Visiting...Chicago - Part 2: What to Do?

So you're in Chicago-area...now what to do?!!?  Well I guess it all depends on what you want to do and what you can get to :-)  Chicago-Chicago (the city, not the suburbs) is fairly easy to get around with public transit and cabs.  I personally enjoy doing the touristy things - and some of those things are fairly close to each other...even cooler??  In the summer there is a free trolley to take that goes from major attractions to other major attractions...however - what do you do if you're not fighting the crowds in the summer??  Hoof it or rail it...mostly.

If you've never been - a few key points:
(1) Sears/Willis Tower - Now the tallest building in the US.  Has a really cool feature on the sky deck - "The Ledge"
     OR
The John Hancock Building - Not quite as tall, but still ridiculously tall and you have a great view of the city...Bonus??  You can actually go - almost to the top - for free practically!  Check out the Signature Room at the 95th Floor!  It doesn't cost to go up to the top...but the prices for food aren't great...but if you just wanna grab a drink?  Check out the lounge on the 96th floor...and you seriously HAVE to go to the bathroom (at least the women do..) there is a GREAT VIEW!!
(2) Don't like heights, but still want a view of the city?  Well the city is pretty darn flat...so it's not like there is a hill you can "climb" and get a great view...but check out the ferris wheel at Navy Pier.
(3)  Wanna hit a museum?
- Shedd Aquarium
- Field Museum
- Museum of Science and Industry
(4)  Wanna do a tour...google "Chicago tours" - the Segwey tour has always looked pretty cool...as do the architectural river tours...but I'm not sure if they run all season..??
(5)  MUST! MUST! eat pizza while in Chicago...I don't care whether you go to Lou Malnati's, Giordano's, The original Gino's East, Pizzeria Uno's (the one downtown)...if you've never had Chicago deep dish pizza - you're in for a treat!  You'll have locals who say that "this place" is the best or "this place" is way better...but in my mind - if you've never had it before..how are you going to compare?!?!  But just go to a place that is actually known for pizza...
(6)  Other ideas...see a show.  I've only been to NYC once, but Chicago is a decent alternative that offer some Broadway shows, some Off-Broadway, etc.   And if you're a fan of comedy, as I am - you MUST check out Second City!  This is the birthplace of many SNL fav's...Tina Fey talks a bit about it in Bossy Pants.  If you're an architectural fan - check out the Frank Lloyd Wright Tour's/attractions in Oak Park.

THERE ARE SO MANY THINGS TO DO in Chicago!!  The hardest part will be narrowing it down...

Where to go out?

• If it's Baseball season - and the Cubs are in town...Wrigleyville is always packed and lots to do!
• Areas near Northwestern are good too (Evanston), as are the gold coast, lincoln park bars...it depends on what you want  - do you want to club...then search for that - do you want to go somewhere and relax??  Then google "chill pub" or whatnot.  
• A few places that are pretty well-known Chicago bars: Goose Island Brew Pub, The Cubby Bear, John Barleycorns (there are a few locations), House of Blues Chicago...to name a few.
• Wanna see what is going on while you're in town?  Do a search on festivals for the dates or check out metromix - it may not be what's going on in the underground scene...but it's a good place to start!

Ways to get good deals?  I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE a deal - so check out groupon before you go (and maybe even while you're there)...or look into City Pass if you're going to do multiple tourist attractions...or just google discount "thing you want to do"..never hurts to try!!

 Happy Traveling!! (And as always...feel free to add your comments and suggestions!)