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Hey Folks:Leaving Memphis 8-27-05 on City of New Orleans up to Chicago for trip on the EB.But have about 5 hours in Chicago.What are the sights close to the station to see in this time period?Thanks for all of your help!
Posts: 2 | From: Tupelo, Ms USA | Registered: Apr 2004
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Ah! The eternatl optimist. Assumes the scheduled layover will be somewhere near the actual layover. Well, stranger things have happened. Bon chance
Posts: 83 | From: MERRIMAC,MA | Registered: Feb 2005
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Barry, We go out to Denver every year and have a5-6 hour layover (depending on the whim of #29, and the freight traffic.). There is the Art Institute, the Field Museum, the Rosenwald (science and Industry) , Navy Pier to name a very few. I suggest you log on to google (Chicago tourism) and check our what is available. Just remember even if the train is on time you must be back to the station about a half hour before loading the next train.,If you are traveling in a sleeper they will give you a boarding pass in the Met lounge that gives you the time to return. The places I mentioned all have nice eating places. I think you can take a bus to most of the places but we opt for a cab to save time. Hope this helps.
Posts: 1577 | From: virginia | Registered: Jun 2005
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I recommend walking down to the lakeside park and having a look Millennium Park - the new installation by Frank Gehry. This includes the outdoor performance space, the sculpture, the fountain, the pedestrain bridge, etc. The newest addition to Chicago's famous architecture.
Posts: 326 | From: San Antonio Texas USA | Registered: Dec 2003
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I'd vote for the Millennium Park. I believe the restoration of the "Cloud" sculpture has been completed. There is a pretty nice cafe there and several other options nearby. Walk across the BP Bridge, also designed by Frank Gehry, for a good skyline view. Also, if you've not done it, go to the top of the Sears Tower. It's even closer to the station.
Frank in foggy, cool SBA
Posts: 2160 | From: Santa Barbara, CA, USA | Registered: Oct 2003
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One thing to do would be to take a taxi and see the Museum of Science & Industry. They almost always have great displays about . . .just about everything
-------------------- "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one corner of the Earth all one's life." Posts: 506 | From: Wisconsin | Registered: Mar 2002
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The free trolleys should be running. You can pick one up outside of Union Station and take it to Michigan Ave, the Field Museum, the loop, Navy Pier, Water Tower Place, the Art Institute, and other places.
Posts: 18 | From: Eagan, MN | Registered: Jul 2004
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quote:Originally posted by train lady: There is the Art Institute, the Field Museum, the Rosenwald (science and Industry) , Navy Pier to name a very few.
Rosenwald???
While of course I am mindful that philanthropist Julius Rosenwald was influential in establishing the Museum of Science and Inductry, I was unaware that the Museum was doing a US Cellular Field "thing".
Oh and JONATHON; movies are something you do when at home, if even then.
Posts: 9976 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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You can reach the Museum of Science and Industry using the Metra trains or CTA. The highlight of my visit there this Spring was seeing the complete Zephyr trainset.
Frank in, finally, sunny SBA
Posts: 2160 | From: Santa Barbara, CA, USA | Registered: Oct 2003
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I LOVE CHICAGO! I was just there on the 8th-10th of this month.
Some of the things I did...HIGHLY RECOMMENDED:
The Museum of Science and Industry Chicago has a one of a kind amazing exhibit called 'Body Worlds' and is not for the faint of heart. It is there until September 5th. Advance tickets HIGHLY recommended. A stunning display of actual human bodies that have been plasticized in different degrees of layering. AMAZING! This will take at least 90 minutes.
Also the Art Institute of Chicago is one of the best art museums in our country. 'Nighthawks' and 'American Gothic' are among it's most recognizable pieces with MANY others if you are an art afficienado. This will take about 2 hours. There is also a limited run special exhibit of Toulouse-Latrec art (famous for Moulin Rouge paintings)
And the view from the Sears Tower is good but from the John Hancock Tower looking towards center city is better. Take a txi there to save time.
Buckinghman Fountain (Married With Children) is well known too. Ride an Elevated Train if you get the chance even if it is for just two or three stations down and back. A real treat!
Choose carefully, but you will want to come back again
:-)
P.S. When I took the 'City of New Orleans' it actually arrived EARLY into Chicago. HAPPY TRAVELS!
-------------------- The best part of life is the journey, not the destination. Posts: 497 | From: Clarksburg, West Virginia | Registered: Oct 2003
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Mr. Norman , when I wrote my comments I was waiting for you to respond with something sarcastic. I taught children like you, very knowledgeable and putting everyone else down. Really it's not necessary. We respect your fund of knowledge why can't you respect our comments? I grew up in Chicago and we always called the museum the Rosenwald.I still do
Posts: 1577 | From: virginia | Registered: Jun 2005
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quote:Originally posted by train lady: There is the Art Institute, the Field Museum, the Rosenwald (science and Industry) , Navy Pier to name a very few.
Rosenwald???
While of course I am mindful that philanthropist Julius Rosenwald was influential in establishing the Museum of Science and Inductry, I was unaware that the Museum was doing a US Cellular Field "thing".
Oh and JONATHON; movies are something you do when at home, if even then.
I know, but it seemed like an easy way to kill time, so I sudgested it
quote:Oh and JONATHON; movies are something you do when at home, if even then. [/qb]
quote:I know, but it seemed like an easy way to kill time, so I sudgested it [/QB]
Jonathon: Hey I watch a lot of movies too when home, especially since I joined www.netflix.com but if you ever make it to Chicago take my suggestions above and make a day of it. Even if you went to a Cubs or White Sox game that would be totally cool too. Chicago has some of the best hotdogs and pizza too. A local restaurant or foodchain would be great to get a taste of Chicago. Even the McD's in Union Station had Chiago-style hotdogs! A day-cruise around the downtown river and on the lakes would be fun. So many things to do, so little time. I love Chicago!
-------------------- The best part of life is the journey, not the destination. Posts: 497 | From: Clarksburg, West Virginia | Registered: Oct 2003
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While decorum says I should simply turn away, I will dignify your comments with a response that I sincerely hope is presented in a mature and respectful manner.
When you made such reference to The Rosenwald, I was concerned that the Museum was choosing to be known as The Rosenwald Museum of Science and Industry. Not that such a naming would be unjustified in view that it could simply be considered as "following suit' with the Adler, Field, and Shedd, but rather it would have appeared that they were choosing to jump on the naming bandwagon, which I think has simply gotten out of hand.
God help the sports reporter around here who refers to USCellular field by its established since 1910 former name of Comiskey Park (existing structure built during 1990). Regretably, I know of at least one not-for-profit agency that has established a (not exactly published) "price list' for naming rights of various facilities they operate; so far only one taker - the donor of a building they use for a program.
Look around Millennium Park - everything is named for somebody, presumably the principal donor.
But fortunately, the Directors of the Rosenwald Estate (or possibly heirs if such has been dissolved) have wisely chosen not to join the bandwagon - the good deeds represented by this Museum that should be of interest to anyone with an interest in "how things work", speak well for themselves.
Posts: 9976 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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If the weather is nice, I recommend that you walk down Adams toward the art museum--i.e., go out of Union Station on one of the doors leading to Adams, then look both ways on Adams and you will see the art museum about 10 block down at the foot of the street--probably on your right--head that way--it's about 15 minute walk unless you are a real dawdler. When you get to the art museum you will be on Michigan Ave. Go left just about a block to get to Millennium Park. You can then see the park with all the Gehry stuff, fountain, etc, and also walk through to an overpass to the lake (Lake Michigan). It is quite lovely on a lovely day, lots of joggers, bikers, sunbathers, walkers, boaters, etc etc. And it's nice to stretch your legs after the train.
If you still have time (or if the weather isn't great) you can also go into the art museum itself. It's the Chicago Art Institute; though it's a little pricey (too bad you won't be there on Tuesday, the free day), there are some very fine works there--Seurat's Sunday in the Park with George (that's not the actual title), famous Renoirs, and other great Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art; Grant Wood's American Gothic and Edwin Hopper's Night Hawks (the one in the all-night cafe) in the American art; also the armory is really fine.
Or you can take a water taxi across the water from Union Station to and/or from Navy Pier. It's $6, less than an actual taxi would cost one person! Navy Pier is also on the Lake, where the river/lock meets it; it's kind of a state fair/carnival/festival with boats, lots of shopping inside as well as a stained glass display, children's museum etc.
I recommend you eat over by Navy Pier or Millennium Park or wherever you go, since many of the food vendors in Union Station are closed on Sunday, the day you are arriving there, and the pickings there are pretty slim. The Dairy Queen upstairs is closed! The Krispy Kreme is closed!
Also, the good German restaurant on Adams between the art institution and Union Station, called the Berghoff, is closed Sundays. However, that Russian place is open. I've never been there but have heard good things.
Posts: 2642 | From: upstate New York | Registered: Mar 2004
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Just wanted to thank everyone for posting. You'll have given me many options! Posts: 2 | From: Tupelo, Ms USA | Registered: Apr 2004
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quote:Oh and JONATHON; movies are something you do when at home, if even then.
quote:I know, but it seemed like an easy way to kill time, so I sudgested it [/QB]
Jonathon: Hey I watch a lot of movies too when home, especially since I joined www.netflix.com but if you ever make it to Chicago take my suggestions above and make a day of it. Even if you went to a Cubs or White Sox game that would be totally cool too. Chicago has some of the best hotdogs and pizza too. A local restaurant or foodchain would be great to get a taste of Chicago. Even the McD's in Union Station had Chiago-style hotdogs! A day-cruise around the downtown river and on the lakes would be fun. So many things to do, so little time. I love Chicago! [/QB]
Cool!, if I make it to Chicago some Day, I'l be shure to contact you
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Depending on how much time you actually have, I'd suggest the Sears Tower (2 blocks away from CUS) or the Field Museum (several blocks away - maybe a 15-minute walk or you can take a taxicab. If you walk, you can walk through Grant Park and past Buckingham Fountain to get there). The only problem with the Field Museum is there's so much to see, and you won't be able to see much of it in the time you have. The Science & Industry Museum (I've never heard it called Rosenwald) is a bit far from CUS for a meaningful visit in the time you have.
Posts: 2428 | From: Grayling, MI | Registered: Mar 2002
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I travelled twice - round trip - over the course of two weekends. I had over 5 hrs scheduled in Chicago and was psyched to check where I lived as a child. Each time we ran to the terminal to queue up for the next train. The first time, they held the Southwest Chief for us an extra hour. There's your spare time LOL.
If you're lucky, go to Museum of Science & Industry. It rocks. Don't miss the train though.
Posts: 64 | From: NYC (NYP) | Registered: Aug 2005
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quote:Originally posted by JONATHON: [QUOTE]Originally posted by dmwnc1959: [QUOTE]Oh and JONATHON; movies are something you do when at home, if even then.
[QUOTE]I know, but it seemed like an easy way to kill time, so I sudgested it
Jonathan.........maybe someday you'll have a lengthy layover on a rainy day in Washington, DC! You can catch a movie without even leaving the station!
Actually, when I was in school at the University of Maryland, taking the metro into Union Station to catch a movie was an event......the station WAS the destination!
-------------------- David Pressley
Advocating for passenger trains since 1973!
Climbing toward 5,000 posts like the Southwest Chief ascending Raton Pass. Cautiously, not nearly as fast as in the old days, and hoping to avoid premature reroutes. Posts: 4203 | From: Western North Carolina | Registered: Feb 2004
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quote:Originally posted by notelvis: [QUOTE]Originally posted by JONATHON: [QUOTE]Originally posted by dmwnc1959: [QUOTE]Oh and JONATHON; movies are something you do when at home, if even then.
quote:I know, but it seemed like an easy way to kill time, so I sudgested it
Jonathan.........maybe someday you'll have a lengthy layover on a rainy day in Washington, DC! You can catch a movie without even leaving the station!
Actually, when I was in school at the University of Maryland, taking the metro into Union Station to catch a movie was an event......the station WAS the destination!
posted
Did anybody mention Marshall Field's? And we like to just wander around and look at architecture and watch Big City Folk walk fast. Makes us appreciate Kentucky all the more.
Posts: 58 | From: Owensboro, KY USA | Registered: Apr 2002
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If you want a nice lunch try the Oak Room (I may have the wrong tree....) at Marshall Field. If you go to Customer Service with an out of state ID they will give you a book of coupons including one for a free Frango Mint cheesecake dessert. The food is very good and a beautiful setting.
Frank in still foggy SBA
Posts: 2160 | From: Santa Barbara, CA, USA | Registered: Oct 2003
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sbalax, thanks for mentioning it. I thought it was the Walnut room but wasn;t sure. Maybe we are both in the wrong forest but the fact remains it is a lovely place. We became acquainted with a young couple from Holland on the CL. They were headed for the coast. During the stopover Maria only wanted to see Fields. So we took them over there. She took pictures because she said people at home wouldn't believe it if she tried to describe the store. We had lunch at the "whatever" room. It was excellent, quiet, comfortable and had a pianist playing the whole time.If you do find out the correct name would you please post it.
Posts: 1577 | From: virginia | Registered: Jun 2005
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You are correct, it's the Walnut Room. (I guess that's why you are rated 5 stars and I'm only 4!!) If you are lucky enough to get one of the "senior" waitresses it can be an unforgettable experience. I'd bet that Maria was wowed by the Tiffany ceiling, too! This whole string has me wanting to schedule another Chicago trip soon.
Frank in sunny SBA
Posts: 2160 | From: Santa Barbara, CA, USA | Registered: Oct 2003
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sbalax, thee and me. I am especially eager to take one of the architectural boat tours and also check out the museum of contemporary art which seems quite interesting. There is such a banquet of things to see in Chicago.
Posts: 1577 | From: virginia | Registered: Jun 2005
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Train Lady, if you take the architectural boat tour, I recommend the one under the auspices of the Chicago Architecture Foundation--I think there may be others by boat companies whose guides are not affiliated with this primo architecture organization, though I'm not sure. Anyway, the Chicago Architecture Foundation boat tours leave from the SE corner of Michigan & Wacker, by the blue awning on a boat called the Little Lady. They are $25 but I think I got $2 or $3 off with a Triple A discount; can't remember. Also, I later saw the hotel concierge desk was offering discounts for architecture boat tours, though I don't know if that was the Chicago Architecture Foundation tours or some other boat. I believe the tours run from April to October, with several a dayu and more on weekends, but you should check ahead. The Architecture Foundation itself is in the Santa Fe Building, 224 S Michigan Av, on the NW corner of Jackson; the phone number is 312-922-3432; Web site is www.architecture.org. They also have an exhibit in the building (which I didn't see; I went straight to the boat because I was pressed for time; bought my ticket there). And I gather they offer all sorts of other architecture tours, walking, bicycle, etc, and may have those sorts for a longer season. But the boat tour was really neat, seeing Chicago from the water made it seem like a kind of Venice to me, only with skyscrapers. Including seeing Union Station from the water, with the trains coming in along the water--really neat! I had no idea what went on down there, water wise, from other times I'd come in (maybe because it's the Metra trains that are closer to the river there).
I am going to try that Walnut Room next time I have a chance; thanks for the tip! BTW, I went to a fabulous Mexican restaurant in Chicago that is for me walking distance from Union Station, though it's a longish walk (and the boat would be even further); but if you are staying over in Chicago, and if you like spicy delicious food, I recommend this place. It's called Chilpancingo, on 358 W Ontario just past Orleans, in what I think is called the River North area of Downtown, 312-266-9525. It's open every day, far as I know. It's somewhat pricey for dinner but you can have appetizers; and it's also open for lunch (brunch on Sunday); I really liked the (spicy) tortilla soup; and the sopes, little appetizer thingies with stuff like chicken mole on them. Fabulous desserts too. It's what they call haute Mexican, or maybe what I'd call "nouvelle Mexican," and there are a couple of others like that in Chicago, the best known Topolobampo even more expensive (but it has a part called the Frontera Grill less expensive though not as interesting menu, I've heard), 445 N Clark, but this one is closed Sundays and Mondays. I hope to try it some time too if I can afford another trip!
Posts: 2642 | From: upstate New York | Registered: Mar 2004
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sojourner, thanks for the info. I am copying it out so I will have it when the time comes.Abut the Walnut room I think that was the room that had a huge fountain in it. I am sure someone will know. We had quick lunches at both the art institute and Field museum. It was quite good and fairly inexpensive, We wanted more time to see the exhibits and less on eating.
Posts: 1577 | From: virginia | Registered: Jun 2005
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