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!
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!
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.com, Facebook, Twitter, 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.
Snow is Coming! Getaway to Palm Springs!
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.
|
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.
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.
![]() |
INNdulge Palm Springs
For reservations: (760)327-1408
|
Chicago to NYC in Pullman Palace Train Car
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.
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.
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!
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.
Gay Chicago Loves Gay Palm Springs
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!
Now through September 15, 2016.
Valid from Sunday – Thursday
- 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
BEST Summer 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 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 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.
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!
Gay Palm Springs Hotel Deal
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!
Pay for one night and get the second night FREE!
Excludes Friday, Saturday and holidays
RESERVE NOW!
Chicago Michigan Get Away! House Rental
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.
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
Winter Get Away Deals
Chicago men LOVE INNdulge! and today is their 20th anniversary! Plan your winter get away today!
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!
Chicago pride Week new Events
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
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
Luxury Get Away Travel Prizes
AIDS 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.
Luxury 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
Luxury 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!