apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I've stayed at the W on Adams a couple of times. Very swank and very nice. I've been wanting to check out the Ruby Room. Sounds very relaxing!

If I ever get out of the range of, uh, Motel 6, I'll let you know what I find...

Does any one know where I could find chain curtain like the one showing on The James Hotel on Ontario picture?

I've stayed at the James Hotel, and would highly recommend it. I can't think of one thing i would change about it.

and a source for chain curtain:

http://www.cascadecoil.com/

I like the rooms at the Park Hyatt. They have really cool closets that are accessible from the both sides.

I'm going to be in Chicago for few days next month, while my wife is there for work. We'll have our 16 month old daughter with us. Anything I should be sure to see while there (with baby)? Any good vintage stores to recommend? I've been to Chicago only once before. Already planning to go to Lincoln Park, and we'll be using public transit or walking. We're staying near Tribune Tower.

highbypass1234....my exact question. design_girl, thanks for the answer. Damn, I love this place!

Shawn--

I recommend going to Navy Pier and walking around the lake front, the weather should still be good enough then. There are also some wonderful museums that are definitely kid-friendly: the planaterium, the Field Museum, and the Museum of Science and Industry. For great boutique shopping, go to West Division St. And if you like sushi, there is a fabulous sushi resturant, Mirai, at 2020 W. Divison.

On a related question to Shawn's, where can I get good french toast in Chicago? I'll be there at the end of next month, so maybe I'm looking a little too far ahead, but...yeah.

Another great place to take a kid is Millennium Park. If the weather is still nice, kids love to play in the Plensa fountain.

Good vintage stores, most of the ones I know and love are on the north side of the city in Edgewater and Andersonville.

Broadway Antique Market: 6130 N. Broadway
Edgewater Antique Mall: 6314 N. Broadway
Scout: 5221 N. Clark St.

Andersonville is a great kid-friendly neighborhood. I highly recommend just walking along Clark street for shopping and eating.

Johnny Slimane,

Try Lula Cafe in Logan Square.

Thanks art, I'm bookmarking their site now.

Shawn,

I can't help with antiques except for suggesting this thrift store. You may get lucky with something great!
http://www.howardbrown.org/hb_brownelephant.asp

Your daughter will definitely enjoy the Children's Museum. My sister brings her two sons there whenever she's visits Chicago.

Johnny Slimane, there are a few breakfast places worth checking out. 1. Toast, 2. Yolk, 3. Ann Sather (best swedish pancakes & cinnamon rolls).

Also check out Yelp.com. It's a great site for restaurant reviews.

Thanks for the suggestions Milord, Katie, and nancym.

Chiasso also currently has a premade chain curtain.

And a question... any swanky places like this closer to Boys Town?

If you are in chicago during the last weekend of a summer month there is a great antique market that sets up at the end of Randolph street near ogden. There is a restaurant there called Inas that does great breakfast. For higher end furniture hit the Merchandise Mart and all over River West are high end store (Roche Bobois, Ligne Roset, Orange Skin).

Another amazing hotel to check out is the Blackstone Renaissance on S. Michigan at Balbo. Total historic renovation with a ton of modern touches. This place is gorgeous and has a ton of history. The rooms are outstanding and they've returned the "Smoke Filled Room" suite to it's former glory.

JohnnySlimane - Great french toast at Lou Mitchell's . . old school Chicago joint downtown by Union Station. You even get served milk duds while waiting to get in!