Favorite Chicago area attractions

We are planning a week long vacation to Chicago in July...will be seeing the Reds/Cubs game, and the usually tourist attractions, but I was looking for some input as to some great places to visit that are "off the beaten path"....I love flea markets and antique shops...and of course good food...Any ideas?

Go to China Town, which is on the south side. Thats a fun palce to walk around, shop and eat. See Milenium Park in the city. You could go to Lincoln park zoo. Visit Bukingham fountain (at night this fountain lights up and its beautiful), Walk down Michigan Ave. Head to the Sears Tower. Navy Pear. Take a boat tour.  There are aweome museums (Field, Science and indusrty, shed aquarium)  If you are looking to get out of the city you can always head to Gurnee, IL. and go to Great America amusement park and there water park right next to it. If you like shopping you can head to Gurnee Mills Mall (biggest outlet mall and has everything!) Or head to Woodfield Mall in Schamburg, IL. You can look those up online to find out directions. I hope this helps you out. Chicago is a great place to visit! Have fun!!!!!   Best wishes, Jill  http://www.chicagotraveler.com/attractions.htm http://www.chicagotours.us/ http://featuredfoods.com/cgi-local/SoftCart.exe/a-store/gino_p2.shtml?      L+scstore+bmrn5399ginosff468046+1213095443 (this is Geno's East Pizza. Our famous Deep dish pizza. I am only 2 1/2 months out from my RNY and have not had any pizza, so I am not sure if you are able to eat pizza or even want to eat pizza, but this is the BEST pizza!)  

Hi Jill, Dr. Rantis is my surgeon too.

Where are you staying while in Chi-town? That is the key. If you are in the 'burbs then by all means consider public transportation to either Union or Ogilvie stations. You can purchase 10 ride tickets or pay as you go. Over a weekend you can get a weekend pass and travel as many times as you want. Just remember to purchase your ticket before you leave the train station downtown because they will upcharge you 2 bucks (per rider) for not buying it in the station. There is someone selling tickets all day and evening in the stations. The parking is very expensive downtown and the driving there is nasty. Here is the link for the city of Chicago's web site that has tourist info. http://egov.cityofchicago.org/city/webportal/portalChannelAc tion.do?BV_SessionID=@@@@0988804822.1213095958@@@@&BV_Engine ID=ccccadeefjlkelmcefecelldffhdffn.0&topChannelName=Explorin g There are free trolleys downtown right now that run all over the loop and to the museum campuses. You can purchase a city pass and visit I think it is 6 musuems for 59 bucks. Well worth the price. And it does not have to be used all in one day. http://www.citypass.com/city/chicago.html We did it with friends a couple of years ago.  I would suggest the John Han**** building observatory instead of Sears Tower because you are closer to the lake front and right over Navy Pier when you go up.  If you are out in the 'burbs then go to St Charles, Geneva, Batavia for cute quaint shops. There is a bike trail that goes along the Fox River for 49 miles. St Charles and Geneva I know have bike shops that rent bikes. Long Grove is another popular place in the NW suburbs that has cute shopping etc. You will find antique shopping in these towns. You will have to go on the different town's web sites because this is fest time in the Chgo area and they happen every weekend now into September.  Christine

My favorite guest trip is to take the architectural boat tour which starts on the Chicago river. My other favorite area is the N. Halsted area around the 1700 area or the N. Clark area around Montrose.

Connie 

OK, for ethnic shopping you must go to the Devon Avenue ethnic shopping district.  Here's a link: http://www.devonavenue.com/.  You can even haggle if you want!   The Taste of Chicago runs from June 27 - July 6 in Grant Park.  It is located right on Chicago's lakefront.  Here's a link to recreation/special events/neighborhood festivals in Chicago:  http://egov.cityofchicago.org/city/webportal/portalEventsAct ion.do?BV_SessionID=@@@@1290085853.1213101956@@@@&BV_EngineI D=ccccadeegdmflhhcefecelldffhdfhl.0&logObsToolBar=true&topCh annelName=Dept Then there is Millennium Park and "The Bean".   Also, the Wrigley Field neighborhood is a nice place to explore.  North Avenue around the 1800 block has lots of great stores and restaurants.  There is a restaurant called "Piece" which is owned by Rick Neilsen of Cheap Trick.  http://www.piecechicago.com/ Have a great vacation!!

Thank you so much for the great information....can't wait to visit the windy city.......

I work across from the Sears tower, there is so much to do any see around here.  If your staying downtown I don't know if you'll have a car...but you have to see the Bean and Millenium Park.  Navy Pier...Water Tower Place....Just walking down Michigan Avenue is Nice..... Have fun! If you need anything else contact me I would be happy to help. GO CUBBIES!!!! Lynne