I'm headed to a David Gilmour concert in Chicago April 8th. Is there anything you would recommend for a three day trip?

For a quick run-down of options I would do an Architecture Boat Tour for some scenery and history (or Hop on Hop Off bus tour for a quick trip through the city), Second City for a comedy, Chicago Style Pizza, Chicago Cut Steakhouse for a great meal, Revolution Brewery and/or Brew pub for some great Chicago beer (an Aggie was one of the original investors that spoke at our Muster a few years back), the zoo in Lincoln Park is free, Navy Pier is popular spot, Millineum Park has some of the famous structures like 'the bean', Castaways is on the beach and good for a beer and really nice views, they will still have the Van Gogh exhibit at the Art Institute and we have many Mueseums. Most of the festivals and street parties will not have started yet but it might be worth looking up. If you find yourself in the neighborhood of the Pony Inn then stop in for a beer since it is the Texas A&M Bar (but you probably won't find us there unless there is an event). It is a fantastic city so hope for decent weather and have fun!

Oh and Bigs Al's is a classic Italian Beef Sandwich and you can get a traditional Chicago style hot dog at the weiner circle (but I prefer Portillo's)

Awesome, thanks!

Castaways won't be open in April. Bring a coat. It may still be very cold.

One more question, what's the best way to leave the United Center? I've heard some stories about the neighborhood it's in and don't want to hang around too long after. Is there a bus or subway?

The neighborhood is not as bad as everyone thinks. If you head east on Madison, there are a number of bars and restraurant to grab a bite to eat. Third rail tavern has been there awhile and use to be. Place we would go after softball practice at a park nearby.

Where are you staying in Chicago?

I'll be moving up to Chicago next week for work. How is the Aggie population out there

There are a good amount of Aggies there. I would go to the Happy Hours they have to meet up with them.

Check out the Chicago A&M club website and facebook page for all events. Right now we are having watch parties for the basketball games and the next big event will be Chicago Muster. Happy Hours will start again after that and go until football season. We have an SEC flag football tournament this summer where each school fields a team and then we all drink together the rest of the day. It is a lot of fun. The regulars are a pretty tight knit group of all ages and we dont have huge participation (outside of some football season games) but will get 10-15 people at a random event. This club was the reason that I made so many friends when I first moved up here so I would definitely recommend trying it out.

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The neighborhood is not as bad as everyone thinks. If you head east on Madison, there are a number of bars and restraurant to grab a bite to eat. Third rail tavern has been there awhile and use to be. Place we would go after softball practice at a park nearby.

Where are you staying in Chicago?

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My dad is handling the hotel rooms, but he hasn't made reservations yet. Is there anywhere you recommend?

Safe areas are the north Michigan Avenue area - Referred to as River North Area. There is a Sheraton and Embassy suites, and Hyatt by the river. The Intercontinental and Marriott are on Michigan Ave. by the Nordstroms or the south part of the expensive retail of Michigan Avenus store. The Peninsula and the Park Hyatt may be out of your price range as they can be aorun $500-$700/night. They have a W by Lake Shore Dr. that is reasonably priced and near Navy Pier. The Sofetil is by an area that is referred to as "Viagra Triangle" where there are restaurants and bars where old affluent men hang out at places like Tavern on the Rush. There is a steak place there named Gibson's that is pretty famous. Retail stores like Barney's and Prada are near by.

Thanks for all your help. Now if I can just find a place to rent a red, 61' Ferrari GT, I'll be set!

The wife and I stayed at the Palmer House Hilton when we were there. It's right next to an EL stop and about half a block away from the red subway stop that will take you up to Wrigleyville and Lincoln Park. It's also a couple blocks from Millennium Park. It's also done in an old school elegant decor if that's your thing, which it is for me.

The problem with the Palmer house is that it is made for tourist. No one that lives in Chicago really hangs out in that area. No real good restrauants to eat around there. I would live closer to the river north area. If it was up to me I would stay closer to Lincoln park.

My dad is pretty cheap, he booked the Courtyard Downtown. We're only staying two nights so I'd rather spend my money in a nice restaurant or seeing sites. You guys have been a big help, thanks and gig'em!

They are both in relatively nice locations. I would rather stay there than any of the hotels south of the river.

Full disclosure, we primarily chose that hotel due to my wife having a friend that works for Hilton and she was able to hook us up with like a $50/night rate, which was insane. The whole trip was very budget friendly. We got awesome deals on Southwest for a non-stop flight out of Hobby for around $60 each way. So, about $250 round trip for both of us, coupled with 3 nights there...$400 or so for the biggest expenses. Granted, it was at the first of December when we went, but that's what we wanted; cold and snow to get us in the Christmas spirit.

When we go back, we may look at another hotel, but we did find the location to be pretty convenient to catching multiple trains and only went out 1 night in River North, which we cabbed it to. She also has friends that live in Chicago that we stayed with last time we went there to watch the Astros allow the "W" to be hung over Wrigley.

Can anyone give me some scoop on Old Town / Lincoln Park? I will be in this area for a few days starting next week with my girlfriend. We have both been in the city before, so I'm not really looking for any touristy spots, as we have done them. I like to explore neighborhoods so I want to spend some time on foot while we are there. Are there any cool shops, streets, old building/architechture, neighborhood spots in this area that would be worthwhile? I enjoy digging through record stores, vintage shops, or anything with an eclectic vibe (or serving local craft beer). Thanks!

There are a lot of cool places in Lincoln Park. Starting at the Armitage and Halstead. Ermitage has a lot of cool shops. If you head north on Halsted, there are a lot of cool shops up until you hit Webster on the left. The original Cafe BaBaReBa is there. It is a Tapas place. There is also a place called Nookies that is good for brunch. At the NE corner of Webster and Halstead is a place call Toast that is a good brunch place. One major street east of Halstead is Clark. There is all sorts of great places to eat and shop in that area. Clark between Diversey and Fullerton has a bunch of small bars and restaurants. In Old Town, you may want to go ups and down Wells st by North Ave.

Hope this helps

You may want to check out Wicker Park at the Milwaukee/North/Damon Blue Line stop. You may like that area more.

The Wicker Park area is a great place to check out with a ton of great restaurants. I'd recommend Dove's Luncheonette (more of a lunch spot) and Piece (microbrewery and pizza place).

Piece pizza is great. They make their own beer.