I'm looking for advice from past BlogHer attendees and / or folks who know Chicago

Help me, advise me, guide me. I’m soliciting assvice here, people, you don’t get requests like this every day!

  1. I was about to book my flight for BlogHer and WTF, there are 4 Chicago airports? That’s one ca-razy city. Which one should I fly into?
  2. I’ll be staying at the W at the Lakeshore. On the map it looks like I could walk over to the Art Institute of Chicago and see, oh, about a million pieces of art I’ve always wanted to see.

    chicago.jpg

    Is this really walking distance? What other cool things can I walk to from the hotel?

  3. Am I crazy to think that I’ll have time to do anything mentioned above?

That’s all for now, but I’ll think of more questions soon I’m sure!


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13 responses to “I'm looking for advice from past BlogHer attendees and / or folks who know Chicago”

  1. MammaLoves Avatar

    I think the museum is walking distance, but it’s been a long time since I’ve been there. It would be a cheap cab ride if nothing else…and I would love to split the fare with you. I didn’t get a chance to take it in when I was there last (the 1996 Dem. National Convention).

  2. Robin Avatar

    Whatever you do, don’t miss the Museum! A day in the park is unbelievable! From my one trip to chicago, over 20 years ago, I remember the museum being reachable from the El, so you can probably walk there….

  3. Skye Avatar

    Post your Q about the airport to the Q&A forum they’ve set up on BlogHer.

    I think you’re slightly nuts to think you’ll have time to do any of this during the conference. Chances are, you will meet so many people you want to talk to, and the panels and parties and discussions tend to overflow the time allotted. I always think I’m going to have time to blog during the conference and I haven’t even managed that. However, there’s always Thursday and Sunday if you have them free or partially free.

  4. mel Avatar

    Dude,I have such Blogher envy. About a week ago I got this bug up my butt that I wanted to go. I can’t…but oh, how I want to. And the art? Sigh. You are going to have so much fun. You must come directly home and blog allllll about it.

  5. Beth Avatar

    I lived in Chicago for four years and I still yearn to go back. The Art Institute is my favorite place in the world. But I don’t get out much.

    Rose Angelis in Lincoln Park is a great affordable Italian place with nice relaxed atmosphere.

    Mashed Potato Club is Downtown and it’s a lot of fun. Think mashed potato entrees with ANYTHING you like mixed in. Yum.

    I’ll try to think of more but I almost started crying just thinking of all the mashed potatoes I’ve been missing all these years. :(

  6. Elizabeth Avatar

    Having been to BlogHer last year, I have to agree with Skye. Unless you plan to get to Chicago a day early or stay a day after, Friday and Saturday will be pretty jam-packed. There’s breakfast, lunch, a snack, and the cocktail party every day, plus two sessions and probably another smaller “birds of a feather” get-together (at least there was last year).

    I can’t wait to meet you there!

  7. Beth Avatar

    OMG! I just googled Mashed Potato Club and apparently IT’S CLOSED!

    I can’t believe it.

    I’m channeling Nancy Kerrigan now as I yell Why/!!! WHY?!!!!

  8. liz Avatar
    liz

    That’s going to be quite a hike to the Art Institute from your hotel, but if you like to walk, it’s definitely doable. Wear comfortable shoes and you can always grab a cab if you get tired.

    Don’t try to fly into anywhere but Midway or O’Hare.

  9. Suzanne Avatar

    You are goning? Me too! We can meet! In person!

    I am from Chicago originally and I can show you all around!!! Oh, I am SOOOOOO excited.

    Yes, you can easily walk to the museum.

  10. alimum Avatar

    I concur with Liz that O’Hare and Midway are your only options airport-wise (and depending which airline you fly, they will make the decision of which airport you fly into because very few airlines have gates at both).

    The museums: The Art Institute is walking distance from the W if you really like to walk. (I would say it is approx. 2.5 miles). The Museum of Contemporary Art is closer to the W (about a mile). The Freedom Museum is also quite close to the W. The other museums are not really walking distance from the W.

    And from the sounds of it, Blogher will take up all your time.

  11. karrie Avatar

    Can you fly out late on Sunday? I’m getting in a little early and not leaving until Sunday night because I also have a growing list of things I want to see and do. (Including some spa action at the W..hehe)

    I plan to harass Alison (above poster) for tips, but I also picked up a Moon guide for Chicago that seems pretty good. I’ve been to Chicago before, but basically just drove through with an infant in tow.

  12. Nina Avatar

    I highly recommend flying into Midway, for three reasons: First, Midway is much closer to the Loop, so the train ride is half as long. Second, the orange line train from Midway is not under construction and is a quick route, whereas the blue line from O’Hare *is* under construction and has much heavier traffic. Third, Midway is a smaller airport and so has a better on-time record. (Also, Southwest flies into Midway. If you can fly Southwest, there’s no reason to consider another airline, IMO.)

  13. Jill Avatar

    The only airports you’re going to want to fly into are Midway and O’Hare and I agree with all of Nina’s comments, especially the one about Southwest, but if you’re not familiar with the El system or transit systems in general, I’d skip the Orange line and just take a cab, it’ll only cost you about $20… or maybe see if other bloggers are arriving at the same time and you can share a ride.

    Yes, you can walk to the Art Institute from the W — it’s probably about 1.5 miles and you’ll get to see some great architecture along Michigan Ave along the way.

    speaking of architecture, if you’re at all interested the Architecture tour that leaves from Navy Pier is a fantastic tour. And your hotel is walking distance from Navy Pier.

    I don’t know if you’ll have time since I’ve never been to BlogHer. Since it’s in my backyard, I’ve been considering going, though…. have fun in my city!! :-)

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