Questions? (was Re: Pinkfest 2011 dates?)

[External Poster]

This posting is from: cathy bean
----------

Annie and Ginger, I have a couple of questions for Pinkfest.

Where do most of the events occur in town? The reason for this question
is so Veronica and I can decide where in town we want to get a hotel
booked.

We also like to go to straight retaurants and particularly straight bars
and nightclubs. Are there any problems in Chicago with going to the best
(most popular) nightclubs dressed?

We were wanting to stay at an upscale hotel, close to the nightclub
action and the better restaurants but also be close to all of the planned
events. What do you suggest? Your help would be really appreciated for our
planning.

Veronica also found out that Paul MaCartney will be in concert at Wrigly
Field on the 20th during our stay and we are planning to get tickets and
go dressed to the concert. Are we OK to do this from safety and acceptance
standpoint?

Can't wait to see you all and enjoy some great times together.

Cathy Bean

----------
(This posting was entered by cathy bean, an external user of MyDLV.)

[annie]

> Where do most of the events occur in town?

The only real concentration of activities would be in the River North area, just across the river from the Loop area.

We have a few favorite spots in the Boystown area and various places out in the 'burbs such as the Oak Park area.

> We also like to go to straight retaurants and particularly straight bars
> and nightclubs. Are there any problems in Chicago with going to the best
> (most popular) nightclubs dressed?

For restaurants, we've been to a couple of the upscale ones without any issues. Chicago Chop House is one of our favorites. No issues at all.

As for nightclubs, if you're referring to the uber-trendy clubs which are considered to be the mating territory of the 20-something hipster het crowd, I would suggest caution.

Probably the closest thing to a true nightclub that we've ever done for Pinkfest would be the Redhead Piano Lounge. No issues, but they do enforce a business casual at minimum dress code.

> We were wanting to stay at an upscale hotel, close to the nightclub
> action and the better restaurants but also be close to all of the planned
> events. What do you suggest?

If you want a more upscale place in the River North or Loop area, we've had people stay at the Hyatt Regency on Wacker and the Palmer House on Monroe over the years. Of course those places will set you back about three Benjamins per night for Indian Summer weekends.

> Veronica also found out that Paul MaCartney will be in concert at Wrigly
> Field on the 20th during our stay and we are planning to get tickets and
> go dressed to the concert. Are we OK to do this from safety and acceptance
> standpoint?

Wrigley Field is right on the edge of the "Boystown" alternative area. In fact, the Center On Halsted is just a few blocks east of Wrigley. I foresee no issues going to a concert there. The only problem I might envision is the weather. On October 20th. it will be cool to cold in the evening, and it could be rainy or even snowy. ("Cooler by the lake.") We have indeed seen snow during Pinkfest.