Visiting Chicago

[Dion]

Skydeck - Willis Tower



Tilt - John Hancock Center

[ben voyonsdonc]

Originally Posted by CliffFletcher

We wanted to visit the Museum of Science and Technology, and based on a cursory look at a very high-scale map, decided to take the L-train green line south and then cut east for 12 or so blocks on foot. Bad call.

As downtown receded in the distance, the neighbourhoods got rougher and rougher. Those huge projects from the 50s that you see in movies, mostly abandoned. Few cars on the street. When we reached the station where we planned to set off on foot, we crossed the street and got right back on the next train going back downtown.

Later, I looked up the museum website and it pointedly warned visitors against taking the L-train green line. The really weird thing is that if we had walked on the route we planned, after several blocks through the roughest part of Chicago we should have passed Barak Obama's house, which is on the fringe of the gentrified area where the museum is located. So strange to think of such devastation and despair cheek to jowl with such power and sophistication.

I loved the Museum of Science and Technology. The U-Boat was so fricking cool. The neighbourhood is beautiful. I must have gotten lucky because I didn't see any of the rough areas.

[VladtheImpaler]

Originally Posted by TheAlpineOracle

If you haven't booked hotels yet, I would highly recommend the Park Hyatt Chicago. Great location, can't get much better.

If I am thinking of the right Hyatt, the Swissotel right next to it is even better (as it blocks the Hyatt's view of the lake). The 42nd floor swimming pool is great, as you can swim with a view.
When we were there, Vera's for tapas was great. Pizzeria Uno (the original) was real nice too. I second that the Navy Pier is a waste of time.
Chicago is a great city.

[darockwilder]

Originally Posted by ben voyonsdonc

I loved the Museum of Science and Technology. The U-Boat was so fricking cool. The neighbourhood is beautiful. I must have gotten lucky because I didn't see any of the rough areas.

We took a bus, didn't see anything too bad but it did appear we were on the edge of sketchiness. Went right by Buddy Guys Blues bar and Soldier Field during the bus trip too. I really enjoyed Chicago, hope to get back soon.

[EverfresH15]

Also, hit up the wiener circle for late Nate food, like 3am. Get the chocolate milkshake for $20

[troutman]

Hog Butcher for the World,
Tool Maker, Stacker of Wheat,
Player with Railroads and the Nation's Freight Handler;
Stormy, husky, brawling,
City of the Big Shoulders

Come and show me another city with lifted head singing so proud to be alive and coarse and strong and cunning.