Chicagoland

[spivey]

I'm heading to conference in a few weeks in downtown Chicago and I was wondering how vaping is looked upon up there.

Last year when I went I was still smoking, and got a lot of nasty looks (and this was outside, in a nice out-of-the-way nook by the hotel). Is vaping becoming recognizable up there? Here in south-east VA people still look at me like I'm insane.

[ski]

Last time I was in chicago was a couple of years ago and they had just enacted their "No smoking within 14 feet of the entrance to a public building" law. I got a ton of dirty looks from people wherever I went to smoke. Are they just viciously against smoking there?

[spivey]

I think it's just the northern regions in general. No offense to anyone that lives up there, but I'm from a big tobacco state so maybe I'm just used to it being a little more 'accepted'.

I was in Vermont a few years ago and while smoking in a bar that allowed it I got the feeling I was going to be lynched.

Of course I've always felt people in the higher altitudes are crabby because it's so cold

Just kidding. Hopefully since my PV doesn't look like a cig and doesn't smell like a cig things will go better.

[Mr Sinister]

I live near and visit there often. It depends on where in the city you are. I just have bums asking for smokes all time, and say "Sorry this is my only one."

E-cigs have been on the news a couple times, but I still don't think its very well known. Most people will probably just think your smoking.

[invidregis]

Probably worse now, Their still all crabby about the Olympics.

[nubee]

Ha! Forget the Olympics (yesterday's news) now it's all the cost increases they are slammin' down on us cause the DIDN'T get the wonder-lympics.

I get some really odd looks using my JStick outside - ya know, like WTF is that?!?!?!

Guess I don't look 'trash-ey' enough to be dealing but it is a hoot.

What I love is the "I hate your smoke hand waving in front of nose" types as they walk by or thru my....um, vapor??? Hello!!!! McFly????

EDIT: To answer original question, vaping isn't being embraced all that much here that i've noticed. I stealth vape everywhere just to avoid a 'situation'

[seven]

Probably worse now, Their still all crabby about the Olympics.

i think you left 2 other things:

"Probably worse now, Their still all crabby about the Olympics, the horrible Bears, and those damn Cubbies"

[spivey]

Probably worse now, Their still all crabby about the Olympics.

I thought the majority of locals didn't want it there?

Personally I'd be more embarrassed about Oba....opps I'm not gonna go there - religion and politics, got to remember that. Second City wasn't to forgiving about that last year. It would nice to stop by there again.

Come to think of it I won't even have to step outside the hotel to vape...now seeing the taxi drivers reaction will be exciting...

[Sharpie]

I haven't had issues with vaping in Chicago and I visit frequently.

[jj2]

As the bird flies, I'm around 100 miles away, and even in this small town, people are tight as-sed about smoking---the you're a serial killer type looks.

I've had a few occasions were people wanted to say something but stopped themselves because they didn't smell smoke after seeing the vapor.

Bloomington and Peoria are even worse so I it's hard to say about Chicago.