The Chicago Traveler

Chicago is renowned for its culture and diversity, bringing together people from all backgrounds and labels. The gay and lesbian community plays a significant part in the Windy City’s population, attracting men and women from less resourceful rural areas across the Midwest. Two of Chicago’s most thriving gay neighborhoods are Boystown (inside the Lakeview/Wrigleyville area) and Andersonville (and consequently its surrounding Edgewater neighborhood). A high concentration of bars, shops, and restaurants can be found among the colorful pylons of Boystown. Andersonville has a few bars as well but is better known for its boutiques and “hip” eateries.
While it is by …read more

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There’s something about a man in tight jeans and a cowboy hat that makes many ladies swoon. But if you’re a cowpoke looking for the company of other men, put on your big belt buckle and head on over to Charlie’s.
This predominantly gay establishment on the north end of Boystown (right next to Kreative Soul) features country-western music and plenty of room to dance. The bar itself may not be much to look at (and those bathrooms, eek!), but both the patrons and staff are usually friendly with that good ol’ cowboy charm. But the dance floor is where it’s …read more

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Last weekend, my BFFs invited me out for a night of drinking and dancing. I was all for it. And then they told me, “It’s industrial/Goth.” Of course, all kinds of stereotypical images started coming to mind, and I began to wonder what I was going to wear for our trip to Neo.
Beneath a sign that looks like it has been hanging there since the club’s opening in 1979, Neo’s alley entrance immediately sets the mood. Arriving about 11 p.m., we each paid our $5 cover and stepped inside. If I could sum up my first impressions in one word, …read more

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You are a dancing machine! Or, at least, you were, up until you had kids. Now you’re a diaper-changing, stain-cleaning, tyke-chasing machine. If the dance floor is still calling your name under all that toddler-hollering, check out Baby Loves Disco.
This dance party allows clubbers and their little dance partners to have fun together. Started in Philadelphia, this concept is now a nationwide sensation, held in over a dozen cities in some of the hippest clubs and music venues that parents never thought they’d see again. The bashes are perfect for little ones ages 6 months to 7 years old. Age-appropriate …read more

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Lumen has lit up the nightlife scene in Chicago (just down the street from Carnivale). “Lumen” is Latin for light, the main attraction here. The impressive overhead LED light installation constantly changes color, based on body movements and sound, adding hues to the white minimal décor. There’s also minimal attitude, with no cover and usually no wait time. This 5,000-square-foot (465 m2) space in the heart of the Fulton Market district is eco-friendly, built entirely out of bamboo, stainless steel, and concrete. Lumen also can stream in live DJ sets from anywhere in the world. The cocktails are cutting-edge, all …read more

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Tickets go on sale this weekend for the following Chicago events via Ticketmaster:

Velvet Revolver
Riviera Theatre
Thu, Jan 24, 7:30 p.m.
Slightly Stoopid
House of Blues Chicago
Sun, Feb 24, 6:30 p.m.
Daxx Riggs
Double Door
Wed, Feb 20, 9:00 p.m.

DJ Funk : Reid Speed : Chris B
Metro Smart Bar
Thu, Jan 31, 10:00 p.m.
DJ Heather : Frank Q
Metro Smart Bar
Sat, Feb 23, 10:00 p.m.
The Silents
Double Door
Sat, Feb 16, 9:00 p.m.

French Kiss : Echo9 : Trancid : Mr. Bobby
Metro Smart Bar
Fri, Jan 18, 10:00 p.m.

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It’s time to say good-bye to 2007. The year has treated me very well. I moved to a new apartment, did some traveling, and, best of all, began writing The Chicago Traveler! Many thanks to Mary Jo and everyone at b5media who has been so welcoming and helpful.
Even though The Chicago Traveler is only a few months old, let’s take a look back at the ten most popular articles of this year.
10. Abegweit. Resting peacefully on Lake Michigan, this beautiful ship was once the most powerful icebreaker in the world.
9. Let’s Boogie Records & Tapes. This music store on the …read more

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Your boss has been in your face. Your mother-in-law is on your back. Traffic’s moved at a snail’s pace all week, but life won’t slow down. “Stress” doesn’t even begin to describe your days.
Relax Lounge in Wicker Park may cure what ails you. Just look for the neon green cross out front and the candles flickering in beakers inside. Lounge seating is surrounded by vintage wallpaper and warm wood details, and a 30-foot bar is lit up by an old-fashioned sign that reads “Prescriptions.”
Sensing a theme here? The bar was originally named “Pharmacy,” but it turns out it is illegal …read more

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 I have to admit, I love this time of year. While I’m not a fan of chilly weather or candy-greedy kids, I can’t get enough of all things creepy and spooky. If you enjoy an adrenaline rush and want to potentially bust some ghosts, grab a tour with Chicago Ghost Investigations. This paranormal research group will teach you how to use authentic ghost-hunting equipment, including cameras, sensors, and thermal scanners. CGI investigators will be there to guide you, but for approximately two hours, you are the ghost hunter. This mind-altering experience is incredibly fun but also very intense, so be …read more

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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. On Friday, October 19, Y-ME Illinois will honor all those that have been affected by breast cancer and their supporters. Beginning at 6:30 p.m., The Big Night Out at Union Station will raise funds that will allow Y-ME to continue their work in the community, supporting and educating women. Guests will be treated to the delicious treats of Ethel’s Chocolate, Geja’s Café, Garrett Popcorn, Argo Tea, Kim & Scott’s Gourmet Pretzels, Starbucks Liqueur, Aveda Institute Chicago, Touch Salons, and Martini Park. A Mini Cooper will be raffled off at the event, and live music …read more

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