[james_gsx]

Besides visit the CME of course.

Through some trading profits, I decided to book a trip to Chicago for my 21st birthday. I told my best friend to come with me, and we are hoping to see some cool stuff and just experience what life in Chicago would be like.

I've heard there are cool museums, and a few other things. But I'm curious what a few members here would suggest? I don't even know if I'm talking to the right audience since a lot of you seem to live in other countries

[Eiger]

Chicago blues shouldn't be missed. Buddy Guy's Legends is a great club. It's on South Wabash Ave. The view from the top of the Sears Tower is worthwhile seeing. If you like architecture, Frank Lloyd Wright's Oak Park is nearby. The Navy Pier is pretty cool. Michagan Ave has lots of stores, Water Tower Place, the Water Tower, Drake Hotel, and the Hancock Center. Chicago is a great city; you'll find lots to do there.

Eiger

[james_gsx]

Thanks Eiger!

I plan on visiting the Michigan Ave Nordstrom, since it's the biggest in the country (I work at Nordstrom, hence why I care). I also plan on visiting a few boutiques and go on the hunt for a nice coat or pair of shoes I could never find in Denver. I'll definitely check out the Chicago blues and the Art Institute of Chicago.

[btfox]

Look at metromixchicago.com as I don't know what you like. Also, depends on whether you've got a car or not--Lincoln Park area tends to be too many students for my taste. CME doesn't give a great view of the pits; they do have an exhibit... and cbot has been closed to public view since 911. If you have a chicago broker they will some times get you in. cbot is better bet for that... Art Institute has a decent restaurant. Shedd Aquarium is nice but crowded. Jeff Koonz is at the Museum of Contemporary Art, and I'd advise you to stay away from Navy Pier (tourist trap), except for Shakespeare Theater and the Ferris Wheel, based on the 1893 Chicago Exposition. And as a Librarian I would suggest that you read, "Murder in the White City," which is based on a true story (it combines murder, of course, a sleazy character, and also history about the construction, politics and famous architects involved in said 1893 Exposition). If you have decent weather a walk on the beach is also not bad. -have fun

[daedalus]

I always found that a quick trip on the train out to chinatown can be a fun little 2 hour excursion... its cool to see that kind of culture change in just a few city blocks, quite different than anything we've got in town here.

+1 for walking along the beach or checking out some of the marina's (I love the water and I love the gorgeous boats even more!)

[Wilson]

Hello, first, I would check out Chicago restaurants, clubs, bars, entertainment and nightlife. You can search by date to see what events are going on in the city to see if they match your interests. All of the beaches are available by public transit (buses mainly). You can go to Chicago Transit Authority | 1-888-YOURCTA and enter both your starting and ending point to find out exactly how to get there. It is safe to go alone to the beaches, but I wouldn't exactly leave stuff of value out where you can't see it.

[james_gsx]

Well I got back two days ago, and I absolutely loved it. I don't even want to know how many miles I walked, but I was all over the place. I went to Gibsons steakhouse, and had one of the best 14oz Filets I've ever had. Unfortunately I didn't get into the CBOT or CME, but I had a nice lunch/breakfast with my broker in a little cafe at the CBOT. It was pretty neat, there was a screen with quotes from all the commodities traded there and the CME. Plus seeing all the floor traders was cool.

Now I'm looking at apartments out there. The city really spoke to me, and I want to live there.

[swansjr]

Drive or walk out to the Adler Planetarium (which is on a peninsula out on the water) and behind you will be a great view of the skyline. Don’t forget to try it a night.

http://www.protype.net/id12.html

Visit The Signature Lounge on the 96th floor of John Hancock building for drinks/appetisers and a great view of the city. Try to catch the sunset from there.

http://www.signatureroom.com/lounge/

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