<p>My favorite memory of Chicago was looking at all of the pieces of famous buildings that are embedded in the facade of the Tribune building. Just thinking about all of the places is thrilling. The lower ones can be touched. The last time I was in Chicago, a piece of steel from the WTC was there. It was very moving.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>I take your point about Second City; live comedy often has an off-color edge, and some of it may offend some persons or groups—especially those being lampooned. I don’t think Second City is any worse in that regard than others, but unless you know your guest will be OK with it, you might want to avoid it. With theater, on the other hand, it’s much easier to pick your spots. Some may offend some people, most probably won’t. And you don’t want to be too oversensitive on this point. After all, people from some cultures would be offended by sculpture or paintings depicting the nude human form at the Art Institute, or by scantily clad young women displaying cleavage and bare limbs walking down Michigan Avenue, or young men with their trousers hanging down displaying their underwear. At that point you might as well lock up your guest in their hotel room and ask the management to take away the TV. </p>
<p>American culture is what it is. If the guest is here to see and experience it, let them see and experience it. I don’t think it’s your job to anticipate all their cultural sensitivities and shield them from anything that might possibly offend.</p>
<p>Mafool- spent last week helping my son move into his apt in Lincoln Park, and did some site seeing. My first Chicago visit was in early April, and hope you are spending a day there soon, because it is beautifully landscaped and clean city. </p>
<p>Son and I took the double decker bus tour, and even though he has been to Chicago several times, with his girlfriend who lives 20 minutes away, he was SO IMPRESSED with what he saw on the bus tour- it is the BEST way to get a sweeping view of the city. </p>
<p>The $35 tickets are good for three days, and there are several tours to take. We did the main one, which took us around Millenium, Art Institutue, Aquarium, Stadium areas, Navy Pier, Riverside North, (you will see the second largest Mccdonald’s in the world), to Willis Tower (formerly known as Sears Tower) and they sell discounted tickets for the Willis Tower.
We did the Willis tour, but be prepared for long lines, an 8 minute movie , which was very interesting about the construction of the building. There are two elevators which take people up in 60 seconds, but know that it may take some time from your day. </p>
<p>The Bus tour, was wonderful, because the tour guides are quite knowledgeable about architecture, so your guest will have a great view of the buildings. </p>
<p>You can get on and off at many stops along the tour, so grab something to eat somewhere, and hop back on. </p>
<p>Locals suggest going to the Signature Room (bar) at Hancock Tower, rather than paying the fee for the view. Have a drink, see the view for free. </p>
<p>PM, me if you’d like to know more about
Lincoln Park Food tour - did that in April
Botanical Gardens in Lincoln Park- visited last week.
Wonderful area to visit at dusk, for dinner and people watching. Just North of Oak Street, along Rush avenue is a beautiful small park, with benches, gelato stand, surrounded by posh restaurants- very European feel to this area!!!</p>
<p>I doubt she will want to see NU or U of C.
I would not reco Navy Pier. It’s just cheesy touristy. </p>
<p>I would strongly recommend the boat architectural tour-- just took one Thursday with my office outing.
And if you are a member of groupon, today’s special is half off the segway tours. But the specials are only valid for one day, so if you want it, join today (Saturday) and seize it now. </p>
<p>Might she enjoy any of the museums on the museum campus in addition to or in place of the Art Instutute? (Adler, Shedd, Field)</p>
<p>I saw upthread a reference to the Cheesecake Factory – no. It’s just a chain like a million other restaurant chains in the US. Your foreign colleague deserves a nicer dinner. Maybe call the concierge at the hotel for a reco that is near the hotel.</p>
<p>I totally agree about Cheesecake Factory-I wouldn’t go there. However I mentioned it, because some of these chains tend to develop mythical status overseas, and this is one that I know some foreign nationals seem to obsess over. Yes, here we value the independent, unique restaurant. Not true in all places. </p>
<p>In reference to this thread, I asked a Thai PhD student who has been traveling with other Thais what she and friends would do in Chicago. Art Institute, no way, architectural tour and Millennium park, yes. Willis or JH, of course!</p>
<p>In August you can combine theater with blues, in a musical play by the Black Ensemble Theater ABOUT a blues bar. It sounds like there’s some belt-out blues singing, dancing and a narrative storyline about a family running the place. The reviews give you a sense of it. </p>
<p>[Nothin</a> But The Blues - Black Ensemble Theater - Play Detail - Theatre In Chicago](<a href=“http://www.theatreinchicago.com/playdetail.php?playID=4191]Nothin”>Nothin But The Blues-Black Ensemble Theater- Chicago)</p>
<p>We took the Wendella combined architectural river and lake tour by the Wrigley building. It was fantastic. You can get a 50% discount coupon at the visitor’s center on Michigan Ave.</p>
<p>Is the Blue Man show something unique to Chicago ? We haven’t seen it, but heard good things ?</p>
<p>Maf</p>
<pre><code> Navy Pier, no. Not for a one day visit. Although I do like the free stained glass museum there.
There is a Hot Tix booth across the street from the Art Institute. Half price theater tickets for same day performances, best selection in the morning.
I hope you report back on all her choices and experiences, Segway vs boat tour, save the fee and enjoy the view from the Hancock bar and the food!
If you are by Trib tower, you might see a tall guitar player singing/licensed street performer…my DS.
</code></pre>
<p>The boat tour really is the biggest “must,” IMO, followed by Millennium Park. The Art Institute is nice, but not everyone wants to spend their time inside a museum when exploring a new city for a day.</p>
<p>The Blue Man Group plays in quite a few cities … It’s not really a Chicago thing.</p>
<p>When is she coming? Because this week is going to be hot.</p>
<p>[Chicago</a> Events | Explore Chicago](<a href=“http://www.explorechicago.org/city/en/things_see_do/event_landing.html]Chicago”>http://www.explorechicago.org/city/en/things_see_do/event_landing.html)
Wish I was there. </p>
<p>I like this tourism site because you can call things up by interest area or date. So many unusual and free things. This site led me to: “Green Chicago” tours and events, and mentioned the Art Institute South Garden where the shade cools you off by l0 degrees.</p>
<p>Also: weekday noon dance and other cultural events right Under the Picasso sculpture at the Daley Civic Center.</p>
<p>If it’s hot you’d be surprised how refreshing the wind blowing is on the double decker buses, just wear sunscreen and hold on to your hat when they hit the Lake Shore Drive sec
tion. </p>
<p>I would think bus would be cooler than the boat tour- that looks like it could be steamy on hot day.</p>
<p>mafool- yelp is really helpful to help nail down your decision…they have been right on for all my activities, dining, and events.</p>