Jay and I thought it would be nice to offer some info and links to fun things to do in Chicago. Restaurants, museums, site seeing favorites, etc....we wanted to offer some things to do for those out-of-towners coming in to celebrate the wedding, but also enjoy a fun time in the city. So, we will be posting links to some of our favorites....anyone from the "Windy City", feel free to comment on your favorites!
The Museum of Science and Industry - The largest Science Museum in the Western Hemisphere! They always have cool new exhibits. Kristen worked the Body Worlds exhibit one summer, answering questions at the "touch and learn" table...she got to demonstrate the workings of a real liver, kidney and heart. Definitely one of our favorite museums.
The Field Museum - Chicago's natural history museum. This is the home to Sue, the t-rex that was "undug" several years ago. She is the largest and most complete t-rex. A definite must-see!
John G Shedd Aquarium - One of the best aquariums that Jay has ever visited. We enjoyed a "jazzin" night here together last summer with our friends, Mary and Jack. We got to see the belugas up close and personal. They are such amazing animals to watch!
Wrigley Field - Even if the Cubs are not playing, it is a historic stadium to visit. We try to catch a game here at least once a summer. If the Cubs are out of town, you can actually tour the stadium.
The Art Institute of Chicago - This art museum always has special exhibits coming and going. Kristen took many trips here while in grammar school. She still loves the impressionist era the most - they have some great Monet and Renoir pieces on display.
Wendella Boat Tours - Jay and Krsiten have enjoyed a few wendella boat cruises on the chicago river...ironically, none together! He has enjoyed some with his family when they have been in town, and Kristen did them on class field trips. It really is a great way to see and hear about Chicago's history and architecture.
Navy Pier - This is a great spot to visit in the spring and summer. Jay and Kristen have been on the "infamous" merry go round together, despite Jay's fear of heights (ya, some sky diver, huh?) The pier has so much to offer - shopping, restaurants, boat cruises, rides, and free fireworks every Wednesday and Saturday Memorial Day to Labor Day. It is a great spot to visit!
Sears Tower - The tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. Jay and Kristen enjoyed a trip to the top with his sister, bro-in-law, nephew, and parents last summer. You can see four states from the top!
Broadway in Chicago - There are always many different plays and musicals happening around the city, if you are a theater-goer. The location of our reception is a wonderful theater house, however, there is nothing playing there while the wedding is happening. Kristen has had the pleasure of working with the cast of Wicked and Chicago at the Oriental theater.
Giordano's - One of the "Chicago pizza" greats - This would be our choice for favorite sauce! Kristen and Jay enjoyed a trip here with Jay's family when they were in town - yum!
Gino's East - Supposedly the "Original" Chicago pizza - This would be our choice for favorite crust!
Connie's - Our favorite pizza place to visit on the way home from anything downtown. They have a great all-around pizza.
Lou Malnati's - One of Kristen and Jay's favorite "all around" pizza. They enjoyed a "pie" when shopping for photographers and fell in love with it....it was either really really really good or they were just so hungry after listening to another "pick us" spiel!
Chicago Water Tower - One of the only standing buildings that survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1817. It is amazing the renovations that it has withstanded over the years. It is located in a great part of the city - the Gold Coast/Mag Mile shopping district.
Chicago's Greek Town - If you love Greek food or pastries - this is the place to be! We highly recommend the Greek Isles for dinner!
Chicago's China Town - Though we have never been there to eat dinner together, Kristen enjoyed a few meals in China Town with her Dad while "shadowing" him at work. Even if you just pass through, the architecture is amazing!
Magnificent Mile (Michigan Ave). This main street has all the high end retailers that attract all the serious shoppers. But for one day a year, it is also a great place to take a bicycle ride! On May 24th, you will be able to bike Michigan Avenue without all the auto traffic. If you can motivate yourself to get up after our celebration, it wouldbe a great opportunity to see all the buildings lining the lakefront, Millenium Park and "the Bean", Buckingham fountain, Soldier Field, the museums, beaches, etc. For more info,go to www.bikethedrive.org