Winter Weekend in Chicago

by teebee29

A January 2006 travel journal

Last Updated: February 28, 2006

: Journal Usefulness Rating

7: Reviews

2: Photos

Everyone thought we were crazy for going to Chicago in January, but we couldn't have asked for a better experience!

Radisson Hotel and Suites

Hotel

This is a comfortable hotel, located half a mile east of Michigan Avenue and half a mile west of Northwestern University. It was convenient to walk to and from the hotel, and to Michigan Avenue.

The room was comfortable and the bathroom was adequate. Just make sure you don't get a room by the maid's closet because they are very noisy in the morning! The room comes with a refrigerator (ours wasn't very cold), and comfortable beds.

Be sure to visit the Elephant and Castle Pub, located on the first floor. If it's cold out, you can warm your tootsies by the fireplace while enjoying some great food.

by teebee29 on February 23, 2006

Radisson Hotel and Suites-Downtown Chicago
160 E Huron St. Chicago, Illinois 60611
(312) 787-2900

Giordano's

Restaurant

Giordano's is the epitome of great Chicago pizza! Be sure to go hungry, because the pizza is thick. We ordered a pizza for two (six slices), and took two of the slices back to the hotel. It takes 20 to 30 minutes for the pizza to be prepared, but it's well worth the wait.

by teebee29 on February 23, 2006

Giordano's
730 North Rush St Chicago, Illinois 60611
312/951-0747

The Art Institute of Chicago

Activity

This is hands-down the best collections of art in the country, and one of the best in the world. It cannot be missed. Here, you have the opportunity to see great works by Claude Monet, Pierre Auguste Renoir, Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso, Rene Magritte, Henri Matisse, Archibald Motley Jr., Georgia O'Keeffe, Edward Hopper, Elizabeth Catlett... the list goes on and on. You can (and need to) spend a day here. Have lunch in the cafe! And if you're a student, be sure to present your id for a discount.

by teebee29 on February 23, 2006

Art Institute of Chicago
111 South Michigan Ave. Chicago, Illinois 60603
(312) 443-3600

H&M

Activity

If you like to shop, and can't afford Marshall Field's, then this is the place to go. The English import is bustling and a little chaotic, but the prices are worth it. Great for designer-wannabe styles.

by teebee29 on February 23, 2006

H & M
840 North Michigan Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60611
(312) 640-0060

Jazz Record Mart

Activity

They claim to be the largest jazz and blues record store, and I believe it! Loads and loads of vinyl, and really rare works. Cool, man, cool.

by teebee29 on February 23, 2006

Jazz Record Mart
27 E. Illinois Chicago, Illinois 60611
(312) 222-1467

Lucky Strikes

Activity

Part bowling alley, part restaurant, part bar, part billiards hall, part sports bar... this is a really cool place. The drinks aren't cheap, but the atmosphere and the vibe are great. The food is pretty good too. It's loud and crowded during the weekend, but a great place to hang out. Here's a tip: Sit at the bar. The bartender was awesome. He checked on us quite often. It's better than waiting for the waiter/waitress to come around. It's also a great spot to sit and watch the game on TV!