Chicago in March? About This Page:

[infinity&beyond]

I've booked a long weekend trip to Chicago for my birthday mid-March...am I going to freeze?

The things I've planned to see are Sears Tower, The Jackie O exhibit, the Chicago Institute of Art, Millenium Park and Magnificent Mile. I've decided to skip a rental car because the parking seems outrageous! Plus we're flying into Midway, and it seems that the train is an easy commute. I'll be staying on "the loop," so hopefully it will be easy to get around.

Any suggestions? Thanks!

[my2girls]

Welcome to Chicago (a couple months early) I will try and answer your questions -
A> I would definitely bring a jacket. The weather here is very unpredictable. I remember a couple years ago we saw (3) weather changes in 1 day - first nice and sunny, then rain, then cold and snow.
B> You shouldn't need a rental car. Everything you are going to do is either within walking distance or you can cab it. Parking is outrageous downtown.
C> I'm not a fan of Midway, I prefer O'hare. But I know that it has been redone and it's cheaper than O'hare.
D> lastly - if you are looking for ideas while you are here, check out metromix.com. This is a great website for local happenings, restaurant reviews and prices...


Hope this helps.

[infinity&beyond]

Thanks for the web address, I'll definitely check it out!!!

[Mickey's old friend]

I perfer to fly in/out of Midway. It is smaller and easy to navigate. Parking and driving can be a nightmare if you are not familar with the downtown area. Big bucks to park, a cab would be cheaper in most cases. The weather can go to all extremes in March, even in one day! Chicago is windy!

[minemoz1]

Yes, a rental car will cost you over $25 a day in parking alone. You can take the "L" Orange line to the city. While I've never taken it, my friends have quite often. The station is right in the airport, no need to go outside.

March is an odd month. One day it's warm, the next we get 10 inches of snow but it's never bitterly cold. As for things to do, don't forget Navy Pier. They have a wonderful free stained glass exhibit and the ferris wheel. If you want a great view of Chicago without spending a lot of $$, check out the Signature room restaurant/bar on the 95th floor of the Hancock building. For the price of a drink or dinner, you have a great view of the city (better than Sears IMHO).

A few great restaurants on the Mag Mile: Grand Lux on the corner of Ontario and Michigan (sister restaurant of Cheesecake Factory); Banderas across from Nordstroms on the 2nd floor. Great roasted chicken sandwiches; Lawreys offers fresh cut prime rib sandwiches at lunch (turkey, ham and others are available too). Boston Blackies, awesome burgers one block east of Michigan on Grand Ave. If you want a quick bite, there are food courts in the Nordstroms building and in Chicago Place (top floor). Nordstroms Cafe (top floor by the children's shoes) also has great food that is quick and moderately priced.

Also you must stop for popcorn at Garretts (located on Michigan Ave between Erie and Huron by Starbucks). They have the BEST cheese and caramel popcorn I've ever had. Ask for a cheese and caramel mix and you won't be dissappointed. Watch out, the lines can get loooongg.

Have a great trip!

[infinity&beyond]

Cheese and caramel mix? Okay, if you say so...I'm adventurous enough to try it! Great suggestions, thanks. I've made reservations at the Palmer House Hilton...is that a good place? I'd like somewhere in walking distance from most attractions/transportation.

[minemoz1]

Yes, I know it sounds weird but it is SO yummy. .

The Palmer house is a great hotel located on State Street which has many shops and is within walking distance to many attractions. However, most nice restuarants/nightclubs etc. are located north of the Chicago River in the River North district which is a short walk or ($4-6) cab ride away. Not much is open in the loop after business hours.

Oh, I almost forgot. No trip to Chicago would be complete without a trip to the original Billy Goats Tavern (aka the old Saturday Night Live Cheezebouger, Cheezebouger, Cheezebouger skit). It's located below Michigan Ave right by the Wrigley building. Look for the stairs going down and you should see a sign. This place is a DIVE bar but has a lot of nostalgia as many Chicago Tribune writers ate/drank there. They still call out the Cheezebourgers and they are pretty tasty! Still no fries, only cheeps.

Have fun!