I'm going on a little roadtrip with my cuz tomorrow, due back around the 4th of Sept. Just thought it would be a good way to celebrate the twighlight of the summer before I head off to Uni. Anyways we'll be staying in Chicago for about 3-4 days, close to the downtown core at a friends apartment on Lakeshore. Then heading off to D.C for another 3-4 days for a conference. I know some of you have lived in one these cities and many of you have spent some time there. I know Chicago pretty well, but I haven't visited in a good three years and this is the first time going without the fam. D.C I've only roamed briefly. So, what are some of the best places to see, do and eat at in Chi-town and D.C? Keep in mind we're a couple of 19-20 year old students with low budgets. We'll also be passing through NYC on the way back but not long enough to take much of it in. Thanks in advance, Azim da Dream
In Chicago, I'd take in the museums - there's the Museum of Science and Industry in Hyde Park, about 7 miles south of downtown and the Adler Planetarium/Shedd Aquarium/Field Museum campus. I would recommend the planetarium/aquarium/museum as a must-visit, and the Museum of Science and Industry another one to see if you get the time. Other museums can be found here. Another thing I have yet to do though I live here is the Untouchables Tour. It is a bus that takes you through the north side and shows famous gangland spots, which I think includes the site of the St. Valentine's Day Massacre on Clark and the Biograph Theater on Lincoln where Dillinger was shot dead. From a website on the tour: For reservations, call (773) 881-1195 Untouchable Times and Tours P.O. Box 43185 Chicago, Illinois 60643 Phone: (773) 881-1195 Fax: (773) 881-7384 If you want to try good Chicago pizza then try Giordano's. There are several locations around Chicago. The deep-dish is what the city seems to be renowned for, and you really can't go wrong with Giordano's... or Gino's East... or Pizzeria Uno, and several others. Eating downtown and on the Gold Coast is kind of expensive, I'd recommend going to Lincoln Park/Old Town/Lakeview for more reasonable pricing. Good luck.
In D.C. you can do a lot for free. Take the underground metro down to the Mall. It's pretty cheap and goes everywhere you will want to go except Georgetown. There is a new international spy museum that cost 11$. It just opened. Sounds pretty cool http://eg.washingtonpost.com/profile/1070316/?&flavor_id=3&context=arts See all the monuments if you haven't already, but the FDR monument is my favorite: http://eg.washingtonpost.com/profile/797891/?&flavor_id=3&context=arts Ford's Theatre is also kinda different. That's were Lincoln got downed. It's easy to miss so keep your eyes open: http://eg.washingtonpost.com/profile/799653/?&flavor_id=3&context=arts Check out the bars in georgetown, but make sure you go down to the water's edge and look around. That's a scenic area: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/entertainment/new_features/barsclubs/georgetownoutdoors.htm The ESPNzone is right behind the National Archives. It's easy to get to and good fun. I'm not a club person, but you can look here for some clues: http://eg.washingtonpost.com/section2/bars_nightlife The IMAX at the National Museum is a good way to waste some time and stop walking: http://eg.washingtonpost.com/profile/800294/?&flavor_id=1&context=movies If you can make it up to the National Aquairum in Baltimore for a day you should go. It's only 1 hour north. The Aqaurium is first rate and they have a whole waterfront of activities. http://eg.washingtonpost.com/profile/1025034/?&flavor_id=3&context= Other than that, just have fun, good bike rides run from G-town up to Mt. Vernon (18 miles) and From Bethesda to Georgetown (10 miles) Bethesda has the most restauraunts per person in the U.S. If you need to eat something exotic you will find it there. Cheescake Factory in Friendship Heights is where Gore and Jordan eat sometimes. http://eg.washingtonpost.com/profile/792339/?&flavor_id=2&context=restaurants Have fun. There is a ton of stuff to do here!
Keely is right about their pizza. It's awesome. Thanks for the info on the untouchables. I will try that when I'm there in October. I liked the Art Gallery in Chicago, the Museum of Natural History (Sue the dinosaur), and the Hancock building. It's like being the movie Ferris bueller's day off if you walk around. They usually have a blues festival too. The museums can be hard to get to, so design a plan of attack.
Chicago: The museums are great. Definitely hit the Shedd Aquarium, and ask about feeding times for the Caribbean exhibit. There's a giant sea turtle that's usually hidden, but pops out when the divers bring in the food. I thought the planetarium was pretty good too. There is some sort of ticket you can buy, that gets you admission to a bunch of museums, observatories, etc. Look online, I think it also allows you to avoid some of the lines you'd encounter buying tickets separately. You only need to hit about 3 places for it to be cost effective. Lots of restaurant choices downtown, but if you go south, there is a great Indian restaurant on Cass Ave, a few miles north of I-55. I believe it is called Indian Garden, next to another Indian restaurant (vegetarian only) called Mysore (something). Washington: Learn how to use the metro-rail system. It's economical, fast, and is a lot cheaper than paying parking fees. Admission to museums is free in the National Mall area. Of course you can go around the White House, Capitol Hill, Washington Monument, the various memorials, etc. Arlington Cemetary is worth visiting, too. There's a zoo worth seeing. The main attraction was the panda exhibit. If you'll be walking most of the time, use sunscreen and buy plenty of water. Water is like $3-4 per bottle if you buy from the street vendors. Bethesda has a good selection of restaurants and coffee shops to choose from. Pay careful attention to the street signs, if you're driving. In one particular area, there are 5 lanes. The center lane heads into the city before a certain time, and away from it afterwards. I witnessed several near collisions from people who weren't used to it. You can also go sailing. If you know anyone at the Nat'l Institutes of Health (is it a science conference?), they may be part of the NIH sailing association, and can take you out on the water. Hope this helps.
Hey Azim, You attending the ISNA conference? I'll be there too! Washington is awesome, I live right here and theres always something happening. I love the theater and there is a lot of that in the area. The DC Improv is another really great place, some great comedians come through. Umm, Georgetown and Adams Morgan are the 'hip' areas, and the shopping near Georgetown is good, although its quite expensive. As always, the museums are great, and Union Station is a must see! It's one of my favorite places to visit. Driving on the George Washington Pkwy at night is also very nice, beautiful road, and even better view of the downtown landscape. Oops ... totally forgot to tell you some good places to eat ... the best are IMO is around Dupont Circle, they have this REALLY nice Italian place called 'Anna Marias' right on Connecticut Avenue. And then right off of Connecticut theres a Turkish place called 'Levantes' ... very nice, somewhat upscale place. If you want to do shopping, there is Tysons Corner right around on I-495 or Crystal City Mall in the Southern part of DC ... Oh yeaaa ... stop by Maryland and visit the new Comcast Center, too!! --rockit
Thanks for the great tips and suggestions guys, I'm gonna jot it down and check some of the useful links you put up. keeley - that Untouchables tour sounds very interesting, will definately try to check out. Ditto for Giordano's -- is there one in the downtown area to your knowledge? PhiSlammaJamma - is ESPNZone in Baltimore, because I heard that there's a cool ESPN bar/sports cafe there? Mack - When I drove through D.C in July I drove through this entire area or mini-city called "Chevy Chase" in north D.C along Connecticut I beleive. Everything was Chevy Chase; Chevy CHase Bank, Chevy Chase Auto, I think I even saw something along the lines of a Church under his name?!! What's the deal with this - does our Musketeer and National Lampoon hero have a monopoly in this area or something? rockit - yeh I'll be there at ISNA as well dude. SHould be a lot of fun; this is my third time going but I have yet to see Dream or 'Reef though. Is there one central location for this DC Improv? Thanks again guys, leaving in 5:00 hours. Azim da Dream
Be sure to vist the many statues erected to Dick Daley. I've never been to shytown (ironic name) but I'm sure there has to be one of his ugly mug.
Hey ... DC Improv is in one central location, visit http://www.dcimprov.com ... tickets are very tough to come by tho! ESPNZone is both in Baltimore and DC. The one in Baltimore is right off the harbor so the area is really nice, and the one in DC is pretty big, so thats fun too. If you have time, visit the Baltimore Harbor area too, very nice place with some great restaurants. Dupont Circle in DC is also a cool area ... its the part where the Victorias Secret shot from Enemy of the State was shot!!! That whole sequence when the guy gets squished by a bus! Enjoy your trip, sounds like fun! --rockit
