Chicago travel tips
November 28th, 2007 by jamie a
Photo uploaded by
While you’re touring around the great city of Chicago during this chilly time of year, check out this list of coffee shops to stop in while you’re out and about.
If you’re visiting the Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, or the Field Museum, we’d recommend stopping in to the . Cozy up with specialty drinks like the Caramel High Rise, Mint Condition, and the Turtle Mocha. If you’d like some lunch, they also have delicious roasted chicken sandwiches on multi-grain rolls or a turkey cherry pasta salad.
After a stroll through or the Art Institute of Chicago, awaits with a tempting cup o’ joe. Voted by locals as their favorite in the city, it’s great to know that this is also a Chicago-based business. Drink it black or indulge yourself with a delicious mocha or their seasonal “celebration blend.” You can even have your lunchtime break here and enjoy some of their delicious paninis or salads.
Visit the in Lincoln Park and then head over to for a delicious treat. A cute little independently run coffee shop, order an orange coffee and a smoked salmon salad to fill your hungry belly. It’s the type of place to sit in a rocking chair and relax for awhile while you read the local paper.
If you’re in the area, be sure and stop in to the in the basement of Swift Hall where all proceeds benefit the Divinity School and its students. For just $1, you can enjoy a 16 oz. cup of regular or fair trade coffee. Espresso is also $1, and if you stop in on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday from 10:30 - 11:30 am, you can score a latte or a cappuccino for a dollar as well! (Any other time, they’re only $2) Grab a boxed lunch catered by other local businesses for only $5.25 and join in the intellectually stimulating conversation in this quaint little spot.
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Chicago Card.
November 26th, 2007 by susan j
This week we’re hosting the on the Go Chicago Card Blog. If you aren’t familiar with the idea of a blog carnival, then this will be a great opportunity to discover some new travel blogs and see what’s happening in other cities around the world (no plane ticket required). We’ll start with some posts about US destinations and then move further afield…
Mary Jo at blogged about her
wrote about the , offering coffee recommendations in Salem, Massachusetts.
Jon at discussed up the women’s suffrage movement in the US and suggested a visit to the in Washington, DC.
Speaking of museums, Jamie at the wrote about the .
And now, for some blog posts from around the world…
Andrew at submitted a post about describing the various options for a Mediterranean getaway. Sounds like we could all use a little sun this time of year!
wrote about in Mauritius.
described the from Bangkok, Thailand.
Carol at chronicled her recent and compares Lisbon’s cleanliness and eco-consciousness to that of the United States.
Alex’s post about on offered a taste of the holidays down under in Brisbane, Australia.
shared . Great ideas!
offered some tips on .
Sheila at the wrote about .
Kristie at wrote about .
Tomas Dinges at Chile From Within posted about the attack of the new bus system in Santiago, Chile.
Thank you to everyone who contributed blog posts and to last week’s hosts, . Next week’s Carnival will be hosted by , so check it out!
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Chicago Card.
November 19th, 2007 by susan j
Planning a trip to a new destination can be exciting, but also overwhelming. Where will you eat? What will you do on Saturday night? Will you be able to find vegan pastries in an unfamiliar city?
That’s why we’re rolling out a new feature on this blog called “Ask a Travel Expert.” If you have a question about where to stay, what to do, or anything else travel-related, then leave a comment and our team of travel experts will be sure to address it in a future blog post. Happy Travels!
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Chicago Card.
November 16th, 2007 by amy c
Photo provided by Macy’s
The holiday season is fast approaching and there is no place like Chicago to take care of everyone on your gift list. Here are some world famous shopping hot-spots to help you get a jump on your holiday shopping.
Known as the “,” Michigan Avenue is a shopper’s paradise. The mile-long stretch offers four different malls and 500 shops. Browse the height of luxury at Tiffany’s or Chanel and enjoy big name brands from Addidas to to .
Like almost every girl, I love to shop–especially to the sounds of Christmas music. But, I am by no means a marathon shopper. Just the thought of mile long stretch of stores both excites me and has my feet aching and stomach growling. Fortunately, the area is speckled with fine dining where you can recharge after working up an appetite swiping that credit card. Try the for some Southern comfort food, such as jambalaya and gumbo.
To experience holiday spirit at its height and get some serious shopping done, head to the former Marshall Field’s Department store. now owns the store, and it retains the old-fashioned charm and holiday cheer of years past. Macy’s offers an unforgettable glimpse at the ghosts of shopping’s past. This season, the store celebrates the centennial of famed icons, including the picturesque Tiffany Ceiling and Walnut Room. Refuel your shopping energy with delicious food or tea in the Walnut Room.
Also on State Street, is Old Navy, Urban Outfitters, and Aldo–the perfect destinations for the kids or teens on your list. Affordable and trendy, these stores will make you a hit with all the fashionistas on your list. Urban Outfitters offers great stocking stuffers that definitely beat the toothpaste and floss that make their way into my stocking year after year. (more…)
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Chicago Card.
November 9th, 2007 by susan j
Photo uploaded by ()
If you’ve been keeping up with travel news, then you’ve probably read about the recent issues with delays and stranded passengers at several major US airports (in fact, you might have been one of those unlucky passengers and have first-hand experience).
Well, on Wednesday the Wall Street Journal covered . Chicago travelers should be delighted to hear that Chicago Midway Airport is listed as 5th for best on-time arrival rates so far this year. The other airports are in Salt Lake City, Oakland, San Diego, and Houston.
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Chicago Card.
October 31st, 2007 by susan j
A few weeks ago, we blogged about Halloween happenings in the Chicago area (click here if you missed it), but today I’d like to share a few other Halloween-themed items from around the blogosphere:
In case you still need a costume, the shares some inexpensive (but highly original) costume ideas . Matt B. over at recommends , which he calls “an outlandish boutique in the heart of Boystown.”
The homegrown Chicago site offers more suggestions with its “” But if you’d prefer to have a quiet, low-key night (after all, it IS a Wednesday), then listen to Chicago Public Radio’s . Whatever you choose to do, I hope you have a safe and happy Halloween!
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Chicago Card.
October 24th, 2007 by susan j
Photo uploaded by
If you’re a frequent flyer, then you’ve probably encountered your share of cramped or lavatory-adjacent airplane seats. Enter SeatGuru. This super-cool travel site was purchased by TripAdvisor earlier this year and features detailed seating charts and inflight amenities for dozens of airplanes and airplane models so that travelers can make more informed decisions about choosing their flight or seat assignment. Now that’s what I call flying the friendly skies!
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Chicago Card.
October 22nd, 2007 by susan j
Photo uploaded by zesmerelda
Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry (pictured above) has some exciting new exhibits coming up. Here’s an overview:
Now through January 6, 2008, MSI presents Star Wars: Where Science, which includes more than 80 movie artifacts, an engineering design lab, and more. Visitors can also watch interviews with filmmakers, scientists, and engineers.
Starting November 16 and running through January 6, 2008, the MSI presents two other exhibits that will be included in museum admission. National Geographic Maps: Tools for Adventure will cover the world of maps and explorers. Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light will include more than 50 dazzling trees decorated by members of Chicago’s ethnic communities!
While in the neighborhood, you might also check out the Frederick C. Robie House.
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Chicago Card.
October 16th, 2007 by jamie a
The Palmer House Hotel
Photo uploaded by
Whether you’re traveling with your furry four-legged friend or with your three kids, we’ve got your bases covered on finding the right hotel in Chicago.
For family...
At the , you can rest assured that you and your children will have a wonderful stay. In the heart of the city, it’s a short walk to the Art Institute, Soldier Field, and the Shedd Aquarium. There’s also a pool to cool off after your long day of experiencing the city.
For business…
The Palmer House
is perfect for the business traveler. Conveniently located in within walking distance to Grant Park, Millenium Park, and Navy Pier, there’s plenty to do after a long day’s work. There’s also everything from a conference floor to video phone and photo copying services to suit your business needs.
For pets…
Overlooking Grant Park and Lake Michigan, the Hilton Chicago allows you to bring your pet along on vacation! A luxury hotel only minutes from the business loop and many parks, you and your furry friend will surely have a great time.
For a romantic trip…
From complimentary chocolates and robes to a luxurious marble bathroom, The Drake is the perfect match for those in the mood for love. Complete with antiques and 4 restaurants and bars, this is a great place to relax. You can also stop at the nearby Bloomingdale’s or the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Chicago Card.
October 10th, 2007 by susan j
Photo uploaded by
A year or so ago, I said to my pal Clint, “gee, wouldn’t it be nice if MapQuest could give walking directions, too?”
Being the shrewd urbanite that he is, Clint said, “actually, Susan, there IS a website for that.” combines public transportation with walking directions so that pedestrians get the fastest and most direct way to get to their destination (no more meandering MapQuest directions!).
It even offers city guides so that visitors can find nearby restaurants, attractions, and more. HopStop is available in major US destinations including Boston, New York City, Chicago, and San Francisco, so it’s great for city-dwellers and tourists, too.
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Chicago Card.
