Chicago spring meetup - date set, reservation made!!!

[Chris]

Okarol, the gps was not agreeing with Jess21's either...lol
The hot place we went to was Portillo's.
 
We did make it to Navy Pier that night, but the fireworks just ended as we were walking up from Northwestern Hospital's parking garage. Think I bought fudge that night too...lol

[CebuShan]

Just some info to think about... Metra has $5.00 fares (unlimited) on the weekend and the CTA has passes ($5-$7, I think) unlimited rides on the weekend. That's usually what we do when we head to Chicago.

[rsudock]

Can we do it the week of April 6th through the 13th if possible? I have spring break the entire week and be more then willing to pick anyone up that is along the route to Chicago!!

xo,
R

[Chris]

Just some info to think about... Metra has $5.00 fares (unlimited) on the weekend and the CTA has passes ($5-$7, I think) unlimited rides on the weekend. That's usually what we do when we head to Chicago.

I mentioned that too in the other thread cattlekid created, http://ihatedialysis.com/forum/index.php?topic=25629.new;topicseen#new
 
 
We just need to narrow down where we are going to meet that is easy for most to get to and easy to find with less chance of getting lost.
 

[CebuShan]

Can we do it the week of April 6th through the 13th if possible? I have spring break the entire week and be more then willing to pick anyone up that is along the route to Chicago!!

xo,
R

  I have a full size van and also would be willing to provide transport for anyone who needs it.

[Chris]

OK, let's see how many GPS's we can get to either agree or disagree with each other 

[MooseMom]

I don't have a GPS.  I have some weird archaeological item called a "map".

[Chris]

I don't have a GPS.  I have some weird archaeological item called a "map".

 
I have an internal compass if that helps.
I know I have maps, but they are probably outdated with all the recent construction and renaming I-88 as the Reagan Memorial expressway.

[gothiclovemonkey]

I don't have a GPS.  I have some weird archaeological item called a "map".

thats what i have too! i dont trust those gps thingys

[cattlekid]

Just remember - the lake is to the right and you'll always point north LOL

[CebuShan]

I don't have a GPS.  I have some weird archaeological item called a "map".

     I can do you one better: I not only have maps, I can fold them, too!      

[gothiclovemonkey]

FOLD them? i thought u just batted them around and pulled ur hair out and said BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP wadding it up and throwing it! lol just kiddin

[Chris]

Thought they were fly swatters once unfolded. Or in my case a bee!

[cattlekid]

So I have been futzing around looking for a suitable venue in downtown Chicago for our meetup, since that seems to be the direction the poll is leaning.

It's frustrating!  I'm trying to avoid tourist traps and pizza joints. Couple that with the fact that most of the restaurants near the train stations aren't open on the weekends and things are not easy.

However, I think I may have stumbled onto something - The House of Blues.  They have a restaurant, you can park for $8, it's not too far away from public transportation and if we get kicked out of our table, we can always retire to the bar.  Those coming from out of town can even stay overnight close by if they wish.  There is an adjacent Amalfi hotel but it looks pricey (but beautiful!)

Any thoughts?  Am I barking up the wrong tree?  Better ideas?

[MooseMom]

Cattlekid, I think that's a smashing idea!  My only concern is which day of the weekend might be best.  I assumed that Sunday would be best for those people who are on inclinic dialysis, and HOB serves only dinner on Sundays 4:00 to 10:00.  If we met up at 4, then maybe people would have enough time to get back home at a reasonable hour...if that's an issue at all.  Otherwise, if people are amenable to Saturday, it looks like they're open virtually all day.

[Chris]

One thought, with just doing lunch, maybe Chicago should be avoided and those coming out of state who may want to stay can get a hotel off the highway that are far cheaper than Chicago and we could all meet at a restaurant just off the highway. That said, a group photo at Millenium Park "Chrome Bean" would be cool to post on here.
 
I think we need more input from people who maybe coming to form a plan A,B,C, and a plan D. I know I won't be able to stay for a long time due to lighting conditions (can't drive at night) and need to plan according to light.
 
As much as Moosemom, you with Bolingbrook, and me with with who knows what, I do not see where  we will not have a short travel distance from home. We will have to compromise to suit most of the people.
 
Forgot who had finals coming up and needed the weekend to study, but I could make it downtown during the week easily to meet up. I probably have a doc appointment up there too.
 
So let's here it from those interested on where they would like to eat, meet, or do something.
 

[MooseMom]

I personally am happy to go anywhere in Chicagoland, so when I make this offer, it is not for my own convenience...

If people WANT to avoid Chicago, I'm happy to house some people here at my house.  I have two spare bedrooms and a blowup mattress, so some people could crash here in St. Charles.  There are also several chain hotels closeby...Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express and one other that I can't remember offhand.  There's a wide variety of restaurants like I've said before, so there would be plenty of choices.

If this is an attractive option that y'all want to consider, all I ask is that we make this thread more private and have it accessible only to IHD members...like the Las Vegas meet-up thread. 

[gothiclovemonkey]

Im up for anywhere, but i do request perhaps a sunday, due to i have dialysis on saturdays!

[kitkatz]

The Grand Lux Cafe is nice in downtown Chicago way.   600 N. Michigan Ave. (between Ohio St & Ontario St)
Nearest Transit:
Grand-Red (Red Line)
Chicago-Red (Red Line)
Hours:
Mon-Thu 11 am - 11:30 pm
Fri 11 am - 12:30 am
Sat 9 am - 12:30 am
Sun 9 am - 11:30 pm
Parking: Street, Valet
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Price Range: $$
Attire: Casual
Good for Groups: Yes
Good for Kids: Yes
Takes Reservations: No
Delivery: No
Take-out: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
Outdoor Seating: No
Wi-Fi: No
Good For: Lunch, Dinner
Alcohol: Full Bar
Noise Level: Average
Ambience: Touristy, Casual
Has TV: No
Caters: No
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

[Chris]

I have probably passed by that place and never notced while walking to the bus.
 

[CebuShan]

Sounds like I may be tie farthest west but I don't mind travelling. JolIet has got some decent places (plus some great shopping!)  There's enough suggestions here for several meet-ups!   

[gothiclovemonkey]

Not really for the meetup, but i thought id mention it for those of us in Illinois, id be happy to go and do lunch or something with anyone who wanted to see this stuff...

If people wanna travel, there is some neat things to see down here... i mean... some think its cool anyway LOL
We have Rockome Gardens, which is pretty cool.... its in the heart of Amishland country, lots of need stuff to see... and if memory serves its either free or like super cheap (no more than 10 bucks) to get into the place. They have the best homemade candies cakes, and the pretzels are heaven!  Lots of antique places too. Also, some historical sites in nearby places.

[MooseMom]

Taking into account requests by GLM and rsudock, how about we at least agree on a date?  This means we are looking at either 8 April or 15 April.  Now, 8 April happens to be Easter Sunday, so I don't know if that's a problem.  If so, would Sunday 15 April be convenient?

[CebuShan]

As long as it is in the afternoon, Easter would be fine but I would prefer the 15th.

[Chris]

As long as it is not a later afternoon lunch. Due to vision, time sun starts to set, and it takes an hour for train to get to my stop and another 45 min to get home (on a usual weekday), I'm in!