Girls Weekend in Chicago

Updated on April 10, 2011
C.B. asks from Oskaloosa, KS
3 answers

my mom, sister and i are planning a weekend in Chicago, probably sometime in September. I need ideas for what to do! we thought about getting a hotel somewhere downtown, then walking or taking public transit to whatever we go do. Any tips? places that are must-see's?? i have never been!

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K.T.

answers from Chicago on

I ditto the previous posts. Definately stay Gold Coast . There are some great hotels that face the lake. And there are some boutique hotels (very nice) Look online, September (after Labor Day) I would assume would have good bargins. Architechtural tour...must. The buildings, river and lake are like nowhere else. My girlfriend took her teen daugthers (15 & 17), Mom (65+) and herself (45+) on a Segway tour through Millinium Park and south on LSD (Lake Shore Drive) had a blast and said it was easy even for her mom, except she had on heeled boots....she recommends flats.
You can shop of course on Michigan Ave and then go for afternoon tea at the Drake Hotel. Or ride the "L". That is the Elevated train that goes around the loop (dowtown). These are all very genuine Chicago things. All of the museums are great....but you will never get through all of them in a weekend, you would really need to devote an entire day to each one.
There are tons of different neighborhoods and the food....the food....take your pick! You will find the people friendly and hopefully the weather will be good!

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S.B.

answers from Chicago on

I definitely recommend staying downtown, just off North Michigan Ave. near the mag mile. You'll find many restaurants, lots of shopping, the Hancock Building (enjoy the view from the Signature Room Lounge on the 96th floor for the price of a cocktail instead of buying tickets to the observation deck)all steps from your hotel. Navy Pier is nice, as well as the State St. shopping area. Millenium Park is a must see. A short cab ride will take you to the museum campus, where you can visit the Shedd's aquarium, Planetarium, Field Museum, not to mention get a fantasic view of the city. I really like the architectural river tour, where you board a boat and travel down the Chicago River learning about the various styles of architecture and a little history too. It's an unscripted tour, so each time is different depending on your tour guide, but I've never heard anyone be disappointed. You could take in a show, there are several Broadway shows here in Chicago and your concierge can help you get tickets. Or a comedy club, those are fun and there are several good ones. Bring your walking shoes and dress in layers, you'll have a great time!

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M.R.

answers from Chicago on

Sarah is absolutely right - pick a hotel in the Gold Coast (which is just off North Michigan Ave). You may be tempted to go for a cheaper hotel that is a 'little' farther off the beaten path but really, don't do that. You'll wind up paying the difference in cabs/transport, etc. and you just don't get that 'feel' you want for a girls' weekend.

Sarah also gives excellent advice about the Signature Room Lounge on the 96th floor - why spend a ton of money there (or at the Sears, but now it is called the Willis Tower) when all you have to do is buy a drink. Sure, a coke will set you back about $7.50 BUT it is still cheaper plus you can actually sit down, relax, and chat.

Unless you live in a tiny town, skip some of the theme-type restaurants like Ed Debevic's (lots of kids, lots of tourists, lots of waiting), the Hard Rock Cafe, Rainforest, etc. because it is mostly one of those shove you in, shove you out sort of places. Staying in the Gold Coast, you should have plenty of restaurant options. If you're interested in taking a short cab to the Greektown neighborhood there are a ton of fun, wonderful restaurants there.

If you are into the spa scene, I highly recommend ESPA at The Peninsula or ASHA in the James hotel.

Good luck and enjoy. Pack a variety of clothes from super hot summer to almost starting to snow...or if you stay on Michigan Avenue, you can just go shopping and buy what you need!

1 mom found this helpful
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