A weekend trip to Chicago?

Question

I would really like to take a weekend trip to Chicago with my boyfriend.
few details: We are both 20 but will both be 21 by next summer.
Is there much for people under 21 to do? My boyfriend LOVES michael jordan and I heard that he has a restaurant there can you tell me anything about it?
Also if we go in the winter what are some fun things we can do? If we go in the summer what are some fun things to do? Pretty much I would like to know as much as possible! Any good websites would help and if you could tell me AREAS TO AVOID that would be great too! Thanks everyone!

we have been together for almost 2 years now and we live together so i think a weekend trip would be fine

Answer 1

First of all, Michael Jordan's restaurant is GONE, so scratch that. There's a Mexican restaurant called Lalo's there now.

Second, there are a few fun things for people under 21 to do. Navy Pier (kinda touristy, but I guess if you've never seen it before...the IMAX theater is pretty cool), shopping on State Street or Michigan Ave. (Water Tower Place, an indoor mall thing), going up to the Signature Room at the top of the Hancock building (it has a bar, but you don't have to be 21 to buy a Coke and take in the view), Millennium Park, Art Institute, Field Museum, Adler Planetarium, Museum of Science and Industry, National Museum of Mexican Art, Wicker Park (hipster heaven), Lakeview/Lincoln Park/Wrigleyville (yuppie heaven), Andersonville, Garfield Park Conservatory, Lincoln park Zoo (free), Chicago History Museum, Second City sketch comedy theater, Zanies (not sure if you have to be 21 to get in there... they have a drink minimum, but maybe you can get a Coke), etc. There are also a million concert places like the Rivera, Aragon, Metro that have a lot of all ages shows.

If you come in the summer, there's a lot more to do. There are street fairs almost every weekend which is a good way to see the REAL city, away from the usual tourist stuff. It's how real Chicagoans party. Live bands, food and most of them only charge $5 to get in. Or you can go to one of the free city festivals like Taste of Chicago, Blues Fest, Jazz Fest, Celtic Fest, Viva Chicago latin festival, etc. These are free although they charge for food. And there is baseball on both sides of town in the summer (even though I hate to admit it, it's fun to see a game at Wrigley Field).

As far as areas to avoid, not sure why you'd have to worry about that, since there's nothing there to see anyway, you don't have a reason to go to the "bad" parts of town.

You can pick up a copy of The Chicago Reader or Time Out Chicago magazine to see what's going on the week you're here. Those two publications also have websites so you can look them up online and check stuff out there. have fun.

Answer 2

Chicago is a great city. Its cold as crap in the winter, so be sure to bundle up (the wind is ridiculous! - take it from me, I lived right by Lake Michigan).

Depending on where you are coming from, you might want to take a train into the city (Amtrak or the Metra) as parking is very expensive. Be sure to bring some cash as well for the subway system (I guess, it is not a true subway, as it goes above and below ground). Last time I went back to visit, it was 1.50 a ride...

As for fun things to do, make sure you eat at Giordano's Pizza (there is one on Michigan Avenue across from the Hard Rock Hotel). It is by far the best pizza you will have (be sure to get the Chicago style!).

You can go to Shedd Aquarium on Michigan Ave (very fun time) as well as the Field Museum, Museum of Science and Industry, The Art Institute (Thursdays from 5-8 are free admission!), Navy Pier (very fun!), and you can take an elevator ride to the top of the Sears Tower. You can spend a whole day strolling Michigan Avenue (AKA the Magnificent Mile) going into the different stores and whatnot.

The Michael Jordan Restaurant is on 500 N La Salle Dr. - Ive never been, but Im sure it is fun.

If you like crazy stuff you can take the Red Line train to Belmont Ave and go to the Alley (quite interesting store). From Belmont you can walk to Wrigley Field and see where the Cubs play as well as eat some good pub food (I know you are under 21, but I am well over 21 and don't drink - so no worries about having a good time).

Have fun in Chi-town and enjoy the cold weather and snow.

Answer 3

Millennium park has opened and it great to visit, but it is outside so pick a day that is not so cold. Don't miss seeing the Bean there. The museums are very nice, and shopping at Water Tower Place is fun. Just walk down Michigan Avenue and enjoy all the sites. Going to the top of the John Hancock is better than the Sears Tower, its not as tall but much better view and a better observatory.

Answer 4

Depending on where you live, you can get issues of a Chicago paper that lists all types of things to do. If not, then check the library, they usually carry the newspapers of most metro areas. Chicago has a lot of things to do for any age, so there should be no problem finding things to do, to go see, etc. Depending on how long your relationship is, and the seriousness of the relationship, I suspect you should hold off on going on a weekend trip.

Answer 5

For web sites, check out metromix or the Chicago Reader.

Answer 6

visit:
Shed aquarium
Field museum
Millennium Park
Giovanni's east pizzeria
ESPN Zone