Estelle from Rather Be Reading started the BEA Part of It series for NYC to help out of town bloggers with ideas on what to do in the city. This year, with Estelle’s blessing, Brittany from The Book Addicts Guide rounded up some midwest bloggers to do the same thing. You can check out posts from Brittany as well as the ladies from Fiction Fare and Polished Page Turners. I have to admit, mine will be similar. I love Chicago but travel to Naperville far more often. I mean, they have Anderson’s Bookshop! (If you have a car and time on your hands, Anderson’s is having some really great events around BEA! The Book Stall in Winnetka is as well!)
McCormick Place:
First things first, if you think you’ll be walking places from the McCormick center you might want to look at other options! It’s kind of out there. I’ve been to a number of conferences there and I like it better than Javits. Still, it’s not exactly central to the things to do in the city! The McCormick Place website does have a nice page on using public transportation to get there. There are plenty of places to eat but, as with any convention center, be prepared to wait and pay more than you would elsewhere.
Food:
Speaking of food…. I have a couple of things I like to get each time I visit Chicago:
- Chicago Style Hot Dog: There is nothing like a Chicago dog! My favorite is Portillo’s, but I haven’t really tried that many. So, what is a Chicago dog? It’s an all beef hot dog on a poppy seed bun with yellow mustard, onions, tomato wedges, sweet pickle relish, peppers, and a dill pickle spear. No ketchup!
- Chicago pizza: Lou Malnati’s is my favorite but Giordano’s is excellent as well! Chicago style is a stuffed deep dish pizza full of cheesy saucy goodness!
- Chicago Popcorn: Ok. I am aware of how gross this is going to sound but trust me, it’s amazing. Chicago mix popcorn is cheese and caramel corn together in the same bag. It’s so yummy! I recommend Garrett Popcorn!
Sites:
Depending on how much time you’re giving over to sightseeing (and how much money you want to spend!) you can purchase a Chicago CityPASS and get admission to many popular attractions. Here are a couple of my favorite places to visit:
- Shedd Aquarium: I love this place. Visiting it is one of my first Chicago memories. It’s a really great aquarium with all sorts of things to do and see.
- Navy Pier: There is so much to do here! You can’t ride the Ferris Wheel (It’s closed for construction until May 27!) but you can visit one of the many parks, shops, restaurants, or attractions. I’m partial to eating at the Billy Goat Tavern.
- Museum of Science and Industry: Chicago is home to a number of great museums. This one is my favorite. They have a number of great exhibits including one on a coal mine that I find fascinating!
- Willis Tower: Formerly the Sears Tower, this is the place to go to get a great view of the city! It also features restaurants and shops as well!
- Lincoln Square: This is a neighborhood in North Chicago. I was there recently for a book event and there were so many cute restaurants and shops! If you’re looking for a Chicago bookstore you should totally check out The Book Cellar! I was there for the first time last month and will for sure go back!
I cannot believe BEA is less than a week away! Will I see you there? I’d love to meet up with people! You can comment here or find me on twitter @hmz1505 🙂 I’m super bad at recognizing people IRL from photos so if you see me please say hello!
Brittany @ The Book Addict's Guide
YAY lovely recs, Heidi! I cannot believe I hadn’t had Chicago popcorn until like last year. It sounds odd but it’s SO DELICIOUS. Cheese and caramel popcorn actually balance so well 😀