Mama Gamble is back to guest post today – this time with her take on a Chicago travel guide. Enjoy!
One of Claire’s readers requested a Chicago travel guide that was written by someone who isn’t local and since I visit once or twice a year, here I am. Full disclosure, though, I am not exactly a new-to-the-scene Chicago visitor. I lived here for 8 years back in the 1980s. While much (as in MUCH) has changed since I lived here, some things remain the same and are just as important today as they were in 1985.
Chicago Travel Guide: Where to Stay
Because I stay with Claire, I really don’t have recommendations for hotels, but there is a hotel located in Old Town that is out of the Mag Mile / River North hotel scene. The Hotel Lincoln is situated at the beginning of Lincoln Park and right on convenient bus lines. Rooms run from $288 up to almost $400 for suites. The hotel has a gorgeous boutiquey vibe and one of our favorite restaurants is right downstairs!
Chicago Travel Guide: Things to Do
Chicago is similar to many major cities in that visiting tourists find it almost self-explanatory as to which sights and venues to take in. Grant Park with The Bean, Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, The Art Institute, Navy Pier, and Willis (cough, Sears) Tower are all spots high on the list of a first-timer. Seeing as I’ve been there, done that, with the most-popular sights, I’m going to include a few off-the-beaten path spots that are deserving as well!
One of my favorite museums is the Chicago History Museum. Ever since reading Erik Larson’s Devil in the White City (Claire’s favorite book), it has fascinated me to think of the buildings and canals of the 1893 Columbian Exposition. Just looking at how things were and how they have changed is so interesting.
But that brings me to something I didn’t even know existed – A Devil in the White City Tour. Will be adding this to the list on my next trip!
Chicago Travel Guide: Walking Around Town
I think one of the best parts of visiting a city, other than shopping, of course, is just plain walking, and Lincoln Park is a perfect way to get the feel of Chicago. On the weekends it teems with people walking their dogs, families picnicking, playing with their children, intramural games, and so much more. There is an arboretum with wonderful plants, ponds for paddle boats, and a nice outdoor cafe, but the best part of the park for me is the Lincoln Park Zoo. It used to be an integral part of my daily walks when I lived here as it is free and open to the public. I loved watching the polar bears swim in their pool! When you are finished with the park, head over the pedestrian walkway to Lake Michigan which will take you along The Lakeshore Trail all the way in to north of the Loop and give you stunning views of the city and lake.
Continuing with the walking theme, there is always The 606, Chicago’s version of the Atlanta Beltline or New York’s High Line. It runs through the near north neighborhoods Logan Square, Humboldt Park, Wicker Park, and Bucktown. You can jump on and off to explore the different neighborhoods. If you’re not into walking, consider renting a bike! For information on rental bikes not only on The 606, but all over the city, check out Divvy Bikes.
Chicago Travel Guide: Tours and Laughs
Everyone’s favorite tour is the Chicago Architectural River Cruise. It is such a great way to see the city and learn about the Loop and the surrounding buildings.
And since Old Town is my heritage, Second City comedy club would be high on a recommendation list. Many Saturday Night Live comedians have cut their teeth at this iconic venue.
Chicago Travel Guide: Shopping
Shopping is always fun for me wherever I travel. Of course, there is always Magnificent Mile shops and Water Tower Place, but I’m partial to the neighborhoods. Whichever neighborhood you happen to land in is sure to have tons of little shops and trendy restaurants. If you’re in Lincoln Park, Claire recommends All She Wrote and Art Effect.
Chicago Travel Guide: Places to Eat
Now food, which is a major draw for me because I live in a small town with nice, but limited restaurant choices … Almost every visit, we hit the standby favorites in Claire’s neighborhood. Bruch at The Kennison, breakfast at Nookies, an Old Town institution, and a dash to nearby Ranalli’s for a burger or pizza, are all on the list. But usually Claire saves up some of her favorites for me to try with her as well and adds a few that she’s been dying to get to.
Chicago Travel Guide: Maison Marcel
Maison Marcel is an adorable French bakery, with fabulous pastries, croissants, salads, and sandwiches. It is located in Lakeview on Broadway. Love that you can take your laptop there and sit as long as you want. Very French of them! There is also a walk-up window on Halstead in Lincoln Park for amazing coffee and pastries.
Chicago Travel Guide: Joe’s Imports
Joe’s Imports is in the Fulton Market area of West Loop. Claire says this is her new favorite in Chicago and we did not have one dish that wasn’t absolutely amazing. Black mission fig with whipped feta served on lavash, boquerones – Spanish white anchovies with Medjol dates and shaved cauliflower, parmesan puffs that were kind of a cross between gougeres and arancini served with fondue, gnocchi with braised oxtail, and a most delicious grilled octopus with romesco sauce. Desserts were to die for as well. Chocolate mousse with pana cotta on a peanut butter crust and a cacio e pepe cheesecake with honey. I can’t rave enough about how good everything was. It is rather expensive, but worth every penny.
Chicago Travel Guide: Dorian’s Through the Record Shop
Dorian’s Through the Record Shop is a fun speakeasy type place in Wicker Park. You enter through a small record shop to a restaurant / bar / club very discreetly. Inside it’s dark and moody. The cocktails are killer as is the Porter Road Short Rib Banh Mi. Fun and eclectic!
Chicago Travel Guide: Girl and the Goat
On a previous visit, for a very special – and sadly very old – birthday, Claire treated me to the Chef’s Table at Girl and the Goat. Probably one of the top restaurant experiences in my life! The food is well known for being amazing, but watching the expertise and hustle of the kitchen was even better. We had so much fun chatting things up and accepting the samples being thrown our way. If you can snag a seat at the Chef’s Table you won’t be disappointed, but if you can’t, the food is still wonderful. Regardless, be sure to make your reservation early – I’m talking months in advance!
So, there you have some of my favorites! If you need more food recommendations on where to dine check out Claire’s food blog on Chicago’s finest.
If you’re in Chicago – or if you visit a lot like me, what are your top picks for activities and dining?
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