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History of LGBT travel presentation featured at IGLTA convention
- Special to the online edition of Windy City Times - "Gay Travel/Gay Rights: A 50 Year History/A Bright Future" was among a number of educational sessions featured at the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) convention at the Hyatt Regency Chicago May 4. About 20 people gathered to hear Billy Kolber, founder of Man About World magazine, speak about the last 50 years of LGBT specific travel opportunities and ...
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Travel Association at Center on Halsted
- As part of the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association's (ILGTA) 30th annual global convention, which took place last week in Chicago, a contingent from Pernambuco, Brazil, gives a presentation at Center on Halsted in hopes of bringing the a future convention to their city. See Kate Sosin and Tracy Baim's write-up on the convention here: http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/International-LGBT-travel-confab-in-Chicago/42669.html . Photo by ...
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International LGBT travel confab in Chicago
- Celebrating its 30th year, the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) convention was held in Chicago May 1-4. Hundreds of delegates from more than 20 countries attended workshops, celebratory events and expos at the Hyatt and Center on Halsted. At a May 1 opening press event at Willis Tower, speakers connected the growth of LGBT travel to advances for ...
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IGLTA: Celebrating three decades
- TRAVEL - At the inaugural convention of the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) in 1983, there were about 25 attendees, as the organization featured a group of gay guest house owners and travel agents who were helping each other with their clients, booking gay travel, and more. Flash-forward 30 years. The IGLTA's annual Global Convention comes to Chicago for the ...
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Ohio: Land of ... Adventure!
- TRAVEL - I'll be the first to admit it: I underestimated Ohio—again. Two years ago, I visited Columbus—not knowing what to expect—and was stunned by several aspects, including just how LGBT-friendly the city was. (I still remember the stat that LGBTs make up 10 percent of the city's population and control 20 percent of the economy.) However, this trip was a bit ...
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Say Si to Puerto Vallarta
- TRAVEL - Known as a resort city, Puerto Vallarta is located near the Pacific Ocean in Mexico and is the sixth largest city in the state of Jalisco. It makes a worthy tourist destination with direct flights from Chicago on airlines like AeroMexico. Keep in mind carry-on luggage has to be checked because the cabin space is limited and small. The valet ...
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IGLTA confab opens in Chicago
- Celebrating its 30th year, the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) convention opened in Chicago May 1. The conference, which will bring in attendees from more than 20 countries, runs through May 4 at the Hyatt. At a May 1 opening press event at Willis Tower, speakers connected the growth of LGBT travel to advances for LGBT rights. The ...
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Chicago GLBT Travel Expo May 3
- From a press release - The Chicago expo will be held in conjunction with the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association's (IGLTA) 30th Annual Global Convention (http://www.iglta.org). More than 100 exhibitors are expected to be present from across the world in Chicago. Already, commitments have been made from exhibitors representing various regions in the U.S. as well as companies from Central and South America, the ...
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Travel group to mark 30th anniv. in Chicago
- The 30th anniversary of the annual global convention of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) will take place in Chicago May 2-4. Among the events slated are breakout sessions, an opening party (at the Field Museum), networking luncheons and an awards ceremony. Breakouts will include "Gay Travel/Gay Rights: A 30 Year History/A Bright Future" and "Marking your territory ...
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Break away to San Diego
- TRAVEL Special to the online edition of Windy City Times - As the seasons change in Chicago, sometimes it is just nice to get away to a place where temperatures are more consistent. San Diego offers sun and tons of fun to the West Coast visitor. California runs the gamut, from having kooky people to the snobby rich Hollywood elite—but this region seemed to have none of that. There was a ...
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March 23 event to help Sidetrack owners bring aide to Cuba
- On Saturday, March 23, Johnston and Pena are co-hosts for Havana In Chicago, a four-hour fundraiser for First Hand Aid, starting at 4 p.m. The event will feature Cuban food from Paladar and Cuban music from Grupo Zye, winner of the 2012 Jammie Award (Best Jazz Album), plus door prizes and a silent auction. Advance tickets are $50 and organizers ...
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A Trip to Wilton Manors and Stonewall Museum
- Wilton Manors is a 1.94-square-mile gay resort/retirement village in what Wikipedia calls the "Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach Metropolitan Statistical Area." I recently visited friends there, to look at the price of property, and to escape, albeit briefly, the Chicago winter. The price you pay for living in this Midwestern metropolis—in my opinion, Chicago is the most vibrant and beautiful city in ...
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IKEA Thailand apologizes; Vatican denies rumors
- World news: Special to the online edition of Windy City Times - IKEA Thailand has apologized to Thai Transgender Alliance for "the unintended offense" that an advertisement featuring a transgender person caused, according to Gay Star News. The ad, shown on Bangkok's BTS Skytrain system and YouTube, features a transgender woman who is so shocked by a sale item she speaks in a masculine voice—causing the man she is with to run ...
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Three perfect gay days in Rome
- TRAVEL Special to the online edition of Windy City Times By Jeff Guaracino - Rome for the weekend? You bet! With the pope's stunning announcement of his retirement and with spring upon us, now is an exciting time for a quick weekend escape to the Eternal City. Here are my three tips for your three perfect days in Rome. 1. Plan ahead of time Of course, you can't see all of Rome in ...
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IGLTA 30th tourism confab in Chicago May 2-4
- The 30th anniversary of the annual global convention of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) will take place in Chicago May 2-4. Among the events slated are breakout sessions, an opening party (at the Field Museum), networking luncheons and an awards ceremony. Breakouts will include "Gay Travel/Gay Rights: A 30 Year History/A Bright Future" and "Marking your territory ...
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Some LGBT businesses make FourSquare tops list
- From a news release - Foursquare has crunched more than 3 billion check-ins and tens of millions of tips to create 'best of' guides for cities across the U.S. based on insights from the millions of people who actually were there. The Best of Foursquare celebrates the places people love most from burger joints and cocktail bars to museums and music venues. For example, The ...
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Thailand, 'The Land of Smiles,' earns its rep
- TRAVEL by Kelsy Chauvin - There are clear universal truths about the Thai experience. Thailand is hot—very hot. In Thailand, it's easy to get used to paying just $1 to a street vendor for the best pad Thai ever. The massages are intense, incredibly inexpensive and never get old. And above all, the country is one of the world's friendliest places—proudly demonstrating its nickname "The ...
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Destination of the year: Key West, Fla.
- TRAVEL Special to the online edition of Windy City Times By Jeff Guaracino - After all of these years and after so many destinations have "come out" as gay-friendly, Key West retains the title of the quintessential LGBT travel experience. Key West is simply fabulous—an island utopia that welcomes everyone and a destination where a bicycle and a sarong are all that you could need for a week of relaxation. To understand why Key ...
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So much more to do at Out NYC
- TRAVEL/DINING Special to the online edition of Windy City Times - The Out NYC Hotel is still brand new to New York's Hell Kitchen. At less than a year old, the hotel is gaining ground at craving out a distinct personality among the crowded New York City hotel scene. Since its grand debut in March, the city's first straight-friendly urban resort is offering new amenities to complete your LGBT getaway to ...
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TRAVEL Vacationing in Vermont
- Vermont may be known for being the leading producer of maple syrup, but there is a lot more going on around there than watching tree sap drip. Lying in the New England region, The Green Mountain State is centrally located for tourism and travel. The state is so acclimated to the LGBT community that every bar has the possibility to ...
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Atlantic City: From massages to Madonna
- TRAVEL - Las Vegas and Atlantic City, N.J., are in the midst of necessary transitions. They're necessary because—well, let's face it—people don't need to go to these cities whose reputations were once built on gambling in order to get their dice on. Casinos have seemingly sprung up in multiple places overnight. Even in Illinois, there are 16 casinos (according to the World ...
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On the Queen Mary 2: An essential lifetime trip
- TRAVEL Special to the online edition of Windy City Times by Jeff Guaracino - A transatlantic crossing on the Queen Mary 2 (QM2) is a voyage, not a cruise. She is an ocean liner, not a cruise ship. Cunard ships draws international world travelers, not tourists. You know what to expect on a cruise, but Cunard is not a cruise company. These are just a few of the many differences that you will find ...
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News on the gay travel front
- TRAVEL Special to the online edition of Windy City Times by Jeff Guaracino - Next year, Chicago will be host to the 30th anniversary convention of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA). Hundreds of people from around the world will convene in Chicago to network, share ideas and to learn about the still rapidly changing world of LGBT travel. The world was a much different place three decades ago. Hotels didn't offer ...
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TRAVEL Mexico City: One dia at a time
- El dia numero uno: The first day actually began en la noche as I departed to O'Hare for my 1 a.m. flight on Aeromexico. I was initially apprehensive about the flight's timing, until I realized—night owl that I tend to be—that getting there so early would afford me an entire day of leisure. And never has a complimentary cocktail on ...
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Diana Nyad on Olivia Cruise
- From a news release - San Francisco, Calif., August 28, 2012 — Despite dangers from poisonous jellyfish stings, dehydration and storm squalls that pulled her miles off course, endurance swimmer Diana Nyad held firm in her resolve to complete a 103-mile open water swim from Havana, Cuba to Key West, Florida. Her mental toughness to overcome these intense obstacles lasted for a record-breaking 51 hours ...
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Wilde Travels offers unique options for LGBT individuals
- TRAVEL Special to the online edition of Windy City Times - As the former North American marketing manager for the Kenya Tourist Board, Jacob Marek spent a lot of time traveling in the very conservative country. "I couldn't help but think how fantastic it would be to take an unforgettable safari with my partner, holding hands in the safari vehicle, and sleeping in a tent under the stars, comfortably knowing I ...
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iPad gay men's travel magazine launched
- From a news release - On the 20th anniversary of OUT&ABOUT's 1992 debut, ManAboutWorld re-imagines the kind of travel information and inspiration that's relevant to gay travelers today. ManAboutWorld is powered by a team of Global Correspondents: travel writers, experts and world travelers who provide current, local knowledge about destinations and experiences all over the world. They are the super-connectors of the gay travel world, ...
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Gay while traveling? Las Vegas thinks so!
- TRAVEL Windy City Times online special by Jeff Guaracino - With same-sex marriages and civil unions legal in several states and cities, the end of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and an increasing public acceptance of our community, some have questioned if gay travel really still exists. At a the Global Gay and Lesbian think tank during the IGLTA (International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association) conference in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., influential ...
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Great deals for summer travel
- TRAVEL Special to the online edition of Windy City Times by Jeff Guaracino - Have you made your summer travel plans yet? Here are my favorite deals in some of the most popular summer travel destinations. The OUT NYC The new luxurious OUT NYC is the Big Apple's newest hotel built for our community. This Hell's Kitchen hotel and resort is a great value, super stylish and has among the friendliest staff in Manhattan. ...
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Visit Manchester for Pride
- TRAVEL: ENGLAND Special to the online edition of Windy City Times - A short two-hour, 18 British-pound train ride away from London is Manchester, England. It is a small big-town city, much like Philadelphia. It has charm, culture, a vibrant nightlife and this city's annual pride event, Manchester Pride's Big Weekend, shouldn't be missed. This year's festival kick's off Aug. 17 with the 'big weekend' ending Aug. 27. What's so different about ...
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Napa's and Sonoma's long and winery roads
- TRAVEL - Many travelers are familiar with the wineries in Napa Valley, but if they head north they will discover a wine road that has much to offer without all of the busloads of tourists. Flying into San Francisco from Chicago was a breeze; then, it was a quick jaunt up Highway 101 over the Golden Gate Bridge to arrive at the ...
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Five extraordinary people, marriage pioneers
- Special to the online edition of Windy City Times - I always say that I travel to learn about myself and about other people. On a January trip, I met five extraordinary people. Here is their story. This is the first time their story has been told to the U.S. gay press. On Nov. 28, 2011, two couples joined by eight witnesses and one brave civil judge made Mexican history. ...
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Havruta: A home for Jerusalem LGBTs
- JERUSALEM—Havruta, a social and cultural home for Jewish gay men from religious backgrounds, was started here about five years ago out of a need from and for those the group would serve. That's because, quite simply, it can be a challenge living within the religious community here and also being gay. Havruta was, at first, a project developed and run ...
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Jerusalem Open House: An LGBT community center
- JERUSALEM—The rainbow flag that waves outside the second-story, multiple-room offices of the Jerusalem Open House (JOH) is one of the few—quite possibly, only—visible LGBT signs here in this diverse, ancient, highly religious city. The Jerusalem Open House, comparable to Chicago's Center On Halsted, is a 15 year-old organization, started in 1997 as a community center, focused on local social activities. ...
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Gay man part of Israel's tourism push, will receive award
- SPECIAL ON ISRAEL - Russell Lord went on a summer trip in 1981 from his native New York to Europe and Israel—and never went back. He found a new life and new career—along with a life partner—and has grown into an award-winner as a marketing and tourism consultant for Kenes Tours, based in Tel Aviv, where he now lives. "My career in tourism has ...
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Chicago filmmaker working in Jerusalem
- SPECIAL ON ISRAEL - JERUSALEM—Filmmaker Ronit Bezalel of Chicago spent two months here this year, visiting family that lives here and volunteering at the Jerusalem Open House (JOH), the local version of Center on Halsted in Chicago. "I just wanted something to do while I was here, so I reached out to the Jerusalem Open House," she said. Bezalel, who lives in Chicago's Edgewater ...
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Running the Jerusalem Marathon
- JERUSALEM—Running through 3,000 years of history isn't just the slogan of the Jerusalem Marathon—it's fact. However, it also seemed as though there were about 3,000 inclines along the 26.2-mile course, which featured picturesque views, multiple emotional moments, a jaunt through the Old City and a truly amazing journey through the Holy City. The Jerusalem Marathon, held March 16, was my ...
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Bar is center of LGBT nightlife
- SPECIAL ON ISRAEL - JERUSALEM—Monday nights here at Mikveh Bar are quite a drag—the drag show, that is. About 200 people cram the small LGBT bar for what has become a local drag-night tradition. This is the largest local LGBT bar, which features a small dance floor. It was the city's lone LGBT bar for several months until a second bar opened earlier this ...
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Lesbian couple starts LGBT congregation
- SPECIAL ON ISRAEL - After five years together, lesbian partners Zehorit and Limor Sorek decided it was time to have a commitment ceremony. However, when Zehorit asked a few years ago to make a kiddush—a Jewish blessing with wine or grape juice—in her synagogue on Sabbath to honor their marriage, she encountered opposition. First, the rabbi hesitated, and then refused. Then, two days before ...
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Chicago helping push for LGBT tourism in Israel
- SPECIAL ON ISRAEL - JERUSALEM—The push for LGBT tourism into Israel from North and South America comes, in part, from a straight, former Chicagoan who has participated in three recent Chicago Pride Parades—and is proud to say he has and calls the late June event "one of the most fun events in the city." Uri Steinberg, 36, served as director of the Chicago office ...
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Gay-resort owners arrested in Nicaragua
- Plans to build Nicaragua's first gay resort community have been suspended following the arrest of the project's two proprietors, Francis DeFranco, 50, and Jan Van Den Broek, 50, of Belgium, according to the Nicaragua Dispatch. The two men, owners of Granada's Hotel Joluva and the nearby gay development project known as Club Alegria, were arrested along with two tourists—a 55-year-old ...
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Three trip ideas to take you around the world
- TRAVEL Special to the online edition of Windy City Times - Not sure where in the world to go to this year? Here are three trip ideas that could have you traveling to one, two or three Continents this year. Better keep your passport handy. Mexico Could the world end when the Mayan calendar ends this year? ( Better cash in your miles now! ) In reality, Dec. 21, 2012, is ...
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Chicago Neighborhood Tours include LGBT, Pullman, Bronzeville
- From a news release - Journey downtown and beyond with Chicago Neighborhood Tours, easy and affordable excursions that cover all corners of the city. From new microbreweries to historic boulevards, modern art to landmark hotels, Chicago Neighborhood Tours has expanded to include even more diverse offerings. This summer, choose from 25 different tours every weekend from June through August, and let an expert local guide ...
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Chicago 'Instagreeter' location now at Center on Halsted
- From a news release - CHICAGO (March 26, 2012) — Chicago visitors will be able to experience the vibrant communities of Lakeview, Wrigleyville and Boystown like a true insider this summer when a new "InstaGreeter" neighborhood location opens on Saturday, May 26 at the Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted. This free visitor service offered by the Chicago Greeter program at the Chicago Office of ...
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Touring Toronto
- TRAVEL - Toronto is the capital of Ontario, and is an Aboriginal word meaning "meeting place." Only an hour away from and founded at the same time as Chicago, this area split from the United States in 1776. Both cities were considered gateways to the west. Being the largest city in Canada, Toronto is expansive and has a personality all on its ...
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Massachusetts: Bouncing around the Bay State
- TRAVEL Special to the online edition of Windy City Times - The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is also known as The Bay State and located in the New England region. Boston is the capital and a good place to start the journey. The Inn @ St. Botolph makes a great home base for downtown Boston. The place is modern, masculine and maintained by the guest. It has a virtual check-in with a ...
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Cancun hosts LGBT marketing event
- From a news release - Cancun, Mexico— The International Expo & Business LBGT said a Latin American marketing event targeting the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) market will take place Sept. 6 - 9, 2012 in Cancun, Mexico. Ruben Sandoval, president of the International Expo & Business LGBT, said he was delighted to bring this marketing event to the city of Cancun. Sandoval also ...
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Miami hotel caters to the gay traveler
- TRAVEL Special to the online edition of Windy City Times - B&Bs and guesthouses that predominately serve the LGBT traveler have been around for decades. Now, it appears that full-service hotels catering to our community just may be gaining ground. Arguably, the famed Axel Hotels in Spain ans Argentina started the gay-focused trend, followed by Miami's Lords South Beach and in March The OUT NYC opens, billed as New York's first ...
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LGBT section now on Illinois tourism website
- Based on a news release - One year after signing historic civil union legislation, Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn announced the launch of a new section of the state's official tourism website tailored toward lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered ( LGBT ) travelers, as reported in Windy City Times and GoPride this past weekend. "Pride Illinois" features LGBT-friendly and/or owned travel destinations, attractions, accommodations, events and more throughout ...
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Key West promotes gay trolley tour
- Key West Business Guild announces a new time, new location, and new partnership for the Gay Key West Trolley Tour, one of the nation's only gay and lesbian trolley tours. Beginning Saturday, Feb. 4, the tour will begin at 4 p.m. from the HTA Angela Street Depot (corner of Angela and Duval) and is being co-sponsored by Historic Tours of ...
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Twenty Days and 20 Ways to Celebrate the Chicago River
- From a news release - Chicago River Watershed—Friends of the Chicago River is pleased to announce Chicago River Day 20/20: See What You Can Do, a 20-day celebration of the 20th anniversary of Friends' signature stewardship event, Chicago River Day. To celebrate this critical milestone and the river's improvement, from April 23 through May 12, 2012 Friends will host a series of events on and ...
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Chicago half-day guided bus tours include "LGBT Chicago"
- Chicago Neighborhood Tours offers new excursions, including "Pubs & Micro-breweries," "The Great Chicago Fire" - From a News Release CHICAGO (January 13, 2012) — The city's 77 distinct communities come alive on Chicago Neighborhood Tours, revealing rich histories and celebrated cultural traditions, local landmarks and hidden treasures. Affordable and convenient, these half-day motor coach trips offer fully-planned itineraries and an expert local guide to lead the way. Learn the art of beer making from local ...
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Ecuador: Welcome to the jungle
- TRAVEL - The Republic of Ecuador lies in South America, bordered by Colombia with the Pacific Ocean to its west. The word "Ecuador" translates to equator and we traveled to the center of the world to report back about it. Known for its exotic wildlife and ancient civilization, this country makes the perfect destination for the adventure traveler. Our trip began with ...
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President unveiling strategy to book tourism
- From a news release - THE WHITE HOUSE, Office of the Press Secretary, Jan. 19, 2012 REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT UNVEILING A STRATEGY TO HELP BOOST TRAVEL AND TOURISM Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando, Florida THE PRESIDENT: Hello, everybody! (Applause.) I am glad to be at Disney World! (Applause.) The Magic Kingdom. This is outstanding. Well, let me begin by thanking Ruben for that extraordinary ...
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Weekend Winter Fest in New Buffalo, MI
- From a news release - New Buffalo Business Association announces that Winter Fest, the kickoff event of the season, runs Saturday and Sunday February 4th and 5th of 2012 in New Buffalo Michigan. Fairfield Inn and Suites, Grand Beach Inn, Harbor Grand Hotel, Holiday Inn Express, Lakeside Inn, Marina Grand, and New Buffalo Inn and Spa are all offering 20%, or more, discounts during this ...
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Making New Year's Resolutions? Add travel to your list
- Special to the online edition of Windy City Times - Looking back at 2011? Did you travel enough? Are you carrying over vacation days to 2012 or did you lose days because you didn't take enough time off? As you make your New Year's resolution list, how about adding traveling more to your list? With two long holiday weekends coming up in January and February—Martin Luther King and President's Day—now ...
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It's a jungle out there for lesbian safari owner
- Special to the online edition of Windy City Times - Jody Cole has quite an adventurous workplace. After all, she's been charged at by a wild lion—not once, but twice—and that "scared the hell out of me," she said. Then, she has "one helluva story to tell" about the time she watched with fear as an elephant appeared to size her up from approximately 30 feet away before ultimately deciding ...
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City of Chicago wants LGBT greeters
- From a news release - Chicago Greeter is seeking friendly, enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteers to join the program in 2012. This award-winning visitor service managed by the Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture pairs local Chicagoans with visitors looking for an insider introduction to the city. Home to a vibrant cultural scene, stunning architecture, innovative dining and destination shopping, Chicago welcomes nearly 40 million visitors ...
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Asia gears up for lesbian and gay visitors
- From a news release - December 7, 2011. New Delhi, India -- Symposium educates Asian tourism industry -- International press trip explores "gay-welcoming" India Over 75 travel industry professionals representing tour operators, travel agencies, hotel owners, and faculty and students of a travel management institute convened at the 1st Asian Symposium on Gay & Lesbian Tourism, held at the Le Meridien Hotel in New Delhi ...
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Practical tips for a trip to New Zealand
- TRAVEL Special to the online edition of Windy City Times - How far away is New Zealand from Chicago? Far! Consider this: As I sip a local beer in the cozy S&M bar in the "Coolest Little Capital City" in the world—Wellington, New Zealand—the owners of S&M, Scotty and Mel, welcome me to the closest gay bar to the South Pole, only 3,374 miles to the south! Together for 20 years ...
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Say 'aloha' to Hawaii's pleasures
- TRAVEL - Hawaii greets visitors with a hearty "aloha" and flowered necklaces called leis upon arrival. United Airlines flies directly there from Chicago. While the flight is more than eight hours, as long as the passenger is prepared it's not a problem. One suggestion is to eat before the ride or bring a snack on the plane. Small morsels are offered for ...
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Brazil, how to prepare
- TRAVEL Special to the online edition of Windy City Times - Carnaval in Rio De Janerio is legendary and the city's gay beach at Ipanema is increasingly drawing a global, jet-setting crowd. Soon you will be hearing a lot more about Brazil as the South American country will host the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association convention in 2012, the Olympics 2016 and the World Cup 2014. Brazilians speak Portuguese not ...
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TRAVEL: The warmth of Key West
- Special to the online edition of Windy City Times - It takes about four hours to fly to Key West, Fla., depending on the length of your likely layover in Miami, but once you arrive on this palm tree-studded island, you'll feel like you've landed in another world. The mix of steamy temperatures, relaxed island attitudes, colorful European architecture and Caribbean-influenced cuisine can make U.S. visitors feel like they've actually ...
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Womenfest at Key West
- A visit to Key West is worthwhile any time of year, but ladies may want to consider booking trips just after Labor Day. That's when the island hosts Womenfest Key West, an annual weekend-long party for lesbians. Womenfest is similar to Dinah Shore in Palm Springs, but Key West's version is a bit more laid-back and draws a diverse crowd ...
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TRAVEL: Columbus daze
- Special to the online edition of Windy City Times - Alongside Provincetown, Mass.; Palm Springs, Calif.; and Saugatuck, Mich., you can place Columbus, Ohio, as a gay mecca. Although some may be surprised by the previous statement, keep in mind that 15 percent of the city's population is LGBT—and those individuals control 25 percent of the economy, underscoring their influence here. Moreover, the LGBT population is what one might call ...
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Hawaii: A perfect honeymoon destination
- TRAVEL - By Jeff Guaracino Same-sex marriage, civil unions, domestic partnerships and commitment ceremonies are booming. As cities and nations around the world are increasingly recognizing our relationships, couples are planning their ceremonies and their honeymoons. In June, New York became the sixth U.S. state to recognize same-sex marriage joining Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont along with the District of ...
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Vienna welcomes gay and lesbian tourists
- From a press release - VIENNA, AUSTRIA - Once youʼve enjoyed your first taste of Vienna, you might just find yourself coming back time and time again. This is a city that delights those with a more refined palate, and especially those with a sense of style and a passion for history. Taste is subjective of course, but if you seek a feast for the ...
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Visiting the Lincoln Park Conservatory
- If you want to try something different ( and basically be transported to another world ) , visit the Lincoln Park Conservatory and its accompanying Formal Garden. "Constructed in stages between 1890 and 1895, the Conservatory was designed both to showcase exotic plants and to grow the thousands of plants needed for use in the parks," according to its website. ...
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Census shows a new 'gayest' area in U.S.
- There is a new gayest place in the United States—at least when it comes to number of same-sex couples: Provincetown, Massachusetts. Also, there's a new "gayest" state: the District of Columbia. (Editor's note: Designating the district as a state will be explained later.) The costal resort town in Massachusetts has long been a gay favorite, both for summer vacations and ...
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Historic ideas for the 100th anniversary of the Titanic
- TRAVEL Special to the online edition of Windy City Times - Today's cruise ship companies endlessly announce the "newest" or "world's largest ships" but one passenger liner still captures our imaginations and respect, the RMS Titanic. The "unsinkable" ship struck an iceberg on her maiden voyage from Southampton, England, to New York City, and sank on April 15, 1912, resulting in the deaths of 1,517 people. Next year marks the 100th ...
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Pittsburgh: Pennsylvania dreamin'
- At the junction of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers, Pittsburgh prevails as a solid, working-class American mecca that's positively brimming with arts, culture and a welcoming, queer-friendly atmosphere. The best view of Pennsylvania's second-largest city can be had from the top of Mt. Washington. High-end architecture dots the slanted landscape. While not an actual "mountain," the height of this steep ...
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Michigan's Dunes marks 30 years
- TRAVEL - In 1998, three partners, Mike Jones, Danny Esterline and Greg Trzybinski were planning their future with the idea of a gay bar in the forefront of their minds. The next day they called Lynda Holmes, a realtor friend of theirs and nine months later on May 26, 1999 they made that dream a reality. Mike Jones said of their ownership, ...
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Gay man reflects on sailing around the world
- Larry Jacobson was 13 when he shattered his right leg while skiing. He was in a cast from hip to toe for three months, and miserable. "I was desperate to move, get out, do things," Jacobson recalls. He read a lot at the time and almost anything, especially magazines. One day, his mom brought him a magazine about boats. Something ...
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Puerto Vallarta: A place with lots of flavor
- TRAVEL Special to the online edition of Windy City Times - Puerto Vallarta, or PV, is a resort city with something for every tourist. Food was the focus of this trip as many unforgettable dishes were tried on this excursion to Mexico. The sixth largest city in Jalisco, Mexico, Puerto Vallarta was named after Ignacio Vallarta, the former governor of the state.Some say that the Ava Gardner/Richard Burton film Night of ...
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TRAVEL New Orleans: Swooning in 'The Big Easy'
- Special to the online edition of Windy City Times - Being in New Orleans recently, the differences between The Big Easy and The Windy City were too numerous to count: a stark difference in temperature ( at the time ) ; flora and fauna ( ranging from lizards to palm trees ) ; and New Orleans' quintessential slow Southern style, exemplified by the older women who greeted me with the ...
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