So, my better half and I are flying up to Rockford/Chicago the first week of May for vacation and to see my parents new house, visit family, yadda yadda yadda.... I haven't been up there since I was a little kid, and I've NEVER been to Chicago.

Any Chicago or surrounding area folks on this site that can point us in any directions for things to do while we're there? Attractions, restraunts, ect...?
I found a site that you can get a "GO CHICAGO" Card... for a certian amount the card gives you access to about 25 attractions and discounts at restraunts.. stuff like that... And I'm thinking of buying a couple of them, but would love to have some input from a native.

Anyone? :)

I do not live in Chitown, but have been there a number of times. There is something in the city for everyone. They have your typical artsy fatsy gallery stuff, they have a great history museum, they have theaters, they have nice places to eat. But best of all, they have lots of blues bars. So if you are into Blues or Jazz there are a number of good places. If that is your thing, let me know I'll give you the names of some places.

Oh, and go check out the bean...it's kinda cool.

I'd love some names. Blues and Jazz clubs are the absolute best!

First, you have to go to Buddy Guy's Legends. This is the one place I make sure I stop at every time I am in town. There is always a good band playing even on weekdays.

Kingston Mines is a must see.

B.L.U.E.S. is another great place. It's a tad small.

There are a few more, but I am out of time. I'll report back.

*jots down the names*
More More! :)

Ok, a few more.

Bossman Blues - Ihave only been here once. It has that "Blues Club" feel that not too many places have these days.

Checkerboard Lounge - This is not the original Checkerboard, but I personally have not been here, but friends of mine keep telling me I have to check it out. For some reason it just doesn't seem right.

There are a few more that I have been to, but can't remember the names.

Just watch, some of these places are not in the best of areas. All the really good places are in the Southside of the city, but I don't dare venture there unless I am heavily armed (none of the places I listed are down there).