Ask Joyce

We are going to be in Chicago through Saturday, and we are die hard shoppers. Things like Michigan Ave are pretty boring to us, since you can get that stuff in any larger city. We like the boutique/designer clothes stores (one owner, designer, etc.). We hear that Wicker Park, Bucktown, and Lincoln Park are kind of the “soho” of Chicago. Is this right?

Thanks, Steve Hankins

Hi Steve – Yes, these areas are hip shopping destinations away from the mainstream. Wicker Park and Bucktown are within very close proximity. Also consider going to Old Town which is next to Lincoln Park. When shopping in Lincoln Park, go to the area bordered by Armitage Avenue and Halsted Street. Your hotel concierge would be able to direct you to those areas.

Happy shopping!!

Joyce Fong

My family is arriving in Chicago Friday July 18 for some pre-wedding festivities (the wedding is the following weekend in Danville). Friday is also my eldest daughter’s birthday. Can you recommend a club with live blues that could accommodate about 10 people? A restaurant nearby? We would like to relax after a day of traveling (we’re from Florida) – nothing too fancy, but fun.

Thanks, Judy Hoyer

Hello Judy – there are some great blues clubs in the downtown area.

Blue Chicago – Two locations – River North, Buddy Guy’s Legends – South Loop, B.L.U.E.S. – Lincoln Park, Kingston Mines – Lincoln Park, House of Blues: The Back Porch – River North

I would recommend any of these as fun places to listen to live blues music.

While visiting Chicago, here are a few fun casual places to dine close to the blues clubs -

River North: Harry Caray’s – Italian, Ben Pao – Chinese, House of Blues – Southern American, Weber Grill Restaurant – American, Wildfire – American

South Loop: Eleven Street Diner, Grace O’Malley’s – Irish, Gioco – Italian, Zapatista – Mexican, Tamarind – Asian

Lincoln Park: Café Ba-Ba-Reeba – Tapas, Charlie’s Ale House, Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria

Have fun!

Joyce Fong, Ask Joyce

Hi Joyce!

I’m sure you get a lot of emails, so I understand if you have to skip mine… but if you have a chance, I would love some help. I will be staying at Wheaton College for a conference, and will have the entire day of Wednesday, July 16th free before I fly out that evening.

I have two questions. One—do you have any idea where I can stow a suitcase? I won’t be staying at a hotel, so I can’t leave it there. If there are no options, I’ll see if I can just pack everything for two days in a backpack!

Two- Any ideas for things to do on a Wednesday? I don’t have a lot of money to spend, but love anything ethnic or artsy.

Thanks!

Stephanie

Hello Stephanie – I am happy to help. Any hotel Bellman will be happy to assist. Ensure that your bag is well marked as many bags look alike. Please remember to give them a gratuity ($2-$5 per bag based on size and difficulty) for handling your bags as they rely on them as part of their livelihood. A good location would be a hotel in the Loop – Hotel Burnham, Palmer House – as it will give you easy access to public transportation to the airport.

Some ideas for Wed, Jul 16 –

Definitely go to the Chicago Cultural Center to start your explorations. Plan in advance for a Chicago Greeter – enthusiastic Chicagoans who impart their knowledge of the city based on your interests. They offer two to four-hour free tours on foot or public transportation.

Another Chicago summer program is Urban Adventures – with this year’s themes include the Blues, culinary Delights, Greening, Jazz, the Lakefront, Mexican Culture, and Wicker Park.

Millennium Park offers a free self guided tour by download. You can explore the park with its creators as your guide.

If you have the time, Chicago Green City Market – 1750 N. Clark St. (Lincoln Park) offers organic produce, poultry, hormone-free beef, organic breads, artisanal cheeses, honey, flowers and more. You won’t be far from Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago’s free zoo.

There are a few locations to rent a bike along the lakefront – just great on a beautiful day!

Bike Chicago – Millennium Park and Navy Pier

Bobby’s Bike Hike – River East Art Center

Enjoy!!

Joyce Fong, Ask Joyce

Joyce, Sorry to bother you with your valuable time, however I am making a last-minute trip up to Chicago this evening for two nights. I will be staying at The Allerton and wanted to know your suggestions on things to do as well as restaurants and bars that I should visit during my short stay. Also, do you know the best way to secure tickets for the Cubs/White Sox game on Saturday? Good luck huh? Thanks.

All the Best, Hal

Hi Hal – Busy weekend here in Chicago!! Here are some suggestions:

If you have never been to the Taste of Chicago, it is worth a visit to try different samplings of food from various ethnic cuisines as well as traditional Chicago style pizza, turkey legs, and corn on the cob. I suggest going when they open at 11am to beat the crowds that come later. While there, take time to check out the entertainment.

The Crosstown Classic is currently sold out. The option would be to go through a ticket broker (at a premium) or showing up at the box office at the stadium an hour or so prior to the game to see if there are any tickets available (at face value).

If you are looking for something a little bit different and want to sing “Cumbayah”, the Chicago Peace Fest in Lincoln Park would be a fun alternative.

The Arab community has a festival located in Daley Plaza, Chicago Arabesque, with food, music, traditional dances, artisan demonstrations, and a souq (shopping bazaar).

For some great summer theater entertainment, I would suggest Cirque Shanghai: Gold or Cirque du Soleil’s KOOZA. Both are excellent fun acrobatic productions with Cirque Shanghai coming to us from China. Please see your hotel Concierge, Bouchaib or Lenny, for tickets as they are currently available through the box office. Cirque du Soleil will be a bit tougher to get.

Feeling a little retro? Lincoln Park’s Jammin’ at the Zoo features Blondie, Friday night at 7pm. Bring a blanket; no outside food or beverage allowed.

Want to explore a different neighborhood not far from the Magnificent Mile? A short taxi ride to this destination, Old Town is a buzzing neighborhood popular for its great restaurants, eclectic shopping and great entertainment. Definitely hit some of the places suggested on our website.

Enjoy your trip!!

Joyce Fong, Ask Joyce

Hi Joyce – I hope you can help…I have one day to spend on some fun – last year we visited the Science Museum – this year I am debating between the Field and Chicago History Museums – I have a 10 year old son who is entering 5th grade (in Texas). He has heard of Sue so I know he would enjoy that – but wasn’t sure if the rest is very exciting?? I can’t remember ever going to the History Museum myself… What do you think?

Thanks! Karen Huber

Hello Karen – Here are some of the exhibits that are happening at the Field Museum, Chicago History Museum and the Museum of Science & Industry, even though you went last year.

Field Museum of Natural History, http://www.fieldmuseum.org – Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids, Nature Unleashed, The Ancient Americas

Chicago History Museum, http://www.chicagohistory.org – Catholic Chicago, Schaumburg: From Cornfield to Woodfield, Big Picture: A New View of Painting in Chicago, Chicago @ 40: the Band and Its City, Chicago: Crossroads of America

Museum of Science & Industry, http://www.msichicago.org – Smart Home: Green & Wired, The Glass Experience, + a Wealth of Permanent Exhibits

Have fun!!

Joyce Fong, Ask Joyce

When is the Boston/Styxx concert at Northerly Island?

Thanks— Maureen

HI Maureen – The Boston | Styx concert at Charter One Pavilion will be held on Wed, July 23. Doors open at 7pm and the show is at 8pm.

Joyce Fong, Ask Joycce

Hello!

I am looking for a Restaurant/Oyster Bar that I was in about a year ago that I believe was on Illinois dircectly across the street from the Hampton Inn (33 W. Illinois). It was an old restaurant and when you walked in, the restaurant was on the left and the bar was down the hallway on the right. It has been in operation for many years. They had the best bloody mary’s and you could watch them shuck oyster right at the bar. They had old-fashioned bar stools like those you would find in an ice cream parlor and the decor was dated back to the 60’s. Very cool place that I would love to visit again, if I could only remember the name of it.

Please help

Thank you in advance! Celeste Szymanski

Hello Celeste – Well, that would be Shaw’s Crab House. Yumm!!

Shaw’s Crab House, 21 E. Hubbard Street, Chicago, IL 60610, 312-527-2722

Have a great day!

Joyce Fong. Ask Joyce

Hi, On Fri. June 20 – Sun. June. 22, we’re having a surprise 60th birthday party for our father. There are 10 adults & two kids 6 & 8 yrs. old. We’re trying to find a place to do some bowling with the kids so they can feel more included, as many of the planned weekend activities won’t include them. Where can we bowl with children? Didn’t think a place like the Lucky Strike accommodates families. Bowling during the daytime on Sat. would be preferred.

Thanks, Pat Wilske

Hi Pat – Since you want to bowl on Saturday afternoon, either 10Pin or Lucky Strike would be good options. Both are located near major attractions and hotels. Another option would be ESPN Zone with a restaurant and Screening Room of major sports; there is an area with interactive sports-themed video games.

10Pin bowling lounge, 330 N. State Street, Chicago, IL 60610, 312-644-0300

Lucky Strike, 322 E. Illinois Street, Chicago, IL 60611, 312-245-8331

ESPN Zone, 43 E. Ohio Street, Chicago, IL 60611, 312-644-3776

Joyce Fong, Ask Joyce

Hi,

We are getting married on an extremely low budget, so we decided to take a trip to Chicago to get married there in front of a justice of the peace. We would like to do as much low cost or free stuff as we can while there; the hotel and train fare is enough! We will be there from june 5th to june 8th 2008. I think you also have free movies in the park there, as we do here, am I rignt? Also could you recommend and send us info on freebies and low cost fun things to do, this would be highly appreciated.

Thank you very much, Peggy Reynolds (soon to be Mrs Clark) and Albert Clark, Detroit MI

Hello to the Future Mrs. Clark – There are lots of free things to do in Chicago. Unfortunately, Chicago Summer Dance starts June 12 and Chicago Outdoor Film Festival starts July 15. Here are alternatives:

Chicago Blues Festival – June 5-8

Millennium Park Audio Tour – Free Download

Chicago Sister Cities International Festival – June 2-6

Art Institute of Chicago – Free on Thu

National Museum of Mexican Art – Free

Museum of Contemporary Photography – Free

Chicago Greeter – complimentary tours by Chicagoans

Shoreline Sightseeing and Water Taxis – Take the water taxi from Navy Pier to Museum Campus

Also stop in at the Chicago Cultural Center, Randolph and Michigan Ave, for a look at its Tiffany Dome. Down the street, at Macy’s on State Street, offers another of Tiffany’s handiwork to view and a downloadbale audio tour.

I hope you have a fun trip!!

Joyce Fong, ask Joyce

Looking for A & F store on the Magnificent Mile. Is there a store in Water Tower Place? “V”

Hello “V” – Yes, there is an A & F store on Michigan Ave at Water Tower Place. If you are up in the Lincoln Park area, there is one on Halsted Street, as well.

Water Tower Place – 835 N. Michigan Avenue, Level 6, Chicago, IL 60611, 312-787-8825

Lincoln Park – 2215 N. Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60614, 773-281-2148

Have a great day!

Joyce Fong, Ask Joyce

Hello Joyce,

My daughter and I will be coming to Chicago within the next 3 months. She will be enrolling at the Illinois Institute of Art. We would like to arrange our visit during the 4th of July holiday. But I understand that not all city’s celebrate on the 4th. Can you please tell me when you will be having your fireworks and celebration?

Best Regards, Alice Borrego

Hello Alice – Everything is open and busy during Independence Day weekend. The City of Chicago celebrates Independence Day on July 3rd. Fireworks will commence at about 930pm from the lakefront at Grant Park. One of the nation’s largest food festival’s, Taste of Chicago, will take place from June 27-July 6. Sample some of Chicago’s famous food items during the day; sit back and relax at a spot along the lake to watch the fireworks. The hotel concierge can help you navigate the festival and fireworks.

Many of the boat tours will be operating that weekend with fireworks cruises. A few of my favorites – Shoreline, Wendella, Mercury and Chicagoline Cruises. If you are interested in a dining cruise, have your concierge make a reservation on the Odyssey or the Spirit of Chicago.

If you miss out on the fireworks on July 3rd, do not fear. Navy Pier has a fireworks display twice a week from Memorial Day to Labor Day each summer. Expect to see the sky lit with color on July 4th and 5th from a barge close to Navy Pier.

Have a great summer!!

Joyce Fong, Ask Joyce

Hello Sue – Click on the links below for a few websites to check out for outdoor concerts. Keep an eye on conciergepreferred.com as we will be compiling this information to make it easier to plan.

Produced by the City of Chicago

Millennium Park

Ravinia Festival

Hope you can get to all of these!! Have a great day!

Joyce Fong, Ask Joyce

Hi Joyce, My sister and I are planning our first trip to Chicago in May. I’m really excited about it, but my husband is very concerned about our safety. Is there anything you can tell me about taking precautions in Chicago?

Lori

Hello Lori – Chicago is relatively safe, but be aware of your surroundings. Just remember that it is a big city and you want to avoid being a target for pick pockets. Here are some suggestions:

- Keep your pocket book closed

- Don’t open a large map on the street (our magazine, available at all hotels, is the perfect size)

- Plan your day with the hotel concierge

I would suspect that since that this is your first trip to Chicago, you will visit main attractions and shop along the main areas. Chicago is an easy city to navigate as it is based on a grid system. State and Madison is considered the center of the city where the numbering system radiates from there.

Have a fun safe trip!! Let me know if you have any questions. Have a great day!

Joyce Fong, Ask Joyce

Hi Joyce,

Looking for an idea for 3 couples from Milwaukee to come and celebrate one of our husband’s 40th birthday. Looking for a great steak spot that will include great food, fun service and fun atmosphere for a group of 6 that are not always the quiet table! We would like to get a little dressed up but not feel like we are in too stuffy of a place that we cannot be laid back or under dressed.

Any suggestions? We are open to any spots in Illinois on the way from Milwaukee to Chicago or would be open to going all the way to downtown Chicago.

Thanks for any help you can give.

Jennifer

Hello Jennifer – Birthday celebrations are always a fun time. Here are some suggestions for great steak choices on the way from Milwaukee to Chicago:

Rosebud of Highland Park

Lovell’s of Lake Forest

The Tavern, Libertyville

There are great steak restaurants in Chicago you may want to consider: A few mentioned on our guides page that I like in no particular order –

David Burke’s Primehouse

Mike Ditka’s

Sullivan’s

Consider also these Brazilian steakhouses:

Fogo do Chao

Brazzaz

Zed451 – newly opened, contemporary

Texas de Brazil – opening soon

You may also consider the traffic when coming in to the city as I-94 is currently under construction –

I-94 | Eastbound | & Westbound between Wilson Ave and Lake-Cook Rd Construction: Lane closures and other restrictions. Scheduled completion: 10/1/08.

I-94 | Eastbound | & Westbound between IL 132 and Russell Road Construction: Lane closures and shifted traffic. Scheduled completion: 12/30/08.

Have a great day!

Joyce Fong, Ask Joyce

I am planning to come up to Chicago for the weekend. I am debating where to stay and can I exist on public transportation. Is there public parking? I will try to do Field Museum, observatory, Navy pier, mag mile, arboretum.

Tony

HI Tony – You can certainly exist on public transportation. You can take the “L” from either airport and several busses run from Union Station and Ogilvie Transportation Center. You can’t go wrong by staying in the Loop, Magnificent Mile, or the River North areas. When booking your hotel, you may want to inquire how close they are to public transportation and the locations you want to visit.

There is public parking available however that can take a chunk out of your budget over several days. You would want to inquire about this as well when booking your hotel.

The Field Museum, John Hancock Observatory and the Sears Tower Skydeck, Navy Pier, and the Mag Mile are within walking or bus distance of any major hotel. The Arboretum is two miles from the Metra train station in Lisle (Burlington Northern line). Cab service is available through advance arrangements. Also, while in town, Taste of Chicago, the country’s largest food festival, will be in Grant Park. Go early, 11am opening, to avoid the throngs.

Have a great stay!! Let me know if I can help further.

Joyce Fong, Ask Joyce