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Broken Face
-= Forum Pistolero =-
USA
5155 Posts |
 Posted - 07/25/2006 : 16:57:01
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I'll be there Thursday-Sunday, taking in the Pitchfork Music Festival Fri/Sat. I have some vague plans on Thurs/Fri, but i'm looking for any suggestions on museums, parks, theatres. etc.
I plan on going to the Cubs game on Friday (scalp my way in) and see a Second City show on Thursday night. What else should i do?
-Brian - http://bvsrant.blogspot.com |
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a guy in a rover
= Cult of Ray =
United Kingdom
535 Posts |
Posted - 07/25/2006 : 17:14:31
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Take in the sights, visit a hooker, shoot heroin...
Chicago is your oyster.
Kiss my ring...I am the greatest
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ScottP
= Cult of Ray =
USA
618 Posts |
Posted - 07/25/2006 : 19:22:07
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| whack it |
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glacial906
* Dog in the Sand *
USA
1738 Posts |
Posted - 07/25/2006 : 19:59:22
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I was in Chicago this past spring...we just did the typical family stuff.
Of course the Sears Tower. Just don't have any screaming babies with you when you go, or you won't enjoy it at all.
Navy Pier was pretty cool in an expensive, touristy kind of way.
The Shedd Aquarium, frankly, was not all that impressive. We have just as good of one in Gatlinburg, about an hour away from where I live. Maybe a tad smaller, but the layout of the place is awesome (I'll shut up about the Gatlinburg aquarium now since that's not where you're going...)
I love Chicago.
Signature censored by forum moderators. |
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Skatealex1
* Dog in the Sand *
1670 Posts |
Posted - 07/25/2006 : 20:26:21
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drive around listening to sufjan stevens song chicago
The Truth Is Out There |
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Carl
- A 'Fifth' Catholic -
Ireland
11546 Posts |
Posted - 07/25/2006 : 20:27:30
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HAHAHAHAHA!!
Join the Cult Of Pob! And don't forget to listen to the Pobcast! |
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hammerhands
* Dog in the Sand *
Canada
1594 Posts |
Posted - 07/25/2006 : 20:33:35
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glacial906:The Shedd Aquarium, frankly, was not all that impressive.
But did you see the lions from The Ghost and the Darkness?
I'm absolutely positive Chicago has come up before but I couldn't find it in a quick search. It's one of my favourite places.
The place to look for entertainment is the Chicago Reader
http://www.jazzshowcase.com/
David'Fathead'Newman Quartet I think this is still his Ray Charles tribute?
http://www.greenmilljazz.com/
I don't recognize anybody there.
http://jazzmart.com/
The Cubs are playing St. Louis, if you've never been to Wrigley.
Pizzeria Uno, Pizzeria Due http://www.unos.com/
2 or maybe 4 hours away is the very cool Elderly Instruments in Lansing, Michigan.
Art Institute of Chicago is nice! |
Edited by - hammerhands on 07/26/2006 11:48:10 |
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Steak n Sabre
* Dog in the Sand *
Uzbekistan
1013 Posts |
Posted - 07/25/2006 : 20:42:03
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My favorite Chicago pub, a short walk south of Wrigley - http://www.sheffieldschicago.com/
You wont have any problems finding a good dinner in that area either....or get down to Ontario and Wells, head in to Gino's East, and gorge away.... Enjoy.
 The Cult of Frank : Somewhere... Anywhere... |
Edited by - Steak n Sabre on 07/25/2006 20:49:22 |
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hammerhands
* Dog in the Sand *
Canada
1594 Posts |
Posted - 07/25/2006 : 20:58:17
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To a fan of architecture, just walking the streets is a thrill!
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HeywoodJablome
* Dog in the Sand *
USA
1485 Posts |
Posted - 07/26/2006 : 07:18:08
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I'll second the Green Mill, on Broadway and Lawrence I think. A classy joint full of character that used to be a speak easy back in the day.
Also don't forget to go to Chez Quiz and sign in as Abe Froman.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Wait a minute, strike that. Reverse it. |
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Cult_Of_Frank
= Black Noise Maker =
Canada
11687 Posts |
Posted - 07/26/2006 : 07:58:04
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Yup, certainly just stroll around and admire the buildings (of course John Hancock and Sears, but there are many others as has been illustrated above) along the lake and the waterways. Heck, even the airport is reputed to have some cool stuff (at least the UA terminal)...
The city has a rep. for good hearty grub, so be sure to feast at least once for me.
Anyway, there are far more knowledgable people here who've actually been there, so I defer to them. Have a good time!
"No man remains quite what he was when he recognizes himself." |
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apl4eris
~ Abstract Brain ~
USA
4800 Posts |
Posted - 07/26/2006 : 09:05:48
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Having lived there for over 5 years, I hope I can give you some decent advice...
Definitely check out the Reader, as someone pointed out. Great info on live music and venues/bars.
Green Mill is awesome, but very small, so get there early - if Ernest Dawkins New Horizons Ensemble is playing, you are one lucky fellow.
Parks:
Check out the Millennium Park for the amazing public art and architecture. Bring a camera and hopefully you can dodge the city officials trying to stymie pics of the giant bean.
Franklin Park complex/conservatory - very nice nature/bird preserve, disappear into bird calls and natural quiet right in the middle of town. Also has a permanent Chihuly Glass exhibition.
Lincoln Park Zoo is part of the park, and is free!
*N.B. - "The park honors inventor, author, and American patriot, Benjamin Franklin." <ahem>
If you want to check out art, the Art Institute is the way to go, but it can easily eat up a whole day if you let it. Check an online map of their exhibits and plan out what you want to see beforehand to maximize your visit.
Food:
DON'T go to the Billy Goat, either one. It's laaaaaaame. and very bad food. Just watch old episodes of SNL if you want to get the corny gist of what it once was.
If you want an amazing cheeseburger, go to Pepper's in the financial district - Van Buren, between Wells and Franklin, south side of the street - lunch, weekdays only. It's been there forever, and despite its appearance, is delicious. the mark of a good restaurant, since it's paying the high rent for the area and has lines out the door at lunchtime.
Italian Beef! Spudboy likes Luke's, on Jackson just west of Wells, same hours as Peppers. There are better Italian Beef places, but they are a fair drive south of town.
Hot Doug's - Ive never been there, but I've heard amazing things.
Deep Dish Pizza - Edwardo's - one of the best versions. Hopefully they haven't changed. Thier spinach pizza was our favorite. The old standbys (Giordano's, Gino's East) have changed for the worse.
Thai -
Roong, in Wicker Park, at 1633 N Milwaukee Ave. Our favorite. If you want a reason to visit Wicker Park, this is a good one. You might know that that area is no longer what it used to be, but there are still a few good places, like:
Reckless Records! 1532 N. Milwaukee, Chicago - Their used vinyl selection is great.
General oddball favorites:
American Science and Surplus
sooo much fun! Bring your inner nerd, and read the price cards - they're damn witty. Van der Graaf Generators to Army surplus electronics that might still work, to mutant doll parts to chemistry sets to whoknowswhat. Buy many weird things, for very cheap.
I'll post more later. Elf needs caffiene badly.
edit:
I meant to mention Electrical Audio. Perhaps you would want to look into it, knowing your interests and all.
OH!
and are you going to the Touch and Go anniversary show in September (8th - 10th)? Scratch Acid is reuniting for it (AHHH!!). Big Black is playing a short set. Many many great bands will be there. If you're goin', we'll see you there! |
Edited by - apl4eris on 07/26/2006 09:24:56 |
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Newo
~ Abstract Brain ~
Spain
2674 Posts |
Posted - 07/26/2006 : 10:04:47
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if you were there a day longer you could go see my friend Mike play at Bordo´s.
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Gravy boat! Stay in the now! |
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hammerhands
* Dog in the Sand *
Canada
1594 Posts |
Posted - 07/26/2006 : 11:53:08
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apl4eris:Touch and Go anniversary show,
the Meatmen?
(I've saved your post as a text file, if I get back to Chicago before the border closes I'll see Edwardo's, the Surplus store, Electrical Audio, Reckless Records, Roong...anything else? Did you live there?) |
Edited by - hammerhands on 07/26/2006 11:57:57 |
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hammerhands
* Dog in the Sand *
Canada
1594 Posts |
Posted - 07/26/2006 : 19:52:34
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Forgot about that one, for Floop. |
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Steak n Sabre
* Dog in the Sand *
Uzbekistan
1013 Posts |
Posted - 07/27/2006 : 06:54:14
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Check out this festival -http://www.hedgpethfest.com/main.html - maybe a hour's drive north of town. Much better line-up than the Pichfork thing, Primus, Flaming Lips, Peeping Tom, TMBG ,etc....
The Cult of Frank : Somewhere... Anywhere... |
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apl4eris
~ Abstract Brain ~
USA
4800 Posts |
Posted - 07/27/2006 : 10:16:40
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quote:
Originally posted by hammerhands
apl4eris:Touch and Go anniversary show,
the Meatmen?
not mentioned thus far - 24 of the 25 bands have been confirmed (Big Black is playing a few songs, so don't count in the lineup number)
I'll start a new thread for the TnG show - it's worthy.
quote:
Originally posted by hammerhands
(I've saved your post as a text file, if I get back to Chicago before the border closes I'll see Edwardo's, the Surplus store, Electrical Audio, Reckless Records, Roong...anything else? Did you live there?)
lived there for a little over 5 years.
I'll have to think some more... |
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hammerhands
* Dog in the Sand *
Canada
1594 Posts |
Posted - 08/05/2006 : 15:47:40
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Brian, how was Chicago?
I came across something I've kept from a bygone era.
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Edited by - hammerhands on 08/05/2006 15:52:35 |
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Daisy Girl
~ Abstract Brain ~
Belize
5305 Posts |
Posted - 08/05/2006 : 18:58:39
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| :) cubs !!! and genos pizza. have fun!!! |
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Erebus
* Dog in the Sand *
USA
1834 Posts |
Posted - 08/05/2006 : 20:59:43
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quote:
Originally posted by hammerhands
Brian, how was Chicago?
Well, I know one thing: the Cubs swept a four game home set with the Cards. Even so, I hope you made it to Wrigley Field, Brian.
Hell, it was thanks only to Jim Edmonds' fielding that today St. Louis ended an eight game losing streak. And yet they still lead the division over the even more hapless Reds and Astros.
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Broken Face
-= Forum Pistolero =-
USA
5155 Posts |
Posted - 08/06/2006 : 06:45:26
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I did in fact make it to Wrigley. I got off the Red Line, walked down the stairs and said loudly "who has a ticket to sell me?" and this girl came over and said "i do - face value, ten rows off the field." Done. So i enjoyed some Old Style beer and watched the Cubs beat up on the Red Birds.
I also took in a show at the Second City ETC stage, which was fun, i had some famous stuffed pizza, i went to the Gold Star (i think...) bar in Wicker Park, i went to the Art Institute, and i generally just walked around and hung out. The festival was great, i got to try a lot of good local beers (my favorite being the amber Goose Island), but i didn't get to do as much sightseeing as i hoped, just because of sheer exhaustion.
Still, i dug the city (especially the architecture) very much and am looking forward to a return trip.
-Brian - http://bvsrant.blogspot.com |
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Brackish
- FB Fan -
142 Posts |
Posted - 08/10/2006 : 11:45:07
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Damn! I need to start visiting FB.net more often, I think my fiancee and I were in Chicago about the same time as you Broken Face. We didn't plan ahead very well and just ended up walking around a lot. That's fine by me, actually walking around large cities is one of my all time favorite activities. Not so much for the Lady though. I mainly wanted to go to Chicago for the architecture, especailly John Hancock and Sears Tower, but also the older building were amazing too. San Francisco seems so small now!
We went to a Cubs game too, on the 27th, my birthday.
Plus it was hot. Real hot. And real humid. I got sick from the heat.
I don't post often enough to need a signature. |
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Chicago
