!

Bigtime · 05-27-2011, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SebC

Two words: THE BEAN!

Don't forget the Jaume Plensa piece (he is also doing a large work for The Bow here in Calgary).

starseed · 05-27-2011, 07:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SebC

Two words: THE BEAN!

The cloud gateway could entertain me for hours. I have only visited it twice, but I am sure my soul has become trapped within it...

zukes · 05-27-2011, 07:27 AM

I have been to Chicago, and been near Washington and Philly. Can't speak much about either of the latter, though I know if you go north from DC you can visit some cool Civil War stuff. I took a two week course in Harrisburg (well Mechanicburg which is a suburb). I should have done more, but met up with some cool people in the course and we just stayed around Harrisburg. If you are into chocolate, Hershey is also in the area.

Chicago, as many have said, is awesome. I was only there for a long weekend to see the Flames play, and we didn't have enough time to check everything out. Food is phenominal, sights are incredible. Their transit system is amazing, and I felt safe on it. I recommend using it rather than trying to drive everywhere. You said you have a kid with you, so nightlife probably isn't on the agenda, but almost every place you go has live bands. There are several different bar areas and everyone has an opinion about which area to go to.

valo403 · 05-27-2011, 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by malcolmk14

Chicago and Philadelphia are great cities for what you're looking for. For sightseeing, I'd pick Philadelphia (more historic places). For food, Chicago. If you do Philly you could even rent a car and go to DC for a day or two. It's around a 2 1/2 hour drive.

You can definitely do DC and Philly in the same trip, but I wouldn't recommend renting a car to do it. The traffic in the area can be brutal, and aprking isn't easy or cheap. The train is simply way too convenient, and not that expensive, to make dealing with the hassle of driving worth it.

I love Chicago, but DC is a totally different city with a lot to offer that you simply won't find anywhere else. It's really an apples and oranges situation. I'd take a look at the major attractions and see which city has more things that fit your interests.

JBR · 05-27-2011, 08:05 AM

Washington is great if you're a history or sightseeing buff, but Chicago is the best by far. Great food, a daytime Cubs game, and lots to see.

tvp2003 · 05-27-2011, 08:44 AM

So basically, Washington is unique, Philly has a lot of history, but Chicago is all-around great. Sounds like we'll eventually need to visit all three -- perhaps Chicago first, Philly in a year or two, and Washington when the kids are a little older...

Keep the info/comments/suggestions coming!