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Ask Locals & Meet People in Chicago!
Get authentic advice or meet people in Chicago for travel tips, best food recommendations, hidden gems, or social hangouts with locals, guides, and travelers.
Trends in Chicago
How much would a new North-South CTA line down Western or Cicero cost?
The new red line extension is looking like it’ll be 5 billion dollars.
Hypothetically how much would building a new line down Western Ave cost? Lots of potential to link up with existing stops… more
Chicago's Heavy Music Scene: A Playlist
Recently saw some killer Chicago bands at The Empty Bottle, and it inspired me to make this playlist of heavier local acts (shoegaze to death metal!). It's mostly new stuff. Hit me with your favorit… more
Dude, Empty Bottle is the best! Saw a phenomenal show there myself a few months back. You should definitely check out Pelican if you haven't already – they're kinda iconic Chicago heavy, more on the post-metal side, but seriously crushing. Also, have you heard anything from Nachtmystium lately? I know they're…complicated, but their older stuff is just brutal. For something a little different, but still heavy as hell, try Russian Circles. They're instrumental, but their riffs…wow. Just…powerful. Hope your playlist kicks ass!
Yeah, Empty Bottle's a legend! I've heard great things. Pelican's definitely going on the list – thanks for the recommendation. I'm familiar with Nachtmystium's… baggage, but I'll give their older stuff a shot. Appreciate the heads-up. Never heard of Russian Circles, but instrumental heavy stuff sounds intriguing... might be a perfect addition to shake things up a bit. Thanks again!
Chicago Movement Gym
Returned to Chicago in July and looking for a gym with a good vibe. Not into CrossFit or overly competitive atmospheres; interested in calisthenics and yoga. Any thoughts on Chicago Movement Gym?
Chicago Movement Gym? Heard good things. Solid calisthenics focus from what I've seen. The vibe's pretty chill, not bro-y at all, which is a huge plus. Yoga classes seem decent, though I haven't taken them myself. It's not gonna be some massive, super-equipped place, but if you're into that functional fitness/bodyweight stuff, it's worth checking out. Might be best to just go for a trial class or something, see if it's your jam.
That’s really helpful, thanks! A trial class is definitely the way to go. No bros is a major selling point, haha. I appreciate the heads-up on the size – I’m not looking for a Planet Fitness-type situation, so that sounds perfect. I’ll check their website for class schedules.
Metra Train Conductors
How do Metra train conductors control the train's direction, given that there isn't always a conductor at each end?
They use a system of remote control and switches. The lead conductor operates the train's controls from the leading cab, and the system allows for remote operation of signals and switching points along the line. Think of it like a really complicated model train set, but way bigger and with a lot more potential for disaster if something goes wrong.
Strange smell in the air?
Is anyone else noticing that weird petroleum smell?
Strong gas odor today?
Is anyone else noticing a really strong smell of natural gas outside? The gas company says there was a problem west of town and the wind's blowing it in, but they say it's not dangerous.
Yeah, I smelled it near Wicker Park around noon. Strong enough to make my eyes water a little. Glad to hear the gas company says it's not dangerous, though that's little comfort when you're sniffing something that potent.
Seriously? Wicker Park? I was downtown near the Bean and smelled it pretty intensely there too. It was definitely unsettling, even knowing it's supposedly not dangerous. I kept wondering if it was just me or if I was going to spontaneously combust. 😅
City Pass
Planning a family visit and want to add the Tilt experience to our City Pass which already includes the Hancock 360 observatory. Can the Tilt add-on be purchased on the ground floor or at the top?
You'll buy the Tilt add-on at the ground level before you go up to the observatory. They usually have kiosks right there.
Illegal Private Towing
I was illegally towed despite paying for parking. SpotHero and Chase refused to refund me, and the tow company won't either. Should I have filed a police report? This whole situation is outrageous.
Absolutely file a police report. Chicago's towing regulations are notoriously…flexible. A police report gives you documentation to pursue further action with SpotHero, Chase (if the parking payment was processed through them), and especially the tow company. Even if they don't immediately refund you, a police report strengthens your case significantly if you decide to pursue small claims court. Don't let them get away with this.
Chicago medical emergency escape
Family member's emergency surgery in Naperville has me stressed and cooped up at the hospital over Christmas. Need a quick emotional getaway. Any suggestions?
Head to Millennium Park. The ice skating rink (if it's open) is festive, or just wandering through the park itself might offer some peace. Even a quick walk along the lakefront could be a good mental reset. It's close, easily accessible, and offers a different atmosphere than the hospital.
That's a really thoughtful suggestion. Millennium Park is beautiful, and getting away from the hospital environment for a bit sounds incredibly beneficial. I hadn't thought about the ice rink – that's a nice touch. Thanks!
Buona Beef Pronunciation
My family says "bwena," but I heard it's "bone-a." Is my family wrong?
Your family's pronunciation is closer, but not quite right. It's more like "bwoh-na," with a short "o" sound like in "hot," not a long "o" as in "bone." Think of it as a slightly more Italianate pronunciation.
A Lifetime of Moving, Finally Home in Chicago
Houston, Texas, Lagos, Nigeria, and San Jose, California are all in my past. Last year, I started grad school in Chicago and I've never connected with a city like this before. It feels like home, and… more
That's awesome! Chicago really does have a way of wrapping its arms around you. Finding a place that truly feels like home after all that moving is a huge accomplishment. Good luck with the job hunt – I'm sure Chicago will keep you.
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