Attractions

Family Friendly Places To See In Chicago

December 13, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

: Image via Wikipedia

Seeing the sights in Chicago is something that everyone visiting the area should explore. However with so many different places and sights to see it can be difficult deciding which one’s to visit, especially when traveling with the family. Family friendly attractions must be interesting for every member of the family while catering to their needs as well.
One of the best family friendly places to visit is the Brookfield Zoo, located just West of Chicago. This zoo includes an interactive play zoo and children’s petting zoo. The zoo also features a tropical section and very popular dolphin show. Be sure to check the zoo’s schedule before visiting.
Every child deserves a trip to the farm. Lambs farm accomplishes is located just north of Chicago in Libertyville, Illinois. This farm has a multitude of activities that the entire family will enjoy. These include a petting farm with goats and sheep, a miniature golf course and a train ride. This location also includes a pet shop full of souvenirs and a country style restaurant.
For a great history lesson consider visiting the Chicago Cultural Center. Half of this locations elegance is based on its brilliant architecture. With marble, stained glass, polished brass and shiny hardwood it is a site to see. The most spectacular attraction at this location is the thirty-eight foot glass dome, the largest tiffany stained glass dome in the world. A variety of art shows are performed on a daily basis at this location as well. All of this combined with the free admission make it a must see stop.
Should you been in the area between June 25th and July 4th feel free to explore the taste of Chicago event. Here you will find a variety of cuisines that truly represent the great food in Chicago.

Filed Under: Attractions, Entertainment, Travel Tagged With: Chicago, Chicago Cultural Center, Stained glass

Planning To See The Sights

December 11, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

Chicago is a city filled with many things to do and plenty of things to see. Planning to see it all in a time effective fashion can sometimes be a challenge. With the busy city streets, lines and normal traveling downtime traveling through Chicago can seem effectively. With effective planning and reasonable intuitive ability you can assure that the sights of Chicago are embedded in the memory of your travels forever.
The first thing you need to decide on is how you are going to travel to the destinations that you have decided to visit. Should all the locations be within the busy city it may be wise to take the taxi, a bus or a train. While driving may at first seem like a good idea because of the family, traffic and being unfamiliar with how to drive in the city can make it take much longer to find locations. You must also consider the time wasted as well as the money spent on finding parking and the chance of running into stand still traffic. By taking public transportation it is relatively assured that you and your family will arrive at the location in a timely manner.
Should you plan on frequenting the less hectic portions of Chicago then a car will be better than relying on public transportation. Make a schedule of the places that you plan to visit throughout the day, taking in mind the most efficient route between the various locations to minimize the time spent driving and maximize the time spent site seeing. Call the places you plan on visiting beforehand to make sure that everything is in order. The worst situation you can put yourself in is to go somewhere to find out the tour is four hours later than you had originally expected.

Filed Under: Attractions, Travel Tagged With: Chicago, Confucius Institute, United States

Eating Healthy While In Chicago

December 9, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

Eating while on the go can sometimes be a challenge. While in Chicago many are tempted to overeat due to the impressive quality cuisine available. However overeating can lead to health conditions and may be undesirable for those attempting to lose weight. By choosing healthy meal options, visiting the right restaurants and purchasing some healthy snacks its possible to avoid the temptation.
Planning for places to eat while traveling in Chicago is vital if you want to avoid the last minute fast food decision. Try to find locations that are near the places you plan on visiting during the day so that you can maximize the time spent eating and not trying to find someplace to eat. The last thing you want to do is get stuck in traffic while going or coming back from getting some food. Do not be afraid to call ahead and ask what healthy alternative meal options the restaurant offers.
Some things you need to avoid while eating this type of food include salt, monosodium glutamate and fat. These are the ingredients common in fast food as well as the gourmet food offered at many restaurants. In fact this is why Chicago style pizza is so famous around the world, because of the fat in the huge amount of cheese that is piled on.
Eating healthy while traveling can be especially difficult when other people you are traveling with vow for the unhealthy and fast options. While this can be a potential source of travelers conflict, many fast food restaurants do offer healthy alternatives. Also remember to buy some snacks for the trip as well. These healthy snacks could include fruit, vegetables and grain products. If you are creative then you could make your own trail mix .
Just remember to prepare for your healthy eating in Chicago.

Filed Under: Attractions, Travel Tagged With: Chicago, Fast food, Health, Restaurant

Getting The Best Price For Hotels in Chicago

December 8, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

: Image by Getty Images via @daylife

Hotels can often be the largest expense for a traveler in Chicago. Learning how to find the best rate on a hotel in Chicago is vital if you wish to spend your money effectively while on the trip. By using the correct search methods and finding hotels which will bargain for a room you can assure that you are paying the true market price for a hotel during your stay in Chicago. Many hotels will charge high prices simply for their location, services or simply out of spite. Learning how to avoid this is vital and can leave more money in your pocket.
Plan out the locations which you wish to visit during your trip and ascertain the best location to get a hotel. By finding a hotel close to the places you plan to visit you can save money on traveling and save time, allowing yourself the time to visit more places at a cheaper rate. Use a map and calculate the closeness of the places you plan to visit versus the price of the hotel.
Hotels tend to be cheaper the farther they are from desirable places to visit and if they offer cheaper rooms and fewer services. Decide what services and room qualities your family really needs. Is excellent room service, comfortable beds and a wide screen TV really that important when it comes to traveling? Once you have found out what your family desires than its time to compare prices at that level of desirability and then compare hotels of that desirability versus their location and price. If you search hard enough you can find cheap hotels in prime locations, making it much cheaper to sleep and shower during a trip.
Remember to negotiate with the hotel owner for a lower price. You never know when they need to sell a room.

Filed Under: Attractions, Travel Tagged With: Chicago, Hotel, United States

Eating Out While In Chicago

December 6, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

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Finding a good place to eat while in Chicago should not be too much of a challenge since Chicago is world famous for its excellent style of cuisine. However by following some simple tips and guidelines its possible to eat at the best restaurants in your price range during your stay in Chicago. Remember that a trip without good food is like leaving your taste buds back at work in the office. Please don’t forget your taste buds while in vacation in Chicago.
The first thing you need to accomplish is deciding on what type of food you would like to eat. Whether its pizza, Chinese food, grill style or a hamburger joint you have to find some type of restaurant that has food you desire. Perhaps take the time to make this decision with your family or the people you are traveling with to make sure this is a desirable food choice for them as well.
Once you have decided on the style of food you are going to get you need to decide on the price you are prepared to spend. Eating out with four people can quickly reach into costing one hundred or more. That is just if the price per person is twenty dollars each before tip.
Now that you have had to think about the price range you need to consider the quality of the restaurant you plan on visiting. Perhaps check reviews of the website online or just ask people who work in the area. Just make sure that you review at least once second opinion of the restaurant. The worse thing you can do is give yourself food poisoning while on vacation.
The last thing you need to consider is the distance of the restaurant from your hotel or the location you are visiting.

Filed Under: Attractions, Entertainment, Travel Tagged With: Chicago, Food, Restaurant

Avoiding Tourist Traps In Chicago

December 5, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

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While Chicago does have its fair share of good places to visit, it also has its fair share of tourist traps as well. Learning how to avoid visiting these traps while visiting Chicago will prevent wasting time and money and ensure that you have a quality trip during your vacation. Tourist traps can make a vacation boring and leave a scarred memory during that time of the vacation.
Investigate the places you plan on visiting thoroughly. This means calling ahead, reading reviews online and talking it through with the people going with you on the trip. Would they enjoy visiting the place or find it boring? Consider the opinion of everyone that will have to go so that democracy is adequately served in terms of enjoyment.
Tourist traps are often marked with low quality advertising and gift shops selling useless trinkets. They tend to be located off of highway exits and display typically boring things such as rocks, collections or other seemingly useless things. While these places can sometimes be educational and exciting, remember to use adequate judgement before paying them to view their supposed spectacle.
While research before visiting the location usually wards out tourist traps its always possible to judge the location upon arrival. Consider things such as the size, quality and price of the tourist attraction as well as the employees present. Should any of these things seem of low quality it would be wise to leave immediately. Tourist traps can be unsafe and designed simply to take your money and run. While they can be a hoot, they can also be a waste of money.
Perhaps you should visit with a travel agency or chamber of commerce while in Chicago. These locations will be able to advise you on what exactly there is to do in the area of Chicago.

Filed Under: Attractions, Travel Tagged With: Chicago, Chile, Tourism, Tourist trap

Seeing The Best of Chicago On A Limited Time Schedule

December 3, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

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Perhaps you have been laid over in Chicago for a couple days or you have just found yourself in the windy city for a day. Make good use of it! Finding something to do in Chicago should never be a challenge By considering your circumstances such as who you are with and where you are in the city you can find things to do in no time.
The first thing you need to know is how and where you can travel. Should you have enough money public transportation is always an option. If you have little money and no way to travel than you will need to only consider places within walking distance. Once you have determined the scope of travel of which you are capable you need to consider the places that you can afford to visit. Should expensive restaurants and locations be out of your price range consider a cheap play, museum, or public music.
If you can not think of any places to go then consider calling a local travel agency or chamber of commerce for advice on what there is to do. Perhaps strike up a conversations with one of the locals or ask the staff at a local restaurant or hotel what there is to do. Remember that being creative is the biggest factor in finding the best thing to do at the time.
If all else seems to fail then just get out of wherever you are at and walk around the city until you find something to do. Perhaps walk into a local bar or pub or visit a local rave or dance club. Ask about what people are getting involved in around the city. You never know where a random conversation with a random person could lead you to. Chicago is full of a lot to experience.

Filed Under: Attractions, Travel Tagged With: Chicago, China, Hu Jintao, United States

Top Five Things To Do In Chicago

December 1, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

There is a large multitude of things to see and do while in Chicago. While selecting which of these places or events to visit can be difficult, there is five things every visiter to Chicago should see during their trip.
One of the coolest things to see in Chicago is the Skydeck Chicago, which is known previously as the Sears tower. This location features plastic boxes which extend out of the building on the 103rd floor of the building. This allows the daring to walk outside of the tower and enjoy the impressive view outwards, and especially below. The adventurous should attempt to lay down or do a handstand while in the skybox, if they have the courage.
Another place you can’t miss especially if your traveling with the family is the Lincoln Park Zoo. This zoo has no entry fee and is home to over 1,000 animals for viewing. The zoo includes an impressive array of programs and attractions available for the general public, including a tropical section and dolphin show.
A must see is the Navy Pier, a strip of deck home to shops, events and restaurants. Famed as a must see location for the midwest this is a place that is great to spend a day in. Just be prepared for high prices, as this area is exclusive.
If you are getting tired of the hustle and bustle make a visit to the Millenium Park. This park is famed for its design and architecture, and offers a large expense of land to play and feel free in. It is also home to much musical performance and shows.
The last place on this top five list is the Chicago Cultural Center. This place is a must see for those who love great building design. This location also proudly displays daily musical performances and shows.

Filed Under: Attractions, Events Tagged With: Chicago, Lincoln Park, Navy Pier, Willis Tower

Media

November 25, 2010 By admin

Chicago Members of the Same Sex (chi.motss) Listserv
A mail list created to discuss motss-related topics pertinent to the Chicagoland area.

Chicago Q
The gay and lesbian forum on Digital City Chicago.

Illinois Queer Resources Directory Community Information
Addresses and phone numbers for a variety of community organizations.

MCSNet’s Special Support Services
This broad directory of links and contact information contains numerous queer resources as well as general resources on sexuality.

OUT! Resource Guide
Outlines’ directory of gay and lesbian supportive businesses, professionals, and organizations contains a large listing of community contacts arranged by subject area.

QUIC’s List of Chicago Community Resources
This listing offers information on both Chicago-based organizations and statewide resources.

Chicago Members of the Same Sex (chi.motss) Listserv
A mail list created to discuss motss-related topics pertinent to the Chicagoland area.

Illinois Queer Resources Directory Community Information
Addresses and phone numbers for a variety of community organizations.

MCSNet’s Special Support Services
This broad directory of links and contact information contains numerous queer resources as well as general resources on sexuality.

OUT! Resource Guide
Outlines’ directory of gay and lesbian supportive businesses, professionals, and organizations contains a large listing of community contacts arranged by subject area.

QUIC’s List of Chicago Community Resources
This listing offers information on both Chicago-based organizations and statewide resources.

Cafe Pride
Café Pride is Chicago’s subsidized coffeehouse for queer kids and their friends under 21 years old. It also serves as a safe place for kids who are still figuring out their orientation/style of life.
Chi-Chapter
Chi-Chapter is the Chicago chapter of Tri-Ess, an educational support and social organization for heterosexual crossdressers and their families.

Chicago Metro Area Gay Youth Coalition (C-MAGYC)
C-MAGYC is a coalition of the gay and lesbian student organizations of the Chicago Metro Area. Active member organizations are from DePaul, UIC, IIT, Northwestern, Columbia, University of Chicago, Loyola, Lake Forest College, and Elgin Community College.

Chicago Gender Society
A social and educational nonprofit organization for crossdressers, transsexuals, and their supporters.

Gay & Lesbian Hall of Fame
This site, provided by Laura Rissover, lists the inductees into the Gay & Lesbian Hall of Fame, an initiative to draw attention to important people within our community.

Gerber/Hart Library
Gerber/Hart is the Midwest’s largest gay, lesbian, and bisexual circulating library, archives, and resource center. Programs include monthly book discussion groups, a quarterly film series, art exhibits and many other special programs and events.

Horizons Community Services
Basic contact information for Horizons and its many services. Horizon’s official page is coming soon.

Men of All Colors Together
MACT – Chicago is a gay multicultural organization.

New Town Writers
The mission of the New Town Writers, Chicago’s premier gay literary group, is to foster gay literary expression.

Oak Park Area Lesbian and Gay Association (OPALGA)
OPALGA was founded in 1989 to promote the interests of lesbians and gay men in the village of Oak Park and in surrounding areas.

Out At Work (Or Not) (Out at Work has disbanded, but their website is still active)
An organization of primarily gay, lesbian, and bisexual employees of many companies providing resources, contacts, and empowerment for our peers who are out, coming out, or still in the closet at work.

Queer Arts Resource (QAR)
QAR is a nonprofit on-line forum for the display and discussion of queer content in the visual arts, with galleries, interviews, arts resources, books and much more.

The Stonewall Group
The only free self-help support group for adult gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgendered adults located in the western suburbs of Chicago.

Cafe Pride
Café Pride is Chicago’s subsidized coffeehouse for queer kids and their friends under 21 years old. It also serves as a safe place for kids who are still figuring out their orientation/style of life.
Chi-Chapter
Chi-Chapter is the Chicago chapter of Tri-Ess, an educational support and social organization for heterosexual crossdressers and their families.

Chicago Metro Area Gay Youth Coalition (C-MAGYC)
C-MAGYC is a coalition of the gay and lesbian student organizations of the Chicago Metro Area. Active member organizations are from DePaul, UIC, IIT, Northwestern, Columbia, University of Chicago, Loyola, Lake Forest College, and Elgin Community College.

Chicago Gender Society
A social and educational nonprofit organization for crossdressers, transsexuals, and their supporters.

Gay & Lesbian Hall of Fame
This site, provided by Laura Rissover, lists the inductees into the Gay & Lesbian Hall of Fame, an initiative to draw attention to important people within our community.

Gerber/Hart Library
Gerber/Hart is the Midwest’s largest gay, lesbian, and bisexual circulating library, archives, and resource center. Programs include monthly book discussion groups, a quarterly film series, art exhibits and many other special programs and events.

Horizons Community Services
Basic contact information for Horizons and its many services. Horizon’s official page is coming soon.

Men of All Colors Together
MACT – Chicago is a gay multicultural organization.

New Town Writers
The mission of the New Town Writers, Chicago’s premier gay literary group, is to foster gay literary expression.

Oak Park Area Lesbian and Gay Association (OPALGA)
OPALGA was founded in 1989 to promote the interests of lesbians and gay men in the village of Oak Park and in surrounding areas.

Out At Work (Or Not) (Out at Work has disbanded, but their website is still active)
An organization of primarily gay, lesbian, and bisexual employees of many companies providing resources, contacts, and empowerment for our peers who are out, coming out, or still in the closet at work.

Queer Arts Resource (QAR)
QAR is a nonprofit on-line forum for the display and discussion of queer content in the visual arts, with galleries, interviews, arts resources, books and much more.

The Stonewall Group
The only free self-help support group for adult gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgendered adults located in the western suburbs of Chicago.

Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) – Chicago
GLSEN is a national organization that brings together a wide variety of people who actively care about ending homophobia in the schools.

GRAPEVINE: Gay Rights Advocates Providing Education Via Illinois NEtworking
It is the purpose of this web site to promote equitable treatment of gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender/transsexual individuals at Illinois educational institutions.

Illinois Institute of Technology Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Student Alliance
The queer cyberspace at IIT.

Loyola University Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Alliance
Here you’ll find the Alliance’s statement of philosophy, meetings schedule, and upcoming events.

John Marshall Law School Gay & Lesbian Legal Alliance (GALLA)
GALLA is an organization of law students that explores the legal issues incident to sexual orientation and that seeks to diminish negative stereotyping of homosexual persons by providing a forum for further understanding through open discussion.

Northwestern University Bisexual, Gay, and Lesbian Alliance (BGALA)
BGALA is Northwestern’s undergraduate student organization and here you’ll find information on campus and area student events.

Northwestern University Gay & Lesbian University Union (GLUU)
GLUU is a campus organization for gay, lesbian, and bisexual graduate students, faculty, and staff.

Prism Youth Network
Prism endeavors to help youth with their issues about sexual orientation or gender identification. Support is provided through a drop-in center, an information line, community education, advocacy for inclusive youth services, and a hotline.

Student Pride Chicago
The purpose of Student Pride Chicago is to organize the Chicago’s LBGT high school students and their respective school clubs. With the guidance of a few college-age student mentors and each other, the group can further the strength, respectability, and visibility of their high school clubs.

University of Chicago Bisexual Union
For people interested in working toward an understanding of bisexuality in the lesbian, gay, and straight communities, and toward creating campus bisexual community.

University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC)Office of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Concerns
Offers services and programs which support the needs of gay, lesbian, and bisexual students, faculty, and staff at UIC.

University of Illinois at Chicago PRIDE: Lesbians, Gays, and Bisexuals Advocating Diversity
PRIDE is a lesbian, gay, and bisexual student organization which provides social, educational, advocacy, and supportive services as well as events for the UIC community

University of Illinois at Chicago QUIC: The Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Homepage
This is an index of LesBiGay resources available at UIC and beyond.

AIDS Book Review Journal
An electronic journal reviewing books, videos, journal titles, and other materials covering AIDS, safer sex, and sexually transmitted diseases, published irregularly by the University of Illinois at Chicago Library.

Coalition for Positive Sexuality: Sex Ed for Your Head
This grassroots, direct-action volunteer group provides teens with information about safe sex and sexuality through their frank, no-nonsense publication, Just Say Yes.

Health Care Information Resources — Gay & Lesbian Health Links
Gay and Lesbian Health Links offers a wide range of gay-related health information resources.

HIV Coalition (HIVCO)
The HIV Coalition’s principal activities include a food program serving clients in four counties, sponsorship of HIV community education programs, and networking initiatives.

Howard Brown Health Center
An innovative health and human service organization focusing on the gay, lesbian, and bisexual community.

Jewish AIDS Network – Chicago
Providing services and referrals for Jewish people with HIV/AIDS, their families, and loved ones.

MATEC (Midwest AIDS Training & Education Center)
. . . training Health Care providers about HIV and AIDS.

Test Positive Aware Network (TPAN)
Test Positive Aware Network (TPAN) is the Midwest’s largest non-profit support and information network for those affected by HIV. TPAN’s mission is to provide education and emotional support for people affected by all states of HIV infection.

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Illinois
The ACLU of Illinois’ page contains information on their Gay & Lesbian Rights Project as well at the AIDS & Civil Liberties Project.

Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund
Lambda is a national organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, and people with HIV/AIDS through impact litigation, education, and public policy work.

Lesbian Avengers
The Lesbian Avengers is a direct action group focused on issues vital to lesbian survival and visibility.

Bear Naked Chicago
A gay, social, sexual, nudist group for bears and their admirers.

Chi-Town Squares
Chicago’s Gay & Lesbian square dance club.

Chicago Couples
A social club for gay couples.

Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus (CGMC)
Now over 100 strong, CGMC performs three major concerts a year and supports a wide range of hospices, organizations, and services for the HIV-positive and AIDS community.

Fox Valley Gay Association (FVGA)
FVGA is a social organization for residents of the western suburbs of Chicago.

Generation Q
Generation Q is a social/discussion group for Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals, etc., ages 18-30.

Great Lakes Bears Chicago
A nonprofit social organization that promotes social activities and brotherhood among those who are hirsute and those who admire those who are hirsute.

Lakeside Pride Freedom Bandnew.gif (898 bytes)
The LAKESIDE PRIDE FREEDOM BAND is a lesbian and gay musical organization
committed to the education of the public at large about the positive htmlects of the
metropolitan Chicago lesbian and gay community through public musical performances,
workshops and non-musical events.

Open Road Riders of Chicagoland
Chicago area G/L (inclusive) motorcycle touring association. Established in our community in 1982 to promote safe riding and friendship among riders. A friendly group to go riding with and not get lost in the crowd. ORROC welcomes all on rides.

West Suburban Gay Association
A social organization for northwest Cook and DuPage counties.

Bear Naked Chicago
A gay, social, sexual, nudist group for bears and their admirers.

Chi-Town Squares
Chicago’s Gay & Lesbian square dance club.

Chicago Couples
A social club for gay couples.

Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus (CGMC)
Now over 100 strong, CGMC performs three major concerts a year and supports a wide range of hospices, organizations, and services for the HIV-positive and AIDS community.

Fox Valley Gay Association (FVGA)
FVGA is a social organization for residents of the western suburbs of Chicago.

Generation Q
Generation Q is a social/discussion group for Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals, etc., ages 18-30.

Great Lakes Bears Chicago
A nonprofit social organization that promotes social activities and brotherhood among those who are hirsute and those who admire those who are hirsute.

The LAKESIDE PRIDE FREEDOM BAND is a lesbian and gay musical organization
committed to the education of the public at large about the positive htmlects of the metropolitan Chicago lesbian and gay community through public musical performances, workshops and non-musical events.

Affirmation: Gay & Lesbian Mormons – Chapter At Large
The Chapter At Large of Affirmation: Gay & Lesbian Mormons is for Affirmation members who are not affiliated with the various groups and chapters in the United States. Chapters outside the United States are included in the Chapter At Large as well.

Broadway United Methodist Church
Broadway United Methodist Church – 3344 N. Broadway, Chicago, IL – A reconciling congregation; Broadway is a community of faith and social action that welcomes everyone regardless of race, means or sexual orientation.

Congregation Or Chadash – Chicago UAHC
Serving Lesbian and Gay Jews, their families, friends, and loved ones. Membership is open to everyone.

Dignity/Chicago

Dignity/Chicago is a Roman Catholic, gender-inclusive community celebrating the holiness of all sexual orientations and committed relationships.

Good Shepherd Parish MCC
Good Shepherd Parish MCC Metropolitan Community Church) is a Christian Church of the LesBiGay communities, open to all.

Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church
Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church is a More Light Church, which means that all Christians are welcomed to full participation and membership regardless of sex, age, race, ethnic background, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or worldly condition.

Filed Under: Attractions, Crime Tagged With: Elgin Community College, Lake Forest College, Tri-Ess