[QUOTE=AXO Alum]Any Chicago GC'ers out there, or frequent visitors? I am going to Chicago for the first time for AXO convention July 13-18. I am going with my CP so she & I are looking for some do-not-miss stuff to do. We know we are going to the Field Museum for Tut -- but are on limited free time after that. So what should we definitely see, and what to avoid? I
I'm going to Tut on Friday, so if you want, I'll p/m you and let you know what it's like. I'm also going to try and wander over to the Art Institute and the Museum of Science and Industry. AI is closer to downtown than MSI, but they're both worth the trip.
You all will love Chicago -- not that I'm biased or anything!
The Pier is okay, but it's pretty touristy. I think the Ferris wheel is totally over-rated; it's so slow... I swear, you're stuck in the air for 30 minutes; you get a pretty good view of the skyline, but I don't think it's worth it. I also think Sears Tower is only eh. A couple of my friends love going on the boat tours; as long as it's not super duper hot (and you're not under a bridge when the Dave Matthews Band is driving on it....) it can be a fun way to spend a day.
Water Tower is fun and has some good shopping, but don't be afraid to branch out; once you pass the Loop, there's a lot of awesome places to shop that are not on the gold coast.
Food-wise, your options are wide open. Try and stay away from the chain restaurants; there's a lot of great ethnic restaurants. I'm a big fan of Greektown; I've been to all of the restaurants, and I've never had a bad meal. I especially love the Parthenon and the Greek Isles, though the Parthenon is a little more budget friendly. Great food, great people.
I hope you and your sisters have a great time in Chicago!