We may be in Chicago for more than a couple of days, with our kids (18 and 21). As this will be our third CDP, we've already done most of the usual sights in central Chicago. Besides the Botanic Garden (yes, our kids will like it), and outlet malls (favoured by wife and daughter), what else is fun to do in or north of central Chicago? And are there any proper blues clubs in that area?

I am not a blues guy, so not sure I am qualified to say if they are proper, but there are a couple in Lincoln Park right across the street from each other. I have been to both of them once or twice. One is B.L.U.E.S. and the other is Kingston Mines. They are both on Halsted in the 2500 North block (just a bit north of Fullerton). You can search their names on the web and find their websites.

Not the Blues but Tony Bennett will be playing at Ravinia the Friday before Otis' party. Ravinia is an outdoor music venue in the Northern Suburbs of Chicago which allows you to bring in your own food and alcohol for a picnic style concert experience.

The Frank LLoyd Wright home and studio in near West Suburban Oak Park is also very interesting if you are into architecture at all.

The Chicago Cubs are also in town that week. Thursday afternoon against the Washington Nationals, Friday-Sunday against the Mets and Monday evening against the Houston Astros.

VM

The cubs might actually have a chance to finally win a game against the nationals.

Great suggestions by Vino Me. If you've never been to Wrigley, BMan then I'd suggest a family trip (were you there 2 CDP's ago?- it's all a blur). Ravinia is a real treat, but buy your lawn tickets in advance, and definitely BYOB & BYOfood as much as you want, everyone else will be. You can rent lawn chairs and tables there. The park opens a couple of hours before the show, people get there early for the best position on the lawn.

The best Jazz and sometimes blues in Chicago is at the Green Mill. I don't think they allow minors there. It is a truly authentic jazz club experience. It first opened in 1907, partly owned for a while by "Machinegun" Jack McGurn (one of Capone's guys). Check out the website to get a feel for it- you can't help but feel that this place is the real deal.

Kingston Mines & BLUES are both decent recommendations, although they're most often full of lincoln park types (picture me 15 years younger with hair)- not really what a Blues club is about. They will both be safe fun places to see some good blues. Buddy Guy's Legends is more authentic, albeit in a less nice part of town.

Thanks for all the tips, guys. Yes grossie, we were at Wrigley 4 years ago, enjoying another Chicago cultural experience. I'd love to return but I'm the only sports fan in my family.

As for the blues clubs, I knew it would be difficult to find a combination of authenticity, proximity to our hotel, and somewhere that would admit an 18 year old, but it seems that some of those named above coudl fit that bill. Thanks again.

Not that any of you are probably too bug on shopping, but last time we hit a big outlet mall about 20 minutes north of chez Otis, along a toll highway. We also hit a mall very near the Residence Inn, where we stayed last time. Any chance you could remind me of the names of these places, and/or recommend others nearby?

Outlet mall was Gurnee Mills. Other mall was probably Hawthorn Place.

Thanks. I recognize the name Gurnee Mills. If I recall correctly, it's where I was impressed by a pair of jeans at a Neiman Marcus outlet (or something in that range) that had been marked down 75%, to just a little over $200.

The John Hughes Tour:

http://www.geocities.com/xande...oting_locations.html

Personally I like to spend as much time as possible in Otis' backyard because I don't want to miss it when Ferris Bueller runs through on his way home.

Other things for visitors to do that weekend:

The Latin Music Festival will be held in Grant Park along Lake Michigan. Only a short distance for those staying downtown. Admission is free.

The Randolph Street Market Festival will also be going on Saturday and Sunday.

Every Wednesday and Saturday there are fireworks at Navy Pier in the evening during the Summer. Speaking of Navy Pier, I believe it is the #1 tourist destination in the city.

VM

Another very popular attraction with tourists is the Chicago River Architecture Tour by boat. Everyone I know who has taken it has raved about it. Here is a 2nd company that does the same type of tour.

VM

quote:

Originally posted by Vino Me:
Another very popular attraction with tourists is the Chicago River Architecture Tour by boat. Everyone I know who has taken it has raved about it. Here is a 2nd company that does the same type of tour.

VM

The last two times I've been to Chicago I've tried to get on this.
They sell out very fast and, like you, I've never heard anyone not glad they went.
Best to reserve your spot ahead of time on this one.
With a little luck I might make it this time.

Thanks for the additional recommendations, VM. We did the Navy Pier the first time we visited, it's a great place for people with kids (or who feel like kids....)

The architecture tour sounds fun, as do the other suggestions. Once we figure out exactly when we're arriving and leaving, I'll try to make some reservations.

bman, the architecture cruise is real nice. To me, the most amazing thing about the river is that humans actually reversed the flow.

quote:

Originally posted by Board-O:
the most amazing thing about the river is that humans actually reversed the flow.

True. I was going to say this has been done before, but I guess Moses had a little help, eh?

Jim Carrey did it too.

If anyone is looking for lunch and has a car, take a ride up to Hot Doug's in the 3300 North block of California. Gourmet sausages on a bun. Wild boar, elk, duck, etc.- the duck fat fries on the weekend are excellent.

VM