Welcome to the Travel Forums


Why join TravelBlog?

  • Membership is Free and Easy
  • Your travel questions answered in minutes!
  • Become part of the friendliest online travel community.
Join Now! Join TravelBlog* today and meet thousands of friendly travelers. Don't wait! Join today and make your adventures even more enjoyable.

* Blogging is not required to participate in the forums
Advertisement


New York - Chicago road trip

Advertisement
My friends and I are going to New York and Chicago this September - general advice on what to do/see along the way
14 years ago, June 20th 2009 No: 1 Msg: #77072  
Hi,

This September, two friends and I are roadtripping between New York and Chicago. Firstly, New York - there's so much to do and see, but is there anything that's absolutely not worth missing, or something a bit out-of-the-ordinary? We'll have about 5 days there in total.

Secondly, any good places worth stopping at en route to Chicago? We've already decided to go via the Niagara Falls, but is there anywhere else we should visit?

And thirdly, if anyone knows of any really good hire car deals that would be great! We are young drivers under 25 so it's looking a bit expensive!

Thanks,

Katy Reply to this

14 years ago, June 22nd 2009 No: 2 Msg: #77278  
B Posts: 602
You are going to drive to Chicago from NY? Ummm do you realize how far that is if you only have 5 days? Looked it on mapquest, it is 791 miles and estimated drive time, going straight through w/o stopping - 13 hours. And this does not take road construction or the such into consideration.
Reply to this

14 years ago, June 23rd 2009 No: 3 Msg: #77385  
we know how far it is! Our trip in total is 15 days - we´re spending two-three days on the road. We have five days in New York, then three or four days in Chicago. We have planned the trip properly, just some sightseeing advice would be appreciated. Reply to this

14 years ago, June 23rd 2009 No: 4 Msg: #77402  
Can't honestly say there's that much between Buffalo and Chicago that I'd recommend going out of your way for, except perhaps a stop in Erie, PA. It's has a "small-town America" feel with some pretty good beaches and bike/walking trails and hot-dog stands and that sort of thing. Most of that is located near Presque Isle State Park.

Perhaps someone has some insider knowledge about Cleveland you can use. I've only driven through along the highways and stayed on the out-skirts of town which isn't noteworthy. You'll see lots of closed factories and industry along the way.


Reply to this

14 years ago, June 23rd 2009 No: 5 Msg: #77407  
B Posts: 602
Sorry - I read it wrong. I thought you were doing the whole trip in 5 days. I spent Christmas in New York. We got a City Pass and it paid for it's self within 3 attractions by reducing the cost of the tickets in. It also allowed us to skip certain lines, such as to the ferry to see the Statue of Liberty. Reply to this

14 years ago, June 23rd 2009 No: 6 Msg: #77448  
Thanks for the tips! I'll definitely look into the city pass for New York. And Erie sounds like a brilliant place to stop off at. We're after some traditional small-town America along the way! Reply to this

14 years ago, June 24th 2009 No: 7 Msg: #77542  
As far as NYC is concerned, I would recommend to park car somewhere and then use public transport. Get to penn station and take subways from there..u can start with Empire state, public library, grand central, central park, art museum, columbus circle and spend your evening at Times Square.
You may also want to cover downtown - Little Itly/China town/ SoHo and Brooklyn Bridge
Madam Tussauds and Statue of Liberty are also must see places.

There is not much to see on d way to Chicago..just 3 days are more than enough for Chicago Reply to this

14 years ago, June 24th 2009 No: 8 Msg: #77548  
B Posts: 602
I agree about the car. They are mad the way they drive in that city! My poor daughter almost had a heart attack every time we took a cab. LOL Reply to this

14 years ago, June 24th 2009 No: 9 Msg: #77553  
I would also like to add that traffic in Chicago downtown is equally reckless as NYC. You can live in subarb and take train to chicago loop (downtown) Reply to this

14 years ago, July 8th 2009 No: 10 Msg: #78794  
You didn't mention things to do in Chicago so maybe you already have plans while you are there, but if not...
If you can call a few days ahead of time you can usher at a Blueman performance and see the show for free. You can also usher at the Steppenwolf Theater. Second City always has a good show. You can't usher, though. The E.T.C. shows at Second City have cheaper priced tickets and the show is just as good. The Jazz Festival is the first weekend in September. It's in Grant Park and totally free. Pack a picnic. Millenium Park has great free concerts also. It's right downtown in the "loop" area. The big silver bean (Cloud Gate) is there, too. China Town on Wentworth and Cermak has good cheap restaurants. La Creperie http://www.lacreperieusa.com/ on Clark St. just north of Diversy has a lovely outdoor garden and great hearty crepes. Bon Bon Cafe http://www.bomboncafe.com/ at 36 S. Ashland has great nuevo Mexican food and pastries. The Art Institute has a free day Thursday evening...home of American Gothic and several Impressionists paintings. Mexican Museum of Fine Arts is a great free museum in Pilsen...plenty of great restaurants in the area. Best tacos ever are the carne asada tacos from La Pasadita on Ashland Avenue on the north side... (not in Pilsen). http://www.pasadita.com/ Reply to this

Tot: 0.04s; Tpl: 0.005s; cc: 4; qc: 26; dbt: 0.02s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1; ; mem: 996.8kb