If you think reading my blog is a drag, try being my friend.

Wow this is hard. And a lot of fun.

As much as I'd like to continue to awe and inspire you with the contents of my troubled mind, Logan wants all that for himself. Oh he loves it. So do my girlfriends.

Like this conversation, "Let's talk about something funny, which triggers a thought about this ball of crap you're processing! Let's laugh until you look away about to cry!"

"Yes, let's and then my lip will quiver and I will cry and you'll be left wondering 'What the hell!'"

This is purely awesome.

Instead of doing that, let's talk about Chicago. I'm leaving for a long weekend in Chicago with my girlfriends on Friday. How about you tell me what we should do.

Then, you'll tell me something and I'll be like, "That sounds great...except it reminds me of this thing I'm dealing with......" (((Quiver))))

My loose list is as follows:
Drown my sorrows.
Drown my sorrows.
Keep drowning my sorrows.

No actually it's this: Millenium Park, cocktails at John Hancock, lots of photography, some time in Lincoln Park/Wrigleyville/etc. Meeting Erin and Brian for a potentially boozy lunch where I'll say, "Henry is just adorable....he reminds me of that thing I'm dealing with....." ((((Quiver)))))

Weeeee! Maybe I'll booze it a little less to help keep the quivering to a minimum.

We're going to want to stick around our hotel, (which is downtown near the Magnificently Overpriced Mile), but during the day I wouldn't mind being up in the other neighborhoods. Since Flea's sex shop closed, I'm just not sure where to do some shopping/browsing.

We're talking about having brunch at Ann Sather up near Belmont and Clark on Sunday before we leave town and then stopping into Uncle Fun and The Paper Boy. What other unique shopping should I hit while I'm there?

Throw out your downtown dinner ideas and neighborhood shopping ideas thank you please. I'll weed through them and when one reminds me of the thing I'm dealing with I'll quiver quietly to myself.

It's times like these I wish I wrote fiction people.

Comments

[jenB]

FILENES BASEMENT FILENES BASEMENT!!!!! to shop. Hy's for prime rib, Sears Tower for reliving Ferris Bueller, the Aquarium is pretty fab, but the Chicago Institute of Art is my favourite - they have this huge window of stained glass by Chagall, you will weep. come to think of it, that is ALSO in Ferris Bueller. i am a child of the 80's.

[mommyrants]

so you want to drink...well as a mom myself I don't get out much but i'll offer a couple of places

I recently visited Hot Chocolate - a fab restaurant opened by a great pastry chef. the best chocolate martinis ever. 1747 N Damen Ave, Chicago, 60647 - (773) 489-1747
http://www.hotchocolatechicago.com/
(there are lots of overpriced cute shops in this neighborhood, too. but really the chocolate martinis...)

As for your Sunday brunch - The Alley is also by Ann Sather - you can full fill your quota of fishnets and biker jackets there.

any chance of a fan drink n greet? i too just got a bad haircut and could stand to drown it...in a chocolate martini. :)

[Steph]

Oh, good God. It's not a drag being your friend! You're fun and smart and funny, and it's okay to be teary when you're working through something.

Can't wait to be there...we'll have fun no matter what. But suggestions are always good.

[christy]

my brother is a manager at Sushi Samba. It's a cool place if you like sushi and/or drinking. Go sit on the rooftop and see if you can spot any celebrities. You want I should give him a call? Even if you don't want to go there he has all the insider blah blah on where to go for great food.

[Rita Arens]

I used to leave right next to Ann Sather, across the street from the Clark Dog. Please kiss the cinnamon rolls for me.

[kate]

Any tips I might have are too late. Besides, I haven't made it downtown in what seems like ages (could it be 2 years?). But I hope you kept cool! Who would have guessed August would descend over the weekend?

[kate]

Totally ignore my past tense. I am clearly suffering from new-mom-brain while I type one-handed and don't seem to know what day it is. :-P

[meg'smom]

You must hit 1154 Lill. It is great make-your-own purse shop. You pick from like 200 fabric samples and purse styles and they make the purse and ship it to you (usually within 2 weeks). Their website is 1154lill.com if you want to check it out before you go.

[pseudostoops]

De Cero, on Randolph just west of the highway, is close to downtown hotels (short cab ride away) and has yummy tacos with unusual fillings and awesome margaritas in flavors like hibiscus and tamarind. There are a bunch of good restaruants on that strip of Randolph, too. Orange (in Lakeview, near Ann Sather) also has excellent brunch. For shopping, there's a fun (if pricey) strip of boutiques and such on Armitage near Halstead (including 1154Lill, which is lovely.)

[SprengBlingBling]

In Wrigleyville, I would highly recommend Orange for brunch, as PP said. MUCH better than Ann Sather. You can always get cinammon rolls to go afterward if you really crave Ann's.

The Armitage/Halsted shops are indeed cool. And in my hood! I am going to stalk you! Kidding. If you go to that area, there's a fabulous little chocolate shop called Ethel's Chocolate Lounge, where they serve, you guessed it, chocolate. They have a fondue that is really good.

For nighttime fun and some good Belgian beer/food, you should go up north to Andersonville and go to The Hop Leaf. Great beer (something ridiculous like 150 kinds to choose from) and frites to die for. The mussels are spectacular. Dare I say, worth the trek.

Have a fun weekend -- the weather is supposed to be nice!

[Shannon]

You'll have so much fun! Every neighborhood has great restaurants and shops, but Armitage is probably best/closest to Michigan Ave. I'm completely obsessed with Paper Source and there's a good one on Armitage across from 1154 Lill, which you will love. And you have to go to Lori's Shoes.

If you don't mind going a little further north, I love The Dressing Room (clothes/jewelry) and Hanger 18 (gifts/accessories/baby stuff), both on Lincoln in Lincoln Square. (If you go there, have lunch at Cafe Selmarie.) Hazel is just a couple of blocks away on Montrose and also has cute jewelry, and ZoZo has great kids stuff but you probably don't care about that this weekend.

Or Glam to Go has cute, inexpensive jewelry and stuff in Roscoe Village. Kitch'n is across the street and good for lunch. Both neighborhoods have cheaper shopping than Southport, but if you have money to spend go to Krista K and all the stores on that block. I love Mystic Celt for really good bar food.

These are all the places I take my mom, Julie, etc., on their shopping weekends. If you need any last-minute ideas, please call me. Especially if you find yourself in Lincoln Square ...

[Crouching Hamster]

1) I second the Art Institute - just do a bit of it - not all day

2) high tea at the Drake Hotel - just for the gals (you might need a reservation)

3) cheeseburger, cheeseburger, cheeseburger at the Billy Goat Tavern (A bit touristy, but go to the one on Michigan Avenue near the Tribune Towers. If you ever watched SNL when John Belushi was on it, you'll know what I'm talking about.)

4) Twin Anchors (in Old Town, on the corner of Eugenie & Sedgewick) - not too fancy bar dating back to the 30s, with arguably the best ribs in town - you could ask Frank Sinatra if he were still alive

5) more girl stuff: late lunch at the Walnut Room at Marshall Field's - to take a load off after a little shopping

And of course, weather permitting, enjoy a walk along the lakefront!

[Papa Urchin]

Definitly head down to Greek town for some flaming cheese and Ouzo.

[Bonzai]

If you like Thai, you HAVE to do the Kanam Jeeb (I probably spelled that wrong) and golden coconut chicken at Joy's Noodle Shop on Broadway (not too far from Sather's) or closer to your hotel, try Star of Siam on Illinois. I also recommend Harry Caray's - I know, it sounds like a big tourist trap, but the food is good. If you want steaks, go with the Chicago Chop House. It's got tons of atmosphere (old brownstone) and the best steaks for the best price in the city.
If you want to drown in margaritas and then get dizzy, go to Dos Hermanos in the Sears Tower and then go up to the Observation Deck!
If you really want a trip, go dancing at Roscoe's (or Side Tracks) - there is nothing more freeing than being a straight woman at a gay bar dancing without a care in the world about who's watching...and you'll get REAL compliments with no intent! ;)

[Melissa Summers]

Papa Urchin: Ouzo = NO, NEVER AGAIN.

Shannon: I'll email you.

Bonzai: Are you Logan? Logan went to Harry Caray's this last week and said the same thing. They were granted the Mai Tai recipe from Trader Vics when they closed but surprisingly Logan loved it there.

Also he suggested going to a gay bar which really might be wise. Do gay men like awkward dance-like movements?

[elb]

Dude, it is so on. SO ON!!

[zhanae]

I second the Hot Chocolate recommendation. AMAZING. All along Damen there are really cute shops -- although some are pricey. But it's fun to look.

I also second the Halstead/Armitage recommendation. I used to live in that neighborhood, and there's some great shops there.

Lincoln Square is a must -- it's just a little bit north of Belmont on Lincoln. Have breakfast at Selmarie! Buy soap at Mertz Apothocary. Drool over kitchen stuff at The Chopping Block!

I wouldn't recommend Roscoe Village (I used to live in that neighborhood too.) Besides Kitschen and Glam to Go, there really isn't anything there.

Oh, and 1154 Lill is great, and you HAVE to go to the Marshall Field's on State Street. Eight floors of so much fun.

[Jessica]

You could easily write fiction honey -- and it would be both cathartic and vicarious for you. I think you should look into that! Seriously. I bet you have lots of ideas flying around in your head.

[Bass Princess]

I don't know much about Chicago other than the wealth of stuff at the Art Institute and I only know that because I'm a big old art nerd.

What I really want to tell you, Melissa, is that your post about the tragedy of your dad, your sweet, young self and that good, good guy, Mr. Rozema seared through my heart like a laser. My God, such aching, such pain.

Do let us know if Mr. R writes you back. I'll bet he was just ecstatic to learn that you are finding the way to peace and healing.

[meander]

For really great Sangria and delicious Tapas my favorite is Cafe Iberico at 739 N. LaSalle. Probably walking distance to your hotel, and much more reasonably priced than most downtown locations.Red Light on Randolph is amazing Pan Asian and delicious Mango Martinis. Wherever you go; have fun.

[jgsearls]

If you're up for it, my sister is the chef at Avec (http://www.avecrestaurant.com/) Community tables - tapas-like meals - excellent wine list - reasonable prices. No idea whether it's downtown, uptown, midtown, not in town - but it's in Chicago and it's good. Oh and if you're going for dinner - get there early or be prepared to wait for a while.

[Dan]

Frontera Grill: Best Mexican restaurant in Chicago, and it's walking distance from where you're staying. It has long waits for tables at dinnertime, so we go for lunch instead.

You're also close to the Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave. This is a great museum: http://www.mcachicago.org/

And you know what's a lot more fun than it sounds? The architectural boat trip on the river: http://www.cruisechicago.com/cflady/arcsell.html

I hope you have a great visit. Drowning one's sorrows is an officially recognized Chicago pastime, so you'll fit right in!

[christy]

Oh, I second what Meander said. Cafe Iberco is awesome (mmmm .... goat cheese) and it's cheap, like she said. My favorite place I ever have eaten in Chicago is Salpicon. When I went with friends we all got appetizer type things and shared them, which is a good way to save money and get a taste of a lot of stuff. And they have this chile lime sorbet that almost killed me it is so good. Orange is good for brunch to. I also really like this little BYO place called HB. It's in boystown, too, so that is fun. They are super nice, it's small and cozy and the food is good.

[Ames975]

Oooh, I totally second 1154 Lill! I was in Chicago a few months ago visiting a friend and we went there and I am now stalking their website almost daily. Must. Have. Lill. Bag. Soon. Which I will carry to Ann Sather for cinnamon rolls. Your trip sounds fabulous - have a wonderful time and I truly hope you can sort some things out. A new purse will help - trust me..........

[tinarina]

i mostly just want to second and third some of the great ideas you've already gotten. frontera and iberico are both great suggestions for dinner and very easy to get to from where you are staying. the shops on armitage are all very fun, especially the papersource.

i would definitely encourage you, as others have, to check out lincoln square. i may be biased since it's where i live, but i think it is just a great place to hang out. lots of great food, little shops, people watching (especially the old men playing baci in the park). it is quite a hike from downtown though. i don't know how comfortable you are using the el, but it's really the best way to get up here. i see you already know someone in lincoln square, so you probably have all the help you need, but if you do want more recommendations or pointers if you're thinking about coming up this way feel free to contact me. i love talking up the virtues of this great city to fellow michiganders!

oh, and the person who mentioned the frites at hopleaf was so right. they are the best thing in the whole world. have a great time!

[Amy]

I've lived all over Chicago -- currently in Lincoln Square, but previously in Wicker Park and Lincoln Park -- and have some thoughts/ideas for you:

Italian Village -- if you've never eaten here, you should. Its a Chicago institution and great fun. Its on Monroe, so easy to get to from either the Art Institute or Millenium Park. There's 3 restaurants in the building, but my favorite is the upstairs Village. Its reasonably priced, the atmosphere (decorated like you are sitting in a set of old Italian towns) is great, and the food is good.

Michigan Ave dining -- Grand Lux Cafe, Bandera, Big Bowl (on Ohio St.). All are in walking distance of the Nordstrom building (which has all the shopping one could ever need between Nordstrom and Sephora and the Lego store), and while a bit touristy (like everything in that area) are all good places for lunch that won't break the bank. There is also a Big Bowl at Cedar and Rush, so if you end up doing the shopping on N. Michigan/Oak St, you can hit that one.

Fun places for dinner -- if you want to get out of downtown, I highly recommend Sola, up in my neck of the woods at 3900 N. Lincoln. Its really good, but has also made a big splash, so don't try going w/out a reservation. Up this way is another of my favorite spots: Bistro Campagne. They have the most beautiful outdoor garden, and the steak frites is amazing. Again, don't go w/out reservations. Other good spots out of the downtown area: Piazza Bella (great neighborhood italian in Roscoe Village), Twisted Lizard (Lincoln Park spot for great mexican/margaritas with a healthy side of yupppies in designer denim), De Cera (West side gourmet mexican), Del Toro (Wicker Park tapas place; don't go w/out a reservation). Lots of others -- check out metromix.com for ideas.

Shopping -- I used to love the Armitage/Halsted area for shopping when I first moved into that 'hood in 1996. I HATE going over there now, because it feels like a glorified mall with the annoying crowds to match. That said, there are some of the cutest stores in the city there, and Lori's for shoes really can't be beat. But if you head over there on a Sat or Sun afternoon, be prepared for major crowds.

Bucktown/Damen area -- there are lots of unique stores along Damen in Bucktown. (Oh, and another restaurant I just thought of: Meritage -- good food and excellent outdoor patio.) Two of my favorite kids stores -- Red Balloon and PsychoBaby are over there. Good browsing/window shopping in that area.

Lakeview/Southport -- the stretch of Southport between Diversey and Addison has great shopping and lots of cute places to eat (including an Ann Sather outpost). Makes for a nice afternoon walk. Plus, if you want to get manis/pedis while here, I recommend the Nail Bar on Southport as a great spot to go together and then get a drink.

Lincoln Square -- my current 'hood is quickly becoming the next new hot spot in city, and there are cute stores cropping up daily. The stretch of Lincoln between Sunnyside and Lawrence has great browsing, and great eating. I love brunch at either Sqaure Kitchen or the little mexican place across street, Brioso. South of Montrose on Lincoln is a great wine bar called Cork, which has tons of wines by glass and lots of little plates of food to share.

Whew -- I think that is enough recommendations for one trip, but feel free to email me if you want other ideas or have questions. Have a great weekend in my lovely city!

[Parallelfirst]

I second the suggestion for Cafe Iberico - it's cheap-ish and so much fun! Get the garlic potato salad for me, okay?

That being said, my biggest suggestion to you would be the Southport Corridor. Cute shops (a bit pricey), a paper store, Ann Sathers is there as well, fabulous restaurants, and of course, bars. I used to live at Southport and Cornelia -- in the middle of the crazy, makes-me-insane-with-their-huge-diamonds-and-$900-strollers-and-black-lab-dogs part of town. Needless to say, I rented. BTW, Nail Bar is seriously overpriced. Avoid it.

Lincoln Square is much more down to earth - check out Bad Dog Tavern for amazing burgers and it's also located on a quaint strip of shops.

Have fun!

[Snapper]

Not shopping, but pretty much quiver free and kinda cool: http://www.holographiccenter.com/

Have fun!

[Lisa]

The ultimate sweet/salty experience: Garrett's Crispy Corn. There's always a line, but it moves fast and worth the wait for the cheese popcorn and caramel corn. My mouth is watering...............There's one on Michigan Ave, and one by the State Street Marshall Fields.

[AmyinMotown]

I, um, don't exactly remember a lot of stuff I did in Chicago. Plus I was younger so more into the "party" stuff versus a fun grown up weekend with my girls.

I am so sorry about your tough time. Dealing with it over here, too. It was wonderful of you to write your high school counselor.

[zhanae]

Oh, I can't believe I forgot about Brioso in Lincoln Square. GREAT margaritas and awesome tacos.

[Amy]

Oh!! I just remembered that this weekend is the Lincoln Square MayFest, and runs Thurs evening through Sunday night (http://www.mayfestchicago.com/). Its tons of fun -- we've gone the last 3 years. Lincoln Square is traditionally a German neighborhood, and the local German-American association puts on a MayFest and an OktoberFest in the Square every year. Its a huge tent, with great beer, brats and silly live music (including Phenix, bringing you polkas direct from Austria!), along with a respectable number of people wearing lederhosen in the crowd. Anyway, keep that in mind if you head up to this neck of the woods -- would be great fun for you all, but the 'hood will be a bit more crowded than usual. (We'll be there w/ the kids Sunday afternoon, so come by and say hi!)

Parallelfirst -- not to hijack Melissa's blog, but I was surprised by your comment that NailBar is overpriced. They do a great job, and charge $35 for a pedicure, which is way less than alot of the salons around town, most of which start at $45. Is there some fountain of cheap pedicure spots that I don't know about? (But please don't suggest one of those mom&pop hole in the walls -- ever since my girlfriend got a nasty toenail fungus at one of those places, I've avoided them at all costs. I'd rather pay $35, than $25 where the fungus is free.)

[Amy at Fannfare]

A trip to Chicago is always "the thing" for me when I am having a tough time -- both because my sister is there, and because we do fun things and eat delicious food.

Sounds like an evening at The Baton might make you smile. It's a female impersonator show that is unequalled -- both by the beauty of the women and their dance and cheer-you-up talent. I have a ball every time I go (pun intended). It's on Clark Street, their web site is www.thebatonshowlounge.com.

I also always fit in a trip to Reza's at 432 W Ontario St for "those" potatoes. They are scalloped (sort of) and fried (sort of) in a sauce that I have tried to duplicate but just can't. (there's pomegranate juice in it, I was finally able to get out of a waiter, but I still can't figure it out!)

The Mashed Potato Club is fun too (316 W. Erie St.) -- great martinis and about 100 different ways to eat mashed potatoes. You can even dance them off halfway through or after the meal! A mashed potato is a proven anti-depressant as well, I believe.

Hang in there, and have a great time!

[littlepurple]

If you like Indian food, check out Devon Street. For good food with a nice elegant atmosphere go to Tiffin. For less elegant and maybe not super speedy service go to Udupi Palace Restaurant which has excellent south indian food for dirt cheap prices. It's my personal favorite.

[sblicious]

Love Chi-town! My hubs and I went there for our honeymoon and dined at Ben Pao. Delish and offers unique, complex spins on Asian. Ambiance is top notch - exotic and upscale. I was wary of Harry Caray's, but the food was so scrumptious that I actually tried my husband's veal! My "no veal ever!" convictions were lost in the moist succulence of the tender meat. (Since then, veal-free!)

Also, I'm sure you must have visited the Shedd Aquarium, but that is a fun few hours. The sea life that is featured is fascinating.

Rush St. is always fun for a night out. Bar hopping at its prime!

Have a great time and make some fun, lasting memories!

[CursingMama]

I'll second (and third) Garrets Popcorn on Michigan Ave - right by a Starbucks too -

Am surprised that nobody has mentioned having lunch at Pizzeria Uno - home of the deep dish - walking distance from Michigan. At lunch you can order a personal pie which is big enough to feed 2 easily (we order our own and take the leftovers back to the hotel for a midnight snack)

Now I wanna go to Chicago again.......

[jen]

Two of my favorite restaurants are in Chicago. The first one is Banderas...located on Michigan Ave. The second is named Wildfire and is located on Erie. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!!!

[Mary]

As a beer drinker, you MUST go to the Hopleaf pub in Andersonville. It's the best beer pub in all of Chicago, hands down. I miss it still, and I now live in Seattle where there are lots of beer options! http://www.chicagobarproject.com/reviews/HopLeaf/Hopleaf.htm

[rsm]

It's a shame we don't live closer together. I'd bring you over a gift basket full of good tidings such as beer, wine, vodka, and rum - although they'd probably be half empty by the time I got to you.

[pippi]

Gah, will you even get this far??
I second the stipulation that you MUST go to hopleaf. It's true that it's crowded and smoky, but you'll get over that by your second beer. Another portal of great beer is Resi's on Irving Park and Damen, near Lincoln Sq, so if you head that way, make a stop in the gorgeous beer garden out back.
For downtown dining, look into tapas at Cafe Iberico (LaSalle and Chicago) - the wait is legendary if you go at a "normal" time, so maybe head for apps before your drinks at the Signature? It's so yummy, way cheap and features great sangria. Go before 6 and you're golden, after that, it's 4 deep at the bar alone.
Up north, complete your Wrigley experience with a visit to the Wiener's circle - best fries in town. DO NOT order the chocolate shake, no matter what you are told (but if you can trick a friend into it, it really is pretty hilarious).

Try to get out of the loop area - it can be cool for a visitor, but is filled with chain places (and all the same shops at the mall north on coolidge...). Hit Lincoln Sq, Roscoe Village, Wickerpark for some one of a kind places.

Check out this site for any info you need on all things Chicago:

http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/

Try to get out of the loop area - it can be cool for a visitor, but is filled with chain places (and all the same shops at the mall north on coolidge...). Hit Lincoln Sq, Roscoe Village, Wickerpark for some one of a kind places.

You will have a blast no matter what you do, I'm sure. This Detroit native is headed east this weekend, so you keep my town company while I'm noshing on my beloved Como's Pizza and New York Bagel!

[MollyAtHome]

Melissa, you'll have to give us a blow-by-blow description of you weekend. I've never been to Chicago, but I'm anxious to maybe schedule a Girl's Weekend there! Let us know what you did and what you thought!

[knottygrrl]

I love living in Chicago, which is fortunate for me as I will never get my husband out of this town.

On Friday night, there's an exhibit opening for toys as an art form(I almost wrote "adult toys" and realized how that sounded!) at Rotofugi, 1953 W. Chicago Ave. It runs from 7-11 pm and there'll be free beer! See http://www.rotofugi.com/blosxom.cgi if you're interested.

I would also recommend the Hop Leaf, excellent food. And, if you are utlizing our fabulous public transportation system, after a meal at Anne Sather hop on the Brown Line to the Montrose stop. There are a lot of fairly recent boutique-y shops right around the "L" stop. Some of which feature Chicago designers at modest prices.

My current neighborhood, Logan Square, is undergoing quite a bit of renewal as several cute shops have opened alongside the wonderful Hispanic bakeries and restaurants. (Plus there's a Gap outlet on the corner of Milwaukee/Diversy/Kimball! Cute clothes for the whole fam for not a lot of dough!)

Looking forward to hearing how your Chicago weekend went!

[molly_g]

I just got back from Chicago. The only touristy thing we did was to go to the brand spanking new Millenium park on the block north of the Art Institute. It was truly beautiful. There is an ampitheatre designed by Frank Gehry, and then there is THE BEAN. You must check out THE BEAN. It is such a lovely park.

Oh, and I know the "Polly" of the 1154 Purse design! It's a great store/website. It's really unique. It's on Armitage, where a lot of other great shopping is!

[zsazsa]

If you are looking for a good place to browse for, ahem, adult items, Early to Bed on N. Sheridan off the Berwyn stop on the Red Line is a great, female friendly store. www.early2bed.com. There's not much else by that stop, but you could continue on up north to Evanston and I could freak out seeing Suburban Bliss in person!

[JT]

Places I love to take people:
- Cafe Iberico (sangria and great tapas - not too pricey for what you get)
- Wendella or Chicago Architectural Society boat tour. Wear sunscreen. Wendella boats dock at the Wrigley Building (Michigan Avenue and the river); CAS boats leave from Navy Pier.
- Heaven on Seven for excellent gumbo and drinks (original is in the Loop at 111 N. Wabash; bigger one is behind 600 N. Michigan Ave)
- Crate & Barrel flagship store (646 N. Michigan Ave)
- Fun neighborhoods: Armitage Ave (more boutiquey shops but good variety), Bucktown/Wicker Park (funky, edgy, I'm-not-cool-enough), Halsted Street in Boystown (between Belmont & Addison, mostly) for fun places with vintage and/or adult toys -- someone once bought me an anatomically correct "Ken" doll from around there), EVANSTON (ahem, sorry), which has lots of neat little shops and restaurants (also Northwestern University, and also at least one more fan).
- Rent a bike at Oak Street Beach and take the bike trail north to Hollywood. Or just walk it; it's very pleasant and winds along the lakefront. The Park District has been nationally ranked because of our lakefront paths. At the very least, it's great people-watching.
- If it's brutally hot, or even partially hot, wear wet-able clothes and bring a towel to Millenium Park. People love playing in the fountains right by the Bean. It's actually an art installation that in an unplanned mob sort of way was taken over as a really fun city attraction. There are two giant walls on which people's faces are displayed, and occasionally, a huge funnel of water will shoot out of one of the "mouths". The artist is reported thrilled that it's become interactive.

I know people love Hopleaf, but I found it not really worthy of all the press. Maybe I'm just too old and tired, but friends of mine arranged a get-together there and it was a mob scene. It's a small bar with a small restaurant behind it, and people pack in there like you can't imagine. It's very smoky. I'm sure they have great beers and all, but so do lots of places that might be more pleasant.

If you don't have time or want to spend the money to go up on top of the John Hancock or Sears Tower (really not necessary trips, if you ask me), a nice way to see the city is to pick up the Brown Line train in the Loop, and take it north and back. You can see and get to a lot of neat neighborhoods, and really get a feel for the area -- for maybe $2 per person.

I bet if you wanted some Honeysuckle stuff, Flea could come into the city, since she does have the online store and everything. I'd be happy to host a Toy Party of hers if you want...