Otherwise, if you're feeling lazy, below is just a sample of our favorite things to do in Chicago...
(1) Clearly, Chicago is one of the most deliciously architectural cities in the world. RTT and I chose The Rookery as a celebration location almost entirely because of its auspicious structure and impressive interior. Of course, there are other fabulous buildings in Chicago and we strongly suggest you amble around the city for at least part of the weekend to observe their grandeur. For those of you requiring historical insight, there are numerous docent-hosted walking tours or you can take the Architecture River Cruise down the Chicago River (best $25 you will spend).
(2) Tantamount to the city's architectural reputation, is its art renown. If you go to just one museum on your stay, you simply must go to the Art Institute. It has one of the best collections of Impressionist art, a surfeit of Monets and Seurat's pointillist masterpieces. For the kid in you, visit their miniature rooms for a wee peek at dollhouse heaven. There is a marvelous Edward Hooper & Winslow Homer exhibit going on through May 10th. Don't miss it!
(3) To speak of Chicago and not mention sports would be like attending our wedding party and not dancing. While the armory of teams may be mediocre the fan experience here is like none other. I am proud to report that the Cubs are playing at home all weekend! Snap up tickets here.
(4) So, while I already mentioned one museum above, there are many more educational attractions to savor in the city of Chicago (that counts as a separate bullet point, right?). Admire paleontological bone structure and Egyptian tomb art at the Field Museum (a fav), learn about giants and science at the Museum of Science & Industry, and be grateful you aren't a glass lizard at the Shedd Aquarium.
(5) Please, I work in retail, how can I not mention shopping on this list!?!? There is some of the best shopping ever right here in Chicago. Try North Michigan Avenue's plethora of specialty stores and grand department stores (as a Neiman's zealot, I highly recommend the Chicago outpost...it is outdone only by the San Francisco store). For a more boutique-y experience, you can stroll around Oak Street north of Bloomingdales or try the shops on Armitage & Halsted in Lincoln Park. I also love shopping the trendy Bucktown section of the city at North Damen & North Avenue.
(6) Rarely does a moment go by when RTT and I are not thinking of our next meal (hmmm...that could be bad). We've no doubt that our analogous friends are already thinking about where and what to eat in the Windy City. And, there are plenty of options in this foodie mecca. In spite of not being experts on the area's cuisine choices, we have listed below some brilliant spots for you to try...
- Charlie Trotter's (treat yourself...if you can get in)
- Cafe Ba-Ba-Ree-Ba (fun, kitschy tapas)
- Perennial (up-and-coming)
- Wishbone (brilliant beatnik brunch)
- Tru (old faithful)
- Gibson's (when only the best steak will do)
- Aigre Doux ("red-hot dining destination")
- Japonais (trendy sushi on the river)
- Pop's for Champagne (pre-party bubbly prep)
- Sixteen (all the rage in the new Trump tower)
- MK (another local favorite for American fare)
- Scylla (Greek-inspired for people watching in Bucktown)
- Tru (old faithful)
- Gibson's (when only the best steak will do)
- Aigre Doux ("red-hot dining destination")
- Japonais (trendy sushi on the river)
- Pop's for Champagne (pre-party bubbly prep)
- Sixteen (all the rage in the new Trump tower)
- MK (another local favorite for American fare)
- Scylla (Greek-inspired for people watching in Bucktown)
- Feast (casual brunch in Wicker Park)
- Everest (expensive views from the top of the Board of Trade)
- Weiner Circle (a late-night must for hot dog heaven)
