FLA to CHI 04/08

Chicago was a lot of fun. It was so cold, hopefully in October, you won't have that issue, but I am not familiar with the north so who knows. With 12 hours I think there are a few things you can do. Will you have your baggage with you, or can you leave that at Union Station? I guess they probably have lockers you could use. Getting around was so easy, we used taxis or buses to get around and no problems, bus wait was a little long at times, but cheaper, and taxis ran no more than $13 a trip (including tip) ---- i've got to go now, but i'll write more tomorrow. will you have kids on your trip?

we are planning a trip to Miss. in Oct. by Amtrak,one stopover for 12hrs. is Chicago any info would be appreciated.

Hi:

I didn't see the Art Institute of Chgo on your trip, it's worth adding if you have the time. While there, just down the street be sure to visit Russian Tea Time restaurant for the best Eastern European food. It has wonderful black bread, blackberry tea and outrageous deserts!

Enjoy.

Mel,

At the Zoo, I recommend the penguin & puffin coast, the children's museum, and the river's edge (especially hippo harbor). One warning, the river's edge is a very naturally designed habitat, so sometimes I've gone and you can't see much. Other times, there are Cheetah cubs frolicking right in front of you.

As far as the Science Center vs. City Museum...the first one's free, while the City Museum is about $10. But the City Museum is a lot more whimsical. If you're going to the Magic House, you could probably skip the other two...

Also, one other restaurant - Crown Candy kitchen is a soda fountain just north of downtown. It's been there since about 1914. It's like stepping back in time and looks like something you'd see in a 1940's movie. Currently their website seems to be down, but it's worth considering. It's been featured on the Food Network a couple of times, but most tourist don't know about it. Great handmade ice cream, shakes, malts, candy - plus basic sandwhiches like grilled cheese, BLTs, hot dogs, etc. Four warnings: it's in a very run down part of town. It still attracts people from all over the region, but you'll definately feel like you're traveling through some sketchy areas to get there. Two: Everything there's original or at least decades old, and it's showing some wear. I like it and think it's part of the charm, but others could be turned off. Three: the booths only seat 4 people (or 3 small kids on one side). There are no other seating options. So if there's more than 4 of you, it's probably not a good option. Finally: lines go out the door even on weekdays - so get there early or late to avoid the lunch crowd. It's not open for dinner.

The boathouse is just down from the Zoo (almost walking distance). Both are in Forest Park. It's definately unique. Again, if it's nice, you sit out on the deck overlooking a small lake, with paddleboats, canoes, ducks and geese.

Let me know if you have other questions,

David

Hi ddobrien3, Thank you very much for your suggestions! Child friendly places do seem difficult to come by, so your input is greatly appreciated - especially in a city I'm unfamiliar with.

Funny you said 'you've seen one zoo, you've seen them all', because at first that was my thought. Although now with your comments I am going to make sure that is a place we stop. The Boathouse, is this near the zoo? This trip we really plan to stay away from chain restaurants, so we'll be sure to give it a try, just need to map it out.

I am fairly certain too that The Magic House will be someplace we also go, as far as the The City Museum and the St. Louis Science Center, I am not sure. See, I plan to go to the Field Museum and Children's Museum in Chicago, so I am a little worried about museum overload. Do you have any input on one over the others?

I am really hoping for nice weather, even a little chilly is OK, but I just hope little/no rain. Again, thanks for the advice!

frenchielara_23, thanks for stopping by and for the well wishes. I am starting to get more excited as the trip is getting closer. I enjoy traveling also because of the diversity and different cultures, etc. I think it is really awesome to be exposed to these things. I would like to see the philippines one day, actually that whole side of the world. I will have to save that for when the kids are grown though ;)
Stop by again, I'll let you know how Chicago goes!

Hi Mel,

Nice to hear you're visiting St. Louis. I'm the About.com Guide to St. Louis, and am always happy to give suggestions on what to do, where to eat, etc. I have a 2 year old myself, so a lot of my opinions are based on how child-friendly a place is.

As a short list, I'd recommend four places in St. Louis. The Magic House (named the #1 children's museum in the country), The City Museum (very funky, and loads of fun) the St. Louis Science Center, and the St. Louis Zoo. Even if you think "you've seen one zoo you've seen them all" - give the St. Louis Zoo a try. Parenting Magazine and Zagats both rank it the best Zoo in the country (and it's free!). While at the Zoo, if the weather's nice, explore the rest of Forest Park (the Zoo sits in Forest Park). The Boathouse is a good place to eat and the trails around it are very nice (again, if it's warm, it's hard to beat brunch at the Boathouse - and the kids will love it too).

Hopefully, you'll have good weather - Spring can be great in St. Louis, with everything blooming. Enjoy your trip!

i hope we can be friends, i travel a lot too but only in the islands of philippines. im a traveller and i appreciate the different places and its diversity. im saving to have a trip to chicago hopefully in the future

i hope youll enjoy your stay in chicago.

i have relatives living there and they have find the place peaceful and comfy so i think youl love the people and the place.