What to do in Chicago over Thanksgiving?

**Shamir Roshan** · 24th November 11, 05:51 PM

INDEED, A GOOD SENSE OF HUMOR (EVN IF ITS QUIRKY OR DRY) IS A WONDERFUL GIFT TO HAVE - ESPECIALLY IF ONE CAN LAUGH AT ONES SELF.

**ThistleDown** · 24th November 11, 10:24 PM

Is that you laughing at yourself, Shamir Roshan?

**Dixiecat** · 27th November 11, 12:14 PM

Thanks for all the good ideas.

I had a great day and was able to enjoy Chicago's downtown. The Duke was closed and so were most of the attractions. I managed to make do though. First I slept in and missed the parade so I went for a great breakfast at the hotel. Went for a long walk down State and back. Read for a bit, then headed for the buffet at MityNice. Then a walk down Michigan window shopping and watching the lineups start for the midnight openings. The weather was grand and the people were friendly. I hope I get to go back soon.

**auld argonian** · 27th November 11, 04:45 PM

Glad you enjoyed it. Please let us know when you're coming back and we can, hopefully, rally the rabble so we can have a proper get together. Given the holiday, we all seem to have been off at various family functions. Hope that you do get a chance to get back.

Best

AA

**bigdad1** · 27th November 11, 10:03 PM

Based on my experience as a young recruit in the early 1960's what I would do in Chicago over Thanksgiving would be to leave Chicago over Thanksgiving. I didn't like the town 47 years ago and no desire to go back.

**Shamir Roshan** · 27th November 11, 10:22 PM

jA, i ARE LAUGHING AT MESEF!

**auld argonian** · 28th November 11, 09:30 AM

You're right....nothing has changed in 47 years.

Actually, the ex-head barkeep at the Duke of Perth (she recently moved over to another establishment) is a transplanted San Diego-an and she told me a while back that she had the option to move back home and she and her husband decided that they'd rather stay in Chicago....so we got that goin' for us...which is nice.

The recruit thing kind of gets me...I've always seen a lot of the starting out military types wandering around town and always hope that they have a chance to take advantage of some of the facilities. Being active military they get free entry at all of the cultural institutions. I expect that their financial situation is probably not going to allow them to hit some of the more extravagant restaurants but there are a lot of decent bargains in that respect. I'd also expect that the restauranteurs would give 'em a special deal being as they're serving the nation...if they aren't, they damn well should give a generous discount. Think that maybe some of them might be too young to get a legal drink here (it's still 21) so that might put a kink in their enjoyment.

You inspire me to talk to some of my contacts in the Cultural Affairs department here and ask if they're making sure that the recruits up at Great Lakes are getting all the info they need about what's available to them here. The colleges in the area all have offices that give their students info and sets them up with deals on theatre tickets and what-not...should be such a service at Great Lakes if there isn't one.

Hey...if you're ever passing through again, give it another chance...we've redecorated since you were last here...

Best

AA

**Dixiecat** · 30th November 11, 01:45 PM

Well, this was quick. Looks like, mind you, it only LOOKS like, that I'll be back in Chicago next week. Downtown. YAY! Once I get the final details, I'll post back so we can get a pub night going if possible.

**auld argonian** · 30th November 11, 04:30 PM

Now there IS a kilt night planned by the Chicago Men In Kilts on Friday the ninth. These are the "other" kilt group that McFarkus and I got mixed up with back during the Chicago Kilt Run. These are the Utilikilt gang versus the Chicago Rabble (us) who are the Tartan dudes...they're a good group, though. The venue is a very tavern-y joint named Cleo's that's at about Chicago Avenue (like 800 North) and Damen (2000 West) and if you think of where Water Tower Place, that's just due West by about maybe 3-4 city miles (like a country mile but we measure them by how many blocks there are in it).

...but certainly, you're being here would demand a Duke Stop at the bare minimum...depends on your schedule...keep us apprised of the situation.

Best

AA

**McFarkus** · 2nd December 11, 09:21 AM

I just posted a thread about that kilt night here. Sorry about thanksgiving. I didn't participate earlier in the thread because I was sick for about 3 weeks including Thanksgiving.

I'll also try to make it to the Duke if you and Auld Argonian set up a time.