Monday, December 31, 2012

Where is a good place to have a 18th birthday party in Chicago?

Q. i live in Chicago and I'm planning a 18th birthday party for May ...i need a large nice place with a cool atmosphere, it could be a club in Chicago.

A. Most "cool" places in Chicago serve alcohol and therefore wouldn't book a party for an 18 year old. You should head to the hotels for a banquet space. The W on Lake Shore Drive is cool, as is the Justin (super expensive).

What would be the best way to get from Union Station in Chicago to a hotel on W Monroe St late at night?
Q. I'll be seeing a show at the United Center, alone. I imagine it'll end around midnight. I'm planning on taking the #19 bus that runs during shows at the United Center to Union Station. What would be the best and safest way to get back to a hotel on W Monroe in the loop? Thanks!

A. I think you may be a bit confused about the route of the #19 bus.

Westbound (to the United Center), the bus runs from Michigan Avenue along Madison to the United Center. It does have a stop near the Madison Avenue entrance to Union Station (this is actually a little-used entrance that is accessed from the end of the north train platforms).

But Madison is a one-way street in the loop, so the eastbound buses run along Washington, which is a block north of Madison. The bus does not really access Union Station (although you can get off at Canal and walk south to Union Station), but proceeds all the way east on Washington to Michigan (which is where Washington ends).

The eastbound bus stops along Washington at Canal, Dearborn, Franklin, Halsted, Jefferson, LaSalle, State, and Wabash. It also stops at Michigan and Randolph. I don't know what hotel you are staying at, but I would just tell you to get off at whichever stop is closest and walk two blocks south to Monroe.

Here is a map of the downtown area that may help you understand:
http://www.transitchicago.com/assets/1/clickable_system_map/200806D.htm
Unfortunately, the #19 is not shown on the map.

Here is a list of stops for the #19 bus:
http://www.transitchicago.com/assets/1/bus_stop_lists/19.htm

If you are still uncomfortable, there will be taxis outside the United Center. A ride will cost you less than $10.

What to do in chicago for new years under 21?
Q. Me and my buddies want to go to chicago for new years but none of us are 21. we are all 20. so we are having trouble finding something to do. As of now i guess our plan is go to dinner, get drunk, go to the fireworks or something and explore downtown. is there anything fun we could do thats relatively inexpensive?

A. First, let me tell you that you if you come to Chicago with the expectation that you will somehow manage to slip into a club or bar "under the radar", just forget about that right now, cuz it's not gonna happen. Chicago establishments are very keen on identifying and preventing under agers from getting to clubs and bars. They usually have a scanning machine and require EVERYONE to turn over their ids for the scan. If not getting in would ruin your trip, then don't waste time and money coming! Also, realize that it will be ABSOLUTELY FREEZING in Chicago at that time and you WILL need hats, gloves, and heavy coats (don't bother coming without these things like many tourists do, believing since it's only a weekend, they can get away with a sweatshirt or heavy sweater - forget about that! Due to Chicago's layout, you will spend a substantial amount of time outside, especially at New Years, so take my sage advice.

I'd say the #1 thing to do in Chicago (particularly if you are under 21 and you'll have NO other options) at New Years Eve is to go to Navy Pier. Navy Pier always has a bit party going on and a water front fireworks show to ring in the New Year. I believe you may be able to attend one of the parties even if you are under 21 (because they give out bracelets if you are 21/able to drink) - Google it. Again, bear in mind that this is largely an outdoor location and you will need to be outside for the fireworks, etc. so dress properly!

I think you should rent a hotel room VERY close to Navy Pier so you can walk there, since the whole city if be at a traffic standstill about 20 minutes to midnight (the Police actually STOP ALL traffic so you cannot get a taxi, or travel in any other way than by foot if you are in downtown Chicago). I recommend that rent a room at the Sheridan or at the W on the Magnificent Mile. You can be sure to warm up with drinks (non--alcoholic of course) just before you leave the room to join the action. Walk down Magnificant mile and be sure to stop for dessert at the Signature Room, located on the 95th floor of the John Hancock Building. AMAZING views! Be sure to have reservations. During the day, you should definitely go ice skating in Millennium Park.




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