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COVID Two more states and D.C. removed from Chicago's travel advisory
The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) removed two states and the District of Columbia from its weekly COVID-19 travel advisory on Oct. 19. The advisory now includes 45 states and two territories following the removal ...
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TRAVEL Conde Nast readers select The Gwen as Chicago's best hotel
Conde Nast Traveler's readers have spoken—and their views of Chicago's hotels are distinctly different from those of another top travel publication. While Viceroy Chicago topped Travel + Leisure's readers' list of local spots to stay, ...
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COVID Connecticut removed from Chicago travel advisory
On Oct. 5, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) removed one state—Connecticut—from its weekly COVID-19 travel advisory. The advisory now stands at 47 states and three territories. Although the ...
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TRAVEL Conde Nast again recognizes Chicago as top big city
Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot, Choose Chicago and World Business Chicago announced Conde Nast Traveler recognized Chicago as the #1 Best Big City in the U.S. for the fifth consecutive year in a row in the results ...
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COVID California, Puerto Rico off Chicago's travel advisory list; others return
On Sept. 22, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) took one state and one territory—California and Puerto Rico—off its weekly COVID-19 Travel Advisory, while Connecticut and the District of Columbia returned to the advisory. The ...
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TRAVEL Local hotels make Travel + Leisure's 'Best' lists
Hotels in Chicago were among those honored in Travel + Leisure's annual best-of lists, with readers serving as voters. ...
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Get Out! LGBTQ travelers show how to travel safely this fall
By Ed Salvato, courtesy of the National LGBT Media Association
Just when we thought it was safe to hit the road, we were walloped by the Delta variant, the latest plot twist in the 18-month-and-counting pandemic story. The surprising data that fully vaccinated people could transmit ...
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Pride Journey: Colorado Springs
Did you know that Colorado Springs is also known as Olympic City U.S.A.? Neither did I. Not only is the city home to the U.S. Olympic Training Center, but Colorado Springs recently celebrated the grand opening ...
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The U.S. of Gay
Must sees and dos for out-and-proud wanderlusters
51 ab-fab road-trip destinations and pit stops—one in each state and the District of Columbia—that are must sees and dos for out-and-proud wanderlusters There are a million things to love about traveling the United States—from our ...
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COVID Chicago adds four states to travel advisory
The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) most recently added four states—Colorado, Maryland, Nebraska and South Dakota—to its weekly COVID-19 Travel Advisory. There are now 43 states and two territories ...
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COVID Chicago adds 12 states to travel advisory
Chicago added 12 states to its travel advisory on Aug. 10, recommending that unvaccinated people entering the city from those areas test negative for COVID-19 or quarantine upon arrival, according to NBC Chicago. The 12 new ...
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ATTRACTIONS Chicago's First Lady offers a premium architectural tour
Recently, USA Today selected the Chicago Architecture Foundation's Chicago's First Lady cruise as the best boat tour in the country—and it's easy to see why. (By the way, it also was voted the top boat tour ...
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Chicago adds five states, Puerto Rico to COVID travel advisory
On Aug. 3, Chicago added five states and Puerto Rico to its travel advisory, recommending that unvaccinated people entering the city from those areas test negative for COVID-19 or quarantine upon arrival, according to NBC Chicago. ...
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Passenger claims rainbow mask was banned; airline responds
On his flight out of Los Angeles International Airport earlier this month for a 46th birthday vacation in Greece, gay West Hollywood resident Scott Schmidt donned a rainbow-colored surgical mask in order to adhere to the ...
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STAYCATION 21c Museum Hotel's 'Love Is Love' package
The 21c Museum Hotel—a chain of mid-size hotels known for being in medium-sized cities such as Cincinnati, Ohio; and Louisville, Kentucky—took a leap in early 2020, opening its largest hotel here in Chicago (at 55 E. Ontario ...
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Ten incredible places to visit in Armenia
Armenia is one of the most fascinating places in the world, with rich millennia-old history, ancient monuments, majestic countryside, lush highlands and much more. I just came back from this country. It was my third time ...
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STAYCATION
Rating The Godfrey Hotel Chicago's Pride Month package
The Godfrey Hotel Chicago (127 W. Huron St.; https://www.godfreyhotelchicago.com/) is currently offering a Pride Month hotel package for June that includes overnight accommodations, a table for two at the I/O Godfrey rooftop, a massage at the ...
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Pride Journey: Palm Springs
Palm Springs is my happy place. The city and the surrounding area provide me with the perfect mix of relaxation and entertainment. Having been to Palm Springs numerous times prior to this visit, I wanted to ...
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Essential tips for your COVID-free travel
COVID-19 will make travel a bit more complicated this summer. Going to Europe? Taking a cruise? Visiting Hawaii, San Juan or St. Lucia? Or maybe you are planning a road trip? The rules for traveling responsibly ...
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Pritzker announces 'Time for Me to Drive' campaign
to jump-start Illinois tourism
Gov. JB Pritzker joined the Illinois Office of Tourism and industry leaders to kick off "Time for Me to Drive"—a new campaign to promote the return of travel across the state. In its first new campaign ...
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Essential tips for your COVID-free travel
COVID-19 will make travel a bit more complicated this summer. Going to Europe? Taking a cruise? Visiting Hawaii, San Juan or St. Lucia? Or maybe you are planning a road trip? The rules for traveling responsibly ...
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COVID: CDC updates domestic travel guidelines
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an update regarding domestic travel—and eased restrictions for travelers who are fully vaccinated. The CDC website stated, as of April 3: People who are fully vaccinated with ...
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CDC issues mask mandate for travelers
Starting in February, travelers and commuters will be required to wear face masks on nearly all forms of public transportation as part of a sweeping new order from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ...
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ACTIVITIES Rollin' on the river, courtesy of the Chicago Electric Boat Company
Running out of ideas regarding what to do this summer? Well, it turns out there's nothing like going down the river in a boat built for two (with social distancing). I recently cruised down the Chicago ...
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TRAVEL San Antonio, a spot that defies and embraces Texas
Special to the online edition of Windy City Times
San Antonio is one city that encompasses what one may think of Texas—but also extends beyond one's perceptions of the state. Yes, there are the seemingly requisite cowboy hats and (emblematic of the notion that "everything ...
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WORLD Travel meeting postponed, Hong Kong ruling, African refugees, Grindr sold
The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association—scheduled to take place in Milan, Italy—has been postponed to September/October because of coronavirus concerns, an organizational press release announced. The release stated, "The outbreak of ...
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Make a pit stop in Indy for a gay ol' time
Approximately three hours outside of Chicago, Indianapolis, Indiana has a lot to offer travelers in terms of cuisine, history and nightlife. Start off by staying at the Conrad Hotel in Downtown Indianapolis to be centrally located ...
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theWit celebrating Warhol with package
theWit Hotel, 201 N. State St., is celebrating the arrival of "Andy Warhol—From A to B and Back Again," the acclaimed traveling Andy Warhol exhibit that has just made its debut in Chicago—with a hotel package ...
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TRAVEL Ireland, Northern Ireland: A land of rainbows
Possibly the friendliest country anywhere, Ireland is a lush, green island in the North Atlantic. The Republic of Ireland is divided in two, with Northern Ireland being a part of the United Kingdom. This splits the ...
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TRAVEL Louisville: Putting a twist on Southern hospitality
The South is renowned for many things—including food and its vaunted hospitality. However, it also has been maligned for, among other things, what non-Southerners might call "backward thinking." Well, take a look at Louisville, which one ...
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The Camino Project, an experiment in travel
Far removed from the constructs of your typical theater experience, Theatre Y evokes participation, both physical and emotional. The Camino Project is an experimental experience birthed from its writer, Evan Hill's and its director, his wife, ...
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Event promotes LGBTQ tourism in Israel
On Aug. 8 at Goddess and the Baker, 225 N. Lasalle St., the Israel Ministry of Tourism hosted a happy hour. The most eye-catching display, perhaps, was the rainbow cake peppered with mini-Israeli flags. Next to ...
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TRAVEL Driftless and daring: Mineral Point, Wisconsin
Thousands of years ago when the glaciers razed the Midwest and flattened the landscape, they left certain areas untouched, unmarred. These areas—known as the "driftless" areas—abound with lush, green, rolling ...
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TRAVEL Arizona: Hot and cool
"Arizonans are like lizards." I heard this sentence while recently visiting the neighboring cities of Phoenix and Tempe—and it certainly wasn't meant to slam residents. Rather, it was a comment on the habits of people who ...
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Gay tourism group cancels Ethopian trip after death threats
Dan Ware, the owner of Chicago-based Toto Tours—which has a mostly gay clientele—has cancelled an October trip to Ethiopia after receiving death threats from people in the African country, the Chicago Sun-Times reported. The "Treasures of ...
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TRAVEL Portland: Something for everyone
First things first: Portland isn't nearly as granola as I thought it might be. Before visiting the Western city for the first time, I was told/warned (by various individuals) that Portland is, among other things, a ...
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STAYCATION REVIEW The Langham Chicago
The Langham Chicago (330 N. Wabash St.; http://www.langhamhotels.com/en/the-langham/chicago/) has earned plaudits from various publications, including five stars from Forbes. However, I checked out this place to see if it's really ...
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NYC Pride announces World Pride opening ceremony June 26, Whoopi Goldberg to host
NEW YORK, NY, APRIL 05, 2019 — NYC Pride, the host of WorldPride 2019. Stonewall 50,formally unveiled today the location and initial talent line-up of the official Opening Ceremony of WorldPride. The Wednesday, June 26, 2019, ...
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Illinois Office of Tourism Wins Spartacus Traveler Award for #AmazingForAll
CHICAGO— The Illinois Office of Tourism's #AmazingForAll campaign received the Spartacus Traveler Award for best LGBTQ tourism campaign during ITB Berlin, the world's leading travel trade show. Spartacus, a leading ...
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STAYCATION REVIEW Swissotel
The European-themed Swissotel Chicago (323 E. Wacker Dr.; http://www.swissotel.com/) brands itself as a luxury hotel—one of a part of a global chain, and is the only Swissotel in the United States. But is the local hotel ...
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STAYCATION REVIEW Fieldhouse Jones
River North spot Fieldhouse Jones (312 W. Chestnut St.; https://fieldhousejones.com/) is certainly unique, thanks to its loft-style rooms, pervasive sports theme and laid-back style. But is it worth your time ...
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TRAVEL Philadelphia, a lot more than the Liberty Bell
Mention Philadelphia, and most people seem to think of two things: Philly steaks and history. Regarding the latter, there are so many well-known places and items, including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and many more. However, ...
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WORLD Marriage news, HIV prosecution, Cuba travel
The president of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, on Dec. 5, reiterated her support of marriage rights for same-sex couples, The Washington Blade noted. "There's only one race in the world and that's the human ...
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A visit to the gay capital of South Florida
Witon Manors, Florida, is perfect for a car free, carefree holiday—and it has arguably the best walkable LGBTQ village in the country. The small city is just north of Fort Lauderdale, in the southern part of ...
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TRAVEL Hello, Columbus, Much more than a college town
I've had the good fortune to travel to Columbus, Ohio, a few times—and I've convinced more and more people that it's a great place to visit. Why is that? Because, despite some individuals' perceptions that The ...
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VALUE TRAVEL Downtown LA, The city's walkable gayborhood
Have you been to downtown LA (DTLA) lately? If not, plan on a visit soon. I hadn't and was stunned to see that the downtown core has been totally repurposed as a cool hipster hangout complete ...
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HRC Promotes Workplace Inclusion in Argentina at LGBT Business, Tourism Summit
BUENOS AIRES — Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of America's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, participated in GNETWORK 360 ...
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Illinois tourism office unveils sculpture at Market Days
The Illinois Office of Tourism's art installation celebrating its "Amazing for All" LGBTQ and diversity initiative was unveiled on the first day of Northalsted Market Days on Aug. 11, just south of the Addison gate in ...
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Local women arrange Italy LGBTQ adventures
Chicago's Lesley Pritkin and Rosanne Cofoid are offering LGBTQ-specific adventures in Italy with unique venues for same-sex wedding celebrations and honeymoons that cater to all tastes and budgets. Said venues include tiny ...
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VALUE TRAVEL Fabulous Philadelphia, Perfect for a long weekend
Special to the online edition of Windy City Times by Bill Malcolm
Philadelphia makes for a perfect long weekend. Steeped in American history, the city is very walkable and has a great "Gayborhood" filled with lots of bars and restaurants including a great LBGTQ bookstore, Giovanni's Room. Getting ...
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TRAVEL Everything comes up roses in Pasadena
Special to the online edition of Windy City Times
Pasadena is peaceful city located just 10 miles northeast of the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. The name "Pasadena" comes from the Chippewa word meaning "crown of the valley," describing the area at the base ...
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Travel map shows LGBTQI intolerance worldwide
Global travel insurance provider WorldNomads.com has released a map of (in)tolerance — revealing which countries are potentially dangerous for LGBTQI travelers because of legal status and societal attitudes. The company ...
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Chicago women launch LGBTQ travel companies specializing in same-sex weddings in Italy
From a press release
CHICAGO, IL (JUNE2018) —To Italy lovers, Rome is the most romantic city in Europe — sorry Paris! Amid passionate residents, spectacular natural beauty, great food, and flowing wine, Italy inspires love for ...
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MORE ON SULLIVAN Reminiscing about Sullivan's theater
VIEWPOINT
When I was 19 years old I was an Equity Apprentice at the Little Theatre-on-the-Square. At that time, being an apprentice was how you became a member of Actors Equity Association, the actors' and stage managers' ...
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Activities in Sullivan, Boutiques, antiques, beaches and more
Sidebar to Sullivan, Illinois, a theater and a thruple thrive
From theatergoers to campers to shoppers, Sullivan caters to tourists. The Little Theatre on the Square is the marquee attraction, but there area is burgeoning with additional options. Read on for things to do and places ...
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VALUE TRAVEL Saugatuck summer getaway: Beaches, winery and more
Special to the online edition of Windy City Times
Saugatuck-Douglas, Michigan, is the only LGBTQ resort area between the Russian River in California and Provincetown in Massachusetts. The area, located just a short hop from Chicago, has something for everyone. —Where to stay: Make your ...
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LGBTQ travel conference looks at sustainability
Special to the online edition of Windy City Times
Sustainability, diversity and inclusiveness were among the themes at this years International Gay Lesbian Travel Association Conference, held May 9-12 in Toronto. This was the conference's 35th year and featured attendees from ...
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VALUE TRAVEL A weekend getaway to Toronto
Special to the online edition of Windy City Times by Bill Malcolm
Toronto makes a perfect destination for a summer getaway, especially since your U.S. dollar is worth $1.28 Canadian. I was recently there for the International Gay and Lesbian Tourism Association (IGLTA) meeting and found lots to ...
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Illinois Tourism Announces New Frank Lloyd Wright Trail in Illinois
From a press release
Chicago, IL — The Illinois Office of Tourism kicks off National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) May 6-12 by unveiling a new Frank Lloyd Wright Trail in Illinois to celebrate this year's NTTW theme, "Travel Then ...
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VALUE TRAVEL Wisconsin weekend a breeze
A weekend in Wisconsin is a breeze from Chicago. With six round trips daily, the journey to Milwaukee from Chicago takes just 90 minutes on Amtrak. The new Intermodal station takes one within walking distance to ...
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VALUE TRAVEL Charlotte: Capital of the New South
Special to the online edition of Windy City Times
Have you been to Charlotte, North Carolina, lately? It's reinvented itself again as claims itself to be the capital of the "New South." It is also know as the Queen City. The booming city is a ...
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STAYCATION REVIEW LondonHouse Chicago, fabulous-but with a caveat
Special to the online edition of Windy City Times
LondonHouse Chicago (81 E. Upper Wacker Dr.; https://londonhousechicago.com/), part of Hilton's Curio Collection, is advertised as a luxury riverfront hotel. Windy City Times lets you know if this is a ...
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Chicagoan among new board members of the Int'l Gay & Lesbian Travel Assn
From a press release
Chicagoan Sandi Robinson is among those named to the 2018-2019 International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association. The board includes business leaders representing seven countries and a globe-spanning array of brands. ...
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Off the beaten path, 10 Illinois hiking spots worth walking
Illinois boasts a diverse system of state parks and recreation areas, showcasing natural features from towering cliffs to lush valleys, plant life from deep-forest pines to arid cactus, and wildlife of every shape and size. Here ...
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VALUE TRAVEL Celebrate Illinois' bicentennial with a train trip to Springfield
Special to the online edition of Windy City Times
Illinois is turning 200 this year and what a better way to celebrate the Land of Lincoln's birthday with a trip on Amtrak to Springfield. Getting there-Springfield is a quick three-plus hours by train from Chicago. ...
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STAYCATION REVIEW Ace Hotel Chicago West Loop Hotel, modern AND retro
Special to the online edition of Windy City Times
Ace Hotel Chicago (311 N. Morgan St.; https://www.acehotel.com/chicago), the West Loop, just opened last year. There's has been quite a bit of hype surrounding the hotel—but is it worth your hard-earned bucks? Windy City Times breaks ...
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VALUE TRAVEL Washington, D.C., Cherry blossoms, presidential portraits and more
Special to the online edition of Windy City Times
Winter officially ends March 1 in the nation's capital but almost anytime of year is perfect for a visit—if only to see the new Presidential portrait of former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle ...
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Community leaders discuss LGBT travel at state confab
Illinois businesses looking to tap into the robust LGBT travel market need to look beyond the affluent "Dual-Income, No Kids" (DINK) stereotype, according to panelists at a Feb. 27 presentation. The forum—The Importance of the Evolving ...
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STAYCATION REVIEW Millennium Knickerbocker, History, and a bit more
Special to the online edition of Windy City Times
The Millennium Knickerbocker hotel (163 E. Walton Pl.; https://www.millenniumhotels.com/en/chicago/millennium-knickerbocker-hotel-chicago/) has been open since 1927, and has entertained everyone from Al Capone to John F. Kennedy to ...
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VALUE TRAVEL The other Vegas, perfect for a winter getaway
Special to the online edition of Windy City Times
Las Vegas is a great option for a winter getaway. With temperatures in the 70s, it is not too hot and is also very sunny and dry. There is lots to do besides gambling, seeing the shows and checking out the ...
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State travel/tourism conference in Chicago in Feb.
The Illinois Governor's Conference will hold three days of high-level speakers, educational panels and key networking opportunities in early 2018 in Chicago. The 2018 Illinois Governor's Conference on Travel and Tourism will take place Feb. 26-28 ...
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VALUE TRAVEL Puerto Vallarta
Special to the online edition of Windy City Times
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico is a bargain LGBT winter escape holiday adventure. Entrees are seven dollars, and it's four dollars for wine. Plus, it is arguably the most gay-friendly city in North America. Think Boystown combined with ...
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TRAVEL Taking in Tennessee
Special to the online edition of Windy City Times
Nashville is the capital of Tennessee that is quickly growing too big for its britches. Windy City Times took a road trip down South to narrow down some of the new travel offerings and provide a ...
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TRAVEL Norfolk, Virginia: Naval-gazing--and much more
Special to the online edition of Windy City Times
Norfolk, Virginia has certainly changed a lot since I grew up in the Hampton Roads area (which includes such cities as Norfolk, Chesapeake, Williamsburg and Portsmouth, among others). Of course, there are some things that will ...
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TRAVEL A WeHo car-free winter escape
Special to the online edition of Windy City Times
Winter is the perferct time to visit Southern California. With temperatures in the high 60s to 70s (and everything in bloom as it is the rainy season), the area is a great respite from the dreary ...
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