Chicago Ideas Week: Exploring Chicago on the Cheap

It’s no secret that I love participating in Twitter Chats.

Yesterday, I was asked to cohost Chicago Idea’s Week Twitter Chat: #Ideaschat (Tuesdays at 11am CST). In a nod to this blog, the topic was “Exploring Chicago… on the Cheap.”

In addition to just documenting this momentous occasion (my first time hosting a Twitter Chat!), I’d like to share some of my favorite responses for each of the questions, which all revolved around topics my blog holds dear!

Question 1:  What is your best tip for living in Chicago on a Budget?

@MaddyOsman there’s even a new Chi Parks app! #ideaschat http://t.co/4NznyzO9HV did someone say outdoor movie nights? (those my favorite)

— Airbnb Chi Resources (@AirbnbChi) June 16, 2015

Best deal in Chicago? Residents can borrow books, audiobooks, and movies from @chipublib @ no charge. #IdeasChat @chicagoideas — M E L I S S A (@MJK60631) June 16, 2015

A2 Lots of free music in Chicago. Don’t miss @RushHourConcert, @MakeMusicChi & Downtown Sounds at @millennium_park! @chicagoideas #ideaschat — Sam Waterbury (@swaterbu) June 16, 2015

Question 2: Festival season is approaching! What’s your best tip for attending on a budget? What festival will we see you at this year?

A2: obviously pre-plan as much as possible. Get on the mailing list for the ones you want to attend. Pitchfork this year! #ideaschat — Nimlok Chicago (@NimlokChicago) June 16, 2015

A2: Downtown Sound offers great free concerts. Grab ya boo, or bottle of wine in my case, and enjoy! https://t.co/4S1CCirzmO #ideaschat

— Katia (@katiapiza) June 16, 2015

A2 Lots of free music in Chicago. Don’t miss @RushHourConcert, @MakeMusicChi & Downtown Sounds at @millennium_park! @chicagoideas #ideaschat — Sam Waterbury (@swaterbu) June 16, 2015

Question 3: What’s your tip for getting from one place to another in Chicago (on a budget, of course!)?

@MaddyOsman All info here: http://t.co/wvcmqmemKA. Starts as cheap as $3. #ideaschat — Sam Waterbury (@swaterbu) June 16, 2015

@MaddyOsman In the Spring/Summer/Fall a @DivvyBikes membership is an affordable and healthy way to get around the city! #Ideaschat — Kathryn Terrell (@kathrynetee) June 16, 2015

@MaddyOsman This Chicago bike map looks VERY thorough! best way to learn is get out there and try it! http://t.co/Uyskc9aqMD #ideaschat — Levi Baer (@MysteryBaer) June 16, 2015

For those using CTA, here’s their page showing bus, el routes in city. http://t.co/KCSIcECCve Use the bus tracker too. #ideaschat — Daniel Bassill (@tutormentorteam) June 16, 2015

Question 4: Where do you go when you want the most bang for your buck for a meal?

@MaddyOsman #ideaschat A4: LOVE the burger/fries/beer combo at @PartsandLaborLS & the pizza/pbr/jameson combo at @boilerroomchi

— Airbnb Chi Resources (@AirbnbChi) June 16, 2015

@katiapiza @MaddyOsman @eringoesgolfing Don’t forget Waffle Cafe’s Wonut. #ideaschat — Jason Williams (@jawbrain) June 16, 2015

Doughnut lists—they always come in handy! #ideaschat https://t.co/sd3u7f34PV

— Chicago Ideas (@chicagoideas) June 16, 2015

Question 5: What’s your favorite free Chicago activity?

Here’s list of nearly 200 youth serving orgs where people could volunteer. Organized by where located. http://t.co/BndAYIAXIZ #ideaschat — Daniel Bassill (@tutormentorteam) June 16, 2015

@chicagoideas @MaddyOsman Open House Chicago offers architecture tours to 150 buildings in the city! http://t.co/Wpg2BmYCaQ #ideaschat

— REVEEL (@ReveelSocial) June 16, 2015

@chicagoideas A5: Movies in the Parks. But also there are a TON of free comedy shows all over the city every night of the week. #ideaschat — Airbnb Chi Resources (@AirbnbChi) June 16, 2015

Thanks for everyone who participated and made this chat useful and informative! I know I learned something new about the city I call my home.