Getting to Know the Windy City - Chicago 2005 - page 72

at least one major highway and several downtown streets are under repair
throughout the spring and summer months (some say we have two seasons: win-
ter and construction).
Great diagonal corridors—such as Lincoln Avenue, Clark Street, and Mil-
waukee Avenue—slice through the grid pattern at key points in the city and
shorten many a trip that would otherwise be tedious on the checkerboard sur-
face of the Chicago streets. On scenic Lake Shore Drive (also known as the
Outer Dr.) you can travel the length of the city (and beyond), never far from the
great lake that is Chicago's most awesome natural feature. If you're driving here,
make sure you take one spin along what we call LSD; the stretch between the
Museum Campus and North Avenue is especially stunning.
DRIVING RULES One bizarre anomaly in the organization of Chicago's traf-
fic is the occasional absence of signal lights off the principal avenues, notably in
the River North and Streeterville neighborhoods. A block east or west of the
Magnificent Mile (North Michigan Ave.)—one of the most traveled streets in the
city—you will in some cases encounter only stop signs to control the flow of traf-
fic. Once you've become accustomed to the system, it works very smoothly, with
everyone—pedestrians and motorists alike—advancing in their proper turn.
Unless otherwise posted, a right turn on red is allowed after stopping and
signaling.
PARKING Parking regulations are vigorously enforced throughout the city.
Read signs carefully: The streets around Michigan Avenue have no-parking
restrictions during rush hour—and I know from firsthand experience that your
car will be towed immediately. Many neighborhoods have adopted resident-only
parking that prohibits others from parking on their streets, usually after 6pm
each day (even all day in a few areas, such as Old Town). The neighborhood
around Wrigley Field is off-limits during Cubs night games, so look for yellow
sidewalk signs alerting drivers about the dozen-and-a-half times the Cubs play
under lights. You can park in permit zones if you're visiting a friend, who can
provide you with a pass to stick on your windshield. Beware of tow zones, and,
if visiting in winter, make note of curbside warnings regarding snow plowing.
A safe bet is valet parking, which most restaurants provide for $6 to $9.
Downtown you might also opt for a public garage, but you'll have to pay pre-
mium prices. (Several garages connected with malls or other major attractions
offer discounted parking with a validated ticket.)
The very best parking deal in the Loop is the city-run Millennium Park garage
( & 312/742-7644), which charges $12 for 12 hours or less (enter on Columbus
Dr., 1 block east of Michigan Ave., between Monroe and Randolph sts.). Also rel-
atively affordable are two lots underneath Grant Park, with entrances at Michi-
gan Avenue and Van Buren Street ( & 312/745-2862) and Michigan Avenue and
Madison Street ( & 312/742-7530). Parking costs $9 for the first hour, $12 for 1
to 2 hours, $15 for 2 to 10 hours, and $18 for 24 hours. You'll find higher prices
at most other downtown lots, including McCormick Place Parking, 2301 S.
Lake Shore Dr. ( & 312/791-7000); Midcontinental Plaza Garage, 55 E. Mon-
roe St. ( & 312/986-6821); and Navy Pier Parking, 600 E. Grand Ave. ( & 312/
595-7437).
CAR RENTAL Hertz ( & 800/654-3131), Avis ( & 800/831-2847), National
( & 800/227-7368), and Budget ( & 800/527-0700) all have offices at O'Hare
Airport and at Midway Airport. Each company also has at least one office down-
town: Hertz at 401 N. State St., Avis at 214 N. Clark St., National at 203 N.
LaSalle St., and Budget at 65 E. Lake St.