I don't know what to say about Chicago, really, except avoid Arlington House Hostel, as it is a total dive. Really awful. The first time we stayed, we went on MTV's money, so we stayed in a five star hotel opposite Navy Pier and I doubt you'd want to go for that!
Being geeks, we did a bit of a tour of the North Suburbs to see what kind of environment the boys grew up in, so if you're into that kind of thing, head up Lake Shore Drive through Evanston and through Winnetka and Wilmette. The actual Borders Patrick worked in is in a little complex off Lake Street, I believe, with the junction of the I94 at Glenview.
We avoided their actual houses like the plague, though, so I don't even know where they childhood homes are and I know neither of us would be into that anyway.
As for places in the centre... the John Hancock Centre has a viewing platform, but it's quite expensive. There's a restaurant at the bottom called The Cheesecake Factory, which is a little bit pricey, but if you just go for Cheesecake it's awesome.
If the weather is good, take a walk from Navy Pier (not much on the pier that is of note, but the beaches nearby are nice) south toward Soldier Field and Millennium Park (I think) where the Natural History Museum thing is. If you head north from Navy Pier, the walk up to Lincoln Park is really nice. It's a great part of the city. Joe lives around that area - it's a very kind of hip place with lots of cafes and shops. It's south of Lakeview, which is where the Clan store is, on (I think) Newport and Clark.
South of there is Boystown, the gay area of the city. Worth checking out for sure. It's identifiable by the rainbow flags on the lamp posts.
Try to be a bit careful if you go Uptown, as it's a bit shady at night.
If you're looking for a restaurant, there is a place called Maggiano's Little Italy at 516 North Clark, which is Italian, and fairly reasonably priced, Downtown. The food is great and the portions disgustingly enormous. If you want something a bit more down market, there is a place called Johnny Rocket's, which is a fifties-style burger joint that I used in TWNW. looks like that one closed down...
Not sure what else to offer you, dude. I hope that helps in some way.
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on 2008-09-04 09:35 pm (UTC)I don't know what to say about Chicago, really, except avoid Arlington House Hostel, as it is a total dive. Really awful. The first time we stayed, we went on MTV's money, so we stayed in a five star hotel opposite Navy Pier and I doubt you'd want to go for that!
Being geeks, we did a bit of a tour of the North Suburbs to see what kind of environment the boys grew up in, so if you're into that kind of thing, head up Lake Shore Drive through Evanston and through Winnetka and Wilmette. The actual Borders Patrick worked in is in a little complex off Lake Street, I believe, with the junction of the I94 at Glenview.
We avoided their actual houses like the plague, though, so I don't even know where they childhood homes are and I know neither of us would be into that anyway.
As for places in the centre... the John Hancock Centre has a viewing platform, but it's quite expensive. There's a restaurant at the bottom called The Cheesecake Factory, which is a little bit pricey, but if you just go for Cheesecake it's awesome.
If the weather is good, take a walk from Navy Pier (not much on the pier that is of note, but the beaches nearby are nice) south toward Soldier Field and Millennium Park (I think) where the Natural History Museum thing is. If you head north from Navy Pier, the walk up to Lincoln Park is really nice. It's a great part of the city. Joe lives around that area - it's a very kind of hip place with lots of cafes and shops. It's south of Lakeview, which is where the Clan store is, on (I think) Newport and Clark.
South of there is Boystown, the gay area of the city. Worth checking out for sure. It's identifiable by the rainbow flags on the lamp posts.
Try to be a bit careful if you go Uptown, as it's a bit shady at night.
If you're looking for a restaurant, there is a place called Maggiano's Little Italy at 516 North Clark, which is Italian, and fairly reasonably priced, Downtown. The food is great and the portions disgustingly enormous.
If you want something a bit more down market, there is a place called Johnny Rocket's, which is a fifties-style burger joint that I used in TWNW.looks like that one closed down...Not sure what else to offer you, dude. I hope that helps in some way.
Have a safe trip!