GO FEST DTC POKÉMON GO 2018 VISITOR'S GUIDE - Squarespace
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DTC POKÉMON GO 2018 GO FEST VISITOR’S GUIDE
WELCOME TO CHICAGO
Welcome to Chicago on behalf of DTC, the largest single
Discord server in the Chicagoland area. We’re excited to
represent our host city again at Pokémon GO Fest 2018 and we
have a lot of information about Chicago that we’d love to share
with our fellow trainers around the world. With that in mind,
we put together this guide which will cover what you need to
know about traveling throughout the city, important
information about Lincoln Park, and, of course, the best foods,
drinks, and views Chicago has to offer.
And with Chicago having so much to offer, we’re bound to miss
something. If you would like to make a recommendation on
how to improve this guide, please, connect with us on Discord
or social media. All suggestions will be taken into consideration!
/ 02 / WWW.DTC.FYI
DTC 2018 GO Fest Visitor’s Guide / Welcome
A FEW WORDS ABOUT SAFETY
Chicago’s reputation precedes it. Violence here
gets a lot of media coverage but most of that
discourse focuses on a few neighborhoods or
pockets of the city, as is the case with many other
major metropolitan cities like it. Neither GO Fest
nor this guide will take you to those areas of the
city most affected by violence and, as such, we
hope your GO Fest experience won’t be hindered
in any way by the host city or its residents.
Be that as it may, no neighborhood or city is
100% free of risks. As your game recommends
each time you open it, please be aware of your
surroundings. With so many tourists in town, the
potential for theft, harassment, or other malicious
incidents may be increased. Look out for each
other, trainers, and look up from your phone every
once in a while!
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DTC 2018 GO Fest Visitor’s Guide / Travel
TRAVEL
Unlike its predecessor, GO Fest 2018 will not be hosted in
Downtown Chicago. However, the change of venue won’t
make things any more difficult. In fact some things—like
parking—will be made a lot easier by GO Fest’s new location.
Pro-tip:
If you get in a cab and ask to be
taken to Lincoln Park, you may
encounter some issues. Please,
reference these intersections
when you can:
North Entrance
West Barry Avenue and North
Lake Shore Drive
South Entrance
North Stockton Drive and West
LaSalle Drive
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DTC 2018 GO Fest Visitor’s Guide / Travel
Airports
When flying into Chicago for GO Fest, please note that each airport
is connected to our train system via the Orange or Blue Line.
CHICAGO MIDWAY O’HARE INTERNATIONAL
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AIRPORT
Distance to Lincoln Park: Distance to Lincoln Park:
14.2 miles 14.3 miles
Address: Address:
5700 South Cicero Avenue, 10000 West O’Hare Ave.,
Chicago IL, 60638 Chicago, IL 60666
Public Transportation
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) provides train and bus
routes to Lincoln Park, throughout the city and to the major
airports above. Additional information and route planning can
be found at: www.transitchicago.com
Closest NORTH entrance train stop (Brown/Purple Line):
Diversey, Belmont & Wellington
Closest SOUTH entrance train stop (Brown/Purple Line):
Armitage & Sedgwick
Metra’s commuter rail system can be used for traveling from
the Chicago suburbs. Details on riding Metra to and from
Pokémon GO Fest 2018 and a map of nearby Metra stations
can be found at: www.metrarail.com
When in doubt, lean on the Transit app (iOS / Android) as it
tracks CTA buses and trains, Metra, and Uber/Lyft prices.
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DTC 2018 GO Fest Visitor’s Guide / Travel
Taxis
Grab a cab and get dropped off on West Barry Avenue and
North Lake Shore Drive for the NORTH entrance and North
Stockton Drive and West LaSalle Drive for the SOUTH entrance.
Then, head into Pokémon GO Fest 2018!
Parking
Convenient, 24-hour parking is available near Lincoln Park at
the 356 West Belden Avenue garage and lot, 1850 North Clark
Street valet garage, and 527 West Webster Avenue garage. For
the best rates, reserve your parking in advance by using
SpotHero or a similar app/service. There may be free parking
available on the streets that run through and along Lincoln
Park, but these spots are very hard to come by and in demand.
These streets may also be blocked off because of GO Fest.
Pro-tip:
Chicago parking signs are famously vague. If you don’t
know whether or not it is legal to park somewhere, don’t
take any chances. As most parking spots in Chicago are
either permit-only or metered, your best bet is to find
reasonably-priced meter parking.
Helpful Parking Apps:
ParkChicago: (iOS / Android): This app lets you
remotely fill up your meter while you’re on the go so
you don’t have to worry about running to your car.
SpotHero: (iOS / Android) A parking reservation
service that is great for surveying parking prices in
hard-to-park areas.
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DTC 2018 GO Fest Visitor’s Guide / Travel
Getting Around Chicago
While visiting Chicago, you’ll have a number of transportation
options that can get you from point A to point B. Some are
trickier to navigate than others. However, as long as you’re
armed with Google or Apple Maps, have someone to explore
with, and don’t mind making a few wrong turns here and
there, you’ll be a pro in no time.
If you'd rather not carry cash to pay for
public transit, we recommend
purchasing a Ventra card or pass,
available at train stations, most drug
stores, and www.ventrachicago.com
Single-Ride tickets are available for $3 and are great if you
don’t know how often you’ll be using public transit.
Ventra also sells a 1-Day pass for $10. These work for 24
hours upon activation (the first time you swipe/tap it at a
terminal) and are good for unlimited rides within that time.
If you only plan on using public transit the day of GO Fest,
this may be best your bet.
For those trainers that plan on exploring the city, there is
the $20 3-Day pass. Just like the 1-Day pass, the 3-Day pass
works for 72 hours upon activation and is good for
unlimited rides within that time.
Pro-tip:
If you have Apple Pay, Android Pay, or Samsung Pay accounts
set up, you can use those to board CTA trains and buses.
Please note that each transaction will place a $5 hold on
your account that will be adjusted once charges are
posted/finalized.
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DTC 2018 GO Fest Visitor’s Guide / Travel
CTA Trains, a.k.a., The “L”
If you’re a tourist visiting the city, there is no more efficient way
to travel than by CTA train. Colloquially known as the “L” because
of their prominent elevated tracks, Chicago’s train system will
get you close to 99% of the places you’ll want to see during your
visit. Plan your trips here or by using Google or Apple Maps!
CTA Buses
DISCLAIMER: Not for beginners. Though it’s no secret that CTA
buses are an incredible asset once you learn how to use them,
even full-time Chicagoans can have a hard time with them. For
this reason, we do not recommend taking CTA buses unless
you don’t mind accidentally going in the wrong direction for
multiple stops, realizing it, crossing the street, and then getting
on the wrong bus again somehow.
Divvy Bikes
Chicago can be an intimidating city in which to bike. For that
reason, we do not recommend renting a Divvy bike if this is
your first visit to the city, you are unfamiliar with biking in
major metropolitan areas, you don’t have a helmet, or you plan
on exploring the downtown area. However, if you’re feeling
adventurous, you can learn more about the Divvy program here.
Pro-tip:
Don’t ever take a Divvy bike onto Lake Shore Drive.
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DTC 2018 GO Fest Visitor’s Guide / Lincoln Park
LINCOLN PARK, THE GO FEST VENUE
Lincoln Park is the largest public park in Chicago and home of
this year’s GO Fest! Named after Abraham Lincoln, it features a
seven-mile shoreline and sits beside Lake Michigan. It is one of the
most heavily visited public parks in the United States and boasts a
variety of attractions including public beaches, the Lincoln Park
Conservatory, and the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool among others.
To coincide with our written guide, we wanted to actually
show you the expansive and marvelous Lincoln Park area that
Niantic has selected. Four DTC members are ready to show
you around our favorite spots to play at GO Fest this year in
DTC’s Visual Guide to Lincoln Park.
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Lincoln Park Conservatory
In one of the busiest sections of Lincoln Park sits the
Conservatory which offers peace, quiet, and a wholly unique,
lush environment for your Pokémon to play in.
/ 10 / WWW.DTC.FYILincoln Park Zoo
You'll find yourself surrounded by interesting animals IRL and
elemental creatures in AR. Try your best to photograph a
Pokémon in another animal’s area!
/ 11 / WWW.DTC.FYISouth Pond
Enjoy the beautiful combination of wildlife and architecture
made even better by strategic vantage points. Perfect for
postcards. "Wish you were here!
/ 12 / WWW.DTC.FYILake Shore Path
East of Lake Shore Drive, this popular commuting and
exercising area hosts one of the best views of the skiyline and
sunrise available. Especially great for water-types!
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LINCOLN PARK, THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Lincoln Park is a taste of everything Chicago has to offer. In
addition to the countless shopping and dining options, Lincoln
Park is a diverse arts and entertainment destination with a
plethora of museums, top theaters and live music clubs to pick
from. You get the hustle and bustle of the city alongside
tree-lined streets and peaceful parks.
Coffee/Breakfast Spots to Visit Before GO Fest
Believe it or not, the North and South GO Fest entrances are
roughly 1.8 miles apart! If you’re thinking about meeting with
other trainers somewhere in the middle, please be cognizant of
the 18-20-minute walk you’ll face to get to your entrances on time.
If your groups have time and don’t mind extra walking, go for it!
North Entrance Recommendations
Argo Tea Café Intelligentsia Coffee Peet’s Coffee
3135 N Broadway St (Broadway) 3025 N. Clark St
Chicago, IL, 60657 3132 N Broadway St Chicago, IL, 60657
Chicago, IL, 60657
North Entrance Pokecenters (a.k.a. Drug Stores)
CVS
3033 N Broadway St, Chicago, IL, 60657
Mariano’s
3030 North Broadway Suite 100, Chicago, IL, 60657
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South Entrance Recommendations
Intelligentsia Coffee Elaine’s Coffee Call Nookies
(Old Town) 3132 N Broadway St 1746 N Wells St,
1233 N Wells St Chicago, IL, 60657 Chicago, IL 60614
Chicago, Il, 60610
South Entrance Pokecenters (a.k.a. Drug Stores)
Walgreens
1601 N Wells St, Chicago, IL, 60614
Treasure Island Foods
1639 N Wells St, Chicago, IL, 60614
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POGO, CULTURAL, AND DINING DESTINATIONS
We are completely, 100% biased in saying that Chicago is one of
the best cultural and dining destinations in the world. It just so
happens to be great for Pokémon GO, too!
Pokémon GO Destinations
While you’re in the city, we recommend visiting the following
spots to grind for XP and spin as many new PokéStops as
possible in the shortest amount of time:
Downtown Chicago, a.k.a. The Loop
Take in the sights of Chicago’s famous architecture up close
while enjoying the sounds of the city and all the PokéStops you
can handle. Extremely flat and walkable.
Navy Pier, a.k.a. A Tourist Trap That Spawns a Lot of Pokémon
You may go to cross it off a list but you’ll stay for the spawns. A
great place to play PoGo indoors.
Michigan Ave, a.k.a The Magnificent Mile
The shopping destination for any visitor to Chicago. If you have
something you’re looking for, you’ll find it on Michigan Ave.
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Cultural Destinations
Millennium Park
201 E Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60602
If you attended GO Fest 2017, you spent some time walking
through Millennium Park once Niantic opened up the event
sandbox. A fine place for a relaxing walk that boasts great
views of the city, a certain bean-shaped sculpture, and the
Lurie Garden for all your AR+ needs.
Art Institute of Chicago
111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
Unplug for a minute and enjoy one of the best museums in the
world! If you can’t, you’ll have a gym and a few stops to keep
you busy. A great place for very artsy AR+ shots!
The Museum Campus
337 East Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601
Home to the Field Museum, The Shedd Aquarium, Soldier
Field, and Adler Planetarium—one of the original Pokémon GO
hotspots here in Chicago. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the
shore of Lake Michigan and incredible views of the skyline
from the planetarium.
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Dining Destinations in Chicago
Finally, we get to talk food. In the humble opinion of DTC, there
are few cities that can keep up with Chicago’s food scene. If
you explore on your own, you’re likely to find some of your
favorite restaurants. However, we highly recommend the
following establishments and breweries:
Pizza
Pequod’s Pizza Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria Chicago Pizza and
2207 N Clybourn Ave 958 W Wrightwood Oven Grinder Co.
Chicago, IL, 60614 Chicago, IL 60614 2121 N Clark St
DTC Recommends: DTC Recommends: Chicago, IL 60614
Going very early or The butter crust. DTC Recommends:
very late to avoid Good luck with the Bringing cash. Pizza
long waits. gyms! pot pie awaits!
Burgers
Kuma’s Too Au Cheval Publican Anker
666 W Diversey Pkwy 800 W Randolph St 1576 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60657 Chicago, IL 60607 Chicago, IL 60622
DTC Recommends: DTC Recommends: DTC Recommends:
The Goatsnake, The double cheese Sitting at the bar.
featuring neither goat with bacon and egg. USB ports and
nor snake. Share it. multiple PokéStops!
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Hot Dogs
Portillo’s Chicago’s Dog House Dog Haus
100 W Ontario St 816 W Fullerton Ave 2464 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60654 Chicago, IL 60614 Chicago, IL 60614
DTC Recommends: DTC Recommends: DTC Recommends:
The chocolate cake Branching out. What The Cowboy. And
shake. It works. sounds weird is Das Brat.
usually delicious!
Other DTC Favorites
Crisp Del Seoul XOCO
2940 N Broadway, 958 W Wrightwood 449 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60657 Chicago, IL 60614 Chicago, IL 60654
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Breweries
Half Acre Beer Off Color Brewing Band of Bohemia
Company Taproom 4710 N Ravenswood
4257 N Lincoln Ave 1460 N Kingsbury St Chicago, IL 60640
Chicago, IL 60618 Chicago, IL 60642
Bars
Hopleaf Replay Lincoln Park Links Taproom
5148 N Clark St 2833 N Sheffield Ave 1559 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60640 Chicago, IL 60657 Chicago, IL 60622
/ 20 / WWW.DTC.FYIDTC 2018 GO Fest Visitor’s Guide / Thanks
Thank You
Thank YOU for reading our guide or, at the very least, reading the
credits section! We hope all of this information has been helpful. If
you feel like we missed something or you have a recommendation
you’d like to make, please connect with us on Discord, through
social channels, or by commenting on the Visual Guide.
We’d also like to thank the global Pokémon GO community,
especially those active on The Silph Road, Pokébattler, and the
Verified Level 40 Club. As much as obsession and fun have to
do with staying committed to Pokémon GO, there simply is no
game without the pool of dedicated trainers, their passion, and
their ideas. Game-generated hype is one thing, but no one can
take hype to another level like a fellow trainer.
Of course, we wouldn’t be in this position without the
Pokémon GO community of Chicago. Thank ALL OF YOU for
helping us to grow as a group. We hope we represent you well
as the Second City gets a second chance at GO Fest.
Last, but not least, we’d like to thank Niantic and the developers
of Pokémon GO. Honestly. Despite the headaches and
heartaches that have been caused over the past two years, we
can tell how much work you’ve put in to the game since its
inception. And your effort and attention to your communities
has grown exponentially. We honestly believe you didn’t expect
so many trainers to stay so dedicated, but you’ve obviously
received that message loud and clear. We can’t wait to see what
you have in store for us at GO Fest 2018 and beyond!
Credits
This guide would not have been possible without contributions
from the following DTC members: Knife, cmykchicago,
tvaldivieso, SprinkleCheer, and omfgcows. Special thanks to the
stars of our visual guide, including Barrengomf and CountJinsula.
/ 21 / WWW.DTC.FYIConnect w/ DTC
If you’d like to stay in touch with us here in
Chicago, you’re welcome to join our community
or find us on our social media channels! We love
having people from around the world experience
our stunning city and would love to host you
outside of GO Fest anytime!You can also read
