It's almost time for our Chicago conference! In this post, you’ll find a list of suggestions for things to do and places to eat while we’re there.
Places to see:
Navy Pier - There are fireworks here every Saturday night, but don't let the lack of fireworks keep you from stopping by any other night for a ride on the ferris wheel. Look hard enough in the dark back corners of the pier and you may even find a magic Zoltar machine.
Millenium Park - Millenium Park has it all, including "The Bean," pictured above. The park is home to a garden sanctuary, countless music performances, a world music festival, and much more. If you have the time, take a stroll with a park greeter for a free 45 minute tour of the area.
Things to do:
Lookingglass Theatre - The Tony award-winning theatre is putting on a production of The Great Fire, a drama based on the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, starting September 21 and running through well after our conference is over. Reviewers have gone so far as to describe the theatre as "restores my hope in the survival of live theater," which promises quite an experience.
Willis Tower - I've been told I can't call it the Sears Tower anymore, but you can't break 20 years of training otherwise. Take a ride to the top for the view of a lifetime! That glass overlook seems mighty scary, but if you bring a picture of you on it to the registration desk, you'll get a congratulatory high five from both of us.
Food to eat and drinks to drink:
Gino's East - Let's be real. We're all going to have at least one deep dish pie while we're here, and every single person you ask on the street is going to recommend somewhere different. I'm just making it easier on you by letting you know that Gino's is the highest rated pizza joint within three blocks of the hotel!
Portillo's Hot Dogs - You're here for at least two nights, which gives you another night to chow down on Chicago's finest. I won't say Portillo's is the best, but I will say that there are nearly 900 people on Yelp who gave it at least four out of five stars. And I challenge you to find another hot dog shop who also serves a chocolate cake milkshake!
The Capital Grille Restaurant - You had me at "wagyu beef carpaccio," but you sold me at "5000 bottles of wine on the wall." There are no prices listed on the website, so when the check comes, don't say I didn't warn you.