What are "must" places to visit in March in Chicago?

Question

My friends & I are taking a girl trip to Chicago and are planning what we'd like to do. What are things that are definately things we should do/visit while on our 4 day trip in the month of March. We are staying at the W Chicago Lakeshore hotel. Anything near that we should know about?

Answer 1

A few blocks west of the W Chicago Lakeshore is Michigan Avenue - that's kind of the center ground for interesting things in Chicago, the main shopping district, and so on.

If you go north on Michigan Avenue you can go to the John Hancock Building - that's the gigantic building with the black "X"' marks on it. On the 96th floor is a terrific lounge with an amazing view of the city (especially from, what I am told, the women's bathroom.)

South on Michigan Avenue will take you to the Art Institute and Milleniuim Park, both very much worth seeing.

The bar at the top of the W is a very popular bar, so if you go there, you'll get a flavor of the beautiful people in Chicago.

Also, if it's late enough in March or April, the Cubs will start playing, and though it'll still be a little cold, a game at Wrigley Field and a walk in the surrounding neighbhorhood of Lakeview (southwest on Clark Street towards Belmont) is very nice.

Answer 2

In March? I dunno, nothing special going on in Chicago in March. Your best bet to find out if anything special is going on is to check the Metromix website just before you arrive here (www.metromix.com) or pick up a copy of Time Out Chicago magazine when you get here. Time Out Chicago also has a website. There are always special events or one-time shows or exhibitions going on but you usually don't hear about them until a few weeks before they're going to happen.

Other than that, people are probably going to tell you the same old things: Navy Pier, MIchigan Ave., the Sears Tower, the museums, the Signature Room at the John Hancock, Millenium Park, blah blah blah...

I personally would recommend a visit to a comedy club (Second city, ImprovOlympic, Annoyance Theater, Zanies) and a trip to the Andersonville neighborhood (North Clark street between Foster and Bryn Mawr) or maybe Wicker Park (around the intersection of North Ave., Damen and Milwaukee Ave.) , though it's overrun with Yuppies now. The Old Town area is pretty interesting too (North Ave. And Wells St.).

Answer 3

Go eat at this little brunch joint called Orange. It's a quick cab ride from the W. Great brunch. Get the french toast kabobs, soaked in coconut milk and served with roasted strawberries and pineapple. They also have green eggs and ham. Awesome coffee. Filled with locals. My hubbie and I go there often.

Also, you must eat Italian food, hotdogs and steak while you are here:
I recommend
-Taylor Street for Italian food. Tuscany or Mia Francesca are always great.
-Gibson's Steak house on Rush Street. Pricey, but a Chicago tradition.
-Hot Dogs- Venture out to Hot Doug's or Portillos. No ketchup, remember

Now that food is covered, our museums are awesome, as well as our theatre or comedy. If you haven't seen Wicked, I recommend that. Second City is far cheaper for some improv and laughs. The best museums are the MCA and Art Institute in my opinion. Steer clear of the Navy Pier, it's boring.

Most of all, bundle up. It's still frigid in March!

Answer 4

Start at the Chicago Cultural Center. There's a tourist center inside, where you can find maps, brochures and coupon books for discounts off food and admission to some museums and sites. There's also a staff to answer your questions. The CCC is a place of interest itself, with some tiled ceilings by Louis C. Tiffany (of the famous Tiffany & Co.).

Address: 78 E. Washington Street
http://maps.yahoo.com/py/maps2.py?Pyt=Typ&name=Chicago+Cultural+Ctr&desc=(312)+744-6630&addr=78+E+Washington+St&csz=Chicago+IL

Nearby, there's Millenium Park, good for photos, especially the "Cloud Gate" sculpture, called "the Bean" by locals.

Find the Buckingham Fountain nearby for another photo op. Continue to the lakeside and turn to face the city for yet another photo op. You might want to walk all the way to the Shedd Aquarium for a best view of the city skyline.

Back in the city, try "the Magnificent Mile," (Michigan Avenue) for shopping at fancy stores and the Water Tower Place, also on Mich Ave. In Marshall Field's/Macy's there are more Tiffany tiled ceilings.

There are also outdoor sculptures by Picasso, Miro, Calder and others, if you're into that. You'll need a map from the CCC and wear your walking shoes.

Off course, you should try the deep dish pizza.

Gino's East
633 N Wells
http://maps.yahoo.com/py/maps2.py?Pyt=Typ&name=Gino%27s+East+Of+Chicago&desc=(312)+943-1124&addr=633+N+Wells+St&csz=Chicago+IL

Giordano's near the CCC is just a good.
135 E Lake St
http://maps.yahoo.com/py/maps2.py?Pyt=Typ&name=Giordano%27s&desc=(312)+616-1200&addr=135+E+Lake+St&csz=Chicago+IL

You'll get more ideas from the tourist center at the CCC. Make sure to look around the CCC itself.

How's that for starters?

Answer 5

I think there is a Garden Show during that time at Navy Pier.
North Michigan Avenue is a must for shopping! Rollover R has given you some great suggestions - Gino's East has great pizza!
If you have young daughters - definitely go to the American Girl Store off of North Michigan Ave as well!

Answer 6

I hope you get to experience St. Patrick's Day in Chicago. They turn the Chicago River green and party like mad. Be sure to go to Navy Pier. Take a Wendella boat trip. Eat real Chicago pizza and hot dogs. AND BE SURE TO GO TO THE OPRAH SHOW.

Answer 7

dodge Chicago for the subsequent 2 weeks in any respect expenditures. The style of Chicago is on. Busiest position on earth will be the following those next few days. except that. i love: The Shedd Aquarium The museum of technology and market. the significant Chicago Public Library progression. The Magnificant Mile. Water Tower position. driving the EL.

Answer 8

North Michigan Avenue and the Magnificent Mile for great shopping!

Answer 9

i live in chicago.
you can visit downtown, and michigan avenue, theres the famous bean, grant park, buckingham fountain.
or you can just check out this website : http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/