We just booked up flights and hotel for 4 of us to attend this thing.

We are coming a few days early and leaving a few days late... so... what is there for us to do while in Chicago? Suggestions please! :)

well there are many things do to....what are you looking for...bars??? night clubs??? museums??? i live in chicago so i could give you some interesting places just let me know what are you up to

take care,

adi

These links have some good info on what to do:

http://www.chicago.il.org/default.html

http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/

I think Matt's basically asking where are the bars ;)

Well.... err... yes.... the bars ;)

Thanks for the links. Will check them out now.

use the metromix link for the bar scene. its gives a good thumbnail.

Lincoln Park area, Wrigleyville and Rush street areas are traditional favorites.

All depends on what you want to do.. there is ALOT of things to do in chicago..

and most of them are fun :)

Wrigley Field!

Chicago has an active Sm scene if that is your cup of tea.

Cheyenne

There are plenty of things to do here in Chicago. There are plenty of museums, parks, bars, I guess it all depends on what you are looking for.

Museum of Science and Industry
John G Shedd Aquarium
The Sears Tower
Gibson's Steak House
Hardrock Cafe
Rain Forest Cafe
The House of Blues
There are casinos in Gary, 1 hour away
Museum of Contempary Art
Navy Pier
Field Museum
Chicago Trolley Tour-Wednesday - Sunday
The Signature - Restaurant on top of John Hancock Bldg
Water Tower-shopping
State Street-shopping
Rush Street-bar hopping

Also, if you're into sushi...

Try Sushi Samba downtown, and for the best quality tuna you'll ever have try Sushi Kushi Toyo in Lake Forest (Suburb, about 45 minutes north of the city) :)

I highly recommend the Navy Pier, Sears Tower, Rainforest Cafe, House of Blues, Double Door and The Vic. All pretty neat places. You guys already have a Hard Rock and stuff over there in London... Chicago's isn't much different. Food is a little bit better there though imo... I just found the food over in the UK a bit bland. Of course, you have Lake Michigan. I'm thinking about bringing my boat up just in case a few want to go out on the lake, but that's questionable because I'm not sure I want to chance hauling that thing through the Chicago traffic.

If you're going to stick around an extra day, then go north just a bit to Gurnee and that is where Six Flags Great America is. It's a pretty nice theme park... not quite King's Island, but one of the best Six Flags parks out there. I think there is a Rainforest Cafe there too (in Gurnee), but don't quote me on it.

And of course, no trip to Chicago is complete without seeing the Cubs at Wrigley.

As far as bars, are you more into clubs, taverns/pubs, live music, etc? They've got a great local music scene and a couple of places that are small that show upcoming national acts. House of Blues is a little more mainstream and The Vic tends to be a bit more edgy.

Some names of places are escaping me at the moment, but I've got plenty more.

Thanks for all the ideas so far... we're making it into a slightly longer stay - why not when its a business expense eh?? :)

Whats your boat like Coach? :)

Just an open bow recreational boat. Use it mostly for skiing and tubing. You can have six people on there comfortably. I usually take it to a local lake. I was there pretty much all last summer. :)

I'll likely be around an extra couple of days myself, so I'll see what else I can come up with. I'll probably be up a day before and a day afterwards, then will head up to Wisconsin for a day before heading back down to Kentucky.

For all Rotarians.. June is when Rotary has the 100 years celebrations. So you combine that with the hostingcon... :-)
Navy Pier is good.
Sears Tower is not really cool. Just a tall building. But as a tourist you must go. I saw it.
They also have a good aquarium. I have forgotten what it was called.

Regards
Amar

Shedd Aquarium :)

Take the water taxi from Navy Pier over to the Shed Aquarium, for that matter from the train stations you can grab a water taxi pass up to Navy Pier and beyond.

If you do the Sears get in line 15 minutes before opening and avoid long lines, you will be amazed how long the line is when come back down. I think they open at 8:00 on the weekends.

Go to a ball game and see the Cubs and WhiteSox play.

HostingCon should have incorporated a Cubs game into the conference schedule. Look forward to seeing you guys there :)