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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Chicago has plenty to offer when it comes to nightlife, but if you ever find yourself in a club rut, it’s time to throw your evening into a Spin.
While located at the south end of Boystown, Chicago’s GLBT nightlife neighborhood, the club caters to a diverse clientele. No matter what your label or orientation, Spin provides plenty to look forward to. Just around the corner from Orange, there are weekly promotions, the most popular of which may be the midnight shower contest on Friday nights. Men and women get wet and wild every week, bearing nothing but a tiny towel …read more

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June is Gay Pride Month, and it’s already off to an excellent start. Last night, a brand new documentary premiered on Chicago’s public television station, WTTW. Out & Proud in Chicago draws attention to 150 years of the city’s GLBT (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender) history. From the Civil War to today, the documentary details how the vast community’s diverse members have come together to create historical and political achievements.
Out & Proud in Chicago profiles the famous and the unsung, those who chose paths of activism and those who chose to live everyday lives with extraordinary dignity. This is the …read more

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• Check out two local designers and their earth-friendly clothing for women at EcoFashion: Beyond the Basics. Sip on pomegranate martinis with organic vodka at Pivot, while seeing how scarves are made with natural pomegranate dye. (Apr 4)
• The 24th Annual Chicago Latino Film Festival features more than 100 short, animated, documentary, and feature films from the United States, Portugal, Mexico, Argentina, and Spain. Screenings take place in several venues across the city and explore politics, race, sex, and social issues. (Apr 4-16)
• Doug Benson, as seen on VH1’s Best Week Ever, will be appearing at Lakeshore Theater. (Apr 4-5)
• …read more

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• The Annoyance pays homage to Harrison Ford via Bear Force One. After a series of assassinations, the Secretary of Agriculture becomes the first gay “bear” President of the United States. Now, the terrorists are after him, his partner “cub,” and his new staff! (Fridays, ends Apr 11)
• The 2008 Chicago Auto Show is the largest auto show in the nation and showcases domestic and imported cars, trucks, and SUVs. Of course, there are also plenty of interesting experimental and concept vehicles to see, too. (Feb 8-17)
• If you’re going to spend a lot of money on a date, maybe …read more

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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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Start the New Year with a little color…
• Hydrate: Why celebrate 12 midnight just once? Ring in the New Year for every time zone! The celebration includes an exclusive pre-NYE party, a hosted bar featuring Effen Vodka and Pilsner Urquell Beer, a delicious appetizer buffet, and a complimentary champagne toast. DJ Jeannette spins tracks well into the wee hours of the morning. (8 p.m. – 4 a.m., $30-$50) (map) (link)
• North End: This bar is all about beer, boys, and bowls—college bowls, that is. Stop by for some barstool football with the guys without having to worry about a …read more

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• Alinea: Chef Grant Achataz is the frontrunner of progressive cuisine. The word “unique” doesn’t even begin to describe his dishes… many of which don’t even come on a dish! He’ll be presenting his cuisine at two seatings. The first seating offers a ten-course meal; the second offers 15 courses and a champagne toast. Wine pairings are also available. Reservations required. Jackets recommended, jeans not allowed. (5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., 8 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., $175-$250) (map) (link)
• Salud Tequila Lounge: This popular spot has about 85 different tequilas to choose from, available straight or in a margarita. They’ll …read more

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This weekend features Reeling 2007: the 26th Annual Chicago Lesbian and Gay International Film Festival. From comedies to documentaries to dramas, the pink carpet is rolling out for 11 days of nearly 70 amazing films from over 28 countries. Reeling is the second-oldest film festival of its kind in the U.S., showcasing the best gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender films every year.
Reeling is committed to celebrating an identity that is often misrepresented or ignored in mainstream film and television. This year’s presentation will include films from Jamie Babbit (But I’m A Cheerleader), Robert Gaston (Open Cam), and Casper Andreas (Slutty …read more

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Happy Halloween everybody! Even though it’s a weeknight, there’s still plenty to do out there in the city…
• The Dead Diner will be serving up Halloween-themed food and drink specials, along with ghostly tunes, horror flicks, and a midnight costume contest with a $200 cash prize.
• Roscoe’s Halloween Night offers over $4,000 in cash and prizes in two big costume competitions: Best Costume and Best Drag. Each is limited to 30 participants so be there at 9:00 p.m. to sign up.
• Debonair Social Club celebrates its first anniversary with seven guest DJs and a live video photobooth.
• Casey Moran’s, across …read more

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