On Feb. 19, the Greater Fort Lauderdale ( Fla. ) Convention & Visitors Bureau gave winter-weary Chicagoans a boost by bringing a beach-chic vibe to Chicagospecifically, 401 N. Michigan Ave., near Tribune Tower.
The one-day "Beach Looks Good on You" event featured items such as bathing suit-clad models, a lifeguard stand, vending machines with "Hello Sunny" shades, and Chicago Blackhawks Ambassador Tony Esposito along with mascot Tommy Hawk.
For the LGBT community, Greater Ft. Lauderdale ( promoted as having the most same-sex couples in the country ) has been a destination for many. In fact, the area has been recognized as the state's largest and most popular diverse gay capital, complete with the largest resident lesbian and gay community and the most gay-owned and operated businesses in the state. It is also the seventh-most popular outright LGBT travel destination, according to a press release.
In 2012, Greater Fort Lauderdale appointed the only designated tourism board LGBT managing director, Richard Gray. Gray informed Windy City Times of its many LGBT-related attractions, including hotels ( some clothing-optional ), the Wilton Manors neighborhood, and the Stonewall National Museum and Archives.
Photos by Andrew Davis. Additional photos at the link: www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/photospreadthumbs.php .