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Comment by Anti M on October 9, 2018 at 11:02am

Thanksgiving is a federal holiday, so she should have it off.  Friday is not, but they tend to go to a relaxed liberty schedule.  She won't know her duty rotation until she checks into A school.  She may have duty that day, and would not be able to leave base, but you could go visit her if she is not on watch, and maybe have dinner in the chow hall.  If she does not have duty, she can spend the day with you.  I'd guess she would be in phase two by then, and could wear civilian clothes, but could not spend the night off base.  She probably would need a liberty buddy unless she submits a chit asking for you to be her buddies.  She cannot travel home unless she takes leave,  and that is unlikely.  With holiday stand down the next month, she needs to save her leave for Christmas.

Comment by Halina on October 8, 2018 at 7:54pm

If all goes well my daughter will graduate BC on 11/2 and then onto Great Lakes A school.  How does thanksgiving work?  We are from NJ and wondering if there is time we can spend with her.

Comment by Anti M on October 5, 2018 at 8:49am

While a lot of sailors might balk at the idea, a family dinner in the chow hall for Thanksgiving is a unique experience.  They do try to put on a good meal, and usually families are welcome for a small fee for holiday dinners.  

Comment by drmary on October 4, 2018 at 10:30pm

we stayed in gurnee  for PIR last week at the la quinta because it was pet friendly- although a little older, the staff was super accommodating and the room was clean-  the location was great- close to places to eat- the mall- starbucks (yeah!)- 

as for Chicago-  make sure you get some deep dish pizza- (lou malnatis or giordinos are the 2 faves)  the art museum is 2nd to none-  and the museum of science and industry is also great- a quick way to see city highlights- the architectural tour-  and if he has overnight liberty- do the hancock tower at night-

Comment by Allison on October 4, 2018 at 11:06am

I always liked staying at Candlewood Suites before I moved out there, and my family like it as well. Make sure to get a room that specifies non smoking if the smoke smell would bother you as they do have a couple smoking rooms still, but you don’t notice at all in the non smoking rooms. 

You can walk around a majority of the base with him. There’s not much to do/see unless they have a big event like 4th of July going on or something. You can eat in the galley if you wish for pretty cheap, otherwise there’s a couple food places like McDonald’s. They don’t usually like people on the beach in the winter, obviously you can’t go down into the shooting range, you most likely won’t be allowed up to his barracks room, you can only be on the quarterdeck (lobby), and he can’t go in the area with the officers club or housing, but there’s nothing exciting over there anyway. It’s a beautiful base and worth seeing, but you don’t have to plan out too much time for it because it’s small and uneventful. 

Comment by LouieMay on October 4, 2018 at 9:22am

We did The Field Museum also. It was pretty great. We also did the Bean and Willis Tower and the zoo. It was so great to fit in so many things.

Comment by NJ32718 on October 4, 2018 at 9:08am

Thank you all for the great responses!  I truly appreciate the input and advice, thanks again!

Comment by Anti M on October 4, 2018 at 8:49am

I was absolutely crazy about the museums in Chicago but then, I always loved museums.  The Field Museum may be one of the most interesting for a sailor.  He gets in free, and even though basic admission is pricey for everyone else, it is well worth it.

https://www.fieldmuseum.org/

Comment by ⚓ darsatm ⚓ on October 4, 2018 at 7:53am

Here's some links:

http://navyformoms.ning.com/group/where-to-go-in-chicago

http://www.gogreat.com/events/weekly/

Comment by Bandmom on October 4, 2018 at 7:28am

Hello NJ32718,  My son also had weekend Liberty while he was at Great Lakes.  We did take the train into Chicago, to see the Symphony.  The train station is right next to the base, and we did a lot of walking in Chicago.  Since you don't have to have him back at any certain time, I think that would be the thing to do.  I would start googling and see what is going on that weekend.  Between Chicago and Milwaukee there is usually something going on.  (Milwaukee is only about 30 minutes north).  Kenosha, and Racine may be having something as well.  When our son had Liberty he was just happy to sit around the hotel and relax.  Feel him out, see what he would like to do.  Most of all, enjoy your time together.

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