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Jupiter, Fla/: After visiting family in Decatur, Ill., my 16-year-old daughter and I are spending July 11-16 in Chicago. Looking for best transportation from Decatur, Ill. to Chicago & back. Also, any insider scoop on SAFELY experiencing the essence of Chicago in a short period of time is appreciated! Have been researching like crazy and the myriad of options is positively mind boggling. Considering seeing "Wicked", staying at Hotel Indigo, thrift stores are a passion, getting around the town is an unknown challenge to conquer, daughter loves affordable fashions and is considering interior or architectural design as a career. Discounts and bargains are going to be a big help. Is exquisite food in small portions at reasonable prices just a dream? Thanks, I know that's a lot!

Cordially,
Liz

Margaret Lyons: Chicago is a very safe city, so please don't worry about being able to enjoy yourself. The CTA can seem daunting, but get yourself a five-day CTA pass for $18 and a map and you'll do fine. Shopping-wise, in terms of sheer density of stores (and stores that'll appeal to a 16-year-old), I'd say Wicker Park is a good bet. Lots of boutique-y places, a recent influx of used-clothing stores, plus a smattering of higher-end shops, too, make for a very solid day of shopping and wandering around, plus there are dozens of great restaurants right in the area.

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Atlanta, Ga.: I realize this is very generic, but another girlfriend and I are planning to meet in Chicago to visit a 3rd friend (sometime this summer—date undetermined) and would like recommendation for a decent budget hotel in the city. Is airfare from ATL cheaper certain times? Thanks.

Margaret Lyons: I had friends in town a few weeks ago and they stayed at the Wicker Park Inn, which is a B&B but isn't like...all up in your business/too cozy. :) If you're planning some quality girls' nights out, it might be worth it to stay more in a night-life zone rather than downtown, where nightlife is pretty limited. Wicker Park (again!) has a ton of bars/restaurants/shopping and tends to be pretty popular. I'm not sure about airfares, but I use kayak and farecast when I'm planning a trip. Also, consider flying into Midway rather than O'Hare—often times flights are cheaper there, and the airport is much, much nicer. There's no real difference in terms of convenience getting into the city, either.

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Detroit, Mich.: We are from metro Detroit and would like to visit Chicago (we plan to drive) to celebrate 15 years of marriage the third weekend in June. We have been to Chicago before but we never seem to do anything exciting or interesting. We pretty much have been to the major attractions in Chicago (at least I think). He is an architecture buff and I love gardens. We are not into the club or mall scene. We do not want to spend a fortune but we do recognize prices have risen. Any suggestions?

Margaret Lyons: First off, congratulations. Second off, I'm not into the club or mall scene either. I hear ya. If you've already hit the major attractions, I'd say go out for a fabulous fancy dinner (Blackbird maybe?) and hit the Green Mill for live music. It's a very relaxed, non-sceney place; think romance, not pulsing club beats or anything.

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Newtown, Conn.: Hello, going to Chicago for a long weekend/business trip solo and I have time for 1-2 tours either on Monday June 9th or Thurs June 12—everyone raves about the architectural river tour but which company offers the best version? Should I do one that goes out over Lake Michigan and views the skyline as well as the river tour or just stick with the river tour? Any other "must-dos" or good tours to take (asking because I have a very limited time). I'm staying at the Palmer House Hilton. Thanks for your advice!

Margaret Lyons: I'd stick with just the river tour and use the rest of your time for a museum trip. I'd go with Chicago Architecture Foundation tour and skip the Lake Michigan part—I've done it once, and it's cool, kinda', but not at all essential. I like the Museum of Contemporary Art, but my must-see museum in the city has always been the Museum of Science and Industry.

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Margaret Lyons: Thanks, everybody! Chicago's home to some of the best restaurants, theaters, museums and stores in the country—and some of the kindest, most interesting people I know.