Oklahoma native, our cold weather pales in comparison to Chicago - there’s a concert in early February right outside of O’Hare that I am headed towards. Most Chicago tourist guides I’ve encountered online simply don’t advise to visit but my hands are tied.
What local things would you recommend to an outsider braving the outside? Any tips on staying warm?
Oh, it’s not that bad. Sure, we have some shitty cold days (or weeks) here and there, but it’s not like you’re going to the beach in Feb. I assume you are going to the Rosemont Horizon for your show? If so, that’s not in Chicago proper, which is where most of the action is. My experience in big cities is that you never really get to see the good stuff unless you know ppl there. You just get pulled into the tourist traps. If you leave some more deets on your stay, maybe I could rec some cool things to do. Obviously, you don’t have to get too personal, but are you satying in the city? What kinds of things do you like doing? Restaurants? Bars? Museums?
Rosemont Theatre is correct, but I’ll be staying in the Loop area(?), which I think is close to the bean and some parks and a zoo? Flying in, I’m a bit of a transit and music nerd(and weeb) but I always love a good stiff drink.
Ok! So, I’m not a city expert, but here’s some suggestions: 1)The loop is great for architecture, but I personally think the more “neighborhoody” parts of Chicago have the best vibes. The loop is the central hub for the EL (elevated trains) which are a great way to get around and see the city. I would say heading north (Brown and Red lines) from the loop would lead to the best neighborhoods for exploring if you don’t your way around. Of course, in the loop, you’ll be walking distance from the museums (art institute, museum of contemporary art, field museum, etc). Also, michigan ave which is a touristy shopping district. For drinks, I recommend The Bergoff Millers Pub (I think these bars were the first to get liquor licenses after prohibition) But head north if you want some adventure! 2)For a first timer, the lincoln park, lakeview, and rodgers park neighborhoods would keep you plenty busy. Lots of bars, breweries, niche shops and weirdness. Lincoln park is the swankiest of those three neighborhoods fwiw. There are other great neighborhoods, but they might be more complicated to get to. You can buy EL passes from vending machines at each station. Or you could just uber. 3) Chicago is a great music city, so you could check some local venues to see who is playing during your stay if you want to catch another show. Some of the mid sized venues are the Metro, The Riviera, & Thalia hall, but there are so many more. I have a friend who is a world traveler, and whenever he has companions from outside the country visit, he takes the to the Green Mill. It’s this old Jazz bar. Great music and a great vibe.
Btw…who are you seeing at Rosemont?
I’m going to see Keiichi Okabe!
@thom @[email protected]
Yep, Rosemont is not in Chicago, but near O’Hare, just northwest of the city.
The Loop is downtown. Millennium park is downtown, where the Bean is, etc. Lincoln Park zoo is nearby but not downtown.
Agree, with @ape_arms . Get out of downtown (mainly tourists and professional work places) – get into a neighborhood. Bucktown/Wicker Park is the SOHO of Chicago. Logan Square is an emerging neighborhood (hipster central).
For music, Metro and Salt Shed