Category Archives: Travel

Winter is Coming – Think Palm Springs!

WHERE WOULD YOU  RATHER  BE???

Book  your  winter getaway now  at  INNdulge!

RELAX IN AN OASIS IN THE DESERT.

LUXURY ROOMS. FREE WIFI. AIR CONDITIONING.

Wednesday night FREE  with a  7 night stay!

 

 

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Boystown Rainbows get Landmark Status

CBS2 Chicago – “The Chicago City Council on Wednesday officially designated the rainbow pylons and Legacy Walk on the Boystown strip of North Halsted Street as a landmark.

The designation was part of a package of legislation that had been advanced by the Zoning and Landmarks Committee, chaired by Ald. Tom Tunney (44th).

Tunney was joined by LGBTQ activists Victor Salvo, Lori Cannon and Rick Garcia for the designation.

“I wanted to say the designation will make the Legacy Walk and the rainbow pylon streetscape the only multi-acre site in the world to be declared a landmark because of its importance to the LGBT people,” Tunney said at the City Council meeting Wednesday.

Ten pairs of 25-foot pylons featuring the rainbow Pride flag colors stand along Halsted Street between Belmont Avenue and Grace Street. Each pylon has a bronze memorial plaque that commemorates the legacy of notable LGBT individuals and groups.”

DID YOU KNOW??? 

those 20-foot bronze sculptures, and their rainbow rings, lining North Halsted Street were erected (!) by then Mayor Daley.  In 1998 they officially designated the area a gay ’hood as part of his Neighborhoods Alive program. Sure, these faux-futuristic structures are both noticeably phallic (what were they thinking?) and almost superfluous in today’s increasingly gay-friendly world. But back in the late ’90s, this was a big deal.

“When Chicago designated Halsted Street as a gay neighborhood and put up the pylons, that was the first time a U.S. city had officially designated a neighborhood as being ‘gay,’ ” says William Greaves, director for the city’s advisory council on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues. “It was groundbreaking.”

To ensure Chicago’s claim in queer history, Daley withstood outcries from straight residents, who argued a gay ghetto would lower their property values (uh, more like raise them!), and even from gay folks, who feared outing the ’hood could cause a spike in gay bashing.  But everything worked out just fine!

 

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Fogo de Chao brings VIK from Chile

There is nothing better than a fantastic glass of wine  with dinner!

We recently visited  the Fogo de Chao (pronounced fogo-dee-shown) in River North for their announcement of a new partnership with award-winning Chilean VIK Winery. These VIK   wines are only available at  Fogo!

The VIK vineyard is affectionately called the “Place of Gold”, offering a variety of unequaled terroir, small microclimates, coastal breezes; giving their wines the complexity sought after to create the best wine in South America.

If you get  to Chile,  they have an unbelievable hotel and grounds! You can visit the vineyards, the wine spa, hotel and spectacular grounds. (photo to left).

Fogo has partnered with VIK, which is a  holistic Chilean vineyard creating world class wines, to offer its award-winning and best in category wines at Fogo de Chão locations nationwide.

 

These 3 wines join the Wine List:

La Piu Belle, Red Blend, Cachapoal, Chile, 2011
Intense and well-balanced with notes of berries, wildflowers, spices and a touch of oak. Flavor of cranberries, the palate is incredibly fresh, silky smooth, with body and structure.

Milla Cala, Red Blend, Cachapoal, Chile, 2013
Incredibly vibrant red fruit aromas, elegant tannins and incredibly smooth mouth feel. Fresh spices, perfume and berry aromas accented with hints of toast and maple. In the mouth, black cherry and plum are underscored by a hint of black licorice.

VIK, Red Blend, Cachapoal, Chile, 2012
Elegant and balanced wine, dynamic with high precision of tannins and great structure that deliver an exquisite mouth feel. A mixture of aromas, including strawberry, raspberry and vanilla. Spicy and savory dark berry fruit on the tongue, tempered by an elegant structure.

 

The founders of Fogo de Chão grew up on a traditional Southern Brazilian farm in the Serra Gaucha. It is here that they learned to cook in the churrasco grilling tradition that would become the backbone of their story.

The founding brothers left the quaint, mountainous countryside of Rio Grande do Sul to Rio and São Paulo for formal churrasqueiro training, all while developing the Fogo concept. They had several resturants in brazil before coming to the US. premiere.

At the requests of loyal American guests, the Fogo concept was exported to the U.S. with a stateside debut in Dallas, Texas, in 1997. Between 1997 and 2013, this pioneering churrascaria continued its expansion in Brazil and the U.S. opening 29 new restaurants.

The culinary team has continued the tradition of developing new menu creations rooted in the Brazilian tradition that push forward the Brazilian churrasco experience. In 2013, new seafood dishes were introduced. Later that year, the Bar Fogo concept emerged within Fogo restaurants, introducing guests to new Brazilian-inspired small plates, award-winning wines and cocktails. The culinary team is always testing and tasting new items for possible inclusion.

 

With the holidays just around the corner, consider Fogo de Chao for a group dining experience!

An elegant Brazilian dining experience presented by their helpful and knowledgeable staff will make Fogo de Chão the perfect location for your group or private dining event. Holiday parties, Corporate events, Lunch and Learn,  any celebration!

 

661 N LaSalle Dr, Chicago, IL 60654. (312) 932-9330

(see the website for suburban locations)

About Fogo de Chão

Fogo de Chão is a leading Brazilian steakhouse, or churrascaria, which has specialized for more than 37 years in fire-roasting high-quality meats utilizing the centuries-old Southern Brazilian cooking technique of churrasco. Fogo offers guests a wide variety of simply seasoned meats that are carefully fire-roasted to expose their natural flavors. The company was founded in 1979 in Porto Alegre, Brazil, and expanded into the U.S. in 1997. There are currently 47 locations throughout Brazil, the United States, and Mexico, including locations in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Mexico City.

 

Additionally, Fogo offers a gourmet Market Table & Feijoada Bar, which includes seasonal salads, soup, fresh vegetables, feijoada (traditional black bean stew with rice, fresh orange and yuca flour), and much more. Southern Brazilian side dishes such as pão de queijo (warm cheese bread), crispy hot polenta, and caramelized bananas are served family-style. To further complement the dining experience, the restaurant offers an award-winning wine list, tempting dessert menu, and creative and classic cocktails. Guests can also choose between lighter seafood selections, or enjoy the gourmet Market Table only option. For more information, visit Fogo.comFacebookTwitter, and Instagram.

 

For a visual representation of the story of Fogo de Chão, watch “The Gaucho Way,” a documentary-style video shot through the eyes of real Fogo de Chão Brazilian gauchos and explores the restaurant’s deep cultural roots in Southern Brazil.

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Snow is Coming! Getaway to Palm Springs!

Why shovel snow when you can escape the winter chill to our hot tub & 87 degree salt water pool.
 
$99     WINTER SPECIAL
December 1, 2017– January 31, 2017
excluding holiday weekends

Superior rooms (non-pool view) start at $99 during the week (Sunday – Thursday) and weekends discounted

(Friday and Saturday).  All other room types discounted accordingly.

Palm Springs is welcoming visitors to its new dynamic downtown with  new fashionable restaurants, new chick shops and boutiques, new fun entertainment venues as well as welcoming public spaces for gathering, celebrating and relaxing. With  warm days and balmy nights, this complements the ambiance that is positively seductive. With 360 days of sun-kissed weather and drop-dead gorgeous scenery, it’s no wonder Palm Springs is like no place else and a comeback as Hollywood’s playground with a growing nightlife, burgeoning art scene and edgy vibe.

Palm Springs, California lies on the western edge of the Coachella Valley, within the Colorado Desert. Located approximately 110 miles southeast of Los Angeles and 140 miles northeast of San Diego, it’s an easy two hour drive. The permanent year-round population is about 45,000, and doubles during the winter season.

Palm Springs has more than 350 days of sunshine with less than 5 inches of rain. Winter temperatures average in the 70’s with nights in the mid-40’s. The dry desert heat of summer pushes daytime temperatures into the 100’s, which is enjoyed by sun seekers from around the globe.

Doesn’t this look better  than piles  of  snow…..

 
Luxury rooms
Our amenities include free wi-fi, daily continental breakfast, evening social hour, on-site fitness room, complimentary local gym access, air conditioning, on-site guest laundry, outdoor misters and assistance with restaurant and activity bookings

Pool and Jacuzzi

We offer a 12 man jacuzzi and heated/chilled saltwater pool, both open 24 hours a day.

Relax. Enjoy.

 

Social

Our morning breakfasts, evening social hours, Thursday pizza and weekend pool parties are the ideal way to meet new friends.  INNdulge in a vacation to be remembered, an opportunity to relax, meet new friends or catch up on some rest

INNdulge Palm Springs | (760)327-1408E-mail | Website
INNdulge Palm Springs, 601 S. Grenfall Road, Palm Springs, CA 92264
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Sarah and Rachel – Lesbian Vloggers

We recently discovered these lesbian vloggers, who have been creating YouTube  content for some time now! They recently relocated to Chicago. They create new  vlogs as frequently as possible,  plus unscripted comedy, challenges, travel and entrepreneurship videos, and LGBT advice content. Vegetarians and devoted moms to their kitten, Mumford.

 

Well it looks like you moved here from Iowa? How long have you been here in Chicago?

Yeah! We moved to the city in July and have loved every minute of it so far!

What brought you here?

Besides the appeal of a vibrant city with so much energy and activity, we were attracted to the opportunities to advance our career goals. There’s such a great LGBTQ+ community here that we love and we do a lot of traveling, so it’s a great centrally located hub with a big airport! There are, of course, it’s other perks: deep dish pizza, the amazing Chicago sports teams, and tons of vegan restaurants for us to try out!

How long have you been together?

We have been together for 5 and a half years! It’s been such a crazy ride, but we’ve loved exploring the world and starting a business together. It’s so special that we get to share our relationship online to help so many other people and document the things we do together.

How long have you been doing videos?

We started making videos in March of 2015. At that time we wanted to start a channel as a way to have a creative outlet and a place to practice our cinematography and editing skills, because of our interest in film. As we started to pick up a following, we realized that we really had an opportunity to share some of the difficult experiences we’ve been through with coming out, self acceptance, etc with our audience. We began to share our stories online and have since been able to help literally thousands of people who send us messages and use our channel as a resource for similar struggles. Our videos have led us across the world to countries in Europe and the Caribbean to create travels films, vlogs and attend conventions for YouTube creators. We would love to see one of these conventions come to Chicago someday!

Besides vlogging, do you both do other work in Chicago?

We both have small part time jobs within the city, but what we spend the most of our time doing and what we love the most is our work on YouTube and other social platforms. Being in Chicago has already afforded us some opportunities to attend events and get involved locally using our videos. We’re looking forward to continuing to grow that more and more!

Check them out here!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsXev_Ovyyi1oJMAQnze_xA     

Also check their podcast “Between The Sheets” that comes out every Wednesday on iTunes and soundcloud!

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Getaway to Palm Springs Oct 5-9

GETAWAY TO GAY PALM SPRINGS  NEXT  MONTH!

Our annual Canadian Thanksgiving celebration at INNdulge Palm Springs is coming soon.  Enjoy a bountiful dinner pool side during the US Columbus Day weekend. Sandy’s own mouthwatering, deep-fried turkeys are the highlight of our “Harvest Feast”.   Homemade side dishes, pies and live music make this a magical event.
Canadian Thanksgiving weekend – October 5 – 9, 2017

INNdulge Palm Springs is a legendary award-winning gay men’s resort located in the heart of Warm Sands, one of the most popular gay areas of Palm Springs. INNdulge is rated FIVE PALMS by Planet Out, the most trusted source in gay travel. Built in 1958, INNdulge is a Mid-Century jewel and is featured in the Historic Inns of Palm Springs guidebook. Twenty-four poolside rooms surround a 24-hour heated pool and 12-man Jacuzzi. CLOTHING IS FOREVER OPTIONAL! INNdulge has one of the largest pool courtyards in Palm Springs, with lush landscaping framing incredible views of the San Jacinto Mountains. Expanded continental breakfast, in-room safes, TV-DVD players with large DVD library, on-site gym, guest internet stations and property-wide wireless are all complimentary.

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Escape Winter for PALM SPRINGS

IT’S HERE….It has not been bad yet in Chicago, but you know the worst is coming!

Time is running out. GET AWAY TO PALM SPRINGS!

Book now and take advantage of the savings.

$99 WINTER SPECIAL
Through January 31, 2017 – excluding holiday weekends
Superior rooms (non pool view) start at $99 during the week (SundayThursday) and weekends discounted (Friday and Saturday).
OUR FAVORITE PLACE TO STAY! INNdulge.
A men-only, clothing optional, resort hotel in the
heart of the Warm Sands area. All rooms feature air conditioning, free wifi and comfortable double or king beds…12 man Jacuzzi and saltwater pool are open 24 hours a day!

INNdulge Palm Springs
For reservations: (760)327-1408
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Chicago to NYC in Pullman Palace Train Car

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Ever wonder what it was like to travel across the country in the comfort and luxury of an old Pullman Palace Car? Well, here’s your opportunity to experience cross-country rail travel in a mid-century Pullman car—the Pullman cars that made George Pullman immensely wealthy and helped create the country’s first factory town.

pullman-train-car-deco

Starting December 29, Pullman Rail Journeys will be leading a number of passengers to New York via Pullman cars to celebrate the new year in the Big Apple. Passengers will spend three nights at the art deco Roosevelt Hotel and then be treated with a dinner party atop of the Marriott Marquis in Times Square for New Year’s Eve. The journey and celebration won’t be cheap however.

The full five-night package for the rail trip and stay in New York starts at $5,770. However, for those interested in history, classic architecture, and rail travel, this could be the most perfect New Year’s celebration.

pullman-train-rides-chicago

Carefully brought back to service and ardently detailed to be as historically accurate as possible, the classic Pullman Cars offer passengers the chance to rediscover the style, ambiance and craftsmanship of the golden age of rail travel. Modern conveniences such as showers, wireless Internet access and power outlets have been thoughtfully added to maximize comfort and enhance your experience. And with classic American dining, an engaging social setting and first-class, personalized Pullman service, each iconic journey takes you back to a civilized, sophisticated era when the journey was as much anticipated as the destination.

Go to the site  and  learn about  other  trips, as well!

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Gay Iowa Online

gay-iowa-online

Co Dubuque Presents Co-ZINE, a new monthly online magazine!

Co-ZINE is a LGBTQ+ monthly online Co-mmunity magazine. We at Co Dubuque are honored to have grown so rapidly and successfully to be able to give back to the community through events, activities and educational workshops. Now we have taken Co another big step further and created Co-ZINE; to be able to let more LGBTQ+ community voices be heard.

Co Dubuque welcomes community focused writers, from all across the world to express their voices, experiences, poems, arts, and stories within Co-ZINE – including GSA’s and our LGBTQ+ youth. We are a Tri-State Co-mmunity, reaching out to our LGBTQ+ worldly Co-mmunity. Be heard, be seen and be proud… we are family… we are Co.

Please send interest or articles to: codubuque.cozine@gmail.com

Official Launch date of Co-ZINE is October 11th.

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Gay Chicago Loves Gay Palm Springs

palm springs gay deals

LOT’S  of  Chicago  LGBTQ   folks   head to Palm Springs  EVERY  YEAR!  And  where do they  stay?  Many  guys  choose  INNdulge.

Their    2 for 1 Special will soon be over!

Don’t miss out.

Now through September 15, 2016.
Pay for one weeknight and get the 2nd one FREE!

Valid from Sunday – Thursday

50% off 3rd night on weekends
(not valid with any other offers)

 

  • 24 Poolside Rooms & Garden Suites
  • Complimentary Continental Breakfast
  • Large Heated 24-hr Pool
  • Pool chiller during summer months
  • In room DVD PlayersDVD Library
  • 12 Man 24-hr Jacuzzi
  • Wi-Fi Property Wide
  • Full Kitchens in all Suites
  • Microwaves
  • King Sized Beds
  • Refrigerators
  • Coffee Makers
  • Hair Dryers
  • On Site Gym
  • In Room Safes
  • Cool Misters For Hot Days
  • Irons & Ironing Boards
  • Onsite laundry facility
  • Air Conditioning
  • Complimentary Internet Station

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BEST Summer Vacation Rentals

waterfront vacation rentals

Beaches, boats, lighthouses, quaint shops, a variety of restaurants, and exciting nightlife awaits you as you enjoy one of our beautiful waterfront condos…

Majestic Getaways offers premier condo rentals in major locations throughout the Midwest;

including Saugatuck and Douglas Michigan. 140 miles from Chicago, these Small towns = BIG Fun! Visit the twin cities of Saugatuck and Douglas Michigan for a welcoming, casual atmosphere that makes you feel like part of the community. Lots of LGBTQ folks from the Midwest flock here to get away from the bigger city life to enjoy the small town feel and great outdoors. Grassy dunes, white sand beaches and quaint streets of shopping make these harbor towns the perfect getaway.

 

st joseph michigan travel rentals

St Joe Michigan. St. Joseph is carefully nestled on the southern tip of what has been termed “The Riviera of the Midwest.” This deepwater port town is a growing resort community – part of a “small town” chain stretching from the state line in a spectacular arc along Lake Michigan. The lakeshore is peppered with remarkable sand dune formations and lined further inland with a lush countryside that produces some of the nation’s finest orchards and vineyards. It is the largest non-citrus fruit growing region in the nation.

Located just 90 miles from downtown Chicago, St. Joseph is a quaint community situated within the larger Benton Harbor/St. Joseph MSA.

South Haven Michigan. One of Michigan’s featured Beachtowns, South Haven defines resorting on Lake Michigan’s eastern shore with majestic vistas and dazzling sunsets.You’ll feel this rich heritage as you gaze over our 100-year old lighthouse -a welcoming beacon in an often turbulent world.

sandusky vacation rentals

Sandusky Ohio. Sandusky is midway between Toledo to the west and Cleveland to the east. Thrill seekers will have no trouble getting their kicks in Sandusky, home to the world-renowned Cedar Point Amusement Park, boasting 17 roller coasters, plentiful children’s attractions and carousels.

Outside the park, the city entices travelers with its sandy white Erie shores, stunning coastal trails, mysterious Seneca Caverns and numerous refreshing water parks. The downtown waterfront boasts historic architecture, charming boutiques and unparalleled views over Lake Erie.

 

waterfront vacation rentals travel midwest

and Chicago Illinois – Besides Pizza, hot dogs, skyscrapers and world class shopping, Chicago is also known for it’s waterfront. Spanning Over 30 miles of beaches and waterfront that offer the perfect settings for playing, relaxing and soaking it all in. An 18 mile bike path, kayak rentals, dinner cruise on Lake Michigan it’s all here! And you can rent a place Downtown Chicago located in the heart of the city, overlooking the Chicago River!

WATERFRONT VACATION RENTALS by MAJESTIC GETAWAYS offers premier condo rentals! Visit their website for more details and photos. Call them at (269) 349-7700!

best midwest vacation homeswaterfront-vacation-rentals-michigan-illinois

 

 

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Gay Palm Springs Hotel Deal

2-for-1-sale-palm-springs

 

GET AWAY TO WARM!!!

 Picturesque Palm Springs  is known for its hot springs, stylish hotels, golf courses and spas. It’s also notable for its many fine examples of midcentury-modern architecture. Its core shopping district along Palm Canyon Drive features vintage boutiques, hip interior design shops and buzzy restaurants. The surrounding Coachella Valley offers hiking, biking and horseback riding.

INNdulge is THE GAY PLACE TO STAY!  A Legendary gay resort in Palm Springs with a tropical pool/hot tub, free breakfast, Wi-Fi & a gym in a relaxed space.    WINTER  SALE  RIGHT NOW!!  Only A few rooms  left!

2 FOR 1 SPECIAL
(December 1, 2015 – January 31, 2016)
Pay for one night and get the second night FREE!
Excludes Friday, Saturday and holidays
RESERVE NOW!
gay-palm-springs-hotel-deals
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Chicago Michigan Get Away! House Rental

chicago to dowagiac michigan downtown-dowagiac-small

UNPLUG    and  get away  from the hustle  and bustle of Chicago!

Known as The Grand Old City of southwestern Michigan, Dowagiac is just 2 hours from Chicago. Just a hop, skip and jump away from Chicago, many Chicagoans head east to Michigan to escape the city hustle and bustle for a laid back simpler life. There is a charming collection of Michigan bed and breakfasts  and homes   for  rent  that make the perfect choice for fun places to go for a weekend in the spring, summer, fall or for winter vacation getaways.

 

michigan B & B stell and james

Some of the best features of the Great Lakes State are visible and the relaxed pace of small-town life is always present here. There are lush parks, wildlife areas, and stately turn-of-the-century homes.

One fantastic home, the lovely Stella&James Weber Estate is available for rent. This 1860’s, 3100 square ft home has 4 bedrooms,1 King, 2 Queen, 1 room with two twins, and a separate semi private twin bed and blow up. Awesome kitchen and lots of room for friends or family gatherings. And it rents for $500 a night. Perfect for a getaway from the city, with a group of friends or family members.

The home sleeps  eight comfortably. Has a hot tub and pool table.  A casino  is  5 minutes  away. Great kitchen to cook up some meals for everyone! And the quaint downtown  is nearby, just a short walk,   with restaurants and some shops.

301 Center St      Dowagiac, Michigan

(773) 327-2403

FACEBOOK link

 

lovely vintage kitchenvintage bedroom gay B&B Michigan

 

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Puerto Vallarta Contest

puerto-vallarta-contest

The start of ­­­­winter in Puerto Vallarta is cause for celebration as December marks the beginning of the whale watching season, traditional pilgrimages in honor of the Virgin of Guadalupe, free daily guided Artwalks in historic downtown, culinary treats all around town, the International Pro Am golf tournament, the release of baby sea turtles, perfect weather with temperatures in the low 80’s and a calendar full of holiday festivities and free activities.

The Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board is inviting everyone to join in the celebration with the launch of a mega “12 DAYS OF WINTER” (#12DaysOfWinter) promotion and participate for a chance to win daily prizes during the first 12 days of December, including artworks, bottles of tequila and raicilla and trip getaways, with the top prize being a 12-day all-expense paid vacation for two in Puerto Vallarta.

To participate register at visitpuertovallarta.com/12daysofwinter and tell the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board what you would do on a 12-day all-expense paid holiday for two in the destination. All registrants will have a chance to win one of 12 prizes. Drawings will take place every day from December 1st to 12th. Following are the details of the prizes that will be awarded:

 

 

gay puerto vallarta free trip

Winners of the getaway prizes to be awarded between December 5th through 12th will also receive a choice of 2 activities in Puerto Vallarta courtesy of Vallarta Adventures and Dolphin Discovery.

 

ENTER!

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Winter Get Away Deals

gay-palm-springs-deals

Chicago men LOVE INNdulge!  and today  is their 20th anniversary! Plan your winter get away  today!

To celebrate our 20th anniversary, we are bringing back our 2 FOR 1 SPECIAL!!
Stay one night and get the second night FREE!
This offer is available December 1, 2015 – January 31, 2016
and June 15, 2016 – September 15, 2016.
(not valid for weekends or holidays)
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Southern Decadence Deals

gay-travel--southern-decadence-deals

GAY TRAVEL HOT DEAL!

What began as a simple going-away party in 1972 has evolved into one of New Orleans’ premier annual events: Southern Decadence.

Hosted every Labor Weekend, Southern Decadence is the 5th largest event in the city following Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, Essence Fest, and French Quarter Fest. 2014 brought in over 160,000 participants.

Nicknamed the “Gay Mardi Gras,” Southern Decadence is one of those quintessential New Orleans occasions in which participants get to strut their stuff in elaborate costumes and high fashion or barely anything at all, the day of the Parade!

Everyone gets in on the action and all the bars will have their own drag shows, contests, DJs, music and events.

Don’t miss this giant 44th Southern Decadence celebration of LGBT life, music and culture. CALL David now FOR THE BEST DEALS! 1-800-942-1280!

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Best Chicago Hotel Pools

best-chicago-hotel-pools

We love the site THRILLIST!  They  are  obsessed with everything that’s worth caring about in food, drink, and travel.

In a recent article, they visited 14 top hotel pools around Chicago to see which were easily diveable and which were just plain impenetrable.  You would be surprised how easy it is to get into  some of the pool areas  for FREE!

Check these out!

 

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Chicago pride Week new Events

PrideSplash.Banner_300

Now that PrideFest and the Parade have been pushed apart on 2 different weekends, promoters are filling in the week, to make Chicago a real destination for out of towners visiting the city!

6 new events this year!

Monday June 22nd – From the producers of OUT IN THE PARK @ Six Flags Great America, comes a brand new exclusive LGBTQ Event; OUT IN THE HARBOR @ Hurricane Harbor! Hosted by Andrew Christian! SPLASH, DRINK AND DANCE! 5pm – 10pm

Music by the DJs of Scarlet and DJ Jalil Z from Miami. GO GO GODS! and Costumes by NVRLND!
Hostess with the Mostess Trannika Rex! Lots of food and drink choices available for purchase. Tickets $33 and FREE Parking (TAXES INCLUDED) SEASON PASSES ARE NOT VALID FOR PRIVATE EVENTS.
A portion of ticket price will benefit Northalsted Business Alliance this year! Transportation to and from Boystown $30! All ages welcome – must be 21+ to drink.

Get Tickets and Info @ www.PrideSplashChicago.com

 

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Thursday, June 25th –

Zoo Pride @ Brookfield Zoo

Brookfield Zoo celebrates LGBTQ Pride! Brookfield Zoo becomes the 2nd Zoo in the country to recognize and celebrate PRIDE!

2 Events: Daytime and Evening:

During the day from 10am-5pm, the Zoo will be open to the public but with an Officially sanctioned PRIDE Day at the Zoo. Rainbow flags will be flying and there will be entertainment in the afternoon! During the day there will a LGBTQ vendor expo with gay and gay-friendly businesses showcasing their business and /or products. – There will also be a short program with inspirational speakers and some entertainment. $15 Advance Tickets and transportation info @ www.ZooPrideChicago.com

Then From 7-10pm, a very special exclusive evening cocktail party will take place in the Pavilions area. TALK TO THE ANIMALS! Only a portion of the zoo will open from 7-10; Curators and docents will be on hand to answer questions and provide information about the exhibits.

Most of the excitement will happen in the Pavilions area! We’ll be able to sip cocktails and taste delicious lite snacks and sweets. Here, we will Lounge with the Animals and Talk to them! As curators create a very special experience for us, by bringing out numerous animals for us to have an up close and personal meet and greet, and learn more about them. Lounge music will set the tone with the Dj’s of Scarlet. Silent Auction with cool animal items from artists and local businesses. Tickets are $60 includes open bar, food and the experience. Tickets and transportation info @ www.ZooPrideChicago.com

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Luxury Get Away Travel Prizes

aids-foundation-chicago-travel-prizesAIDS Foundation of Chicago celebrates next week with a huge   30th Year Gala held on May 16 to commemorate AFC’s innovative work and leadership in the HIV/AIDS community.

The Gala planning committee has worked hard to create these Luxury Vacation Raffle Packages shown below. If you can’t make it to the event, raffle tickets are the perfect way to support us as we turn 30 because you don’t need to attend the Gala to enter.

Raffle tickets are available online at the following levels: eight tickets for $200; three tickets for $100; one ticket for $50. Purchase tickets for your chance to win one of our alluring vacation packages.

Renaissance Resort & CasinoLuxury Vacation #1: Enjoy a private beach in Aruba for three nights at the Renaissance Resort & Casino (pictured to the right). This travel package includes GayOrbitz.com vouchers for round-trip travel for two and an Off-Road Island Tour. Get more details on this trip.

Total package value: $2,780

The SurreyLuxury Vacation #2: Stay on the Upper East Side of New York City at The Surrey (pictured to the left). This travel package includes a $500 American Airlines voucher, breakfast for two at Café Boulud and a Greenwich Village High Line Park and Food Tour. Enjoy a rooftop garden and so much more on this luxurious trip.

Total package value: $1,450

Purchase raffle tickets online.

Thank you for supporting AIDS Foundation Chicago!

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MotorBall Returns to Detroit June 5th

motorball-detroit-circuit-party

Detroit isn’t necessarily on everyone’s radar as a gay summer dance destination, but a non-profit organization is changing that. MotorBall, back for its second year, kicks off LGBT Pride Month with a weekend of events June 5-7, 2015.
After a nearly 11 year hiatus, MotorBall was resurrected in 2014 for a 20th Anniversary celebration. With a limited budget and a small group of volunteers, MotorBall 2014 was a success, raising nearly $7,000 for Michigan AIDS Coalition (MAC). Thrilled with the results, MAC reached out to the founders of MotorBall, Geared For Life (GFL), and brought the event into MAC’s portfolio of fundraisers, which provide much needed funds for outreach, education, and prevention services in Michigan’s HIV/AIDS community.
MotorBall’s history is rich and spans over a decade. Originally created in 1994, the “GEAR Party,” which stood for “Generating Education, Awareness, and Respect,” was held at The Majestic Ballroom in Detroit. “The first party was so fun and went off without a hitch – even after two power surges blew the circuits at The Majestic,” says Tracy Hoffman, one of the founding members of Geared for Life.
The first event raised more than $15,000 for area HIV/AIDS organizations providing critical services in the height of the epidemic. The following years continued to raise funds – $200,000 in total – until the event was retired in 2005.
The parties, in their heyday, were held at various venues throughout Metro Detroit and brought in major DJs, entertainers, and out-of-town supporters. Centaur Music even produced three albums for MotorBall in its Party Groove lineup. MotorBall’s storied and proud history as one of the great circuit parties in the US and included performances by DJs Susan Morabito, Paulo, Tracy Young, Julian Marsh, Manny Lehman, Teri Bristol, Billy Carroll, Chuck Arida, the late-great BUC, Alyson Calagna, Maryalice, David Knapp, and so many more who all spun at the event.
The current organizers of MotorBall are a mix of alum from years past and some new faces.  Terry Ryan, CEO of MAC, says, “I’ve always cherished my memories and the friends I made at this event and am glad that we’ve been able to bring the MotorBall brand back.”
Eddie Mulak, MotorBall’s Event Director for 2015, remembers the first MotorBall and aims to bring the event back to its must-attend status. “Detroit it primed to host a world-class event for the LGBT community again. I’m proud to be entrusted with guiding this party back to a must-attend event.”
Joining the team again this year is Derek Zachariah, who originally became involved with Geared For Life and MotorBall twenty years ago. Asked to play a key role in last year’s Anniversary party, Zachariah also sits on the Board of AIDS Walk Detroit and is deeply involved with Michigan Greyhound Connection and other local non-profits. GFL founders and alum Tracy Hoffman and John Joanette join the team as consultants.
MotorBall kicks off in Detroit with its Opening Party 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday, June 5 at Club Gold Coast with DJ Josh Karmin (Detroit/Toronto). MotorBall 2015 will be held from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. Saturday, June 6 at St Andrew’s Hall and The Shelter, featuring DJ Chris Spinazzola (Chicago), DJ Steve Dearborn (Detroit), DJ Lena (Detroit), and DJ Mike Trombley (Macho City/Detroit).  MotorBall is an Official After-Party of Motor City Pride. To purchase tickets, and more information, please visit www.MotorBall.org or www.MichiganAIDSCoalition.org.
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