Chicago knowledge, anyone?

[redorchids]

I really want to go to the Blink/FOB/Panic concert in Chicago in August. Problem is, I know absolutely nothing about the city and could really need some inside info. Live in Chicago/know your way around? Please help? Where are good (and cheap) places to stay? How do you get around? Where do you want to go? What so see and so on?

I will seriously love you guys forever if anyone could give me some tips on this.

Comments

[mudd248.livejournal.com]

The concert is actually in Tinley Park, so make sure you have a way to get from your hotel to the venue. I don't live in downtown Chicago during the summer and I've never not had a car to get to Tinley Park, so I couldn't tell you what to take, but check metrarail.com and http://tripsweb.rtachicago.com/ to get around(or a car, if you really want). Both are pretty simple websites. I don't really have any other information for you unless I know where in the city you're staying. I'll be coming from the suburbs for the concert.

[redorchids.livejournal.com]

Thank you. Any good tips for going out? Favourite places to eat/hang out?
(relaxed bluesey places, fun and cheap bars and social dancing (salsa, lindy-hop) would be totally awesome) :-)

[mudd248.livejournal.com]

Hanging out is probably best done around Belmont or in Wrigleyville. The red line will get you to both. The brown and purple lines also stop at Belmont, but go brown or red before purple, the purple has funny hours. Red line runs 24 hrs.

Personally, I don't really go out drinking or to clubs even, not my area. I'd rather just get friends together and have a beer.

Comment stalking, on your question in the comment below, the CTA is pretty awesome in Chicago. The second link I gave you is pretty amazing and I relied on it my freshmen year in college. It'll get you buses and trains.
If I think of anything else, I'll let you know.