Getting around Chicago - AGPC - need advice

[Nelliegirl]

Boy I'm nervous about traveling to Chicago next month. Is there anywhere we can park the car that is near AG PLace? I know the garages are going to be expensive, but so is everything else, so I am ready for that.

What about being in Chicago after dark? The AG theatre performance isn't until 5:30, that means it will be dark when we get out and go have dinner somewhere by bus, I'm guessing. Is that safe???

THANK YOU!!!!!!!
Julie

[jrtmom3274]

Probably the closest place to park is Water Tower. The shopping center is kitty-corner across the street from AGP. If your hotel is within walking distance, I'd hoof it or take metrobus or cab. No point in paying two parking fees.

I felt very safe there, at night and during the day. It should still be light after your show. It's only slightly over an hour long, and it doesn't get dark until 8:30 or 9. There will be a plenty of others around, so you won't be alone on the street.

I've been to New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, Pittsburgh, Miami... lots of big cities, and Chicago just doesn't feel "big city" to me. It's not nearly as scary as Detriot, that's for sure!!!

The only thing that will delay your walking is the women and girls who stop you to ask what you bought-- the red bags are everywhere!

[shuffar]

The area of Chicago you will be in to go to AGP is very touristy. Michigan Ave shopping is like THE event to do in Chicago. The main strip and the surrounding blocks are very well lit and kinda "high class" IMO. I've walked in much worse areas at late hours of the night in Chicago and had no problems, so being by AGP feels even safer to me. Just practice street safety (like keeping your purse and other belongings close to your body) and you should be fine.

[OSusannah]

I've walked around Michigan Ave. after dark, after the stores are all closed and always felt safe. The sidewalks will still be crowded.

If you're looking for a good restaurant, we finally got to try the Cheesecake Factory in the basement of the Hancock Building. It was wonderful and everything that everyone promised it would be. If you go to the observatory of the Hancock Building just before it starts getting dark, you will see a beautiful sunset.

I've never ridden the buses in Chicago, but I have been on the free Trolleys. There is a stop right across from AGP. They have a limited route, but go to all the good tourist places.

Have a great trip!

[Little Lottie]

There are tons of resturants to go to. And yeah, you'll be safe. I've been to far worse places in Chicago then downtown or AGP. Trust me, you'll be fine. Michigan Ave has like a gazzilion resturants (and shopping).

Your going next month? I suggest whereing something warmer. Right now it's like burning (we're going through a drought), but by October it can really cold.

There is public parking (garages) all over that you can park in by AGP. If you want, I can find out the name of the Garage I usually go to AGP and PM it to you. But it has really steep ramps, so beware of that.

[Peachysweetdream]

Like those above have said, AGP is probably in one of the safest areas of Chicago... it's a ritzy, tourist area, and directly across the street from two snazzy hotels, so you'll never find yourself 'in the dark' with unsavory people.

You also don't have to go by bus to get dinner. Water Tower Place, just one block away, has a widely varied food court, so it's great if you have kids that like different foods (might want to check on the closing time though). Cheesecake Factory, Ghiradeli (sp?), and Ralph Lauren all have wonderful places nearby, and the hotels have good places in them too (though kinda $$). Youll have a blast!

(PS: If you do decide to taxi/bus it to dinner, there's a Rainforest Cafe not too far off... kids love it!)

[amandaloveskit]

We were in Chicago this last June and parked at the hotel and only took taxis, they were unbelievably cheap, and worth not driving crazy Chicago.. Have a ball, we did!!!
Amy