The city sponsors a free trolley service for visitors to the city. It circles the downtown area making stops a popular tourist attractions.
It's an easy way to get to Navy Pier, the Magnificent Mile, etc. Just be warned the free trip is not always the swiftest way to get around but it is certainly worth the price.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Waether is Looking Good
Chicago weather can vary, but the forcast is for a comfortable mid to upper 70's.
All the same you mighht want to bring a light jacket, sweatshirt or sweater, because as the sun goes down the evenings can get a bit chilly, especially along the lake.
All the same you mighht want to bring a light jacket, sweatshirt or sweater, because as the sun goes down the evenings can get a bit chilly, especially along the lake.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
MCA for FREE
The best things in life are free and that includes the Museum of Comtempary Art.
Sarting September 29th the Museum of Comtempary Art is celebrating it's 40 year anniversary with 40 days of free admission and special events.
This awesome museum is located behind the historic Water Tower on Michican Avenue, 220 E Chicago Avenue. Worth the time for sure.
Sarting September 29th the Museum of Comtempary Art is celebrating it's 40 year anniversary with 40 days of free admission and special events.
This awesome museum is located behind the historic Water Tower on Michican Avenue, 220 E Chicago Avenue. Worth the time for sure.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Just a Good Burger
Sometimes all you are looking for is a decent hamburger. Here, in no particular order, are some suggestions:
Near the Hyatt Regency
A bar and grill consistantly mentioned on top burger lists is Boston Blackies located at 164 E Grand Ave.
Near the Hilton
Home to the Hackney Burger Hackeys is a casual full service restaurant. Also check out the onion loaf. You will find Hackneys at 733 S. Dearborn.
Near the Palmer House
Patty Burger a fast food joint with an old school feel is located at 72 E Adams
Near Mccormick Place
Jonesing for a Slider? Get your "whitey-one-bite fix at White Castle 2140 S Wabash.
Some othe spots
Billy Goat - A Chicago tradition with a unique atmosphere 430 N Michigan Av (lower level)
Park Grille- Kind of pricey but is suppose to have a killer burgr Under the "Bean" in Millenium Park 11 N Michigan.
Near the Hyatt Regency
A bar and grill consistantly mentioned on top burger lists is Boston Blackies located at 164 E Grand Ave.
Near the Hilton
Home to the Hackney Burger Hackeys is a casual full service restaurant. Also check out the onion loaf. You will find Hackneys at 733 S. Dearborn.
Near the Palmer House
Patty Burger a fast food joint with an old school feel is located at 72 E Adams
Near Mccormick Place
Jonesing for a Slider? Get your "whitey-one-bite fix at White Castle 2140 S Wabash.
Some othe spots
Billy Goat - A Chicago tradition with a unique atmosphere 430 N Michigan Av (lower level)
Park Grille- Kind of pricey but is suppose to have a killer burgr Under the "Bean" in Millenium Park 11 N Michigan.
Monday, September 24, 2007
OPA not Oprah
Looking for a fun and tasty ding experience? Then head west to Chicagos Greektown.
Greektown, which is located west of Downtown on Halsted between Adams Street and Congress Parkway, is populated with many excellent traditional Greek restuarants and bars.
A couple of popluar places include Greek Islands, Parthenon, and Athena.
Greektown, which is located west of Downtown on Halsted between Adams Street and Congress Parkway, is populated with many excellent traditional Greek restuarants and bars.
A couple of popluar places include Greek Islands, Parthenon, and Athena.
Lingo Tip #6
The "Loop" refers generically to the downtown area of Chicago. Roughly the Loop boundrys are the river on the North, river on the West, lakefront on the east and Roosevelt Road on the south. More specically the Loop is a reference to the above ground Chicago Transit train tracks that make a loop around the downtown district.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Find your Own Nighlife
Looking for what is hip and happening around the city then you might want to check out these resources.
The Metromix website runs a full listing of reviews and information on everything from dining and bars, to shows and concerts, movies and special events going on in Chicago.
The Chicago Reader is a free newspaper that comes out every Thurdays highlighting what is happening for the coming weekend/week, ussually with a bend toward the alternative. You will find the Reader available free in news boxes on the street corner and at various dining and retail establishments all over the city. Dont let the pandler sell you one :)
The Metromix website runs a full listing of reviews and information on everything from dining and bars, to shows and concerts, movies and special events going on in Chicago.
The Chicago Reader is a free newspaper that comes out every Thurdays highlighting what is happening for the coming weekend/week, ussually with a bend toward the alternative. You will find the Reader available free in news boxes on the street corner and at various dining and retail establishments all over the city. Dont let the pandler sell you one :)
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Lingo Tip #5
The "EL" is a reference to the commuter train service provided by the CTA (Chicago transit Authority). Originally The "EL" was used as an abbrevistion for "elevated", refering for the train lines that are elevated above street level.
But today the term EL can be used to refer to any on the train lines, above or below street level.
But today the term EL can be used to refer to any on the train lines, above or below street level.
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Hoods: Wrigleyville
For some folks coming to Chicago there is only one destination Wrigley Field. Home to the Chicago Cubs sports fans appreciate a ballpark that represents the history of the game.
Unique for being situated smack dab in the middle of a neighborhood, the "Friendly Confines" is one of the few old school parks in existence.
Wrigleyville, the neighborhood which surrounds Wrigley Field, is populated with plenty of nightlife. Wrigleyville is on the north side of the city and off the Addison stop of the CTA Red Line train.
And based of their status at the time of this post, the Cubs may even be playing while MAX is in town.
Unique for being situated smack dab in the middle of a neighborhood, the "Friendly Confines" is one of the few old school parks in existence.
Wrigleyville, the neighborhood which surrounds Wrigley Field, is populated with plenty of nightlife. Wrigleyville is on the north side of the city and off the Addison stop of the CTA Red Line train.
And based of their status at the time of this post, the Cubs may even be playing while MAX is in town.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Get Inspired at the Art Institute
One of the themes of this years MAX is "Inspire" and if you are looking to truly get inspired, you will want to check out The Art Institute of Chicago.
Located at 111 S Michigan Ave, the Art Institute houses one of the worlds top collection of art work. You don't need to be an aficionado to recognize works by the masters inside this fantastic museum.
Located at 111 S Michigan Ave, the Art Institute houses one of the worlds top collection of art work. You don't need to be an aficionado to recognize works by the masters inside this fantastic museum.
Monday, September 3, 2007
MAX Attendees Guide to Chicago
Therre is another blog with great information on things to do and see in Chicago.
Check out MAX Attendees Guide to Chicago
Check out MAX Attendees Guide to Chicago
Friday, August 31, 2007
No Fries, Chips
Cheezborger, Cheezborger! No Coke, Pepsi.
Early episodes of Saturday Night Live had a reoccurring skitfeaturung John Belushi, Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd paying homage to the Billy Goat Tavern.
This little hole in the wall located under Michigan Avenue on in Front of the Wrigley building has been serving it's limited menu since 1934. Because of it's location Billy Goat has a colorful history as being a hangout to newspaper columnists and reporters.
Billy Goat is located near Tribune Towers and Wrigley Building at 430 N. Michigan Ave at Lower Level
Early episodes of Saturday Night Live had a reoccurring skitfeaturung John Belushi, Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd paying homage to the Billy Goat Tavern.
This little hole in the wall located under Michigan Avenue on in Front of the Wrigley building has been serving it's limited menu since 1934. Because of it's location Billy Goat has a colorful history as being a hangout to newspaper columnists and reporters.
Billy Goat is located near Tribune Towers and Wrigley Building at 430 N. Michigan Ave at Lower Level
Chicago Marathon
The weekend after MAX is the LaSalle Chicago Marathon. One of the most prestigious marathons in the world the Chicago race will feature over 45,000 runners from across the world.
Because of it's size and attraction, hotel rooms are always hard to come by race weekend. This might explain why you might experience higher hotel rates toward the end of MAX .
However if you are sticking around over the weekend the Chicago Marathon is quite a spectacular event to see. Over one million spectators line the 26.2 miles to cheer on the runners.
Because of it's size and attraction, hotel rooms are always hard to come by race weekend. This might explain why you might experience higher hotel rates toward the end of MAX .
However if you are sticking around over the weekend the Chicago Marathon is quite a spectacular event to see. Over one million spectators line the 26.2 miles to cheer on the runners.
About McCormick Place
McCormick Place is a HUGE facilities, we are talking 2.7 square feet of exhibit halls.
McCormick Place is located just south of Soldiers Field, right on the lake front sort of set off on it's own, a bit isolated. This is why most conferences held there, including MAX, takes advantage of shuttle buses.
The three conference hotels are closer to what most would traditionally consider Chicago. They are the more convenient to enjoying the cities sight, shopping, dining, entertainment, etc.
So while staying at a hotel other than the McCormick Hyatt may initially seem inconvenient, it is not so convenient for enjoying all that Chicago has to offer. You can figure that most attendees will be relying on the shuttle buses, as well as the fact that you will only require to make the trip once in the AM and back in the evening.
The cost to stay at the McCormick hotel is significantly more expensive than the others, so if you don't want to deal with the
shuttle, you might choose to stay at the cheaper hotel and spend some extra dollars on taking a cab instead.
McCormick Place is located just south of Soldiers Field, right on the lake front sort of set off on it's own, a bit isolated. This is why most conferences held there, including MAX, takes advantage of shuttle buses.
The three conference hotels are closer to what most would traditionally consider Chicago. They are the more convenient to enjoying the cities sight, shopping, dining, entertainment, etc.
So while staying at a hotel other than the McCormick Hyatt may initially seem inconvenient, it is not so convenient for enjoying all that Chicago has to offer. You can figure that most attendees will be relying on the shuttle buses, as well as the fact that you will only require to make the trip once in the AM and back in the evening.
The cost to stay at the McCormick hotel is significantly more expensive than the others, so if you don't want to deal with the
shuttle, you might choose to stay at the cheaper hotel and spend some extra dollars on taking a cab instead.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Lingo Tip #4
If you are not from the midwest, the word "Pop" might not mean anymore that the sound of a often accompanying Sanp and Crackle. But in the nations heartland Pop is a common term for carbonated beverages, AKA Soda.
Either of the fore-mentioned words is acceptable, but if you want to sound like a local give "Pop" a whirl.
Either of the fore-mentioned words is acceptable, but if you want to sound like a local give "Pop" a whirl.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Museums Campus
All within walking distance and just north of the convention center where MAX is being held is the Museum Campus home of three of Chicago's fantastic museums; The Field Museum, The Adler Planetarium, the Shedd Aquarium.
The Adler Planetarium was the first planetarium in the western hemisphere. It offers over 35000 square feet of exhibits as well as amazing shows about the Solar System.
The Shedd Aquarium is one of the largest indoor aquariums in the world. Two of the Shedd's top attractions are the half million gallon Wild Coral Reef the and the Oceanarium where you will find Beluga whales and dolphins in an inifinty style pool looking over the lake.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Buckingham Fountain
If you watched an episode of Married With Children, you have been exposed to Chicago's Buckingham Fountain.
One of Chicago's most popular attractions and one of the largest fountains in the world, was featured in the opening credits along with Frank Sinatra's "Love and Marriage".
Located in Grant Park at Columbus Drive (301 East) and Congress Parkway (500 South) the 1.5 million gallon fountain produces a major water display and the center jet shoots 150 feet into the air. The fountain, that date back to 1927, runs from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm each day.
One of Chicago's most popular attractions and one of the largest fountains in the world, was featured in the opening credits along with Frank Sinatra's "Love and Marriage".
Located in Grant Park at Columbus Drive (301 East) and Congress Parkway (500 South) the 1.5 million gallon fountain produces a major water display and the center jet shoots 150 feet into the air. The fountain, that date back to 1927, runs from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm each day.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Avoid Street Hassles
Like any other major metropolitan area the streets has its share of homeless, beggers, hustlers, and just plain crazy people. If you are not from urban area encountering these sorts of individuals might be unnerving.
Here are a a few tips to deal with these situations.
1. Don't wear your conference badge on the street. At the conference your badge identifies you as a fellow professional. On the street your badge identifies you as a tourist and target and generally someone to hassle.
2. Don't make eye contact. It feels a little unnatural at first, but making eye contact will be perceived A n invitation to approach you.
3. Keep walking, no matter how many time someone calls out "Hey buddy" or "Yo big guy", if you appear not to respond and keep walking, eventually you will be left alone. There perceived persistence will wane pretty quickly.
4. No matter how pathetic the story they recant to you, it is most likely just that, a story. If you hang around long enough chances are you will hear the same one again, so don't take the bait. Better yet don't allow yourself to get cornered into listening to the story in the first place,
5. If you feel obligated to reply/ respond, a polite and respectful "Sorry I cant help you today" is enough, then see tips 2 & 3.
Streetwise
There is a program called Streetwise to help severely impoverished men and women out of poverty. By selling the "Streetwise" newspaper for $1 a copy, each vendor is given an opportunity to learn important business skills, improve his or her confidence, and ultimately earn enough income to become self-sufficient. StreetWise provides people with an opportunity to get started and to help themselves with dignity.
If you want to help someone out, I recommend you support a Streetwise vendor by purchasing a paper from them, look that they are wearing Streetwise identification around their neck.
Here are a a few tips to deal with these situations.
1. Don't wear your conference badge on the street. At the conference your badge identifies you as a fellow professional. On the street your badge identifies you as a tourist and target and generally someone to hassle.
2. Don't make eye contact. It feels a little unnatural at first, but making eye contact will be perceived A n invitation to approach you.
3. Keep walking, no matter how many time someone calls out "Hey buddy" or "Yo big guy", if you appear not to respond and keep walking, eventually you will be left alone. There perceived persistence will wane pretty quickly.
4. No matter how pathetic the story they recant to you, it is most likely just that, a story. If you hang around long enough chances are you will hear the same one again, so don't take the bait. Better yet don't allow yourself to get cornered into listening to the story in the first place,
5. If you feel obligated to reply/ respond, a polite and respectful "Sorry I cant help you today" is enough, then see tips 2 & 3.
Streetwise
There is a program called Streetwise to help severely impoverished men and women out of poverty. By selling the "Streetwise" newspaper for $1 a copy, each vendor is given an opportunity to learn important business skills, improve his or her confidence, and ultimately earn enough income to become self-sufficient. StreetWise provides people with an opportunity to get started and to help themselves with dignity.
If you want to help someone out, I recommend you support a Streetwise vendor by purchasing a paper from them, look that they are wearing Streetwise identification around their neck.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Millennium Park
Like the rest of the world Chicago went through the anticipation of the uneventful Y2K. And to commemorate this occasion Chicago ventured to develop a park which of course wasn't complete until 2004.
This controversial project which was 4 years behind schedule and millions over budget,is now one of the most visited locations of the city, and popular public Gathering space.
Millennium Park is a 24 acres park located s bounded by Michigan Avenue East Randolph Street, Columbus Drive and East Monroe Drive.
Milleniun Park features:
Jay Pritzker Pavilion
Frank Gehry designed outdoor concert venue. The Pavilion stands 120-feet high, with a billowing headdress of brushed stainless steel ribbons that frame the stage opening and connect to an overhead trellis of crisscrossing steel pipes. The trellis supports the sound system, which spans the 4,000 fixed seats and the Great Lawn, which accommodates an additional 7,000 people.
The Crown Fountain
Designed by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa the fountain consists of two 50-foot glass block towers at each end of a shallow reflecting pool. The towers project video images from a broad social spectrum of Chicago citizens on LED screens and having
Lurie Garden
This 2.5-acre garden pays homage to the City's motto, "Urbs in Horto" (City in a Garden), which refers to Chicago's transformation from its flat and marshy origins to a bold and powerful city. Highlights of the garden include the dramatically lit, 15-foot-high "shoulder" hedge.
Cloud Gate
Cloud Gate by British artist Anish Kapoor'sis a 110-ton elliptical sculpture is forged of a seamless series of highly polished stainless steel plates, which reflect the city's famous skyline and the clouds above. A 12-foot-high arch provides a "gate" to the concave chamber beneath the sculpture, inviting visitors to touch its mirror-like surface and see their image reflected back from a variety of perspectives.
This controversial project which was 4 years behind schedule and millions over budget,is now one of the most visited locations of the city, and popular public Gathering space.
Millennium Park is a 24 acres park located s bounded by Michigan Avenue East Randolph Street, Columbus Drive and East Monroe Drive.
Milleniun Park features:
Jay Pritzker Pavilion
Frank Gehry designed outdoor concert venue. The Pavilion stands 120-feet high, with a billowing headdress of brushed stainless steel ribbons that frame the stage opening and connect to an overhead trellis of crisscrossing steel pipes. The trellis supports the sound system, which spans the 4,000 fixed seats and the Great Lawn, which accommodates an additional 7,000 people.
The Crown Fountain
Designed by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa the fountain consists of two 50-foot glass block towers at each end of a shallow reflecting pool. The towers project video images from a broad social spectrum of Chicago citizens on LED screens and having
Lurie Garden
This 2.5-acre garden pays homage to the City's motto, "Urbs in Horto" (City in a Garden), which refers to Chicago's transformation from its flat and marshy origins to a bold and powerful city. Highlights of the garden include the dramatically lit, 15-foot-high "shoulder" hedge.
Cloud Gate
Cloud Gate by British artist Anish Kapoor'sis a 110-ton elliptical sculpture is forged of a seamless series of highly polished stainless steel plates, which reflect the city's famous skyline and the clouds above. A 12-foot-high arch provides a "gate" to the concave chamber beneath the sculpture, inviting visitors to touch its mirror-like surface and see their image reflected back from a variety of perspectives.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Hoods: Theatre District
Chicago has a vibrant Live Theatre community. Many of Broadways biggest success in recent years premiered here in Chicago First. The Producers, Spam-A-Lot, MamaMia, all played here before moving to New York.
Chicago's Theater District runs along Randolph between State and Franklin. Current productions include Wicked and The Color Purple.
In addition to the big productions there are many small theater troupes throughout the city as well.
To score discount Chicago theater tickets at half price check out Hot Tix:
72 E. Randolph, Chicago (between Michigan and Wabash)
163 E. Pearson, Chicago (just east of Michigan Avenue)
Water Works Visitor Center
Hot Tix, a not-for-profit service that offers a half-price discount on Chicago theater tickets to shows at participating theaters and venues. The tickets inventory updates constantly throughout the day, so a little bit of luck is involved in terms of getting tickets to your desired play/show.
Chicago's Theater District runs along Randolph between State and Franklin. Current productions include Wicked and The Color Purple.
In addition to the big productions there are many small theater troupes throughout the city as well.
To score discount Chicago theater tickets at half price check out Hot Tix:
72 E. Randolph, Chicago (between Michigan and Wabash)
163 E. Pearson, Chicago (just east of Michigan Avenue)
Water Works Visitor Center
Hot Tix, a not-for-profit service that offers a half-price discount on Chicago theater tickets to shows at participating theaters and venues. The tickets inventory updates constantly throughout the day, so a little bit of luck is involved in terms of getting tickets to your desired play/show.
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