And They're Off......

No, not the horses in the Kentucky Derby, although that's today as well. I'm talking about tourist season in Chicago. It has actually been creeping up on us since the various spring breaks started, a month or so ago. Now with the city in full bloom (see my pictures on Face Book and Flickr) and the weather nice and warm it has ramped up the numbers of visitors to our fair city. Those of us who live in Streeterville are starting to use our alternate pedestrian routes to avoid Michigan Avenue. I walked to the bank and Trader Joe's today and literally had to wait 5 minutes to get around the corner of Ontario and Michigan while a horde of young - college age- European men figured out which way to cross the street. I gave directions three times between Ontario and Chicago Avenue.


I'm glad that in spite of our dirty politics and crazy elected officials these folks are still willing to give us a chance. We need the revenue they bring with them and it's fun to walk down the street and hear so many different languages being spoken. I thought I'd do a little list of hints for those thinking of coming to visit. Here goes.

• If you've flown in - your first item of business is to buy a 3 day or 5 day CTA pass. Buy it right at the airport. It will save you tons of money. The passes can be used ad-infinitum on buses and trains. I get upset when I see people pouring dollars and quarters into the collection box, knowing they're going to have to do it over and over again. If you've driven in, good luck! Most of the hotels charge a king's ransom for parking and the on the street and parking garage options aren't much better.
  
  
• After you've settled in, take a trip to the Chicago Cultural Center on Michigan Avenue between Randolph and Washington. There is a great visitors center there with docents and greeters to answer your questions. Don't forget to ask about the free days at the museums. Each museum has them. If you didn't buy your CTA pass at the airport you can buy it there also. While you're there take a tour and enjoy the glory of Preston Bradley Hall, the photo galleries and the art exhibits. On Sunday afternoons there are free concerts at 3:00 PM - but you'd better get there early- the seats fill up fast.
  
  
  
• Don't miss a photo opportunity at the Cloud Gate sculpture (affectionately known as "The Bean") in Millennium Park - right across the street from the Cultural Center. Be forewarned - your children will want to splash around in the water spouting out of the twin fountains just south of "The Bean". Either don't let them see it, or bring extra clothes.

After that, you're on your own for choosing among our many fun and awe inspiring venues. You'll have plenty of help at the visitors center and your tastes and mine might not be the same. But here is some further practical advice.

• Look all four ways before crossing any intersections. Drivers, bikers and pedestrians alike don't seem to take traffic signals seriously.

• Enjoy and applaud our street performers. They are great. If someone tells you they are driving a church group, family, or baseball team and have just run out of gas and need money - tell them you are sorry, but you are not able to help.
  
  
• Don't depend on the bus drivers or the police to give you directions accurately - it's not their job. Find someone on foot with a shopping bag from Trader Joe's or Dominick's - they live here and they'll know . If they are carrying an American Girl Doll, or Nike Store bag - don't bother - they're from Hinsdale or Highland Park.
  
  
• Please - for the sake of me and my neighbors - don't walk 5 abreast down the sidewalks - we're not all sight- seeing.
  
  
• If you have to make a group decision about where to go next, please don't do it at the foot of an elevator or in front of the revolving door.
  
  
• There are plenty of good restaurants that won't eat your wallet alive. Ask the people who work in the stores - or use the shopping bag person strategy. The concierge will steer you to the pricey places - because that's the way it works.
  
  

Just remember - as the signs at the airports say :

"Welcome to Chicago, We're Glad You're Here"