The crowd is surprisingly mixed in both age and race (although it’s mostly male), and the atmosphere more lively than you might guess for such an under-the-radar gem.
It may not be as gay as the nearby Gap, but if you follow the faded red carpet up a flight of stairs and turn right before you hit the psychic, you’ll land in one of Chicago’s great gay dive bars. We’re not sure if it’s the gorgeous atrium lighting or the visual feast of vintage hotel dinnerware, seasonal gifts and flea market finds that make this gay-owned shop special, but we do know that it’s the perfect place to scoop up a gift like a vintage city map or snag some lovely Parisian bistro bowls. Otherwise, grab a table and sink your teeth into a tasty sandwich like the Blue Pig n’ Fig ( jamón serrano, Ader Kase Reserve blue cheese, locally made fig and black tea preserve, whole grain and Dijon mustard). If you’re gift hunting, consider signing up a family member for one of Pastoral’s monthly clubs featuring all kinds of artisanal goodies. Take the most adorable places for wine, cheese and charcuterie out of California’s Napa Valley and restitch them into a single Loop boutique and you get this wonderful gay-owned food store and café just a stone’s throw from the shops at Block 37. Games are designed to increase critical thinking, memory, coordination, word skills and visual perception, all of which you’ll want to have when it’s 2am at the bar and those beer goggles are screwed on mighty tight. Not to take you away from Elder Scrolls (or Angry Birds), but consider instead directing your frontal cortex at the challenging games, puzzles and brain teasers sold at this chain whose out CEO Lindsay Gaskins lives in Chicago with her wife and daughter. Our chic, renovated rooms feel worlds away from the typical big city hotel. There’s elbow room for all (sometimes more than we’d like) including plenty of seating around the rectangular bar or in the plush banquettes we recommend a hot toddy or Baileys and coffee for the wintry days ahead.Ĩ45 N Michigan Ave, 31 or 55 E Grand Ave, 31 Find a haven in the heart of downtown Chicago Gold Coast Hotel at Claridge House. Some even have beautiful rooftops and patios to enjoy during the summer months.Ĭhicago hotels have fitness centers with everything you need to stay in top form during your trip.It’s not quite the bar where everybody knows your name, but this 2010 newcomer in the former Gentry space continues to anchor gay life in the heart of the city while offering a welcome respite from the busloads of tourists hauling their plump selves up and down the Magnificent Mile in search of the next great bargain. When it comes to dining, your options are endless! Many hotels are located nearby Chicago's finest restaurants and several have their own unique restaurants and bars. In addition, some hotels have partnerships with popular downtown attractions including the Art Institute of Chicago and the Shedd Aquarium. Special kid-friendly amenities include toys, games and tasty treats like milk and cookies delivered to the room. If you are traveling with family, special packages provide discounts on daily rates for a second room for kids. Certain Chicago hotel groups have longstanding partnerships with one of Michigan Avenue's three vertical shopping centers, so be sure to inquire when booking by phone or online. Shopping packages are available year-round, providing a great start to explore The Magnificent Mile's 460+ retailers. You can also take the "L" from each airport via the Blue Line and Orange Line trains.
And that's just the beginning!įlying into the city? Several hotels offer shuttles to and from Chicago O'Hare and Midway airports. Special Incentives and Year-Round Promotionsĭriving to the windy city? Several Chicago hotels offer special rates on parking, and some packages include valet parking service.