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