THEGAYUK

Tag: Chicago News

Get the latest LGBT+ Chicago news from THEGAYUK. Breaking news, features and interviews from the gay community in Chicago in the USA.

  • Where to take a gay-friendly road trip in the USA: Illinois and Route 66

    Where to take a gay-friendly road trip in the USA: Illinois and Route 66

    One of the best ways to see the USA is by packing up your rental car and heading out on an old school road trip.

    Foundry / Pixabay

    The size of the country means that you could drive for days and not even get halfway across it, so be sure to pick a road trip that will include plenty of gay-friendly cities and towns so that you can make the most of your gay travels in the USA.

    Not all road trips are created equal, and after spending a lot of time in the States, it’s easy to take for granted that the gays are everywhere. While most areas are fairly accepting of the LGBT community, there’s a significant black hole of gay life in small towns across America. So where’s a good place to take a gay road trip in the USA?

    Starting in Chicago

    Chicago is an ideal starting point for a great road trip of any kind, with plenty of flights everyday on airlines such as Virgin Atlantic and it’s partner Delta (like alliance partner, not life-partner), it’s an ideal starting/ending point. Chicago is one of America’s largest and most cosmopolitan cities, but unlike locations like New York, LA, and even San Francisco, Chicago is a much more manageable metropolis.

    The entire downtown region can easily be explored on foot, so take the time to wander around from the world-famous Willis Tower (which used to be called the Sears Tower, and still is by most locals), to the riverfront that stretches throughout the city, to the lakefront beach.

    Chicago architecture

    Chicago is a city that’s known for its amazing architecture, and despite the looming presence of Trump tower, it’s easily one of the prettiest big cities I’ve ever visited in the States. Though there are numerous skyscrapers (definitely visit the SkyDeck in the Willis Tower, the views are breathtaking… if the weather is nice that is) the city layout means that you never feel towered over, with plenty of bright blue sky on show at all times (again, weather permitting).

    350543 / Pixabay

    Gay Chicago

    Chicago is also SUPER gay-friendly with a few distinct gay neighborhoods you can explore to get your LGBT fix before you hit the road. Boystown delivers on its name, with a somewhat twink-orientated vibe, while nearby Andersonville better caters to those of us on the other side of 30. With loads of gay bars, gay cafés and gay restaurants to visit, the northern neighborhoods of Chicago are a vital part of any gay US getaway.

    Route 66

    Route 66 is one of America’s most famous road trip routes. Connecting Chicago with LA, travelling the full length of this iconic highway would take weeks, so we’d recommend exploring just a small portion of it on your road trip.

    Springfield

    ahundt / Pixabay

    There are a number of Spingfields across America, and though you may not see any mention of the Simpsons here, Springfield Illinois is the state capital and home to the equally-important Abraham Lincoln. Abe was a long-rumoured homosexual (though nothing has ever been proven) and made a huge impact on the shape of the US as it is today, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is definitely worth a stop on your trip.

    12019 / Pixabay

    If you’re road tripping then be sure to make the most of it by stopping in one of the many cool and kitschy diners along the route. Route 66 Motorheads Bar, Grill & Museum is full of old cars, vintage road and neon signs, and a surprisingly good veggie-burger, making it a true slice of Americana that should not be missed. There’s also the Pink Elephant Antique Mall which sells – for the most part – a load of crap. But take the time to have a browse and you never know what you might find. I came away with some vintage comic books, 80s games, and a bag full of weird American candy as big as my head. Money well spent.

    Alton (meet me in St Louis)

    This small quaint town is just across the river from St Louis, making it a great spot to stop and explore. One of their best joints in the Old Bakery Beer Company where they brew their own craft beers and serve it with great organic food.

    St Louis is a natural stopping point for many road tripping tourists who could then opt to fly out of the city, or backtrack their way along Route 66 to Chicago, which is a long drive but totally doable.

    Another option would be to then follow the Great River Road upwards along the Mississippi to Minneapolis & Saint Paul… but that’s another story altogether.

    Tour Operator – Bon Voyage. Tel: 0800 316 1094. www.bon-voyage.co.uk

    The Great Lakes USA is the largest expanse of freshwater in the world with a unique and diverse landscape. This region, which is the size of continental Europe, includes the U.S. states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Go to www.greatlakesusa.co.uk for more information and suggested itineraries.

  • Four US cities you totally need to visit in the Midwest

    Four US cities you totally need to visit in the Midwest

    Travelling to America as a gay man you probably think New York, South Beach or San Francisco, well we recently had a little vagaytion to America’s Midwest and we uncovered some wonderful gems.

    gay things to do in Chicago
    CREDIT: Jake Hook

    View from the John Hancock centre. 96 floors up.

    Springfield

    CREDIT: Jake Hook

    Springfield’s capitol building.

    Springfield is the state capitol of Illinois and the political heartland of the state. Every street corner is bustling with political back channelling, clandestine meets and poll rigging… We may have just made that up, but we’re absolutely certain people were talking about The Good Wife. Politically speaking, Illinois is one of the epicentres of US politics, which boasts two Presidents who lived in the state, Abraham Lincoln and Barrack Obama.

    Abraham Lincoln nose
    CREDIT: Jake Hook

    Rub the nose of Lincoln, it brings good luck

    Whilst you’re there make sure you visit the Illinois State Capitol building (pictured above) and breath in that political air, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, the Oakridge Cemetery, where Abraham Lincoln’s tomb is located, (don’t forget to rub the nose of his statue, it’s supposed to be good luck) and be sure to grab yourself a hot dog on a stick at the Cosy Dog Drive in.

    Gay bar Springfrield
    CREDIT: Jake Hook

    You might be surprised to know that Springfield has its very own gay bar, Club Station House – a very friendly affair. On the night we stayed we sang Rick Astley karaoke – the locals had no idea who he was, but they clapped all the same.

    Hotel in Springfield
    CREDIT: Jake Hook

    Stay at the gorgeous State House Inn, but here’s a tip – ask for an odd numbered room. They’re at the back of the hotel – and you shouldn’t be disturbed by the Juggernaut trains that slice through the city at 3 AM in the morning – horns blaring.

    Chicago

    Chicago
    CREDIT: Jake Hook

    Obviously, no trip to America’s Midwest would be complete without a stay in Chicago. From an LGBT perspective, it’s got two incredibly friendly neighbourhoods – the more youth orientated Boystown and the slightly maturer Andersonville. Of course, there are many gay bars to visit and street festivals to try out, but one particularly sensational event to try, is the Andersonville Annual Midsoomarfest. If you go a stranger, I promise you won’t leave without making friends.

    Andersonville, gay bar
    CREDIT: TheGayUK

    When you’re in Chicago top attractions include: The Tilt – a glass enclosure which tilts you out over Chicago, 94 floors up the John Hancock centre, Navy Pier – where you can book an evening cruising on the sleek Odyssey cruise boat and watch as the sun sets on Chicago’s famous skyline, take in a few paintings at the Art Institute of Chicago and if you’re feeling brave – splash out on a helicopter ride overlooking the entire beachfront of the magnificent city.

    As with all major cities make sure you make time for a river cruise and perhaps catch something at the theatre – perhaps the Blueman group and avail yourself of some Chicago pie. It’s like nothing you’ve ever tried before.

     

    Indianapolis

    Indiana
    CREDIT: Jake Hook

    Outside Illinois state, in the state of Indiana,  you’ll want to try and visit the state’s capital city, Indianapolis, famous for amongst other things the Indy Car Race Track. If you’re around March through September make sure you catch one of the 16 races – and join over 300,000 spectators who revel in the high-octane Indy car racing. If you fancy something a little slower then try a Sedway riverside tour. Honestly, as you take a Sedway tour along the river, you’ll think you’re in a different time altogether – as it looks incredibly futuristic. It’s no secret that Indianapolis’s culinary scene is booming, ask any city-dweller the best place for eats, and they’ll gladly reel off a list of great places. For one of the most incredible meals, you need to dine out at St Elmo’s Steak House and try the Shrimp Cocktail.

    Indianapolis is home to a number of gay bars and spaces and has one of the highest attended LGBT Prides in the US. If you’re looking for a spot of entertainment then a visit to the Talbott Street Nightclub is a must. They regularly host special events which often feature the gals from RuPaul’s Drag Race.

    For more venues visit our guide page.

     

    Galena

    Galena
    CREDIT: Jake Hook

    If you’re a fan of the fly/drive holiday then you’ll want to check out the Great Lakes Facebook page, where you’ll get lots of ideas for glorious cities, friendly towns and exciting hot-spots to visit whilst you’re in the area. One such find is the ridiculously beautiful town of Galena. Around 3 hours west of Chicago, you’ll drive through miles and miles of farming land – the Midwest is known as the breadbasket of America – because of its wheat production and you’ll certainly see a lot of it.

    The roads are easy, wide and once outside the city limits mainly free from traffic. You can forget the M6 or M25. Galena is a different world altogether and as you enter through the town’s giant floodgates (it sits on the Galena River which feeds into the almighty Mississippi River) you’ll be left wondering if you’ve actually stepped back in time.

    Home to just under 3500 people, the town has an incredible friendly laid-back appeal. You must stay in one of the gorgeous, unique suites at the Jail Hill Inn – owned, operated and lovingly restored by the Inn Keeper, Matthew Carroll. Fill your boots at the wonderfully authentic Vinny Vanucchi‘s Italian restaurant. To really get your orientation in this quaint historic town buy a ticket for the Galena Trolleys – which depart from 10 AM  until 9 PM. Your guide will take you on a whirlwind stop of this picture perfect town.

    If you’ve a head for heights book yourself on to the Balloon flight experience – and see how beautiful the Midwest countryside is from the sky. As you float several thousand feet up let yourself drift with the wind – who knows where you’ll end up next.

     

  • The Best Places for Gay Travel 2017

    The Best Places for Gay Travel 2017

    Planning a gay vacay this year but not sure where to go? While there are a lot of amazing destinations for gay travel, there are a few spots that are extra special when it comes to welcoming LGBTQ travellers, and some that have naturally become gay hotspots because of their fabulousness.

    gay travel gay hotel

    Hipster, designer and gay travel blogger extraordinaire Adam Groffman put together a list of some of the Best Places for Gay Travel in 2016 on his Travels of Adam site that he has kindly shared with THEGAYUK. Read on to get your inspiration for amazing gay travels for 2017.

    Here’s the thing about gay travel—you can pretty much do it anywhere. If you’re gay and you travel, guess what!? You’re gay travelling 😉

    But, still… there are some places which are just so much more welcoming, more friendly and more fun for gay travellers. Some travel companies make concerted efforts to court LGBTQ travellers, while others just naturally become hotspots thanks to their location, their creed or their clientele. Finding gay places when travelling can sometimes be a challenge—a lot of it depends on word of mouth (whether that arrives to you from friends, friends of friends, or through a gay dating app). But then there are also a handful of gay websites which make finding gay places easier. Probably the biggest international directory of gay cities is, predictably, GayCities.com. Their mix of user-generated content, stories, photos essays and events is all-encompassing.

    Each year, GayCities.com puts out a survey of the best gay cities, places, hotels and other travel things. It’s a fun survey where you can vote for your favourite gay places (I’m always voting for Berlin, hoping that it will win!).

    THE BEST PLACES FOR GAY TRAVEL 2016 MY PICKS!

    Best Gay City
    BERLIN

    As my adopted home, Berlin makes it to the top of every one of my lists—it’s great for foodies, for budget travellers, for luxury travellers, for sex tourism, for hipsters and for film fanatics. The other options on GayCities’ list of best cities are decent, but honestly: Berlin has a bit of something for everyone. New York City and Chicago are probably at the top of my list for best USA gay destinations, but with early closing times for the nightlife, it’s hard to really top Berlin.

    Best Foodie Paradise
    CHICAGO

    Chicago, nestled in the middle of America, is one of America’s most surprising cities. Unlike NYC and LA on either coast, Chicago sits right there in the middle, with the best of both worlds but its own distinct identity. When I last visited Chicago, I quite literally ate all the food—from fried pickles and pancakes to hipster donuts and BIG brunches. If ever there was a city designed for foodies, it is Chicago.

    Best Up-and-Coming City
    STOCKHOLM

    I think there are a lot of rising stars among the most gay-friendly cities. I’m currently writing this from Texas, where some of the Texan cities are surprisingly gay and—actually!—cool. But, in Europe, Stockholm’s pull makes it one of the coolest places to visit today. Stockholm doesn’t usually make it immediately on most USA tourists’ first-time trips to Europe, but with new budget airline connections, it’s only going to get more cool.

    Best Capital of Culture
    NEW YORK CITY

    New York City is an absolutely overwhelming city—it’s no wonder that it’s one of the world’s most popular cities. There are millions of things to see and do in NYC, from world-class museums, historic buildings and shopping—so much shopping! This year, the U.S. National Park Service even recognized the historic gay bar, the Stonewall Inn, as a historic monument. And don’t even get me started on Broadway—so much of the great theater and musicals originate here. Creativity and culture are bursting out of every pothole in this amazing city.

    Read more: Cheap and Free Things To Do in NYC

    Best Airline
    AMERICAN AIRLINES

    As a Oneworld alliance member, American Airlines is at the top of my preferred airlines. (It also helps that I grew up flying in and out of DFW airport in Texas—their hub.) While some frequent fliers might find AA more stuffy and business-oriented than other airlines, it’s surprisingly cool for being—literally—the world’s largest airline! Their Instagram is a fun sneak peek into the company culture—and it always goes rainbow each LGBT pride month.

  • 4 cities you totally need to visit in the Midwest

    4 cities you totally need to visit in the Midwest

    Travelling to America as a gay man you probably think New York, South Beach or San Francisco, well we recently had a little vagaytion to America’s Midwest and we uncovered some wonderful gems.

    gay things to do in Chicago
    CREDIT: Jake Hook

    View from the John Hancock centre. 96 floors up.

    Springfield

    CREDIT: Jake Hook

    Springfield’s capitol building.

    Springfield is the state capitol of Illinois and the political heartland of the state. Every street corner is bustling with political back channelling, clandestine meets and poll rigging… We may have just made that up, but we’re absolutely certain people were talking about The Good Wife. Politically speaking, Illinois is one of the epicentres of US politics, which boasts two Presidents who lived in the state, Abraham Lincoln and Barrack Obama.

    Abraham Lincoln nose
    CREDIT: Jake Hook

    Rub the nose of Lincoln, it brings good luck

    Whilst you’re there make sure you visit the Illinois State Capitol building (pictured above) and breath in that political air, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, the Oakridge Cemetery, where Abraham Lincoln’s tomb is located, (don’t forget to rub the nose of his statue, it’s supposed to be good luck) and be sure to grab yourself a hot dog on a stick at the Cosy Dog Drive in.

    Gay bar Springfrield
    CREDIT: Jake Hook

    You might be surprised to know that Springfield has its very own gay bar, Club Station House – a very friendly affair. On the night we stayed we sang Rick Astley karaoke – the locals had no idea who he was, but they clapped all the same.

    Hotel in Springfield
    CREDIT: Jake Hook

    Stay at the gorgeous State House Inn, but here’s a tip – ask for an odd numbered room. They’re at the back of the hotel – and you shouldn’t be disturbed by the Juggernaut trains that slice through the city at 3 AM in the morning – horns blaring.

    Chicago

    Chicago
    CREDIT: Jake Hook

    Obviously, no trip to America’s Midwest would be complete without a stay in Chicago. From an LGBT perspective, it’s got two incredibly friendly neighbourhoods – the more youth orientated Boystown and the slightly maturer Andersonville. Of course, there are many gay bars to visit and street festivals to try out, but one particularly sensational event to try, is the Andersonville Annual Midsoomarfest. If you go a stranger, I promise you won’t leave without making friends.

    Andersonville, gay bar
    CREDIT: TheGayUK

    When you’re in Chicago top attractions include: The Tilt – a glass enclosure which tilts you out over Chicago, 94 floors up the John Hancock centre, Navy Pier – where you can book an evening cruising on the sleek Odyssey cruise boat and watch as the sun sets on Chicago’s famous skyline, take in a few paintings at the Art Institute of Chicago and if you’re feeling brave – splash out on a helicopter ride overlooking the entire beachfront of the magnificent city.

    As with all major cities make sure you make time for a river cruise and perhaps catch something at the theatre – perhaps the Blueman group and avail yourself of some Chicago pie. It’s like nothing you’ve ever tried before.

     

    Indianapolis

    Indiana
    CREDIT: Jake Hook

    Outside Illinois state, in the state of Indiana,  you’ll want to try and visit the state’s capital city, Indianapolis, famous for amongst other things the Indy Car Race Track. If you’re around March through September make sure you catch one of the 16 races – and join over 300,000 spectators who revel in the high-octane Indy car racing. If you fancy something a little slower then try a Sedway riverside tour. Honestly, as you take a Sedway tour along the river, you’ll think you’re in a different time altogether – as it looks incredibly futuristic. It’s no secret that Indianapolis’s culinary scene is booming, ask any city-dweller the best place for eats, and they’ll gladly reel off a list of great places. For one of the most incredible meals, you need to dine out at St Elmo’s Steak House and try the Shrimp Cocktail.

    Indianapolis is home to a number of gay bars and spaces and has one of the highest attended LGBT Prides in the US. If you’re looking for a spot of entertainment then a visit to the Talbott Street Nightclub is a must. They regularly host special events which often feature the gals from RuPaul’s Drag Race.

    For more venues visit our guide page.

     

    Galena

    Galena
    CREDIT: Jake Hook

    If you’re a fan of the fly/drive holiday then you’ll want to check out the Great Lakes Facebook page, where you’ll get lots of ideas for glorious cities, friendly towns and exciting hot-spots to visit whilst you’re in the area. One such find is the ridiculously beautiful town of Galena. Around 3 hours west of Chicago, you’ll drive through miles and miles of farming land – the Midwest is known as the breadbasket of America – because of its wheat production and you’ll certainly see a lot of it.

    The roads are easy, wide and once outside the city limits mainly free from traffic. You can forget the M6 or M25. Galena is a different world altogether and as you enter through the town’s giant floodgates (it sits on the Galena River which feeds into the almighty Mississippi River) you’ll be left wondering if you’ve actually stepped back in time.

    Home to just under 3500 people, the town has an incredible friendly laid-back appeal. You must stay in one of the gorgeous, unique suites at the Jail Hill Inn – owned, operated and lovingly restored by the Inn Keeper, Matthew Carroll. Fill your boots at the wonderfully authentic Vinny Vanucchi‘s Italian restaurant. To really get your orientation in this quaint historic town buy a ticket for the Galena Trolleys – which depart from 10 AM  until 9 PM. Your guide will take you on a whirlwind stop of this picture perfect town.

    If you’ve a head for heights book yourself on to the Balloon flight experience – and see how beautiful the Midwest countryside is from the sky. As you float several thousand feet up let yourself drift with the wind – who knows where you’ll end up next.

     

  • Fun town of the world revealed as Chicago, London comes 10th!

    Fun town of the world revealed as Chicago, London comes 10th!

    Chicago is the fun capital of the world — streets ahead of London in TENTH place, according to a major new study.

    Chicago
    CREDIT: Pixabay / CC0 Public Domain / tpsdave

    • Chicago named most fun city in the world

    • Chicago is a great getaway for the gay community with two gay neigbourhoods, Boystown and Andersonville

    • Has one of America’s largest prides.

     
    The ‘windy city’ topped a global poll of 20,000 people, scoring highest for the best restaurants, bars and neighbourhoods.

    Melbourne was runner-up, followed by Lisbon, New York, Madrid, Mexico City, Sao Paolo, Los Angeles, Barcelona and – in 10th place – London.

    Chicago was praised for its affordability and friendliness, and residents reported the best work-life balance.

    London-dwellers admitted they work longer hours than they’d like, allowing for less ‘fun-time’ in their personal life.

    But Londoners certainly make the most of their 9-5 – a third say some of their closest friends are colleagues and one in five have had sex at work.

     

    QUIZ: We know if you’re going to have sex at your office Christmas party

    And London pipped Sydney to the title of the world hangover capital.

    Time Out London’s Editor-in-Chief, Caroline McGinn said,

    “We surveyed 20,000 urbanites in 18 cities across the world to find out two things. First: where are the most dynamic, gastronomic, culturally unbeatable urban hotspots right now?

    “And second: what are we up to and how is that changing? We found out some fun stuff along the way.

    “Looking for sex? Better heard to Plumstead or Paris. Food and culture? Chicago and NYC are buzzing.

    “Lisbon is the place to fall in love. As for London, we’ve got plenty going on in this amazing and culturally vibrant city, but many are feeling a bit lonely and hungover right now.”

    The Time Out City Index shows Melbourne is the second most fun city in the world, as it has a great quality of life, and ranks highly for its bars and restaurants.

    Six in 10 people find Melbourne an easy place to live and three-quarters of residents love living there.

    Lisbon takes third place and is ranked as the world’s most sociable and least lonely city.

    New York was fourth, praised for its arts, nightlife and music – although it has the toughest dating scene of them all.

    Fifth place went to clubbing capital Madrid, where people go out 19 times a year compared to just six times in Melbourne.

    Madrid also has the lowest working hours of all 18 countries, as people only work 39 hours a week.

    Tokyo and Paris are the most cultured cities, with the highest number of residents regularly going to theatres or museums.

    People in Mexico City have the most affairs and are the least stressed, Miami emerged as the capital of threesomes and Barcelona is the home of the boozy lunch.

    Despite other cities being more affordable, easier for making friends and offering a better work-life balance, 66 percent claim there are always new things to do.

    Londoners go to theatres and museums up to 25 times a year, they enjoy 4.7 nights out a month and two-thirds say the capital has a great restaurant scene.

    The ‘Big Smoke’ is also vying with Sydney for the title of hangover capital and one-night stand hotspot – 64 per cent versus 65 per cent.

    Londoners have sex 1.2 times a week – compared to Parisians who have sex an average of 1.6 times a week, more than in any other city.

    Caroline McGinn for Time Out London added.

    “If there’s one thing that Time Out really knows and loves, its cities.

    “We’ve been dedicated to discovering their best bits for many years. Now we thought it was about time to document urban life. Because cities are important. They’re fun. But they’re also crucibles for new opportunities, new ideas, and new ways of living.”

    Other highlights discovered in the Time Out City Index include New York residents go out the most (6.4 times a month), Toyko city dwellers love sharing their food pictures on Instagram and Dubai are stuck in the office the longest.

    People are most likely to have a friendly chat with strangers in Chicago, and in contrast, those in Singapore are least sociable, choosing to keep themselves to themselves.

     

    1. Chicago
    2. Melbourne
    3. Lisbon
    4. New York
    5. Madrid
    6. Mexico City
    7. Sao Paolo
    8. Los Angeles
    9. Barcelona
    10. London
    11. Hong Kong
    12. Miami
    13. Tokyo
    14. Singapore (homosexuality not legal)
    15. Paris
    16. Sydney
    17. Dubai (homosexuality not legal)
    18. Kuala Lumpur (homosexuality not legal)

  • TRAVEL GUIDE | Small Town Boy, the best and gay friendly towns of Midwest America

    TRAVEL GUIDE | Small Town Boy, the best and gay friendly towns of Midwest America

    Travelling to America as a gay man you probably think of the usual haunts including New York, South Beach and San Francisco – and they are all fantastic cities, but have you ever thought about small-town America? Well, we recently had a little sojourn to America’s Midwest where we uncovered some gems and found the joy in small-town America.

    PR SUPPLIED
    PR SUPPLIED

    Galena

    If you’re a fan of the fly/drive holiday, then you’ll want to check out the Great Lakes Facebook page, where you’ll get lots of ideas for glorious cities, friendly towns and exciting hotspots to visit while you’re in the area. One such find is the ridiculously beautiful town of Galena (main street pictured at the start). Around three hours west of Chicago, you’ll drive through miles and miles of farming land, the Midwest is known as the breadbasket of America because of its wheat production – and you’ll certainly see a lot of it. The roads are easy, wide and once outside the city limits mainly free from traffic. You can forget the M6 or M25 motorways. Galena is a different world altogether and as you enter through the town’s giant floodgates (it sits on the Galena River which feeds into the Mississippi River) you’ll be left wondering if you’ve actually stepped back in time.

    Mississippi
    CREDIT: TheGayUK

    Home to just under 3500 people, the town has an incredible friendly laid-back appeal. You must stay in one of the gorgeous, unique suites at the Jail Hill Inn – owned, operated and lovingly restored by the Inn Keeper, Matthew Carroll.

    Jail Hill Inn
    PR SUPPLIED

    For lunch fill your boots at the wonderfully authentic Vinny Vanucchi’s Italian restaurant. To really get your orientation in this quaint historic town, buy a ticket for the Galena Trolley – which departs from 10 AM until 9 PM. Your guide will take you on a whirlwind stop of this picture perfect town. If you have a head for heights book yourself on to the Balloon flight experience and see how beautiful the Midwest countryside is from the sky. As you float several thousand feet up let yourself drift with the wind – who knows where you’ll end up next.

    Rockford

    Rockford
    CREDIT: TheGayUK

    Driving on the I20 east, just an hours drive from Chicago is Rockford in northern Illinois. Although home to 150,000 people Rockford manages to maintain its small-town heart and friendly folk are all around. There are two friendly gay bars, The Office right in the centre and Dusty Boots Saloon and Eatery. Home to a number of attractions such as the Laurent Home, the Anderson Japanese Gardens and the Burpee Museum (don’t forget to say hello to Homer the T-REX).

    Rockford
    CREDIT: TheGayUK

    However, if you’re looking for a real treat, head over to the jewel of Rockford the Coronado Theatre right in the centre of town and book yourself into the theatre tour with Marty Mangas, who really is a gem of a tour guide. If you’re lucky, you’ll even get to see Bob Bates play the 80-year-old original organ before heading off on a backstage experience. Be sure to refresh and replenish the senses with a cool beer down at the Prairie Street Brewhouse nestled on the river’s edge. A perfect look out spot as the sun sets. You’ll find comfortable lodgings at the Fairfield Inn and Suites.

    The Quad cities – Moline

    Moline
    CREDIT: TheGayUK

    As you set off from Rockford, heading south, be sure to stop off and have breakfast at Poopies. You’ll find it on Viaduct Rd, and you should be prepared for a huge plate of homey food at a decent price. Don’t be put off by the name or the restaurant’s seats – which are actually made from toilet seats.

    Moline is a cutesy but agricultural town right in the heart of farming country, one hundred and sixty-five miles west of Chicago. Surrounded by miles and miles of farmland, the population is a little over 43,000 and it sits between The Rock and the mighty Mississippi rivers. Moline makes up the Quad Cities along with Davenport, Bettendorf and Rock Island. There’s a small but friendly gay scene in Davenport centred around Connections and Mary’s On 2nd. For lunch, you must take lunch at Lagomarcinos Soda Fountain on 5th Avenue – their milkshakes and deep filled sandwiches are to die for.

    Don’t forget to get up early and take in some views of the Mississippi.

    Andersonville

    Andersonville, gay bar
    CREDIT: TheGayUK

    Okay, cheating slightly here, because Andersonville is actually a neighbourhood in northern Chicago less than a kilometre from the lake front, but it is an absolute must visit. Chicago offers two incredibly friendly neighbourhoods for the LGBT community – the more youth orientated Boystown and the slightly maturer Andersonville. Of course, there are many gay bars to visit and street festivals throughout the year to try out, but one particularly sensational event to try is the Andersonville Annual Midsoomarfest. If you go a stranger, I promise you won’t leave without making friends as the neighbourhood’s streets are filled with a party atmosphere and music stages provide your evening with a crowd-pleasing soundtrack.

    Make sure you grab yourself a slice of original Chicago pizza pie and a chilled Margarita.

    TGUK stayed at:
    Fairfield Inn and Suits, Rockford
    The Irish Cottage Boutique Hotel, Galena
    The Carleton of Oak Park, Chicago

    TGUK flew into Chicago O’Hare on Icelandair with a layover in Reykjavik. However, there are direct flights with British Airways, Virgin, American Airlines and United.

    Visit www.facebook.com/GreatLakesUSA for more information.

     

    To find out more Visit

  • Drone Footage Of Frozen Chicago Will Take Your Breath Away

    Winter can look incredible when it’s not overcast and raining. This production company from the US have managed to capture a beautiful frozen Chicago.

    Chicago, has this year thanks to last year’s polar vortex shown how wintery conditions can be truly breath taking. During the filming of the video, temperature failed to rise above -10 degrees.

    Photographer Colin Hinkle released the footage taken by a GoPro camera attached to a DJI Phantom 2 Drone. On his about page Hinkle wrote: “Part 4 of Chicago in my series of life from above. Shot during the winter of January 2015 around Chicago over the course of 2 weeks. All shot in temperatures below 10 degrees F. Really tested the limits of the DJI Phantom 2 and GoPro Hero 4. The Phantom held up very well in the cold with no issues at all. The GoPro shooting in 4K would not last much more than 10 minutes before needing a battery change which was disappointing since it’s supposed to be a camera for the “extreme” users. Enjoy the beauty of a frigid Chicago from your warmth of your living room.”