adiva_calandia (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
adiva_calandia) wrote2007-06-04 12:33 pm
adiva_calandia) wrote2007-06-04 12:33 pm
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Heeeeey Milliconners!
Okay, so, con is in Chicago. And Chicago is an awesome awesome place! My family visits there every summer. But I know not all of you have had the pleasure of spending time in Chicago, and may be wondering what to do there, in between canon-viewings and LARPing.
Thus, I present:
Adiva's List of Chicago Must-Sees
Thus, I present:
The Waterfront
Millenium Park (between Michigan Ave. and Columbus Dr.) should not be missed, if at all possible -- and it's pretty hard to miss. My favorite memory of Chicago involves coming into the city by train early one morning, walking down the street, and seeing the Cloud Gate come cresting over the horizon. Thoroughly surreal, let me tell you. And make sure to splash around in the fountain while you're there.
The Art Institute of Chicago is literally just down the street on Michigan Ave. I am not so much a fan of art museums in general, but if you are, definitely check this place out. Last summer they had a cool exhibit on Toulouse Latrec and his haunts, like the Moulin Rouge, Le Chat Noir . . . They also have, if I remember correctly, some very nice Hindu and Buddhist installations, and it looks like this summer's exhibition is centered around Asian and Middle Eastern art.
The Field Museum (by Columbus Dr. and Lakeshore Dr.) is a bit of a hike from either of those, but it's still on the Waterfront, so. I love the Field Museum, if only for their highly impressive animal dioramas. They have an OKAPI, people! This is also the home of the T-Rex named Sue, who's big and old and pretty cool. (Also, if you play at
The Chicago Cultural Center (on Michigan Ave. and Randolph St.) is closer to Millennium Park, and does't cost anything, if you'd like the museum experience without the effort.
Hyde Park (Or, the 57th Street Tour)
(The Original) Powell's Book Store (1501 E. 57th St). Those of you in the northwest may be familiar with Powell's in Portland, OR (which is also a fantastic place). This is its predecessor. As I understand it, the Portland folks bought the name from these guys -- something like that. The selection here is variable, as used bookstores' selections tend to be, but it's kind of a nice little hole in the wall to visit.
Salonica Restaurant (1440 E. 57th St). Heading west, you'll find Salonica, which fits my personal notion of a greasy spoon restaurant to a T. It's kind of awesome -- tiny, out of the way, with tables packed with condiments and the smell of cigarrette smoke in the air. They serve good Greek food, like spanakopita and baklava, in hefty portions, and good fries, too.
57th Street Books (1301 E. 57th St). Keep a sharp eye for this one; it's below-street level. They have a great selection of new books here -- this is the bookstore where I first read 1602 and the theatrical script of His Dark Materials. They have a surprisingly thorough selection of children's and young adult books, too.
The University of Chicago is on your left as you continue west. Keep an eye out for the student center, which is big and cathedral-esque. Let's face it -- colleges are always kinda fun to visit, and they usually have bookstores and coffee. I . . . actually can't recall off the top of my head if U Chicago has a bookstore in this area, but you're probably already laden with books from Powell's and 57th St. Books, so you'll probably only want the coffee anyway.
There's a good bagel shop somewhere along this streth too, but I can't remember its name, unfortunately. I do remember it's a good place to pick up the local alternative paper and The Onion.
Downtown (Where all the lights are bright . . . )
Intelligentsia Coffee has several stores downtown, and they're definitely worth going to. Support local businesses! Support caffienation!Macy'sMarshall Fields dammit (111 N. State St.) is probably not what you want to spend your money on while you're in Chicago, not when there are books and coffee and food to be bought. But still, if any of you have the budget, it's worth wandering around in, and the food court downstairs has good pizza, Chinese food, and sushi. More importantly, they have a really good chocolate shop down there.
American Girl Place (111 E. Chicago Ave.) is expensive and crowded, and only worth going to if you REALLY want to relive being ten years old and doing Kirsten's hair, but I figured I'd throw it up here in the interest of full disclosure. I mean, hey, if it were my first time in Chicago, I'd want to go. Nothing like a little nostalgia, right?
I'm sure there are bars around downtown, for you over-21s, but obviously I would have no experience with those. Sorry. Explore! It'll be an adventure!
And there you have my and my family's personal list of What Not To Miss. Of course, there's also plenty to see just wandering around town and soaking in the art. I encourage you guys to at least check out 57th St. and its various attractions; Hyde Park's just about my favorite area of town -- you've gotta love university districts -- and I can live vicariously through y'all. :D
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If you end up making this a bigger list, I can provide a metric ton of amazing restaurants in all areas and price ranges too!
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And I think you're thinking of the U Chicago Seminary Co-op bookstore. Definitely worth a trip.
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And for the record, I'm sitting in my NYC apartment drinking my coffee out of a stolen Florian mug at this very moment.
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To do research.no subject
I know, man. I know.no subject
*saves!*
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