Visiting Chicago

[Alaska dad]

Just found out I am being sent to KC for a week which allows me to stop in Chicago for the weekend at the end of the month to see my son. looking for suggestions of things to do and where to stay. For example I know the Blackhawks play the Canucks 3/2 so that is one thing, but what restaurants, sights to see and if doing those things is it better to stay downtown so I need nice hotels to stay in. He is able to get overnight liberty. He's not 21 yet so I was wondering if with me he can get in the comedy clubs. looking for some local knowledge and ideals. Thanks

[DeeDee]

The best place we found to stay is HOMEWOOD SUITES (http://homewoodsuites1.hilton.com/en_US/hw/hotel/CHILSHW-Homewood-Suites-by-Hilton-Chicago-Lincolnshire-Illinois/index.do;jsessionid=2ADE871454510C15F04AB7C51ACD11 3B.etc42?brand_id=HW&brand_directory=/en/hw/&xch=137162837,N35RUSFVLWOXACSGBJBNEWQ)- they have nice rooms and reasonable rates - be sure to mention that you are visiting the base to see family and you may be able to wrangle a better rate :D this is the link to the one in downtown chicago which i am sure will be more expensive than the one south of the base http://www.homewoodsuiteschicago.com/

We found a nice sports bar called Cubby Bear (http://www.cubbybear.com/lincolnshire/index.html)which is reasonably priced and nice to hang out at. If you are planning to go to any clubs I recommend that you call ahead and see what their policy is on under 21 admittance.

You are required to check out Portillo's (http://www.portillos.com/portillos/) for some AWESOME sandwiches.

For some mildly psychedelic entertainment you can check out Putting Edge (http://www.putting-edge.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=68) glow in the dark mini-golf - we never laffed as hard as we did there. It was a riot and we are talking about 2 18yr olds, a 16 yr old and the two of us. It was hysterical.

Shedd Aquarium (http://www.sheddaquarium.org/) while we didn't get to go there while we were visiting Dan we are planning to make a trip there on our own to see it as I hear it is one of those "must see" type of place.

Museum of Science and Industry (http://www.msichicago.org/) - another place that looks interesting to visit

The Navy Pier (http://www.navypier.com/home.html) is interesting to wander

The Full Moon Restaurant (http://local.yahoo.com/details?id=17175382&stx=full+moon+restaurant&csz=Gurnee+IL&ed=VLgXK6160SwRfIJ_EhYAEK_0bBgx55eNpoXmWbjOZI8lMJ5 hHFH__LnnlnguhErqOKjbwt1FZHQ-) - near base is great food for a great price

email me if you want more suggestions :D
DeeDee

[8404]

I second the homewood suites, we had a two bedroom suite with living room and kitchenette. One of the largest hotel rooms I had ever seen. They also have a very nice complimentary breakfast served very early in the morning.

We stayed at the one closest to RTC, I believe it was on half day road.

By the way, most of the above sites, give free or reduced admission for members of the military who are in uniform. So if he wants the discount..........wear the uniform on liberty.

[DeeDee]

Yep Tony the one on Half Day Road is the one we stayed at for every one of our trips down there. The rooms were GREAT and comfortable - loved the mini kitchens and the complimentary breakfasts were really good (a REAL breakfast not that "continental" crap that OTHER hotels put out and call breakfast) :)

[Alaska dad]

So far got Blackhawk tickets. Waiting to see if he got Liberty for the weekend I'll be there. If he does, then probably stay at Magnificent Mile area. If he has duty then close to RTC. Aquarium is a good suggestion. Full breakfast is a plus.

[Alaska dad]

Got here today. My flight was delayed due to weather in Chicago. Got in the shuttle and was almost there to sign him out when I found out he got special liberty. Rode the the train back to Chicago and staying at Hilton Suites. Got dinner at Ditka's and I give the ribeye the thumbs up. Got tickets to the Blackhawks sunday and we hanging out in the michigan ave area. took his last test yesterday and did labs today. Good to see him.

[8404]

rut row..............did somebody mention "Rib Eye"? Sigh..............I can't eat beef anymore. :(

Great news dad, enjoy the visit, I know we did.

[Alaska dad]

just thought I'll finish up also did House of Blues and brunch at the John Hancock Bldg. Caught the Blackhawk vs Canuck game. Son is doing good is lead EPO and is motivated. Big change in 6 months. Should be done around 3/21 and is waiting on orders. Asked why the big DE rate and he said it was because people weren't studying effectively. He says he finished 3rd. Wants to go green but stated school is full so he thinks he will be assigned to west coast somewhere. Loves the Navy and likes the instructors said they were very professional and knowledgable.

[8404]

...people weren't studying effectively...

Effectively, is the operative word here. Unfortunately, some people have not developed effective study skills and suffer as a result.

Congratulations on your son's success! A hearty job well done for sure.

[Corpsman77]

I second the homewood suites, we had a two bedroom suite with living room and kitchenette. One of the largest hotel rooms I had ever seen. They also have a very nice complimentary breakfast served very early in the morning.

We stayed at the one closest to RTC, I believe it was on half day road.

By the way, most of the above sites, give free or reduced admission for members of the military who are in uniform. So if he wants the discount..........wear the uniform on liberty.

They're not allowed to wear uniforms while on liberty. They changed it because sadistic people were targeting military members.

Robberies, kidnapping, rape, etc.

[HMC8404]

just thought I'll finish up also did House of Blues and brunch at the John Hancock Bldg. Caught the Blackhawk vs Canuck game. Son is doing good is lead EPO and is motivated. Big change in 6 months. Should be done around 3/21 and is waiting on orders. Asked why the big DE rate and he said it was because people weren't studying effectively. He says he finished 3rd. Wants to go green but stated school is full so he thinks he will be assigned to west coast somewhere. Loves the Navy and likes the instructors said they were very professional and knowledgable.It sounds like you had a great time! I haven't been to Chicago since I left GLakes in '84, but I'll be driving back up there this Friday morning. I'm going to Chicago for their St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday. My daughter's high school band is marching in the parade so I'm grabbing one of my sisters and we're driving up early Friday morning and plan to spend a day playing around in Chicago on Friday. Then we'll watch them dye the river green and take in the parade Saturday. I would love to do the House of Blues. How was that specifically?

If I had more time I'd love to finish the drive up to the GLakes area and North Chicago for a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Not only did I go to Corps school there, but I was later stationed there and lived in Zion and Winthrop Harbor off base.

I'm glad you're son loves the Navy. It's a great branch of service to serve in, especially the hospital corps! It must be a great feeling to witness your son taking off in life as he is. You must be so proud of him!

[Furios]

Uh.... I graduated 08Feb08 and we were still allowed to wear uniform while on liberty.... even if we were phase 3 :P They change it since then? O.o

[Corpsman77]

When I went through they changed it midway to NOT wear uniforms while on liberty.
I was happy because I hated wearing it just to go to Parchizzi's. I loved that place. Good food and I like noise so I'd study there, too. ;)

[HMC8404]

Uh.... I graduated 08Feb08 and we were still allowed to wear uniform while on liberty.... even if we were phase 3 :P They change it since then? O.o
NO Furios, they haven't! I was just up there this past Friday and Saturday and passed many a newly graduated recruit in dress blues. Several were up on top of the Sears Tower with me and my sister Friday afternoon taking in the sites with their visiting moms and dads. At the St. Patrick's Day parade on Saturday, I saw plenty more standing there watching it in their dress blues. There's no mistaking a freshly graduated recruit and his wide-eyed innocent stare, fresh cut hair and not worn-in cracker jacks. ;)

[DeeDee]

RTC Grads are required to wear their unis on liberty following graduation

I think it is the students at Corps School that aren't required to wear unis while on liberty

SOMEONE CORRECT ME IF I AM WRONG PLEASE :D