Category Archives: Outdoors
Absolutely the Best Segway Tours in Chicago
Did you know?? You can cover about 7-8 MILES of the city, sightseeing in about 2 hours?
Riding the Segway feels like nothing you’ve ever experienced because there’s never been anything like it. Step on and your instinct will be to steady yourself, as you would on anything with two wheels.
Almost immediately you’ll realize that the Segway is balancing for you, almost like it has become an extension of you. Just lean forward a little and you’ll see that the Segway isn’t moving you on its own; it’s moving in response to you and what you tell it to do. It all feels natural and really cool.
The Segway uses LeanSteer™ Technology to move you from Point A to B. Gently move the LeanSteer frame and handlebar left or right in the direction you want to travel and feel the machine respond almost instantly.
The Segway balances by using five micro-machined angular rate sensors and two accelerometers that sense the changing terrain and your body position at 100 times per second.
The owners of the company have over 50 years of combined experience in the hospitality industry, having owned and operated some of the most successful, recognized and reputable restaurants and companies in the Chicagoland area. When starting Absolutely Chicago Segway Tours it was clear that they wanted to create that same memorable service, and to leave visitors with a wonderful impression of Chicago.
Whether you have lived here all of your life – or just moved here – riding and touring a Segway in Chicago, you learn SO MUCH! The Segway itself is only one part of the total touring experience. “We believe that your tour guide will have the biggest impact on your experience. At the risk of bragging, we have the best guides in the business, bar none. That’s because we only hire the best. They have undergone extensive Segway certification training. They have to be professional, courteous, and articulate. So whether the group is comprised of teens, grandmas, or corporate execs, our guides can connect with everyone.” says owner Timmie McGuire Cortina.
They offer several different tours and those can change with the season, and the weather. We recently took the 8 mile / 2 hour Museum Campus tour. Before you can go on a tour, you have to watch a short safety film, then there is a short “class” learning session. But it’s real easy.
With Summer reaching the half way point, get your butt out there and check it out! It’s a fantastic fun time!!
Absolutely Chicago Segways is located right near Millenium Park at 337 E. Randolph.
If you drive downtown and tour with them, you can park with them for $10 for the day.
Call 312-552-5100 to make your reservations
Tell them Best Gay Chicago.com sent you!
HELP WANTED – By the way, they are looking for Spanish Speaking/Bi-lingual guides. What a job?! Get outside and enjoy the summer weather, while touring the city and sharing your love of Chicago, with others! Send a resume to Absolutely Chicago Segways !
Center on Halsted ROOFTOP Alfresco Dining Returns July 13
Intimate dining experience on the Richard M. Daley Rooftop at Center on Halsted!
Led by celebrity chef Dan Smith of The Hearty Boys, sixteen burgeoning chefs enrolled in the Center’s Silver Fork Culinary Arts Program will present two weeks of fantastic four-course al fresco dining. Each week will focus on a different regional cuisine and feature dishes from guest celebrity chefs.
The Silver Fork Program at Center on Halsted is a twelve-week vocational training program for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and allied young adults and adults (ages 18+), especially those who are unemployed or underemployed. The Dining on the Rooftop series is an opportunity for Silver Fork participants to showcase their new knowledge about fine cuisine and front-of-house dinner service. Potential employers will be in attendance at the dinners to discuss employment opportunities with the new graduates. Wednesday, July 13 and Thursday, July 14; 6PM Italy Under the Stars In our first week of the Dining on the Rooftop series, our young chefs will explore the savory and bold flavors developed over the centuries in the rolling hills of Italy. Expect refreshing appetizers, hearty pasta dishes, and tasty sweets from the birthplace of the Renaissance. Wine lovers should consider bringing a Chianti or a Cabernet Sauvignon to compliment tomato sauces. Beer lovers will prefer an American blonde ale or light lager for the evening. Wednesday, July 20 and Thursday, July 21; 6PM Une Nuit a Paris In the second week of our series, our chefs will make Julie and Julia blush as they master the art of French cooking. Traditional and modern techniques will be employed to achieve the refined flavors of several regions of France. Guests should consider bringinga Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to balance the French flavors, or sneak across the French border by pairing with a tasty Belgian beer. Tickets are $25, and reservations can be made online at
During each session, 16 participants receive hands-on training in the culinary arts and job readiness training. Graduates of the program leave with BASSET (Beverage and Alcohol Sellers Servers Education and Training) Certification and State of Illinois/City of Chicago Food Safety and Sanitation (FSS) certification, along with the knowledge and skills to be successful placed in the hospitality and restaurant industry. COH also provides case management services to participants to link them to needed resources, and support them through the training, job search, and employment process.
The Schedule:
Centeronhalsted.org. The rooftop will be open for seating at 6pm, and dinner will begin promptly at 6:30pm. “Dining on the Rooftop” is BYOB, and drinks will be chilled and filled throughout the night. Artisanal iced teas and water will also be served. Please be sure to note all food allergies and dietary restrictions on the online registration form to ensure a positive dining experience. Vegetarian dishes will be available.
Big Gay Brunch Club Chicago at T’s June 12 Andersonville
The Big Gay Brunch Club
(BGBC) takes over T’s
in Andersonville this
Sunday June 12th, 11am-1pm.
followed by
Andersonville Midsommarfest!
5025 N. Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60640
Phone: 773-784-6000
$25 Includes bottomless Mimosas,
Bloody Mary’s, Coffee, Tea and Soda.
And one menu item from the list below
Mac & Cheese, Cobb Salad, Fish n Chips or Veggie Burger
RSVP on FACEBOOK
Next month – Sunday July 17th @ El Mariachi tequila bar & grill….3906 N. Broadway!
Best Bike Tours in Chicago! Bobbys Bike Hike
Since the advent of the bicycle in the 1860s, Chicago has been distinguished as one of the premier cycling locations in the United States, with such public cycling destinations as Grant Park, Burnham Park and the Chicago Park District’s Lakefront Trail.
Chicago has been named a cycling capital of the United States by several magazines. The City of Chicago has achieved this goal by investing in bicycling infrastructure and promoting education, awareness and advocacy.
Bicycles arrived in Chicago in the 1860s. By 1900, there were 54 bicycle clubs with more than 10,000 members, and it has been growing every year.
Mayor Richard J. Daley, was a huge supporter of bicycling. When he was inaugurated, the city had a limited number of bike paths. By the 1970s, Daley’s administration had built a large network of lakefront bike paths, bicycle lanes on the road, a 34-mile (55 km) bicycle route and rush-hour bicycle lanes on Clark Street and Dearborn Street.
Chicago currently has more than 110 miles of on-street bike lanes, more than 30 miles of marked shared lanes, many miles of off-street paths (including the 18.5-mile Lakefront Trail), more than 12,000 bike racks, and sheltered, high-capacity, bike parking areas at many CTA rail stations. Daley has said, “My goal is to make the City of Chicago the most bicycle-friendly city in the U.S.”
Since the summer of 2002,
Bobby’s Bike Hike has offered a unique perspective on the sights and attractions of Chicago, incorporating quality information, group interaction, and most of all, fun.
“We provide you a cool, cruiser style bicycle and riders of all ages and fitness levels will find our relaxed-pace tours enjoyable. Bobby’s hand-selected guides make brief stops at Chicago’s most popular sights, providing light-hearted commentary that will keep you entertained and “in the know.”
Whether you live here – or are visiting, Bobbys tours offer something for everyone.
Lakefront Neighborhood tours –
Rated the best Chicago sightseeing tour of 2010 by Tripadvisor, Most organized bike ride of Chicago by the Chicago Reader, and Best Chicago Tour by Citysearch! This tour is what made Bobby famous, taking you off the tourist beat and onto the quiet neighborhood streets, city parks, and packed beaches of the North Side of Chicago, giving you a glimpse as to how Chicagoans enjoy their beautiful city. Highlights include the Gold Coast Mansions, Oprah’s House, the Playboy Mansion, Lincoln Park Zoo, Old Town Historic District, North Avenue Beach, and the Lakefront.
City Lights at Night – Bike through Chicago’s most attractive hotspots at night! Like a party on wheels, we’ll cruise through downtown to see brand new Millennium Park, Museum Campus, and Buckingham Fountain, with its world-renowned light show. You’ll see our favorite jaw-dropping vantage points of the scintillating skyline.
And NEW THIS YEAR – the Bikes, Bites Brew tour – Working up an appetite won’t be a problem on this tour! We’ll be sampling from each of Chicago’s four favorite food groups — pizza, hot dogs, cupcakes and beer. You’ll learn the history behind the foods and also get a taste for some of Chicago’s most popular neighborhoods as we cruise through Wrigleyville, Gold Coast, Old Town, Lakeview and Lincoln Park.
Bobby’s Bike Hike continues to set the standard in sightseeing bicycle tours of Chicago.
So come join in the fun – Bobby’s will be the highlight of your day!
Bobbys Bike Hike (312) 915-0995
Best Underwear and Swimsuits for Men in Chicago is at EGOIST
The beaches in Chicago officially open this weekend…but I am not sure if the weather is going to cooperate! This is Chicago, after all. Regardless, beach season is upon us and do you have a fabulous new swimsuit to wear to Hollywood beach??
EGOIST Underwear has ALL OF MY FAVORITE brands of underwear and now has lots of hot new styles of swimsuits in stock!
Egoist Underwear offers you the finest, coolest premium male underwear from all over the world. MANY BRANDS you will find NOWHERE else! And it’s more than underwear. Cool tanks and t’s plus an amazing collection of swimsuits making it THE BEST of GAY CHICAGO!
“We think that underwear says a lot about the owner’s personality. That is why on our shelves you will find a great selection of one tone classic underwear as well as a large range of colorful, sexy prints with edgy graphics and eye-catching styles. Egoist Underwear gives you the opportunity to touch and see the products yourself instead of having to choose from a picture only. After all, this is your package we are talking about!
Egoist Underwear offers a wide selection of men’s underwear (bikini, brief, pouch, boxer brief, long boxer brief, g-string, jock strap, thong and mesh), men’s enhancing underwear, men’s swimwear (board shorts, boy shorts, square cuts, bikinis, euro cut trunks and Brazilian cut trunks) as well as short and long sleeve t-shirts, v-necks, tank tops, shorts, designer sleepwear and accessories. We specialize in brands that cannot be found at department stores and shopping malls. At our boutique, you will find eco-friendly products, like underwear by Obviously, and exclusive brands that you will not find anywhere else in Chicago, like Cocksox and 2eros (Australia), Skmpeez (Canada), Gigo (Colombia) or XTG (Spain). “
Personally, I have never been a fan of the knee length board shorts! I wanna see what he’s got, OK? And at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week this year they actually discussed fashion trends in mens swimsuits for this year. I know what you’re thinking: there are no fashion trends in men’s swimsuits. But this year, there is ONE; Men will show more leg this year.
Aside from a strong showing of retro-looking swim trunks, board shorts are rising to volleyball short length (according to that old adage about hemlines and the economy, this should herald a recovery from The Great Recession).
The fashion-forward customer will quickly embrace the thigh-grazing looks as soon as they hit store shelves this month. Already slimmer silhouettes are quietly replacing the baggier below-the-knee styles in retail…well, on-the-trend retail.
Also look for: Americana plaids; solids with color blocking; neon hues; glossy finishes and vintage prints.
SYLVESTER, the owner of EGOIST says, “we’ve been selling lots of square cuts and trunks and right now selection of those is the biggest in my store. Hot this season are the Brazilian style trunks with no pouch – Skmpeez offers them too. Plaid is big, as usual. As far as brands go, Skmpeez and Pistol Pete rule!”
When it comes to gay men’s underwear and swimwear – there are only two requirements–they have to look great and they have to make you look great. Today’s fashion undergarments come in more styles, colors and patterns than you can possibly imagine, and that’s exactly what you need to show off your stuff. There’s a lot of competition on the gay scene, and you can’t afford to let your goods fade into the background.
Egoist Underwear is located at 3706 N Halsted St, Chicago IL 60613.
You can also shop and buy online.
From Australia to Chicago! Only at Egoist.
Male premium underwear & swimwear in Chicago. Andrew Christian, Timoteo, Cocksox, Pistol Pete, 2(x)ist, XTG, N2N, Gigo, Mundo Unico, 2eros, Joe Snyder, Obviously, Baskit, Ajaxx63, LASC and Good Devil. Sizes XS to 3XL.
BestGayChicago.com
Big Gay Brunch Club Chicago Takes Over Dana Hotel Rooftop May 15th
takes over the Dana Hotel Rooftop
this weekend!
Sunday May 15th 12pm-2pm.
This could be their BIGGEST BRUNCH to date! Over the last 2 years, Troy Karnoff has grown BGBC into quite a monthly event! The club was even profiled in PASSPORT Magazine this month!
Troy and a small group of friends were looking to get together over brunch at somewhere new and different. So this monthly roving brunch club was launched, and this weekend, over 120 people have RSVPd! – You don’t have to RSVP – just show up at noon. The cost is $30 – cash – but it helps if you RSVP for head counts, obviously. But I know there are still one or two of you out there, who refuse to join Facebook!
Vertigo Sky Lounge at the Dana Hotel & Spa.
2 W. ERIE STREET
Come see some spectacular views of the city at one of the most elite spot downtown. The usual $30 inclusive price tag covering the tax, gratuity and of course, unlimited mimosas and bloody mary’s.
“We will be served sliced riped market fruits, cinnamon rolls, croissants, pancakes with hot maple syrup, freshly prepared scrambled eggs, nueske’s smoked apple bacon, crispy potatoes and country breakfast sausage. Come check out the view and network with some new friends for the May BGBC!”
Rooftop lounge is perched above the 26 floors of the ultra chic Dana Hotel & Spa… fire pits, champagne, food, and fun people! With an unbeatable view of Chicago’s skyline. Rest amongst the highest of Chicago’s skyscrapers while relaxing with the rest of Chicago’s most fabulous!
Big Gay Brunch Club
BestGayChicago.com
Cocktail Bar Chicago Celebrates 15 years! And Patio Opening
The temps are on the rise and
patios across the city are opening!
There is nothing like sitting outside dining
and sipping cocktails in Chicago summer!
Cocktail introduced us to The Gardens at the end of last season, and even though we could dine in all winter, it is with great anticipation they bring back their beautiful outdoor space, in just a couple weeks!
The gardens are lined with lush green box hedges, furnished by Chicago’s own Orange Skin you will find our Jasper Morrison Furniture as comfortable as Air! Plenty of golden shaded seating under the posh cover of our distinctive Veuve Clicquot umbrellas.
Join your host geNo & the Cocktail Family as they celebrate 15 years!
The Return of the gardens! Outside Dinning.
DJ’s Freddie Bain, Uncle Milty, Sadie Woods, Psycho Bitch & Carla Starla
Plus Sexy Go Go Boys Dancing up a Storm.
Cocktail Bar and the gardens Cocktail on Facebook
bestgaychicago.com
Ellen DeGeneres to do The Ride for AIDS Chicago
Someone on
Facebook revived BETTY WHITE’S CAREER
for Gods sake! This is the power of the people in the 21st century!
Local entrepreneurs and fundraisers Jason Mora and Michael Ross Steffen are once again doing the Chicago Ride For AIDS this year. And this year, they are asking out and proud lesbian ELLEN DEGENERES to join their team!
Through a Facebook campaign, you can join in the fun! ELLEN RIDE FOR AIDS .
Come on ELLEN! Come to Chicago and Ride with us!
Best Gay Chicago.com
Ride for AIDS Chicago Kickoff Event January 30
Co-chairs Angie Frank,
Matt Daniel, Rick Heintz,
and Shaine Wynsma
cordially invite you to the
Ride for AIDS Chicago
Kickoff Event.
Sunday, January 30
2 p.m. – 6 p.m. T’s Bar and Restaurant 5025 N. Clark St.
To date: 17 Teams Have Registered, there are8 Community Partners
133 Registered Riders and Crew Members and $15,636 Raised to Fight HIV/AIDS!
$50 Early Biker Registration ends January 31! ($85 after)
Register now online !
For more information, contact Richard at TPAN, (773) 989-9400 ext. 230
Best Gay Chicago.com
Sweet Miss Givings Mobil Food Trucks
TO MY WAISTLINE!
Sweet Miss Giving’s bakery has entered into the food truck race. Unlike other bakery food trucks that only sell cupcakes, Sweet Miss Giving’s offers breakfast options such as scones and muffins and sweet treats including brownies, cookies…and of course cupcakes!.
The oversized white van will stand out on Chicago’s city streets and bring a smile because of its original artwork by some of Chicago House’s youngest clients. “We’re so excited about today’s food truck launch and extending the Sweet Miss Giving’s brand beyond catering and our stand at the French Market,” says Rev. Stan Sloan founder of Sweet Miss Giving’s and chief executive officer for Chicago House.
Bakery lovers can follow Sweet Miss Giving’s on Twitter at @SMGFoodTruck to find the latest truck whereabouts or give a location suggestion. The truck travels around Chicago from 7:15 a.m.- 9:45 a.m. for the breakfast shift and restocks for the afternoon sugar rush between 10:45 a.m. – 3 p.m. – or whenever they sell out!
Call 312-575-0212 to place your order or visit Sweet Miss Givings to purchase online.
Absolutely The Best Segway Tours in Chicago!
This past weekend I had the pleasure of going on my first Segway Tour. Absolutely Chicago Segway Tours had been highly recommended to me, so that is who we chose. And it was a great tour and experience!
The owners of the company have over 50 years of combined experience in the hospitality industry, having owned and operated some of the most successful, recognized and reputable restaurants and companies in the Chicagoland area. When starting Absolutely Chicago Segway Tours it was clear that they wanted to create that same memorable service, and to leave visitors with a wonderful impression of Chicago.
The Segway itself is only one part of the total touring experience. “We believe that your tour guide will have the biggest impact on your experience. At the risk of bragging, we have the best guides in the business, bar none. That’s because we only hire the best. They have undergone extensive Segway certification training. They have to be professional, courteous, and articulate. So whether the group is comprised of teens, grandmas, or corporate execs, our guides can connect with everyone.” says owner Timmie McGuire Cortina.
They offer several different tours and those can change with the season, and the weather. We took the 8 mile / 2 hour Museum Campus tour. Before you can go on a tour, you have to watch a short safety film, then there is a short “class” learning session. Many people think you jump and go, and control your speed and braking with your hands and handlebar. This is not true.
Riding the Segway feels like nothing you’ve ever experienced because there’s never been anything like it. Step on and your instinct will be to steady yourself, as you would on anything with two wheels. But almost immediately you’ll realize that the Segway is balancing for you, almost like it has become an extension of you. Just lean forward a little and you’ll see that the Segway isn’t moving you on its own; it’s moving in response to you and what you tell it to do. It all feels natural and really cool.
The Segway uses LeanSteer™ Technology to move you from Point A to B. Gently move the LeanSteer frame and handlebar left or right in the direction you want to travel and feel the machine respond almost instantly.
The Segway balances by using five micro-machined angular rate sensors and two accelerometers that sense the changing terrain and your body position at 100 times per second.
For HALLOWEEN SEASON: There is the Chicago Haunted Tour! The first of its kind in Chicago. “Our Guides will be your ghost hunters on this guided segway tour. They will escort you to the most mysteriously haunted locations in Downtown Chicago while relating the stories of Chicago’s Haunted Hotels, houses, ghosts, murders, and gruesome disasters. Eerily we will creep through the shadows and darkness of the park to the sites that have claimed the lives of many tortured souls, places where paranormal experiences have been shared, where lingering spirits have appeared in the air.
This extraordinary Chicago Ghost Tour will visit the sites of Haunted Fort Dearborn, the Iroquois Theatre disaster, the Morgue on State, the Dead Alley, and the past home of Al Capone’s haunted yacht. Some say that the sounds of screaming can still be heard. We have more haunted places and stories to share, so come along and glide with us … if you dare!”
HAUNTED DISCOUNT! Get a group together of 4 or more for the 9:15 Wednesdays or Thursdays Haunted Tours and each person gets a $10 discount! or Get a $5 discount on Friday or Saturday tours IF YOU MENTION THIS ARTICLE !
Most tours are about $60-$65 – and well worth it! Explore Chicago by day or night on this picturesque Lakefront tour of Chi-Town. We travel along fragrant garden paths while viewing the famous Chicago attractions of Grant and Millennium Parks, Soldier Field, Buckingham Fountain, and the Museum Campus. Our evening tours provide views of Chicago’s fabulous skyline at dusk.
Absolutely Chicago Segways is located right near Millenium Park at 337 E. Randolph.
If you drive downtown and tour with them, you can park with them for $10 for the day.
Call 312-552-5100 to make your reservations
Tell them Best Gay Chicago.com sent you!
Gay Rugby with Chicago Dragons Saturday Afternoon August 14th
The sport all the gay men
are taling about!
R U G B Y !
Did you know?
The Chicago Dragons Rugby Football Club is the first rugby club in the Midwest established to invite members from traditionally under-represented groups, particularly gay men, to engage in the world’s third most popular team sport.
Do you like lockerrooms and sweaty jocks? Learn how to chase men around (on a field) this Saturday afternoon with the Chicago Dragons, as they host Rugby 101.
They’ll be meeting at Lerner Park (Pratt and Sacremento ) this Saturday , noon till 3pm, to give you a chance to learn the ins-and-outs of rugby. Even if you’ve never played before – you’ll get a chance to learn about Rugby, the ins and outs of the games and get a chance to meet some really nice guys. Afterwards the guys will be heading to The Northend for some brewski’s and martini’s.
Please dress in gym clothes with sneakers (cleats if you have them!).
Also, please bring a mouth guard if you have one – they can usually be purchased at a sporting goods store for about $3.
Please make sure to bring proof of age (Driver’s License, ID, Passport,etc). While we are “All Ages.”, you must be AT LEAST 18 years old.
If you know NOTHING about the game, check out their Rugby primer .
Chicago Full Moon Fire Jam Monday June 28th
The Full Moon Fire Jam
is a FREE event that happens every Full Moon during the summer months in Chicago. Started in 2004 by a group of friends celebrating a birthday, the jams have grown in size to accommodate the increasing amount of drummers, fire spinners and families that come to enjoy.
(photo left –William Ching Photography)
It takes place on the lawns About 1/2 Mile SOUTH of Foster Ave Beach on the Lake Front. – Plenty of free parking.
Time is 8:00 this Monday, June 28th. If you want good parking and a good seat, I would advise getting there about 30 minutes early.
You will get see lots of Fire & Ultraviolet (UV) Performances – These artists continue to evolve their craft with an ever-increasing repertoire of fire and ultraviolet-based tools, weapons, and performance pieces, including, but not limited to:
* Poi, Staff & Double Staff
* Meteor
* Rope Dart, Fire Juggling
* Fire Hoop, Fire Fans
* Fire Eating and Bodywork
* Scimtars / Swords / Knives
* Snakes / Bones
* UV Flags
* Special effects like immersive fire ropes, torches, and lanterns
C’mon down to the Chicago Lakefront for this Full Moon Fire Jam performance!
Chicago Gay Kiss In Millenium Park Saturday May 15
SIX major cities in the U.S.
are participating in the “Great Global Kiss-in” to mark this year’s International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO), which is officially Monday, May 17.
San Francisco — Monday, May 17, Kiss-in & Solidarity Speak Out, Harvey Milk Plaza
St. Louis — Sunday, May 16, Great Global Kiss-in, Citygarden, Corner of 8th and Market
Portland, Oregon — Monday, May 17, Great Global Kiss-in, Pioneer Square, 701 southwest 6th Ave, 2-3 pm.
Chicago — Saturday, May 15, Great Global Kiss-in, The Bean, Millenium Park, 3pm
Austin, Texas — Sunday, May 16, City Hall Plaza
New York City — Monday, May 17, Times Square, at the base of the red TKTS staircase
Birmingham, Alabama : contact arwen.storey@gmail.com.
International cities include London, Paris and Madrid and more !
“We are asking people to submit videos to www.youtube.com/group/greatglobalkissin and to tag their pictures on flickr with ‘GreatGlobalKissIn’. Alternatively they can submit them via gays.com/idaho.”
Gay Road Trip! Starved Rock State Park
Want to do something different and see one of the most spectacular sites in all of Illinois?
Get away for a day and take a road trip to Starved Rock State Park . It’s about a 2 hour drive from Chicago and can be a fun day trip or overnight camping trip.
Starved Rock State Park is a world apart from anything else in Illinois! You will know it the minute you enter the park, as you wind your car through the towering trees.
Amazing waterfalls are active in the spring and after heavy rains. 13 miles of trails to explore, plus, the Illinois River offers fishing, boating, extraordinary views and great places to relax. Take a picnic lunch. Some wine and cheese and enjoy the beauty!
Don’t worry if you can’t fit it all in, historic Starved Rock Lodge is just up the hill and is the only lodging located in the State Park. The Lodge is located on a bluff overlooking the Visitor Center and the Illinois River. Comfortable lodge rooms and cabins in the woods make for a great night’s stay when you visit the park.
If you want to camp, make a reservation. Camping is limited .
Get out of town for the day and check out this beautiful park!
5th annual Chi-Town Softball Classic returns
The 5th annual Chi-Town Softball Classic returns to the Windy City over July 4th weekend, and, for the first time, will add a women’s division.
The tournament, which fielded 30 teams last year, will play host to 10 teams in each of four divisions: C-Competitive, C-Recreational, D and Women’s. Last year’s tournament drew teams from Boston, Las Vegas, Madison, Memphis, Minneapolis, New York and Philadelphia. Play occurs on Saturday & Sunday, July 3-4, at two separate complexes: North Avenue and Waveland.
“There’s nothing quite like summer softball in Chicago,” said Gary Taylor, tournament director. “We’re excited to welcome 40 teams from across the country.”
“We’re thrilled to offer a women’s division for this year’s Classic,” said Marcela Haber-Bishop, women’s tournament director. “We have a strong Chicago women’s softball league and have received an incredible amount of interest from other cities.”
The tournament opening and registration party will be presented by Mister Meet Mister.com
on Friday, July 2 at Halsted’s and Hydrate, with the closing party and awards ceremony hosted on Sunday July 4 at SPIN. Roscoe’s will serve as the official tournament host bar on Saturday, July 3.
The team entry fee for the Classic is $400 before May 31, 2010.
Registration is now open at the Chi Town Softball tournament website .
Chicago will also play host to the 2011 Gay Softball World Series on August 28-September 3, 2011.
Hollywood Gay Beach Chicago Gets Long Overdue Makeover – New Toilets, Showers and Concession
It’s been talked about for over 2 years now – now it’s a reality for 2010!
Hollywood / Osterman (gay) Beach in Chicago gets a long overdue makeover.
Late last summer, the Chicago Planning Commission approved plans for a new beach house and landscaping at Osterman Beach. The new facility will open by Memorial Day, and will include showers and changing areas for lifeguards.(?)
What does this mean? Who knows. Ground has been broken and we have placed a call to the Planning Commission and have not got an answer back yet.
We were told last year, the new building would include new toilets. A concession stand. And a lockerroom and showere area for the lifeguards.
Foster Beach and Montrose Beach got nice makeovers over the last couple years. It is unclear yet, how the Osterman project will compare. This image was online at PBC Chicago. They are calling it a comfort station. You will notice, there are no gays in the rendering!
In 2009, we saw A LOT more straight people and families coming to the “gay beach”. What else is new? The straights always come to where the gay are.
We also saw an increase of police activity last year. The Hollywood / Osterman beach sometimes enforces rules – and sometimes does not. It is unclear what the rules are exactly.
We have looked high and low, from Bryn Mawr to Hollywood, and we have seen no rules or restriction signs, of any kind. We had heard, there was NO SMOKING, NO PETS, and NO BOTTLES/GLASS/ALCOHOL, and that MOST TOYS are NOT ALLOWED on the beach itself. However, when I called the Alderman Mary Ann Smith’s office, even they were not totally sure about pets. Only no smoking and no glass bottles / alcohol. And the lifeguards will clearly tell you NO BALLS IN THE WATER!! They directed my questions to the Chicago Park Districts, and as of this publishing, no one has returned my calls yet.
So we will see what 2010 brings. I think with this new building, will come with new rules and regulations and/or more enforcement. In the past, lifeguards (and Police) would usually turn their head to smokers and drinkers. However in 2009, there were an increase in the number of tickets at the beach. – It will be nice to have new, clean toilets and a concession area!
Best of Gay Chicago
Hollywood Gay Beach Chicago Gets Long Overdue Makeover – New Toilets, Showers and Concession
It’s been talked about for over 2 years now – now it’s a reality for 2010!
Hollywood / Osterman (gay) Beach in Chicago gets a long overdue makeover.
Late last summer, the Chicago Planning Commission approved plans for a new beach house and landscaping at Osterman Beach. The new facility will open by Memorial Day, and will include showers and changing areas for lifeguards.(?)
What does this mean? Who knows. Ground has been broken and we have placed a call to the Planning Commission and have not got an answer back yet.
We were told last year, the new building would include new toilets. A concession stand. And a lockerroom and showere area for the lifeguards.
Foster Beach and Montrose Beach got nice makeovers over the last couple years. It is unclear yet, how the Osterman project will compare. This image was online at PBC Chicago. They are calling it a comfort station. You will notice, there are no gays in the rendering!
In 2009, we saw A LOT more straight people and families coming to the “gay beach”. What else is new? The straights always come to where the gay are.
We also saw an increase of police activity last year. The Hollywood / Osterman beach sometimes enforces rules – and sometimes does not. It is unclear what the rules are exactly.
We have looked high and low, from Bryn Mawr to Hollywood, and we have seen no rules or restriction signs, of any kind. We had heard, there was NO SMOKING, NO PETS, and NO BOTTLES/GLASS/ALCOHOL, and that MOST TOYS are NOT ALLOWED on the beach itself. However, when I called the Alderman Mary Ann Smith’s office, even they were not totally sure about pets. Only no smoking and no glass bottles / alcohol. And the lifeguards will clearly tell you NO BALLS IN THE WATER!! They directed my questions to the Chicago Park Districts, and as of this publishing, no one has returned my calls yet.
So we will see what 2010 brings. I think with this new building, will come with new rules and regulations and/or more enforcement. In the past, lifeguards (and Police) would usually turn their head to smokers and drinkers. However in 2009, there were an increase in the number of tickets at the beach. – It will be nice to have new, clean toilets and a concession area!
Best of Gay Chicago
No Pants Day Comes To Chicago
The event started officially 8 years ago in New York City where participants with bare legs were required to mingle with other– equally half-naked– travelers. But It is said that earlier versions of No Pants date back to the 1990’s.
Improv Everywhere causes scenes of chaos and joy in public places. Created in August of 2001 by Charlie Todd, Improv Everywhere has executed over 85 missions involving thousands of undercover agents. The group is based in New York.
The annual event encourages riders to strip down to their underwear on the Subway as they go about their normal routine.
The event’s organizers, Improv Everywhere, said that as many as 2,000 people participated in the “No Pants Day” event in New York alone, with more participating in other cities including Chicago and Washington DC. It is estimated as many as 44 similar events took place in transit systems in 16 countries!
It is estimated about 120 people gathered in Edgewater. Got onto a train at the Granville station. From there, groups of people would get off at each stop and then get on the following train – that way they could surprise the people on different platforms as well as overwhelm the people already on the train.
According to its official website, Improv Everywhere is a long form improvisation troupe that executes pre-planned “missions” or performances that usually involve socially awkward or unusual situations.
Some commuters who participated in “No Pants Day” said they got phone calls from friends or invitations to join the event on Facebook.
The first Friday in May is another “No Pants Day”.
But no pants in the Winter is a little funnier and crazier!
The Gay Beach in Chicago is Hollywood / Osterman Beach
You’ll almost mistake Lake Michigan for an ocean with its vast expanse and seemingly endless shore. With beautiful blue water as far as the eye can see, you may think you’ve gone from Chicago to southern California. Chicago beaches are free to the general public, and officially open for swimming from the Friday before Memorial Day to Labor Day, 9am – 9:30pm.
However, if weather permits, the beaches in Chicago can have sun bathers in early May and as late as October – but there are no lifegaurds on duty.
What to Know About Chicago Beach Pollution
Occasionally, the water along Chicago beaches can reach a bateria level that may be unsafe for swimming. The park district has instituted a flag system to advise swimmers as to water conditions — here’s a quick guide to help you stay safe. Normally the water is very clean and very safe.
Dogs are allowed at the beach’s at Belmont Harbor and also Montrose Beach.
Lots of hotties and people watching and Vollyball activity at North Avenue Beach.
The gay beach is Hollywood Beach. (AKA Kathy Osterman Beach) The gays and gay friendly people hang out at the southern end of the beach. Weather permitting, the gay boys will be out sunnning themselves late April thru October! But any given Sunday in the summer there are about 200-300 people out here.
(Photo by Michael Snell – BLUE PHOTOGRAPHY)
The beaches in Chicago are an extensive network of waterfront recreational areas in the Chicago Park District. Today, the entire 28 miles (45 km) Chicago lakefront shoreline is man-made. There are twenty nine lakefront beaches in Chicago along the shore of Lake Michigan. Two more are located within city parks. Currents and wave action in Lake Michigan tend to move sand from north to south, where it eventually ends up in the Indiana Dunes. Winter storms erode some of Chicago’s beaches, and deposit the sand on others, requiring the Park District to supplement tons of sand yearly. The Chicago Lifeguard Service force is the largest of its kind in the nation, employing over a thousand guards in the summer (between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend).
Chicago also has the most swimable and most guarded waterfront of any single municipality in the world. While many patrons complain about the cleanliness of the water, Chicago boasts the cleanest urban waterfront in the United States, and second in the world only to Stockholm; water is tested daily by the Chicago Park District for E. coli and other dangers.
The Best of Gay Chicago!
