Best things to do in Chicago?

Weekend in Chicago- mid April. Best things to do? Recommended Web Site?

• My friend and I are going to Chicago for a weekend in mid April. Ideas for fun or unique things to do? We're not into tourist destinations such as Nike Town and Magnificent Mile. Only ideas so far are checking out China town and the funky area near Wrigley field. Also, any good web sites on Chicago things to do?

• Answer:

  While it might be a little touristy, you can go to see Frank Lloyd Wright's office in Oak Park. Oak Park is a beautiful suburb of Chicago and the homes in the area are great. The Chicago Cultural Center is great if you're interested in the history of Chicago. It was the first library built in Chicago, and was constructed after the Great Fire when thousands of books were donated by Queen Victoria. It's a free tour and it's lead by Chicago natives. It now functions as the Chicago Cultural Center, which is an amazing source of things to do in and around Chicago. This might be a good place to start as the native tour guides can recommend some of their favorite spots/activities. You should go to the Lurie Gardens and Millenium Park. The motto of Chicago is Urbs en Horto (city in a garden) and these sites are remarkably beautiful, and consist of flowers, ornamental grasses, an ampitheater, and public art ("the Bean" is the most famous of these pieces). It's really amazing and not particularly touristy. There are architecture tours, the best of which are by boat, however I'm not sure if this is approaching exactly the stuff you want to avoid. However, they are interesting. The art institute is fantastic, and the theater scene is great, too. Chicago is an amazing city. Definitely do the cultural center, as it's a great tour, it's free, and maybe the locals can help you find some good activities that meet your interests!