UPchicago Sweepstakes: Chance to Win a $50 Gift Card to Metropolis Coffee!

Hey UPchicago readers!

Do you love coffee? (Who are we kidding, you need it to get through your day…) Do you love buying local? Do you love free swag? We thought so.

So step away from the grocery aisle and repeat after me: “I only drink coffee roasted in Chicago.” That wasn’t hard was it? You’re not a snob, you just have an investment in quality and your beautifully industrious city. Metropolis Coffee Company is a shining example of this philosophy, our Urban Philosophy.

Now check this out — it’s a chance to win a $50 gift card by doing, well, nothing! Simply follow us on Twitter (@upchicago) and send a tweet to us with the hashtag #ilovemetropolis at the end. The winner will be chosen at random and get a $50 gift card to Metropolis Coffee Company in Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood.

To Enter
Follow us on Twitter @upchicago. Tweet to us with the hashtag #ilovemetropolis. Any tweet will do, but we do love a good laugh!

Yep, it’s that simple.

Rules & Conditions
You must be a Chicago area resident to enter. Sorry visitors! Gift card only valid at Metropolis store.

Not valid on Metropolis products sold at other retail outlets. Only one entry per person.
Sweepstakes closes at midnight on May 15, 2012. Winner will be chosen at random on May 16, 2012 and announced at Noon on that day. Gift card will be mailed to winner within two business days of contest end date. UPchicago staff members and contributors are not eligible to enter.

By participating in this Sweepstakes, all participants agree to be bound by these Official Rules. By entering, each participant agrees to release Sponsor and each of their respective directors, officers, employees, agents, parent companies, subsidiaries, affiliates, sales representatives, distributors and advertising and promotion agencies (collectively the “Released Parties”) from any and all liability, loss, damage or injury or death of any kind sustained in connection with his/her participation in this Sweepstakes or from his/her acceptance, receipt, possession and/or use or misuse of any prize, or for any typographical or other error in the printing, offering or announcement of any prize.

Top Chicago Instagrammers

instagram chicago
Photo Credit

Now that Andriod has hopped on the Instagramed-wagon, this thing looks like it’s finally gonna reach the upper tier of social media. Maybe you’ve been skeptical about it (“who wants to look at a bunch of new pictures that look old anyway?”) or maybe you just don’t know who to follow. Here to help you out are a few Chicagoans who I don’t mind blowing up my feed and showing me new perspectives of the city. (note: links lead to personal website, search for the names in parenthesis)

Clayton Hauck (claytonhauck)

You may already know Clayton Hauck as a nightlife and musician photographer. Hauck’s Instagram feed takes you out of the club and shines a light on Chicago’s nuances, whether it be trash on the street, impromptu portraits and other every day details you may glance over but never look at. For the cat fans, there’s quite a bit of feline pics too.

Craig Shimala (cshimala)

The Threadless employee definitely takes some of the most colorful pics of all who I follow. He’s very big on scenic sunrises / sunsets, especially from a roof in West Town (what I assume to be his residence). Also expect friends and coworkers looking and acting ridiculous.

Elise Swopes (swopes)

The majority of Swope’s feed takes place in Chicago, unlike a lot of the other nomadic photogs on this list. She mostly focuses on the lake, alleyways and downtown shots. Some photos get an extra hint of the surreal with the addition of red, green, and blue spheres, or elephants and giraffes.

Trashhand (trashhand)

From the massive skyscrapers to the crumbling and forgotten spaces, Trashhand gets it all. He sometimes keeps it simple with minimal edits and letting the natural beauty of the city dominate and sometimes adds very unique effects (the faceless portraits series for example).

Of course this is only a start. Who else is making you constantly refresh your Instagram feed?

And why not check out some of the UPC team as well: Jackie (jcberkery), Gene (genew3), and yours truly (isotherpeople).

5 Kickass… Christmastime Canteens

Butch McGuires | Check it out

20 W. Division Street
312.337.9080
Sun-Fri until 4am
Sat until 5am

Butch McGuires is a year-round Chicago staple, but during the holiday season this pub becomes something spectacular. The college pennants that typically hang from the ceilings are replaced by an inordinate amount of christmas lights, ornaments, and bells. A double-decker toy train — presumably the Polar Express! — encircles the front room dangling above the bar. Patrons of Butch’s are always a fun time, but during the holidays you’re sure to make a few new friends, and have a few too many pints.

Glascott’s Groggery | Check it out

2158 N. Halsted St.
773.281.1205
Sun-Fri until 2am
Sat until 3am

Pass by Glascott’s during the winter months and you’re bound to crack a smile, no matter how bah-humbug you’re feeling. Massive wreaths adorn each of the bar’s large windows, while holly and lights add extra holiday cheer. Glascott’s is the perfect place to bring the out-of-town cousins for a few drinks… or to get away from the fam when you’ve hit your limit!

River Shannon | Check it out

425 W. Armitage
312.944.5087
Sun-Fri until 2am
Sat until 3am

This festive drinkery has occupied its corner spot in Lincoln Park since 1946, and continues to bring in the crowds, including everyone from stock brokers to college students. River Shannon is of the mindset “go big or go home”… that’s why no matter what the holiday, the decorations are sure to stand out above the rest. Halloween is our favorite here — but Christmas is no exception. Stop by for a pint and enjoy the festive decor and friendly atmosphere.

Simon’s Tavern | Check it out

5210 N. Clark St.
773.878.0894
Sun-Fri until 2am
Sat until 3am

Following in its Swedish heritage, Simon’s still serves glögg during the holidays (hot port wine blended with raisins, Swedish vodka, and other spices). A large fireplace warms the bar, and festive decorations (and a super friendly staff) make the place feel like home. Simon’s has been around since 1934… we tend to take that as a good sign!

Palm Court at the Drake Hotel | Check it out

140 E. Walton St.
312.787.2200
Sun-Thurs until 12am
Fri-Sat until 1am

If you’re looking for a holiday drinking spot that’s a little more demure, Palm Court at the Drake beckons. Though mostly known for its elegant high tea, this spot also serves up cocktails and wine to both tourists and locals alike throughout those blustery winter evenings. Dress to impress, and look forward to majestic decor and a cosmopolitan yet nostalgic night on the town.

Winter Ice Skating Rinks in Chicago

winter ice skating rinks chicago Photo Credit

Ah, ice skating. A winter tradition, and one of the only things that will lure Chicagoans from their cozy fireside cocoons before heading back home for a cup of hot cocoa or cider. Whether you’re a novice or pro, getting out for at least one skate per season is a must. If you’re like me, you’ll spend half of your time on your butt, but that’s all part of the fun. And trust me, you won’t be the only one. Bring the kids, a date, or a group of friends — because when it’s 10 below zeo, it’s all about life’s little pleasures.

These ice skating rinks in Chicago are run by the Park District, so be sure to contact them with any inquiries regarding hours — especially on those inevitable massive snow days! The only exceptions are Skating in the Sky (operated by the John Hancock Center), the Rink at Wrigley (operated by Wrigley Field), and the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink (operated by Millennium Park).

Find your closest rink, and grab your mittens and skates (or rent ’em there!). Most rinks open November 26th… better start practicing those triple axles!

Skating in the Sky at the John Hancock
More info here
875 N. Michigan Ave 94th Floor, Streeterville
312.654.5021
Open Jan. 1 2011 – April 8, 2012

Skating Fee: $5 for 25 minutes (plus admission to John Hancock Center)
Skate Rental: $1
Hours:
Every day 9am – 10:30pm

McCormick Tribune Ice Rink at Millennium Park
55 North Michigan Avenue, The Loop
312.742.5222
$10 skate rental; admission FREE.
Open Nov. 18, 2011 – March 11, 2012

Mon – Thurs: 12pm – 8pm
Fri: 12pm – 10pm
Sat (through Dec.18): 10am – 10pm
Sat (beginning Jan. 8): 10am – 9pm
Sun: 10am – 9pm

Holiday Hours
Thurs, Nov. 25 (Thanksgiving), 10am – 4pm
Fri, Dec. 24, 10am – 6pm
Sat, Dec. 25, 10am – 4pm
Fri, Dec. 31, 10am – 8pm
Sat, Jan. 1, 12pm – 9pm

Daley Bicentennial Plaza Ice Rink at Grant Park
337 E. Randolph St., The Loop
312.742.0064
$6 skate rental; admission FREE.
Open Nov. 26, 2010 – Feb. 26, 2012

Open Skate Hours
Mon – Wed: 1pm – 9pm
Thurs: 1pm -6:30 pm
Fri: 1pm – 9 pm
Sat – Sun: 3:30pm – 8:30 pm

The Rink at Wrigley Field
1060 W. Addison St., Wrigleyville
773.404.2827
rinkatwrigley.com
Admission Fee: TBA
Skate Rental: TBA
Open: November 26, 2011 – February 26, 2012

Hours:
Mon – Fri: 2pm – 9pm
Sat: 10am – 9pm
Sun: 10am – 8pm

McKinley Park
2210 W. Pershing Road, McKinley Park
312.747.5992
$6 skate rental; admission FREE.
Open Nov. 26, 2011 – Feb. 26, 2012

Open Skate Hours:
Wed – Sun: 12:30pm – 7:30pm

Midway Plaisance Park
1130 Midway Plaisance North (east 59th Street at Woodlawn), Hyde Park
312.745.2470
$4 skate rental; admission FREE.
Open Nov. 26, 2011 – Feb. 26, 2012

Open Skate Hours:
Mon – Thurs: 12pm – 7pm
Fri: 12pm – 4:30pm, 5pm – 7pm
Sat: 1pm – 9pm
Sun: 12pm – 7pm

Mt. Greenwood Park
3721 W. 111 St., Mt. Greenwood/Beverly
312.747.3690
$6 skate rental; admission FREE.
Open Nov. 26, 2011 – Feb. 26, 2012

Open Skate Hours:
Wed – Sun: 12:30pm – 7:30pm

Riis Park
6100 W. Fullerton Ave., Elmwood Park
312.746.5735
$6 skate rental; admission FREE.
Open Nov. 26, 2011 – Feb. 26, 2012

Open Skate Hours:
Wed – Sun: 12:30pm – 7:30pm
Open Christmas and New Year’s Day from 12pm – 4pm

Rowan Park
11546 S. Avenue L, Eggers Woods
773.646.1967
$6 skate rental; admission FREE.
Open Nov. 26, 2011 – Feb. 26, 2012

Open Skate Hours:
Wed – Sun: 12:30pm – 7:30pm

Warren Park
6601 N. Western Ave., Rogers Park
773.761.8663
$6 skate rental; admission FREE.
Open Nov. 26, 2011 – Feb. 26, 2012

Open Skate Hours:
Wed – Fri: 3pm – 5pm, 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Sat – Sun: 12:30pm – 2:30pm, 3pm – 5pm, 5:30pm – 7:30pm
The ice rink will be closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day.

West Lawn Park
4233 W. 65th St., West Lawn
773.284.6078
$6 skate rental; admission FREE.
Open Nov. 26, 2011 – Feb. 26, 2012

Open Skate Hours:
Wed – Sun: 12:30pm – 7:30pm

McFetridge Sports Center, California Park, *Indoor Rink*
3843 N. California Ave., Irving Park
773.478.2609
$3 skate rental; admission is $4 for children 12 and younger, $5 for ages 13 and older, and $2 for seniors 60 and older.

Open Skate Hours:
All ages: Wed & Fri: 3:30pm – 5pm, Sat & Sun: 4:30pm – 6pm
Adults: Wed: 9:15pm – 10:30pm
Teens & Adults: Fri: 9:15pm – 10:45pm

** Most ice skating rinks in Chicago will stay open through February 26, 2012. On holidays, bad weather days, or toward the end of the season, it’s best to contact the Park District or the City of Chicago to ensure your rink will be open.

Required Reading: The F***ing Epic Twitter Quest of @MayorEmanuel

Photo Credit

(Warning: Links may will contain Explicit Language)

I almost feel inappropriate to review this book with more than 140 characters. As I’m already over the halfway mark, and with a lot more to say (and alas, already over the limit), I must concede to the more traditional book review format. Further, it seems unfair to deem this just a book review. What Dan Sinker has done is certainly storytelling, but is also transcendent of conventional medium. The story begins on Twitter, on September 27, 2010, rumors already making the rounds that now former Obama Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel would step down from that position and run for mayor of Chicago, after Richard M. Daley shockingly announced he would not run for another term (22 years was finally enough apparently). The anonymous account accumulated followers by reaching out to more mainstream media outlets and cheering on the Bears game that night. Over the next couple days, more and more people responded to his tweets, the account having acquired over a thousand followers (no easy task, believe me), and soon, what set out to be a way of just ‘entertaining a few people’ suddenly had a national audience.

The story goes on to @MayorEmanuel passionately tweeting his love for coffee, disdain for Kenosha, Wisconsin (shared with the author of this article), childish acts of vandalism against his opponents, spending an entire day glued to Angry Birds, absurd antics with his brother Ari, among a myriad of other things. The advantage of creating a story through Twitter (even accidentally) is that Sinker was able to respond in real time to the events of the real Rahm’s life. If it was known that Emanuel was in a meeting, @MayorEmanuel could text how bored he was at said meeting. If two feet of snow was currently covering the entire city, @MayorEmanuel could tweet about tunneling out of a crawlspace and building an igloo.

Of course, the book is not just about placing a politician in silly situations and parodying his big-mouth just for a few laughs. There is a whole heap of local cultural references and symbolism throughout, which is what makes turning the Twitter account into a full book so worthwhile. Sinker’s annotations provide context for what was happening politically during his tweeting (or if the Bears ended up winning), as well as describing say, the two model hot dogs atop Superdawg, what Mieg’s Field used to be, Jeff Tweedy refusing to cover Black Eyed Peas songs, or the effects of Four Loko for future generations to envy. Not only can the book be a pseudo-documentation of current events and trends at the time, but is certainly at the least a fantastic introduction to Chicago culture in general (note: whenever you see ‘celery salt’ mentioned, pay attention).

For some, the book may have its issues. For instance, redundancy. Sinker likes to stick to a few topics (coffee in the morning, leaving work and starting the weekend, etc.) that he comes back to often, which may have raised a slight laugh from those reading the live tweets on a Metra train to or from work, but serve little relevancy in regards to the narrative it became. For some, the whole idea of creating a story through the ephemeral medium of tweeting may seem gimmicky, even a joke. Likewise, it may come off as a bit of brilliance, to be able to take advantage of the medium and redefine how we tell stories. Whichever opinion you’re of, the book does create a conversation surrounding the nature of storytelling in reference to changing technology, and, overall, well, it’s just extraordinarily funny.

Overall, the book is more than just a series of tweets. The intro by Biz Stone, co-founder of Twitter, discusses how parody was actually one of the original instigators in creating the website, and Sinker’s epilogue recounts his life after being found out, and his sudden rise from Columbia College journalism professor to national celebrity. And to its credit, while simultaneously defying conventional storytelling standards, the book does create an introduction, rising action, climax and conclusion (oh yeah, and there’s a duck with a mustache named Quaxelrod). If nothing else, when finished reading this book, you’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation for coffee, Twitter, and five o’clocks on motherfucking Fridays.

Bolf-A-Palooza 2011: Party with a Purpose

Click here for more info and to purchase tickets!

Six Flags Great America

six flags great america
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Although summer has peaked and is slowly drawing to a close, Chicagoans have yet to catch a break from the sweltering heat. With torrential thunderstorms and record-breaking hot days behind us, we Chicagoans look for something, anything to give us relief from the day in and day out of going to the office and hanging out on the lakefront. It gets boring, okay? Sometimes, we just need a summer getaway.

And that getaway could very well be Six Flags Great America.

Located just an hour outside of Chicago in the northern suburb of Gurnee, Six Flags Great America is the perfect day trip for Chicagoans who need to beat the heat, relax, and let loose. With sixty-three rides — coasters, family-friendly rides, waterslides and activities — and plenty of games and other fun — including a summer concert series — Six Flags is one of the top amusement parks in the United States.

For the thrill seeker:

Check out the twelve thrill rides at Six Flags Great America. Go for the classics, like Demon and American Eagle — both have been around for over twenty years — or try something newer like The Dark Knight coaster.

If you’re really looking for something to make you scream, hop in line for the Raging Bull. It’s the tallest and fastest coaster at Six Flags Great America. The first hill is a whopping 20 stories tall, and the first drop propels you at 70 mph into complete darkness. This ride is definitely for the adrenaline junkies out there.

If you hate lines, or you just want an excuse to ride the coasters of your choice over and over again, you may want to consider purchasing a Flash Pass, which reserves you a spot in line at all the coasters without having to stand in line. The wait is the same, but you don’t have to do your waiting in a line. Passes start at $35.

For the waterslide lover: Six Flags Hurricane Harbor is open to the public May 28 to September 5. They have plenty of new rides at this large water park, including some high-thrill attractions like the Surf Rider (try to surf in place!), Wipeout, and Mega Wedgie.

You could easily spend your whole day at the park, but we suggest you shimmy into your swim trunks midday (maybe before lunch, though). After a couple hours on the water slides and you’re completely soaked, head back to the coasters to dry off the old-fashioned way — at high velocities with the wind whipping in your hair.

For the family: Six Flags Great America has plenty of family-and kid-friendly rides. Take your time and scout out the Park Map to choose the rides best suited to your family’s tastes. Do your kids love coasters, but they aren’t quite tall enough to get on the big ones yet? Try the Whizzer, Revolution, Logger’s Run, or the Condor. Someone in your family uncomfortable with heights or fast rides? Try going to Hurricane Harbor to play in the water at Skull Island, take a ride on the Scenic Railway, or try the bumper cars at Rue Le Dodge.

Why not cross one more thing off of your Chicago Summer Bucket List? Pack a car full of family and/or friends and head over to Six Flags for the day. You’ll return to the city you love refreshed, with windswept hair, a slight sunburn, and a cramp in your stomach from laughing so hard all day long.

The Essentials:

Location: 1 Great America Parkway, Gurnee
Price: Day passes begin at $39.99 for children under 12 and $59.99 for adults. Check the ticketing page for more information on discounts, group passes, and season passes.
Phone: 847.249.2133
Website: http://www.sixflags.com/greatAmerica

Getting there:

Driving: Take I-94 W towards Wisconsin, then continue onto US 41 N. Take the exit toward Washington St, and merge onto Old Skokie Hwy. Turn left on Washington St. Turn right on N Milwaukee Ave. Six Flags Great America will be on your left. One-day parking is $20.

Movies Filmed in Chicago: Adventures in Babysitting

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About a month ago, I was downtown and needed to meet my dad at the Prudential building to grab a ride home. I can’t say my dad was shocked when I called him three times asking for directions because if directionally challenged people had a poster child it would be me. The conversation went like this:

I think it’s safe to say that not many people know the exact name of the “diamond building*” or the “Adventures in Babysitting Building**.” I doubt Sara Anderson even knew the name and she was the one scaling down the building in attempts to get away from the mean Mr. Bleak, who just wanted the Playboy Magazine the kids stole from him while they were being held captive after they discovered his chop shop where he stole cars and sold them for parts. (Like I said, they don’t make ‘em like they use to).

I was shocked when I found out the majority of the movie, with the exception of certain scenes, was actually filmed in Toronto rather than Chicago. The babysitter, Chris Parker, and the kids she babysits for, Sara and Brad Anderson, and Daryl Coopersmith are said to live in Oak Park, Illinois yet the cast and crew never actually set foot in the suburb. They did however get to experience that great feeling many of us have had on the Dan Ryan of racing towards the perfectly lit Chicago skyline at night. Both the breakdown scene in the beginning and the race home at the end take place on the famous Chicago expressway.

Oh, and don’t forget about Brenda. They wouldn’t even be on this great adventure if it wasn’t for Brenda, who ran away from home and is stranded at the old bus station on 20 E. Randolph Street (which is now a parking garage). And last but not least, the famous scenes in the Smurfit-Stone Building*** where Sara nearly plummets to her death, Chris and the gang almost get caught by the angry chop shop guys, while Mr. and Mrs. Anderson are coincidentally attending a party in the same building.

Though the numbers of scenes actually filmed in Chicago are limited, the references to the Windy City are not. Chris, Brad, and Daryl go to “Hemingway High” which is written on the Letterman’s jacket Brad wears during the entire movie. This high school doesn’t exist, but Ernest Hemmingway was in fact a native of Oak Park. In an attempt to get away from the angry mobsters, the kids run into a bar where they are forced to pay tribute to the Chicago Blues by singing an impromptu blues song. After their rendition of “Babysitting Blues,” Brad and Daryl stumble their way into a party at the University of Chicago where The Bears and the University are both referenced.

One of my all-time favorite scenes in the movie takes place on the “L” when two rival gangs, decked out in sweatbands, black leather jackets, and red leather vests, threaten to kill one another. They reference Jefferson and Jackson before whipping out their knives.

I can’t say that I’ve ever had to drive downtown, escape angry mobsters tailing me, survive a gang fight, pick up my friend from the train station, get home before the parents do and most importantly, have the kids in bed before bedtime. But I can relate to the moral of this movie. Chris Parker said it well after defeating the Lords of Hell on the L — “Don’t f$#! with the babysitter.”

______________________________________________________________________________

*Okay name for the building.

**Best name for the building.

***Worst name for the building.

A Video Game Legend: Midway Games

midway games
Photo Credit

In the relatively short history of video games there have been a few studios that have surpassed their niche clientele and become household names. One such studio is Midway Games. Founded in Chicago in 1988, they have been creating some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming — think Mortal Kombat and NBA Jam — and have taken their Chicago roots to heart when making games.

Located right across the street from Hot Dougs, Midway Games were pioneers in the early 90’s arcade scene. While they hold multiple hits under their belt, the game that put them on the map was 1992’s Mortal Kombat. It breathed new life into the fighting game genre by allowing players to execute ultra-violent finishing moves to their opponent as a way of rubbing victory in their faces. While the game became increasingly popular, it gained severe attention from Washington. Due to the spike in violent games between ‘92 and ’93, Senators Joseph Lieberman and Herb Kohl held hearings on violence in games. As a result, the Entertainment Software Ratings Board was created as a system to place guidance ratings on games, much like in movies. Fortunately for Midway, bad press meant higher sales as Mortal Kombat left its arcade roots and expanded to multiple home consoles.

While Mortal Kombat sought to change the way we play fighting games, other franchises by Midway changed the way we play sports games. NBA Jam (1993) and NFL Blitz (1997) brought a new level of addiction to the sports fanatic. By adding impossible moves and making star players dominate like we only wished they would, these series made sports significantly more accessible to the casual player. Not to mention scoring insane dunks with the 1991 Bulls never gets old.

Unfortunately midway games ran into some trouble in the long run. Despite the fantastic franchises it developed in the 1990’s, very few of them made the jump to 3D graphics smoothly in the 2000’s. As a result, sales began to wane for the once mighty gaming giant. It tried its magic a few more times by creating new franchises, but the playground was now dominated by a new generation. Midway games filed for bankruptcy in early 2009, shutting down all three of its studios and placing the Mortal Kombat series up for sale.

Thankfully, not all was lost. Warner Brothers decided to buy out the remainder of Midway as well as the Mortal Kombat series. WB allowed Ed Boon, the Chicago native co-creator of Mortal Kombat, to resettle the company under the name NeatherRealm Studios in the same North Side building that once housed Midway. They recently released a Mortal Kombat reboot to much critical and financial appraise.

Despite its rocky history, Midway games is a substantial part of Chicago gaming history. It put Chicago on the map in the video game industry and, despite its name change, continues to be considered one of the brightest companies in game development.

A How-To Guide to Being A Chicago Tourist

chicago tour
Photo Credit

You’ve done it. Made the flight reservation, booked the hotel, even sent the kids to Grandma’s house a week early. You’re ready for your trip to the big city… or are you? Millions of people journey to Chicago every year, but many have not done the proper leg work necessary to ensure a pleasant trip. Before they know it they’re stuck wondering where the next bus to the Museum of Science and Industry is as they search endlessly through their fanny pack for their misplaced sunglasses and take pictures next to every tall building in hopes that one of them is the Willis Tower. Here are a couple of pointers to make sure you don’t end up like so many Windy City wanderers before you.

Tip #1: Bring a Map and, what the heck, use it!

The cool thing about maps is that they tell you where you are. Sure, you can ask a passerby on the street, but they may not give you the most detailed advice you need. Plus you can’t bribe him or her to stay by your side to guide you all day long, no matter how many sticks of gum you have. Another helpful hint is to learn about our public transportation or at least grab a map of the CTA system. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is the second largest transit system in the country with 8 train and 140 bus routes, making it even easier to understand and travel around town. If you’ve got a smart phone, you can even track the next approaching vehicle just by going to the CTA website. You’ll save a ton of money on cab fare and might even trick some people into thinking you’re a local.

Tip #2: Plan Ahead

Be sure to get as many details nailed down about your trip as possible before you leave the comforts of your own home. Check the weather, duration of tours, start times for plays or concerts and estimated travel time between attractions. The more you know going into your trip, the more relaxing it will be. You’ll have a more prepared and realistic view about what you can accomplish. Discuss with those you are traveling with as well so that everyone is on the same page about how your days will be spent. Need a little help? Visit our Plan Your Trip article or request a Custom Itinerary (we’ll do the planning for you!).

Tip# 3: Be Financially Savvy.

Chicago can be a bit of pricey town, but there are lots of ways to cut your costs. Aside from utilizing public transportation and keeping your eyes peeled for discount coupons and sale signs, another great trick is to mix and match expensive outings with cheap ones. If you’ve got your heart set on eating at Gibson’s for dinner in hopes of rubbing elbows with a celebrity, follow it with a free walk in the Lincoln Park Zoo. If you really have to have those custom pictures of you and your family next to the Ferris wheel at Navy Pier, stick around afterwards to watch the free fireworks display. This way you won’t feel like you’re missing out on the real Chicago experience without breaking the bank in the process.

Tip #4: Don’t Forget the Three Essentials: Walking Shoes, Sunscreen and Bottled Water

When you’re trekking mile after magnificent mile, it’s important to have comfortable and supportive shoes. And if you’re already carrying around a backpack for a camera and snacks, why not throw in a bottle of Coppertone and some water? The last souvenirs you want to be taking home with you are blistered ankles, a sunburned face or, worse yet, a bill for a hospital trip for dehydration.

Tip #5: Get an Early Start

Waking up with the sun might seem like the last thing you’d want to consider doing on a vacation, but it can really make or break a day of sightseeing. You’ll avoid the heat and big crowds in the summer by seeing some attractions early. Plus, you’ll pack more into your day. It will also make you less rushed throughout your stay, so you’ll feel more relaxed than if you stayed in bed staring at ugly hotel artwork until two in the afternoon.

Tip #6: Watch Where You’re Going

This may sound simple and maybe even a little condescending, but you’d be surprised as to how many people — tourist or not — pay no attention to where they’re walking. Checking a cell phone, reading a map or discretely picking a wedgie are all distractions from the task of putting one foot in front of the other. With so much going on downtown, this mistake could cause you major pain. Not only do you run the risk of running into others, but you could walk into an intersection too early, not see sidewalk construction (and trust us, there’s plenty of it), or encounter an endless number of other unexpected obstacles. At the very least, you’ll save yourself a stubbed toe, a lost wallet and maybe even a few blocks walking in the wrong direction just by keeping your eyes up and on the cement path in front of you. An added bonus: you actually get to see and enjoy the city you’ve come to visit.

Tip #7: Pace Yourself

Big cities like ours can be a tad overwhelming. With so much to see and do, it’s a wonder where to begin. Take a moment. Breathe. The first thing to accept is that you can’t do it all in one trip. Pick the things you think are most important for you to experience. If you get to the other stuff, bonus.

Tip #8: Budget Money for Unexpected Costs

Cab rides after a long day of texting everyone back home how much fun you’re having come up from time to time. So does the occasional snack when the wait time at Giordano’s is two hours, or the quick trip to the Walgreen’s to buy a disposable camera because little Billy thought playing with yours in Lake Michigan was a good idea. Make sure you have a little extra cash for unplanned events that inevitably arise. Also, don’t forget we have one of the highest sales tax in the country!

Tip #9: Venture Out of Downtown

If your trip allots for it, exploring other areas of the city is a must. Chicago has over 200 neighborhoods, each with a different personality and feel. Not only are there all kinds of street fests, restaurants and shops to discover, but they also give you a peek into how Chicagoans live and play. Research neighborhoods to find one you might like to visit and how to get there via train or bus.

Tip #10: Stay Informed

Knowledge about the place you are visiting will only increase your enjoyment of it. For instance, running into Rahm Emmanuel at Portillo’s Hot Dogs probably wouldn’t be quite as exciting if you didn’t know he just became our city’s mayor, or that Portillo’s has one of the best Chicago dogs in the city. The Windy City is great for activities, but it will be even better if you know a little about who we are and what we are up to.

That said, spend some time exploring UPchicago, then get out there and actually DO IT. We guarantee you’ll have a blast.