Where to park

Question

Coming down on the 21st, late morning. We want to hit up Eataly, some shopping and/or a maybe a cheaper museum (but likely not enough time), then we are meeting family for early dinner at Athena. Trying to drive and park as little as possible. We'd love to take Amtrak back and forth, but we'd be looking at $200 for 4 people round-trip. Not in the budget right before Christmas. Help on logistics and where to park is appreciated.

Answer

It sounds like you're planning a fun day in Chicago! Here's some guidance on parking and logistics to help you make the most of your time while minimizing the hassle:

Parking Near Eataly:
Eataly is located at 43 E Ohio St, right off of Michigan Avenue in the River North neighborhood. There are several options for parking nearby:

Self-Parking at 900 North Michigan Shops: This mall is located just a block from Eataly, and they offer valet and self-parking. You can expect to pay around $15–$25 for 2–3 hours of parking, depending on the time of day.
Public Parking Garages: There are a number of public parking garages near Eataly, including at 55 E Ontario St and 50 E Ohio St. Prices can range from $20 to $40 for a few hours, depending on the time of day and proximity to popular spots.
Street Parking: If you're willing to hunt for street parking, you might find spots along Ohio Street or other nearby streets. Just be sure to check the signage for street cleaning or parking restrictions, and consider using an app like SpotHero to reserve a spot ahead of time.

Shopping Options:
For shopping, you're in a great location with Michigan Avenue’s Magnificent Mile right nearby. You’ll find big stores like Macy's, Nordstrom, and others, as well as boutiques. It's walkable from Eataly, so you won't need to move your car to shop. If you want to park near the shopping district:

Water Tower Place Parking Garage: Located at 835 N Michigan Ave, this garage is convenient for shopping along Michigan Avenue. Rates can be similar to those at 900 North Michigan Shops.

Cheap Museums:
If you’re looking for a more affordable museum experience, I recommend checking out the Chicago History Museum (1601 N Clark St), which is just a short drive or bus ride from Eataly. It has affordable entry fees, typically around $15 per adult. Another option is the Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows, which is free and located inside Navy Pier.

Parking Near Athena Restaurant:
Athena is located at 212 S Halsted St, in the Greektown area, and has a few good parking options nearby:

Greektown Parking Garage: This is a public garage at 800 W Jackson Blvd, just a short walk from the restaurant. Rates here are typically around $15–$20 for a few hours.
Street Parking in Greektown: Greektown offers street parking, but be mindful of meters and time limits. Meters typically cost $2–$4 per hour, depending on the area, and are enforced until 9 PM. You can use apps like ParkChicago to pay via your phone.

Logistics and Other Tips:
Since you want to minimize driving, here are a couple of ideas:

Public Transit: Chicago has an extensive public transit system (the 'L' trains), which can be a great way to get around the city without worrying about parking. The Red Line has stations at both State/Lake (close to Eataly) and UIC-Halsted (near Athena), making it easy to travel between areas. You can get a Ventra Card for rides.
Walking: If the weather is nice and you don't mind walking, many of the places you're visiting (Eataly, shopping, museums, and Athena) are within walking distance of each other. This is a great option if you want to avoid parking and enjoy the city vibe.

In summary, parking in the area is relatively easy to find, though it can be pricey. If you don't mind paying for parking, you’ll be close to your destinations, and you’ll save time. If you'd prefer not to park at all, public transportation is an excellent option in Chicago and will get you where you need to go quickly and affordably. Have a fantastic trip, and enjoy your time in the city!

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