Never been to Chicago ... never been to The National

[crazy4kinsler]

Sorry for the long read.

So I've never been to The National. In fact, I've never even been to Chicago. But my wife and I are going in a couple of weeks for this year's show. I just don't know what I'm doing, and there's where I need the experts. Any tips, advice that you can offer, please do.

We're flying into O'Hare, but how do we get to the show from our hotel? Just an uBer? Or do we need to rent a car? We're staying at the Sonesta Inn O'Hare, and I think it's about 2 miles from the Rosemont center. So I think it's too far to walk.

We're flying in on Tuesday morning, and we don't go to the show until Thursday. We might buy tickets for Wednesday, but I'm debating if $60 is worth it for just 4 hours. I'm leaning toward no, and I'm wanting to just buy the 1 ticket for Thursday.

The spouse would go Wednesday night, if I were to go, but she doesn't want to go on Thursday with it being an all day affair. Spouse is wanting to go to the city by herself on Thursday since I'll be at the show. But I don't think that's a good idea. However, I'm not sure what she can do if she's not at the show with me.

Thinking of doing the White Sox game on Tuesday night (play the Phillies) just because I'd like to start a ballpark tour of going to each of the MLB parks, and we already have tickets to the Cubs-Orioles on Friday. It's a 1:05 p.m. start. So we'll have to get an uBer or train or tram or something up there.

I literally know nothing about Chicago, how to get around or what to do/where to you. Any trip we take is to Disney World. If we don't go to the show on Wednesday, we're planning on going to the city to do some tourist-y things.

If we do go to the show that day, then our tourist-y day will only be until about 3 or so in order to get back to the card show. If we don't go to the White Sox game on Tuesday, we could go also go into the city and do some stuff as well.

I've been told by several people we have to eat at Lou Malnatis, and we have to do the architecture tour. Had a few say go to the navy pier, but others said it's a tourist trap and stay away. The only thing spouse wants to do is eat some pizza. So will do that on either Tuesday evening or Wednesday afternoon.

I'm hearing something called Wrigley Ville that is a place to go before the game. Don't know anything about it. But would be up for meeting some folks there beforehand if anyone else is going to the Cubs game on the 1st. We're flying home late afternoon on Saturday the 2nd, so can't really do much that day.

Any other tips, advice, pieces of knowledge we need to know, do, eat, see?

[cstan]

check with your hotel, sometimes for bigger shows they run a shuttle to/from the show.

cheapest way to get downtown would be the subway, get it at o'hare, takes about 30-45 mins to get downtown but will get you near most of the main attractions

there's a large shopping mall right by the convention center, walking distance, fashion outlets of chicago, wife might enjoy that.

personally big fan of giordanos pizza

[crazy4kinsler]

Thank you. I checked the hotel's website, and it says no shuttle between hotel and Rosemont center. So I'm guessing that they don't. I'm sure there'll be other guys going that I can either walk with or hail an uBer with.

And I'm a big germophobe. So I might choose an uBer downtown too over a subway. Plus, isn't a subway in the ground? I'm claustrophobic to boot.

Originally Posted by cstan

check with your hotel, sometimes for bigger shows they run a shuttle to/from the show.

cheapest way to get downtown would be the subway, get it at o'hare, takes about 30-45 mins to get downtown but will get you near most of the main attractions

there's a large shopping mall right by the convention center, walking distance, fashion outlets of chicago, wife might enjoy that.

personally big fan of giordanos pizza

[Itsmeagain]

Rent a car.
Go to White Sox game
Check out the Home Alone house and the beaches in that town.
Magnificent Mile is fun and def. something she could do alone.
Your'e spot on with the pizza.
Navy Pier is fun at night.
Tourist trap? You are a tourist. Enjoy!

[scotthenrichs]

Subway is actually an elevated train (aka the L). If you’re a Germaphobe you might want to stay away, it’s a bit dingy in some areas. I’d prefer the Metra for going downtown but not sure where the nearest station to you might be. Lou’s and Giordanos are both great for pizza, downtown has even better places. Navy Pier is 100 percent a tourist trap. I personally would rather see the Art Institute of Chicago, or for something quicker maybe go up Willis Tower.

[dengbang]

Originally Posted by crazy4kinsler

And I'm a big germophobe...I'm claustrophobic to boot.

This might be problem at the National. Lot's of people and no doubt lots of germs floating around.

As far as Chicago goes, there's something for everyone. The tourist areas are usually busy around this time so expect to be around a lot of folks. Chicago is a big city so I always suggest renting a car if you're not familiar travelling around via public transportation.

There's tons of places to eat, just depends on your preference and budget. Lou's is great if you like deep dish pizza, not everyone is into the thick crust and amount of cheese.

There's art all around the city so if your hobby is taking photos, you'll have a blast.

Take a look at the Chicago Reddit, tons of suggestions there as well.

[AM22RC21CR8]

Check out the Tribune Building if you like history. Easy to overlook but has fragments of historical buildings worked into the base of the building. I always try to make over there when I go to Chicago.

https://thenewchicagoan.com/chicago/tribune

[boxbuster7]

wait a sec

you're going to go to a white sox game instead of wrigley?!?!?!?

maybe the cubs are out of town...

[Bosoxfan5990]

Originally Posted by boxbuster7

wait a sec

you're going to go to a white sox game instead of wrigley?!?!?!?

maybe the cubs are out of town...

He's going to both...

[JPSportshack]

I'm a Cubs and Orioles/Westburg fan so I might try to catch one of the games at Wrigley but the autograph schedule is making that a bit difficult. I've seen a few people asking similar questions to yours so I put together a decent (albeit canned) response which is below. For your specific questions...walking the 2 miles from the convention center isn't practical. Driving would be a waste because you then have to pay parking in Rosemont and likely a nightly parking charge at your hotel on top of the cost for the rental car itself. Wrigley parking is non-existent but it's plentiful at Comiskey. I would strongly recommend Ubering to Rosemont and using the L for everything else. There's a Girodano's (stuffed version of "Chicago Deep Dish") about a mile away but I'd suggest going there on Wednesday night because it'll be packed Thur-Sat due the convention. Malnati's is great....if you like sausage, try their crustless pizza.

I started planning at the beginning of the year. Do research on cards you are interested in and note the comp figures before the show. Study the floor plan and note "zones" so you have some idea of where a booth is if you want to go back. Try to make a few connections here and keep an eye on dealers posting here. I made a point to stop several times at the ddearing and kardsharks booths. They were the first booths I looked up/added to my list.

The basics matter. Take drinks so you aren't spending $10 for a bottle of water (we take a case for the week). My backpack is loaded with: a 800 count box so I can keep bargain box purchases together, 400 count box for supplies (a pack of toploaders, penny sleeves, and filler cards), 100 count plastic box, battery backup for my phone, and hand sanitizer.

There are four booths that standout in my memory from my first National 2 years ago. There is a great seller of framed autographs/minis (The Jersey Source) near the back wall near the VIP entrance. The Steelers have a booth near the Autograph pavilion was filled with game used items. There are a few booths that sell graded Super Bowl tickets. They also had press passes from Super Bowl I. And finally there was a booth that had a little of everything (I believe it was featured on NSCC's Facebook page.)

Comp everything. I learned that lesson the hard way. Also, the show has a museum factor in it. Take time to look at the auction booths and some of the very old vintage. That's where you'll get the most out of your one day there.

[Asian62150]

Agree with what's been posted about the show. The more prep you can do ahead of time, the better. It's easy to get overwhelmed/distracted by everything going on.

For pizza, I actually like Pequods more than the deep dish places (it's more of a pan pizza). There's one like 15 min from the show (Morton Grove). But if you have to pick a deep dish place, I'd go with Lou's.

[PoPCulture]

My wife and I took the time to do the River Architecture boat tour 2 years ago. I highly recommend it if you have the time. There is a lot of city history and info to learn in a relatively short time. Great for photos also. We actually stayed in the city that year so she would have stuff to do while I was at the show everyday. I rode the L both ways every day with no issues and I never felt like it took a long time to get to Rosemont because I used the train time to plan my day.

[mjohnatgt]

Field Museum?

I'm a fan of the Weber Grill restaurant chain; I try to hit that each time I visit on business trips to Schaumburg, but there's one in Chicago as well. https://webergrillrestaurant.com/locations/

There are some riverboat casinos less than an hour away if you like to gamble.

Every day you don't go to the National is a day someone else is buying the card you would have gotten, from what it sounds like on Net54. Going on Wednesday, you'll have a better chance of finding more rare items before they get snatched up.

[crazy4kinsler]

Didn't know the Home Alone house was in Chicago. I will definitely have to check that out. Our goal is to one day get to Ohio and see the Christmas Story house too as that's my favorite Christmas movie.

I will check into the Magnificent Mile. Is it a boat tour? Or car tour?

And not sure we'll catch a Sox game. I've heard it's a bad area to be at night, and there's not a day game we can catch while we're there. But maybe we will do another trip to Chicago in the future and catch the Sox during the day.

Thanks for all the tips/advice.

Originally Posted by Itsmeagain

Rent a car.
Go to White Sox game
Check out the Home Alone house and the beaches in that town.
Magnificent Mile is fun and def. something she could do alone.
Your'e spot on with the pizza.
Navy Pier is fun at night.
Tourist trap? You are a tourist. Enjoy!

[Dacubs2]

Originally Posted by mjohnatgt

Field Museum?

I'm a fan of the Weber Grill restaurant chain; I try to hit that each time I visit on business trips to Schaumburg, but there's one in Chicago as well. https://webergrillrestaurant.com/locations/

There are some riverboat casinos less than an hour away if you like to gamble.

Every day you don't go to the National is a day someone else is buying the card you would have gotten, from what it sounds like on Net54. Going on Wednesday, you'll have a better chance of finding more rare items before they get snatched up.

Rivers casino is about 6 min drive/30 min walk from the convention center as well.

Personally, I think the city/downtown area is pretty safe during the day

[crazy4kinsler]

Thank you for all this information. Yes, I am a germophone. And yes, I am claustrophobic too, that's why I always ask to stay on first or second floors of hotels so I can take stairwells, lol.

My wife has a photography background as do I. I was a sports photographer for 20 years, covering NFL, MLB and college stuff around DFW. I love taking photos. Might have to charge up the ole camera and take it on this trip. So thank you.

Originally Posted by dengbang

This might be problem at the National. Lot's of people and no doubt lots of germs floating around.

As far as Chicago goes, there's something for everyone. The tourist areas are usually busy around this time so expect to be around a lot of folks. Chicago is a big city so I always suggest renting a car if you're not familiar travelling around via public transportation.

There's tons of places to eat, just depends on your preference and budget. Lou's is great if you like deep dish pizza, not everyone is into the thick crust and amount of cheese.

There's art all around the city so if your hobby is taking photos, you'll have a blast.

Take a look at the Chicago Reddit, tons of suggestions there as well.

[crazy4kinsler]

Thanks, but we're not gamblers. Got 2 massive casinos about an hour from here, and had Shreveport about an hour from where we moved from. Never, ever went to casinos. Just not the gambling type. I work too hard for my money to give it away so some guy can use it and put some fancy chandeliers in a hotel.

Originally Posted by Dacubs2

Rivers casino is about 6 min drive/30 min walk from the convention center as well.

Personally, I think the city/downtown area is pretty safe during the day

[crazy4kinsler]

No. We've already book Wrifley on that Friday. It's a 1:05 against the Orioles. Just learned yesterday about the Chicago Dogs. Might try and work that one in too.

Originally Posted by boxbuster7

wait a sec

you're going to go to a white sox game instead of wrigley?!?!?!?

maybe the cubs are out of town...

[memyselfandi23]

https://www.chicagobears.com/fan-zone/family-fest

I just saw this happening on sunday, 8/3.. figured i'd share it for the fun of it..

[dantheman514]

I highly recommend the City Pass to hit the touristy things downtown as it will save you a bunch of money and you still do the some of the main attractions. My wife and I went a couple years ago, and we visited the Shedd Aquarium, Skydeck Chicago, the architecture river tour, the art institute, and the Field Museum. The only thing we wouldn't do again is the Field Museum, and we especially enjoyed the river tour even they we aren't big into architecture. You can check it our here:

https://www.choosechicago.com/plan-y...action-passes/

Have fun!

[Unamusedbanana]

I usually take the blue line from O’Hare to the first stop and then grab an uber. Much cheaper.

[Grid]

I am a Chicago local. Born and raised. Here is some generic replies to your questions.

60MIL people visit Chicago each year. Yes, Chicago is a big city and big cities can be dangerous. But the horror stories you hear are mostly in the ghettos on the South Side. far away from the tourist areas you want to visit. Tourism is a major part of our economy. And the city does well keeping those area clean and safe.

New York calls their trains subways, even when they go above ground. We call ours El's (Elevated) even when they go under ground. Most of your train ride in to the city will be above ground. You will only tunnel when you get into Downtown itself.

I highly recommend taking the El. The Blue Line will be right near your hotel and the convention center. That is the Rosemont stop. Fast, cheap and easy to use. You wont have to switch trains to get downtown. Get off at the Clark/Lake stop, and you are in the heart of it all.

It will be near the Magnificent Mile (Michigan Ave) and State Street for shopping and stuff to see. Museums, restaurants, architectural tours (outside the Wrigley Building) ETC.

Driving will be confusing if you aren't used to the city. And parking is not cheap at all. Not at the convention center and certainly not at the ballparks or downtown.

That same Blue Line El will take you to Addison, and its an easy one bus ride to the Cubs. The same Blue Line will take you to 35th, and its an easy walk to see the Sox.

If all of that is exhausting. And the wife doesnt want to deal with it without you. You are staying right near the Chicago Premium Outlet mall. Its across from the convention center. Also right across from the convention center is the Parkway Bank Park Entertainment District.

Skydiving (indoors), bowling, bars ETC.

https://rosemont.com/thepark/venues/

As others pointed out, you are also staying near a very nice casino for other adult fun if thats your thing.

And yes, take an Uber to the convention center. It will take almost an hour to walk there. And in the summer heat, thats no good. Uber ride will be cheap.

The wife could Uber with you, and go to the mall or The Park. Which is all 100% safe. And minutes away from each spot.

[Grid]

Originally Posted by Unamusedbanana

I usually take the blue line from O’Hare to the first stop and then grab an uber. Much cheaper.

The Rosemont stop is a 6-7 minute walk to the convention center. No sense taking an Uber from there. Unless you simply cant walk 1/2 a mile. The 1st stop from the airport puts you pretty much right at the show.

[Dobber2330]

The El (train) is the easiest way to get downtown from Rosemont. The blue line runs straight into downtown and will stop in the loop and you can walk from there.

Renting a car is fine if you like spending an hour and a half getting downtown from Rosemont. The highway that is running into the city is under construction right now and travel times are crazy. If you do that you also have to park downtown which can be as high as $45 a day.

Take some hand sanitizer and gut up and ride the El - it is the fastest way downtown and will give an interesting view of the neighborhoods as you ride from O'Hare.

My recommendations for museums would be:
1. Museum of Science and Industry (south of the city) - don't wander outside of the museum campus too far as it can get bad in just a few blocks
2. Shedd Aquarium -
3. Art Institue of Chicago - where else can you see the self portrait of Picasso, The Old Guitarist (Picasso), American Gothic (Grant Wood) or Sunday Island in person. I am not an art guy but even I recognize some of these paintings.
4. Field Museum - just to see Sue the T-Rex fossil as it is quite amazing.

If you stay in the loop and keep aware of your surroundings it is a very safe and vibrant city. One of the greatest spring and summertime cities in the country.

Have fun and enjoy.

[crazy4kinsler]

If we're flying into O'Hare and Terminal 5, how do we get to our hotel? Can we just go outside Terminal 5 and catch an uBer? Or is there somewhere special you have to go? Or will we have to take some time of travel thing (bus, link, train) to another terminal to catch uBer?