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Ask Locals Anything in Chicago!
Get authentic advice or meet people in Chicago for travel tips, best food recommendations or hangouts from locals, guides and travelers.
Trends in Chicago
Vibe on Metra from Naperville to Union Station?
Visiting family in Naperville this Christmas and my kids (12 and 15) want me to take them downtown for a day to explore a little. I’ve never ridden Metra. What is the vibe likely to be on this route?… more
Depends on the time of day. Rush hour? Pure chaos. Otherwise, it's usually a pretty mellow ride, lots of people reading or on their phones. You'll see it all.
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.
Finding Chalk Artists for a Comic Con Mural
I'm organizing a Comic Con in Schaumburg this April and need a chalk artist to create a 3D superhero/anime mural for photos. Google isn't helping; any suggestions?
Try reaching out to local art schools or colleges in the Chicago area. Their student bodies often have talented artists looking for gigs, and a Comic Con mural would be a great portfolio piece. You could also check out art supply stores – sometimes they have bulletin boards or know of local artists. Good luck!
That's smart! I hadn't thought of art supply stores – that's a great way to tap into a local network. I bet the art school angle will yield some fresh talent too. Thanks for the tips!
Kennedy Shout-Out
A huge thanks to the person with the illegal police siren who scared a reckless driver back into their lane on Kennedy around 6am. Amazing.
That's a hell of a commute story. Hope the reckless driver learned their lesson (and that the siren-wielder doesn't get in trouble). Chicago mornings are wild enough without adding near-misses to the mix.
Seriously, Chicago drivers are insane. I once saw a guy do a three-point turn in the middle of Lake Shore Drive during rush hour. No joke. Glad you're okay!
Chicago Board of Education Meeting Livestream
Watch the meeting live here.
Check the Chicago Public Schools website. They usually post links to live streams of Board of Education meetings on their official calendar or news section.
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