Weekend in Chicago: Chicago in two days - The Ultimate Weekend

Our Local Expert Says:

The Observatory is the best place to view the city at anytime of the year, and should be visited by tourists and locals. It is truly breath taking!

Description:

The Hancock building may not be the most famous destination for tourists, but it is a signature landmark of the Chicago skyline. Housing many offices and restaurants, it also has a fantastic observatory on the 94th floor, which is accessed by a high speed elevator, traveling to the Observatory in 40 seconds. The Observatory gives a stunning panoramic view of the Magnificent Mile, Lake Michigan, and the greater Chicago area. On a clear day you can see all the way to Michigan, Indiana, and Wisconsin. The Observatory is equipped with plenty of high-tech equipment for a great experience, including "talking telescopes" complete with narration of the view. The open air Skywalk is a great way to take in the view and will really let you experience the "windy city."

Our Local Expert Says:

If you are in the mood for a relaxing day, Millennium Park is the perfect place for a afternoon picnic, where you can take in the art and architecture. In the summer catch a performance at Pritzker Pavilion, while enjoying a bottle of wine with friends from the Great Lawn.

Description:

Chicago is full of must-see attractions, but at the top of the Can't Miss list is Millennium Park. It debuted in 2004, several years overdue, but it was worth the wait. It is a true gem, right downtown between Michigan Avenue and the lake. One can easily spend an afternoon just sitting on the benches at the perimeter of the Pritzker Pavilion, stare at their warped reflection in Cloud Gate ("The Bean" to locals), and watch the rotating faces in Crown Fountain spew water every five minutes or so. Immediately to the south of Millennium Park lie the Art Institute and Grant Park, which all together would make for a wonderfully relaxing day. If you only have time for one of the three, though, do not pass go, do not collect $200- without going to Millennium Park.

Our Local Expert Says:

Even if art is not your thing, you must visit the Art Institute for its brand new Modern Wing that overlooks Millennium Park.

Description:

You can't -- and shouldn't -- miss the Art Institute. (You really have no excuse, since it's conveniently located right on Michigan Ave. in the heart of downtown.) No matter what medium or century interests you, the Art Institute has something in its collection to fit the bill. Japanese ukiyo-e prints, ancient Egyptian bronzes, Greek vases, 19th-century British photography, masterpieces by most of the greatest names in 20th-century sculpture, and modern American textiles are just some of the works on display, but for a general overview of the museum's collection, take the free "Highlights of the Art Institute" tour, offered at 2pm on Tuesday, Saturday, and Sunday.

If time is limited, head straight to the museum's renowned anthology of Impressionist art, which includes one of the world's largest collections of Monet paintings; this is one of the most popular areas of the museum, so arriving early pays off. Among the treasures, you'll find Seurat's pointillist masterpiece Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte. The galleries of European and American contemporary art include paintings, sculptures, and mixed-media works by Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Salvador Dalí, Willem de Kooning, Jackson Pollock, and Andy Warhol. Visitors are sometimes surprised when they discover many of the icons that hang here (Grant Wood's American Gothic; Edward Hopper's Nighthawks).

Often overlooked but worth seeing are the Arthur Rubloff collection of delicate mid-19th-century glass paperweights, and the great hall of European arms and armor dating from the 15th to the 19th centuries. Composed of more than 1,500 objects, including armor, horse equipment, swords and daggers, polearms, and maces, the collection is one of the most important assemblages of its kind in the country. (If you do head down here, you'll see Marc Chagall's stunning stained-glass windows at the end of the gallery.)

Children younger than 12 get in for free, and the Art Institute goes the extra mile to entertain them. The Kraft Education Center on the lower level features interactive exhibits and has a list of "gallery games" to make visiting the museum more fun. When I was a kid, I was entranced by the Thorne Miniature Rooms, filled with tiny reproductions of furnished interiors from European and American history (heaven for a dollhouse fanatic).

The museum has a cafeteria and an elegant full-service restaurant, a picturesque courtyard cafe (open June-Sept), and a large shop. It offers a busy schedule of lectures, films, and other special presentations, as well as guided tours. The museum also has a research library. Allow 3 hours.

Touring the Art Institute -- If you want to enjoy your favorite masterpieces in something resembling peace and quiet, put some thought into the timing of your visit to the Art Institute, a museum so popular that it draws as much traffic as our jammed expressways.

Some tips for avoiding the rush hour: Many people don't realize the museum is open on Monday; keep this secret to yourself, and visit when the galleries are relatively subdued. Also, many visitors aren't aware that the museum stays open late on Thursdays, so consider stopping by after an early dinner (another bonus: free admission).

Our Local Expert Says:

Great place for quality casual dining with co-workers, the family, big group of friends, or a date. Always lively and upbeat.

Description:

This member of the 'Lettuce Entertain You' family of restaurants is a great place to celebrate special occasions. Once you have wined and dined at this signature steakhouse, famous for its open-flame cooking, you will be tempted to find a reason to celebrate every day! The main dishes here include Oak-Roasted Prime Rib, Tender Barbecue Beef Ribs, Spit-Roasted Pacific Salmon, and Wood-Roasted Mussels, and you can be assured of attentive, friendly service throughout your meal.

Our Local Expert Says:

This classy lounge has a great champagne and cocktail selection to sample, but also offers fine wine and quality beers.

Description:

This will be an expensive evening out, but a real treat for those with a taste for good music and even better bubbly. Come for the delectable appetizers and desserts, and for the 20 different types of champagne by the glass. Stay for the music. Small combos and piano jazz are the mainstays here, so grab a seat in one of the plush booths and make yourself comfortable in the ultra-classy environment. Bring your credit card, though—a night here is not cheap.

Our Local Expert Says:

Modern and glamorous feel located right next to Grant Park, looking out over the city. The hotel also offers a state-of-the-art spa.

Description:

This hotel's elegance and hospitality have earned it a roster of internationally renowned guests, including Hillary Rodham Clinton, French president Jacques Chirac and Henry Kissinger. Period and contemporary touches abound, and the 692 guest rooms offer such extravagances as ribbon-tied hand towels. Overlooking Grant Park and Lake Michigan, this 45-story modern hotel also affords great views. Shopping, museums, theaters and sightseeing destinations are all nearby, and many are within walking distance. The McCormick Place Convention Center is about 12 minutes away by taxi.

Our Local Expert Says:

Outstanding beer selection and is one of the best rated restaurants in the city - you really can't go wrong!

Description:

Dominated by an armada of walnut tables joined to form a single communal one, the Blackbird/avec team's take on boisterous Euro brasseries and beer halls slings 150+ global bottles and 12 taps, from Norway's Nøgne Ø God Jul Winter Ale to Munster, Indiana's Munsterfest. The menu's anchored by heirloom pork & seafood, including house-made charcuterie (crispy-skinned pork belly, country terrine, Morteau sausage), tripe & blood sausage gratin, wood-roasted black sea bass, and oysters from exotically dismal locales like Strangers Bay and Desolation Sound -- or, what escapes your mouth just before saying, "Ø God, I'm in Munster, Indiana".

Our Local Expert Says:

If you only have time for one museum, the Field Museum is it. Full of history, excitement, and exploration!

Description:

As part of the Museum Campus on the lakefront (in addition to the Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium), the Field Museum of Natural History is always at or toward the top of the list when it comes to popular cultural attractions in Chicago. The Field Museum was originally named the Columbian Museum of Chicago for the World's Columbian Exposition in 1893, but changed its name to honor Marshall Field, its first major benefactor, in 1905. Since 2000, the Field Museum has housed Sue, the world's most complete and best preserved Tyrannosaurus Rex to date, in its main hall. The building itself was designed by famous Chicago architect Daniel Burnham, the mind behind the White City at the 1893 Columbian Exposition. Admission is free on the Second Monday of every month, and on additional days throughout the year as designated on the Field's website: www.fieldmuseum.org/plan_visit/free_days.htm.

Our Local Expert Says:

If you're in town for a game and can fit it into your schedule to make a quick trip to the North Side, do it! (This local is a Cubs fan, so be advised that there may be some bias in recommending this attraction.)

Description:

Take me out the ball game! Major League Baseball's second oldest active major league ballpark, Wrigley Field, is loved just the way it is by baseball lovers everywhere, and Cubs fans in particular. Those lucky enough to score tickets to a game will enjoy a good view from any seat in the house, with the exception of sitting directly behind a post. Hot dogs and Old Style beer (or a soda for the kids) are a must. Since the passing of Cubs announcer Harry Caray, the most recognizable character present at every game is now Ronnie "Woo Woo" Wickers, who wears a Cubs uniform and wanders the stands cheering "Cubs- Woo" or some variation thereof. He is happy to take pictures with adoring fans. By the way, in the seventh inning stretch, it's "root, root, root for the CUBBIES."

Description:

Although lacking the authenticity and character of Frontera Grill and Topolobampo, Adobo Grill is definitely a cut above your average neighborhood Mexican restaurant. If you don't mind noisy crowds, join the action on the first floor. Although at first glance this may appear to be a singles' hangout, families are a growing part of the restaurant's clientele; there's even a kids' menu.

Adobo Grill's claim to fame is the fresh guacamole prepared tableside (you choose the spice level, but be warned that even the "medium" will give your tongue quite a jolt). Less spicy starters include a refreshing jicama-and-mango salad or a tasting of ceviches including tilapia, shrimp, and tuna. For an entree, try the grilled, achiote-marinated pounded pork chop with black beans, pickled purple onions, chiltomate salsa, and avocado; or for a heartier dish, indulge in the casserole of chile guajillo-braised beef tenderloin tips with potatoes. For dessert, the chocolate tamale is a brownie-dough delight, redolent with bittersweet chocolate flavor. Before you opt for a margarita or one of the 60 sipping tequilas, consider a refreshing Michelada (your choice of beer with lime juice in a chile- and salt-dusted glass) or a bittersweet Adobopolitan (tequila, Citronage liqueur, and pomegranate juice).

There's a second location in the up-and-coming West Division shopping district, at 2005 W. Division St. (at N. Damen Ave.; tel. 773/252-9990).

Our Local Expert Says:

Famous for its alumni, Second City will have you rolling on the floor and keep you entertained, plus the drinks and food make the experience complete.

Description:

Chicago is famous for comedy, and it has Second City to thank for that. Almost every famous comic to come out of Chicago spent time at Second City before they "hit it big." A few famous alumni include Stephen Colbert, Tina Fey, and Steve Carell. Don't miss the revue on the mainstage (does not play on Mondays), sure to skewer politicians local and national in the most hilarious way possible. As a general rule, Chicago politics equals comedy gold. Be sure to get to the theater about 30 minutes ahead of showtime, as seating is first come, first seated.