Of course I'll take care of the kid. I may need a direct dial into the White House someday.Step 1: Find Whomp
Step 2: Charm Whomp with your rapier wit and dashing good looks
Step 3: Tour Chicago on Whomp's dime!
OK MB. I've got a lot to say but let's start with the basics.
#1 This CTA trip planner is your best friend for getting around town without a car.
http://www.transitchicago.com/
#2 Chicago is a city of villages. Every neighborhood has it's own distinct feel and if I was taking a tour I would want to do what the locals do. Going to Millennium Park, Navy Pier (for some reason my gal's au pair from the Ukraine goes here all the time...very touristy) or a view from the Hancock or Sears (honestly I've heard Trump is quite extraordinary) that's great but make sure you explore the neighborhoods. You can surround a day trip with plenty of things to do in that one neighborhood. Areas like Bucktown, Wicker Park, DePaul, Loyola and Lakeview are especially chock full of young and fun folks.
For instance, in south loop/UIC/Italian Village you can go to the National Viet Nam Vets Art Museum (unreal) and Robert J. Quinn Fire Academy (where the Chicago Fire started) to see some crazy stuff that happens with fire. Later eat at Tufano's for old school Italian at a good price. Their menu is on a chalkboard. And finish at Reggie's Rock Club which not only is a music venue but has the most amazing record store ever called Record Breakers (near UIC campus with Eartha Kitt albums to imported Zappa session recordings to old issues of Kiss magazines).
Or going to Obama's 'hood Hyde Park you can visit the U of Chicago campus along with the museums, lunch at Dixie Kitchen and Bait Shop and later listen to blues at the new Checkerboard Lounge (where Buddy Guy, Muddy Waters all cut their teeth). Too bad you're not here a week earlier for Chi-town Blues fest. Bobby Blue Bland, Willie Clayton, Bobby Rush etc...
#3 Music--Right up my alley. Check with these venues to see if there's anything you like especially Park West and The Vic where I know the owner.
The Vic, House of Blues, Park West, Congress, Aragon B(r)a(w)ll room, Schubas Tavern, Metro, Empty Bottle, Martyrs, Abbey Pub for Irish, Double Door, Subterranean etc.
#4 Food--Really up my alley but depends on what you want and neighborhood again.
#5 Tournament time--Nearly every school in the country has their own bar for watching games. I don't go to "poisonous nut" bars so I can't say whether THE Ohio State bars are fun but here's some that I found that Buckeyes seem to like.
http://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=ohio+state+bars&find_loc=Chicago,+IL
#6 Must see Second City. The material they have right now with Blago, our new President and the economy is awesome.
#7 Off the typical path for tourist stuff.
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum--who doesn't want to see butterflies in spring? This place is one of only about 20 facilities in the country that is allowed to import exotic species. The museum brings in 700-800 butterflies (in the chrysalis form) every week. You actually have to look at yourself in a mirror at the end to make sure they're not trying to leave with you.
Brown Elephant Resale Shop--You can find some of the craziest stuff in here.
Field Museum will have a "real pirates" exhibit and Yellowstone to Yukon photo exhibit.
Flogging Molly is in town as well as BB King and Freddy Jones Band (hometown guys) are playing at Park West. David Schwimmer and Joey Slotnick are playing in Our Town at the Lookingglass theater.
I'll stop here since this is plenty to digest but let me know if you want more.
Also, know I'd be more than happy to entertain you and your friends if you want to hang with the old bald guy.
