Art Institute of Chicago

The second-largest art museum in the United States is home to more than 300,000 works of art, including “American Gothic” by Grant Wood, Edward Hopper's “Nighthawks” and more. Renowned for its rare master works, at The Art Institute visitors can experience one of the world’s most notable collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. With the addition of its Modern Wing, the museum now features an impressive showcase for its contemporary artworks.

CITY: Chicago

The Second City

Celebrating 50 years as the home of Chicago-style improv and sketch comedy, The Second City has launched the careers of John Belushi, Mike Myers, Tina Fey, Bill Murray, Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell and many others.

CITY: Chicago

Shawnee Hills Wine Trail

The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail features 12 award-winning wineries located along a 25-mile scenic drive along highway 127 and highway 51 in the Shawnee National Forest. Along the way have a picnic, go on a hike, visit a shop, and stay in a cozy B&B or cabin. Many of the wineries host special events throughout the summer and fall.

CITY: Carbondale

The Inn at Irish Hollow

Called “deliciously rustic” by the New York Times, Irish Hollow is located on 500 rolling acres in the Galena countryside on the site of a former whistle stop. The accommodations include rooms at the historic inn, as well as private English-style cottages with beautiful gardens. Indulge in a massage or hike the miles of trails that pass by a 1,300-acre nature preserve. Irish Hollow is known for its gourmet country breakfasts and dinners made with seasonal ingredients from its own organic gardens.

CITY: Galena

Annoyance Theatre & Bar

For 25 years, The Annoyance Theatre has created some of Chicago's finest comedy. Home of the longest running musical Co-ed Prison Sluts, The Annoyance uses improvisation to create new and original plays, musicals, sketch-comedy and more, in a vibrant, uncensored atmosphere.

CITY: Chicago

Aldrich Guest House

Walk the floors shared by Lincoln and Grant in this 1845 home. Stroll the gardens where Grant trained his troops. Relax in the screened porch or in the cozy parlor. Walking distance to Main Street, our inn has 5 beautifully decorated guest rooms, several with fireplaces and views of our garden.

CITY: Galena

Lincolnshire Marriott Resort

A full service resort, located on 175 naturally wooded acres of Chicago's North Shore, offering an ideal setting for retreat-style meetings, romantic getaways, weddings and fun-for-the-whole-family vacations or reunions. Enjoy the 18-hole PGA championship golf course, award-winning Marriott Theatre, tennis club, along with several on-site restaurants, a lounge and Starbucks. While staying in one of the 383 rooms or 6 suites, enjoy a swim in the indoor or outdoor pool, work out in the fully equipped fitness center and relax in the whirlpool. There are also 26 meeting rooms totaling 40,000 sq ft. available for any planned event.

CITY: Lincolnshire

Chicago Oak Brook Hills Marriott Resort

Recent $15 million renovation of all public spaces, guest & meeting rooms. Overlooking expansive grounds and waterways, the IACC-certified resort features 386 guest rooms, over 42,000 sq ft of meeting space and an 18-hole championship golf course on site.

CITY: Oak Brook

Miss Kitty's Grape Escape

Located in the heart of downtown Galena, this is a great place to relax and unwind. Enjoy wine, specialty martinis and craft beers. Live music on Fridays and Saturdays, Bloody Mary bar Saturdays and Quiz Show Sundays. Gourmet apps until 1 a.m.

CITY: Galena

The State House Inn - An Ascend Collection Hotel

Located in downtown Springfield, the State House Inn is right across the street from the Illinois State Capitol complex. The hotel is within walking distance of many historic sites, including the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, as well as gay-friendly bars and restaurants.

CITY: Springfield

Eaglewood Resort & Spa

Eaglewood Resort & Spa offers a luxurious retreat whether you arrive for a conference or relaxing getaway. The architecturally stunning resort, constructed in Frank Lloyd Wright- influence Prairie-style architecture, features upscale hotel accomodations, luxurious amenities, sophisticated technology, and a myriad of recreational options.

CITY: Itasca

Steppenwolf Theatre Company

With year-round programming across three stages, Steppenwolf is a Tony Award-winning Chicago theater known for innovative, artist-driven theatrical productions. Founded by Jeff Perry, Terry Kinney and Gary Sinise in the mid-1970s, the organization evolved from performing in a Highland Park church basement to gaining recognition as the nation’s premier ensemble theater. Steppenwolf is where great acting meets big ideas.

CITY: Chicago

Chicago Getaway Hostel

This boutique hotel-like hostel is in a great Lincoln Park location, close to lakefront biking and running trails, Lincoln Park Zoo and North Avenue beach. Clark Street bars, restaurants and shops are just steps away, and Boystown is nearby. Free breakfast, weekend barbecues and social events are offered, along with bike rentals.

CITY: Chicago

Scandals Nightclub

This gay and lesbian show bar features drag shows, comedians, and dancing Wednesday through Saturday nights.

CITY: Springfield

Maneuvers

A Joliet staple for more than 30 years, this LGBT bar features dancing to live DJs on Friday and Saturday nights, Maneuvers Diva’s Den drag shows and live entertainment.

CITY: Joliet

Roscoe’s

A long-time Boystown favorite, Roscoe’s features live events (including live band karaoke on Monday nights and Sin Thursdays with burlesque performers), a huge dance floor and a sidewalk cafe that serves a full menu in the summer months.

CITY: Chicago

The Station House

Part of the downtown Springfield nightlife scene for more than 15 years, this LGBT-friendly dance club features karaoke on Thursday nights.

CITY: Springfield

Aloft Bolingbrook

Aloft Bolingbrook is a sassy, savvy, hip, trendy hotel located at The Promenade Bolingbrook. Mix & mingle with friends at the WXYZ lounge, stay and play at our indoor pool or fitness center, and breeze into an Aloft room featuring custom amenities.

CITY: Bolingbrook

Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus

More than 150 singers make up this chorus that presents choral, cabaret and musical theater all rolled into one. The Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus performs at various venues and special events throughout the city.

CITY: Chicago

Inn at Lincoln Park

This European-style boutique hotel features 71 guest rooms and three suites. Located on the border of Lincoln Park and Lakeview, the Inn is within walking distance of hip shops, bars and restaurants, and close to Boystown.

CITY: Chicago

Hilton Chicago

Luxury hotel located on Michigan Ave. overlooking Grant Park and Lake Michigan

CITY: Chicago

Andersonville & Edgewater: Chicago Neighborhood Tours

Discover the gay-friendly shops and restaurants of Andersonville, then head to Edgewater to see Art Deco and Tudor Revival architecture in the Bryn Mawr Historic District. Tours depart from the Chicago Cultural Center.

CITY: Chicago

Sculpture on the Avenue

Come explore the sculptures that have transformed the City of Effingham's avenues into an art gallery! Over 40 sculptures created by some of the Midwest's best known and unknown sculptors bring life to the streets of Effingham through this outdoor exhibition. The Sculpture on the Avenues program is a self-guided walking tour that begins at City Hall in downtown Effingham. From there, the exhibition winds in and out of downtown Effingham. An informative guide, which facilitates a walking tour, is available at Effingham hotels, downtown businesses, the Effingham Visitor Center (Tourism Office) and City Hall.

CITY: Effingham

Allen's Log Cabin Guest House

Boyhood estate of Civil War General Augustus Chetlain. Five 1800s original log cabins boast rustic charm, double whirlpools, wood burning fireplaces, full baths, satellite TV/DVD, mini-fridges, microwaves, coffeemakers. Pets welcome!

CITY: Galena

Downtown Bar and Lounge

Windy City's newest and premier gay and lesbian destination located in the heart of Downtown Chicago. The place to relax and meet new friends.

CITY: Chicago

Bubby and Sissy’s

Located just a few blocks from the riverfront Argosy Casino Alton, this bar hosts drag shows every weekend, karaoke on Thursdays, amateur drag queen and king shows the last Wednesday of the month, and dancing to DJ-driven music.

CITY: Alton

Chester Street Dance Club

Located in downtown Champaign, this huge dance club features DJs spinning everything from Top 40 remixes to electro-industrial dance. Cool down on the outdoor patio.

CITY: Champaign

Marty's Martini Bar

Tucked away, just off of Andersonville's main drag, is Marty's Martini Bar. Fantastic service and delicious cocktails make this cozy locale a favorite of the Andersonville neighborhood. During the summer, outdoor seating is available in a picture-perfect patio.

CITY: Chicago

Hamburger Mary’s

Located in Chicago's neighborhood of Andersonville, Hamburger Mary’s features a menu of creative hamburgers (what else?) in its dining room, DJ-driven music and stage shows in Mary’s Attic and sports broadcasts live in Mary’s Rec Room, a combination sports bar/microbrewery.

CITY: Chicago

The Bistro

One of the oldest gay clubs in Central Illinois, The Bistro features friendly bartenders, dancing, drag shows and DJs in downtown Bloomington.

CITY: Bloomington

Club Krave

This south suburban gay club features DJ-driven dancing, male dancers, karaoke and monthly drag shows.

CITY: Blue Island

Club Escapade

In business since 1998, this Belleville gay bar features karaoke on Wednesdays, and dancing to live DJs on select Saturday nights.

CITY: Belleville

The Office Niteclub

Located in downtown Rockford’s historic River District, The Office offers dancing, drag shows, karaoke and an outdoor patio in warm-weather months.

CITY: Rockford

Two Thirteen East

The only gay club in Carbondale features drag shows, Salsa Night on Thursdays and ‘80s dance music on Saturdays.

CITY: Carbondale

W Chicago City Center

Located in the Loop, the W Chicago is close to downtown theaters, the Willis Tower, Millennium Park and The Art Institute. The hotel offers in-room spa treatments and the 24-hour Sweat Fitness Center.

CITY: Chicago

Comfort Suites Oakbrook Terrace

This hotel features two-room suites with separate living and sleeping areas, and amenities that include an indoor pool, sauna, fitness center and free hot breakfast. Comfort Suites is close to the open-air Oakbrook Center shopping mall and Drury Lane Theatre. This 103-suite property puts the "Comfort" back in traveling. Friendly atmosphere and attention to your needs make us the ideal choice for your home away from home.

CITY: Oakbrook Terrace

Milk Handmade

Named best new boutique by Time Out Chicago, Milk Handmade is a women’s clothing boutique that specializes in small-run, handcrafted goods. Whether you’re looking for the softest tee, the perfect handbag, or your new favorite Saturday-night top, Milk has the one-of-a-kind piece for you. Come on in, hang out, and prepare to fall in love.

CITY: Chicago

Marriott Suites Downers Grove

Distinctive boutique-like setting with 254 suites, each featuring two unique living areas. With over 5,700 square feet of meeting space and a convenient location at I-88 and I-355, this hotel offers the perfect setting for both business and pleasure.

CITY: Downers Grove

Belle Aire Mansion and Guest House

Experience true hospitality with innkeepers who have been welcoming guests for 25 years! Find peaceful contentment and history in one of Galena's oldest (1836) homes. Whirlpool/fireplace suites available.

CITY: Galena

Crowne Plaza Glen Ellyn - Lombard

Our Crowne Plaza brand promise: "A better meetings experience for meeting planners and a better night sleep for meeting attendees & all guests," coupled with the Crowne Plaza Sleep Advantage program, will ensure your stay is unforgettable.

CITY: Glen Ellyn

Atmosphere

Expect bumping beats and go-go dancing boys at this GLBT bar in Andersonville. A 30-foot-long bar and an elevated seating area overlook the dance floor, often set in motion by a DJ spinning dance hits and house standards. Exposed brick walls, galvanized metal and hardwood floors and warm lighting create an inviting upscale ambiance.

CITY: Chicago

Majestic Hotel

Located in Boystown, this European-style boutique hotel offers suites with butler pantries equipped with a refrigerator, microwave and wet bar. The Majestic is located close to Belmont Harbor, and within walking distance of Boystown bars and restaurants.

CITY: Chicago

Chicago's Essex Inn

Floor-to-ceiling windows afford beautiful views of the Museum Campus at this South Loop hotel. Chicago’s Essex Inn is close to downtown shopping and museums, and features an all-season, sky-lit rooftop pool with an adjacent outdoor garden. Dine in at Tribute, a classic American restaurant with a modern culinary edge. Offers breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as “grab and go” options for on-the-go business people.Free shuttle to the exclusive Magnificent Mile shopping district.

CITY: Chicago

Best Western Hawthorne Terrace

This Boystown vintage hotel is located close to historic Wrigley Field (home of Chicago Cubs baseball), as well as gay-friendly restaurants and nightclubs. Enjoy breakfast on the terrace during warm-weather months.

CITY: Chicago

Scarlet

This beautiful bar is decked out with stained glass windows, antique furniture and cozy banquettes. The Sunday Liquid Brunch (with $12 bottles of champagne) starts at a reasonable 2pm.

CITY: Chicago

Swedish Bakery

The Swedish Bakery is famous for specializing in Swedish coffeecakes, cookies, sweet rolls, toast, petit fours and marzipan cakes. We are known for using unique ingredients such as cardamom, saffron, anise, fennel, orange peel and almond paste. We are proud to offer our customers products that are never frozen or have any added preservatives. Our most popular items are our Andersonville coffeecake, cardamom coffeecake, Swedish and butter cookies as well as our fruit glazed cake. At the Swedish Bakery, the customer comes first. We are proud to serve a community that we love and support.

CITY: Chicago

Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago

Soaring 92 stories above the Loop and North Michigan Avenue, Trump International Hotel & Tower® Chicago is a showcase of bold style and engaging design, polished stainless steel and iridescent-tinted glass. It is the tallest reinforced concrete building in the world, and downtown Chicago's most enviable address.

CITY: Chicago

Sidetrack

This multi-level gay bar spans eight storefronts and has room for 1,000 revelers. Be sure to check out the chic courtyard, along with U-Video Request Night on Tuesdays featuring all ’80s songs.

CITY: Chicago

Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club

Dinner comes with a side of entertaining female impersonators at this raucous restaurant, located in Chicago's Boystown neighborhood. Sample one of more than 70 different martinis, including the famous Kit Kat.

CITY: Chicago

Esteban’s

Known for its live salsa music and dancing, Esteban’s hosts Expression Nite on Thursdays, featuring drag performers. The dinner menu, served Wednesday through Saturday evenings, offers Latin American specialties.

CITY: Naperville

SPIN Nightclub

This huge club features two dance floors, four bars, several spacious lounges, drag queen hosts and music spun by live DJs. Regular live events include singers (complete with go-go boy dancers) and special theme nights.

CITY: Chicago

Big Chicks

This friendly bar in the Uptown neighborhood caters to a lesbian and gay clientele. Try Big Chicks’ next-door restaurant, Tweet, for a delish breakfast, lunch or brunch made with organic ingredients.

CITY: Chicago

Dana Hotel and Spa

This chic hotel offers a beautiful spa, the Asian-inspired Aja cafe, and the 26th- floor Vertigo Sky Lounge, with breathtaking city views, nightly DJs and cool cocktails. Dana is close to River North’s gallery district.

CITY: Chicago

Chicago Marriott Oak Brook Hotel

Experience the results of our $8.5 million renovation, featuring 350 guest rooms with state-of-the-art amenities and technology, nearly 20,000 square feet of meeting space, indoor pool, and fitness center. Conveniently located across from Oakbrook Center.

CITY: Oak Brook

The Call Bar

This dance bar, located in Chicago's Andersonville neighborhood, plays music that ranges from retro to pop and show tunes. Themed video nights include Britney Spears videos all evening long on the last Friday of the month.

CITY: Chicago

Velvet Rope Ultra Lounge

This gay and lesbian Oak Park lounge features a dance floor, martini bar and a menu of small plates. Catch live DJs, drag shows and dancers on the weekends.

CITY: Oak Park

Bernadine's Stillman Inn

Winner of 'Best Breakfast' and 'Best Innkeeper' awards! This 1858 mansion across from Grant's home, is a short walk to town. Bottomless chocolate chip cookies, ice cream bars, popcorn and dessert. Our B&B is the perfect place for weddings or private parties.

CITY: Galena

Renaissance Chicago Hotel

Located in the heart of Chicago's North Loop, the stylish and elegant Renaissance Chicago Hotel is a four star, four diamond rated property - within walking distance to the Central Business District, Theater District, and the "Magnificent Mile" shops.

CITY: Chicago

The Blackstone - A Renaissance Hotel

Among downtown Chicago hotels, the Renaissance Blackstone stands out as one of the finest, most elegant historic hotels. Near Grant Park and a mere 3 blocks from Michigan Lake, our distinguished guests find themselves in the most convenient location for visiting Chicago's celebrated sights. The Chicago Institute of Art, Navy Pier, Millennium Park and the Field Museum are all within minutes of our Chicago hotel. 332 rooms. 12 suites. 10 meeting rooms. One restaurant. Exercise facilities. Business center. Room service.

CITY: Chicago

Andersonville Guesthouse

Andersonville Guesthouse offers spacious, affordably luxurious, and fully furnished 2 bed / 2 bath and 3 bed / 2 bath vacation rental condominiums. Located on the southern end of Andersonville, one of Chicago's hottest neighborhoods, the Guesthouse is very close to Wrigley Field, as well as public transportation for convenient access to downtown Chicago and tourist attractions. The affordable luxury of our Guesthouse and our unique location provide the perfect rental accommodation for travelers who want the comforts and independence of their own home while enjoying all that Chicago and its local culture has to offer.

CITY: Chicago

Amalfi Hotel Chicago

A luxury boutique hotel located in downtown Chicago’s River North district, the Amalfi Hotel Chicago offers the ultimate in modern style and hospitality. Boasting a central location near Michigan Avenue and the Loop, the Amalfi is a distinguished downtown escape for both business and leisure travelers. Discover the perfect blend of elegant design, luxury amenities and attentive service at a hotel designed around the guest experience. 215 rooms. 5 suites. 197 nonsmoking rooms.

CITY: Chicago

About Face Theatre

For the past 15 years, this innovative theater has presented original plays that challenge audiences and seek to advance the national dialogue on gender and sexual identity.

CITY: Chicago

Hunters Nightclub

A gay hangout near O’Hare Airport since the early 1980s, Hunters features a dance floor with a Friday night Video Dance Party and Hunters Hunks male dancers on Thursdays.

CITY: Elk Grove Village

Irene’s Cabaret

Open since 1976, Irene’s features dancing to live DJs, drag shows and live entertainment.

CITY: Quincy

The Artistic Home Theatre

The Artistic Home creates theatre and film that explores and celebrates the truth within us. Through extraordinary acting, we seek to ignite an audience’s imagination, to reach deep into the primal to send tremors through the intellect, to give birth to unforgettable moments by working in an intimate space, to touch audiences who are increasingly distanced from human contact. We readdress the classics and explore new works with passion. We give artists a home where they can shape, develop and strengthen their artistic voice.

CITY: Chicago

Doubletree by Hilton Chicago

Located between the Magnificent Mile and Navy Pier, this newly refurbished hotel features The Lobby Bar with infused organic vodkas and H2O, a seasonal poolside cocktail bar and restaurant with panoramic skyline views. The hotel’s Markethouse restaurant offers seasonal American fare.

CITY: Chicago

Temptations

This lesbian bar features a huge dance floor with a stage, Sunday karaoke, live bands and Boys Night on Tuesdays with male dancers.

CITY: Franklin Park

Allegro Chicago, A Kimpton Boutique Hotel

This whimsical boutique hotel is located in the Loop Theater District (the Cadillac Palace Theatre is right next door) and close to State Street shopping, Millennium Park and The Art Institute of Chicago. The adjacent 312 Chicago offers creative Italian cuisine.

CITY: Chicago

Embassy Suites Hotel Chicago Downtown

This atrium hotel offers two-room suites equipped with a wet bar and mini-fridge. A cooked-to-order breakfast and two-hour evening Manager’s Reception with free drinks and appetizers are offered daily. The hotel is close to Magnificent Mile shopping and the River North gallery district.

CITY: Chicago

Willows Hotel, The - Neighborhood Inns of Chicago

This boutique hotel is located in a historic landmark decorated with nineteenth-century French reproduction furnishings. Willows Hotel is close to Boystown bars and restaurants, as well as Lakeview and Lincoln Park shops.

CITY: Chicago

Country Inn & Suites by Carlson - Naperville

143 tasteful guest rooms situated in Naperville's high tech corridor, offering comfort and convenience. Meeting space available. Full service restaurant, lounge, and room service.

CITY: Naperville

Comfort Suites Michigan Avenue/Loop

This 27-story hotel offers oversized studio, one- and two-bedroom suites with full kitchens. Amenities include a 24-hour fitness center and complimentary American breakfast. Comfort Suites is within walking distance of Magnificent Mile shops and restaurants, as well as Millennium Park.

CITY: Chicago

Aloft Chicago City Center

Urban cool accommodations, located in the heart of River North, Chicago's most exciting neighborhood for dining & nightlife. Blocks from the Magnificent Mile and many other Chicago top spots.

CITY: Chicago

Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Chicago Magnificent Mile

This 300-room hotel is located just half a block from North Michigan Avenue shopping and dining. Amenities include an indoor pool with city views and 24-hour fitness center. The hotel is within walking distance of the Museum of Contemporary Art and Navy Pier.

CITY: Chicago

City Suites Hotel - Neighborhood Inns of Chicago

This vintage Boystown hotel features turn-of-the-century architecture and art deco furnishings. Gay-friendly restaurants and nightclubs are close by (Berlin dance club is right down the street), and hotel guests have access to Bally’s Total Fitness. Popular with entertainers, musicians and savvy travelers.

CITY: Chicago

Swissotel Chicago

Swissotel Chicago offers 632 luxuriously oversized rooms and suites. The all-glass triangular hotel, wedged into the confluence of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan has wrap around views from Navy Pier to Grant Park.

CITY: Chicago

Forest View Lounge

This neighborhood lesbian bar, with a relaxing North Woods tavern vibe, is a great place to catch the latest game, play pool or enjoy the outdoor beer garden. The grill menu includes the popular Large Marge Volcano Burger, oozing with cheese.

CITY: Forest View

Collaboraction

Collaboraction creates original works of theatre that emphasize high production values, push boundaries, and highlight issues that are socially relevant to a diverse community of Chicagoans.

CITY: Chicago

Elixir

Located in the heart of Boystown, Elixir is a mellow spot to relax and enjoy the evening. From classic, pre-prohibition mixed drinks to Elixir signature cocktails, the highly-trained bartenders take their time to create perfection. It's more than a lounge, it's an experience.

CITY: Chicago

Brierwreath Manor Bed & Breakfast

Elegant Queen Anne with wraparound porch located one block from Main Street. Antique furnishings, queen and twin beds, hot/cold drink buffet and homemade chocolate chip cookies for your comfort.

CITY: Galena

Hyatt Regency Chicago

This huge Hyatt hotel is conveniently located between Magnificent Mile shopping and the Loop’s cultural institutions. The hotel features six restaurants and lounges, along with a 24-hour gym.

CITY: Chicago

Magnolia Studios

Situated on a quiet, tree-lined street in Chicago’s Edgewater/ Andersonville neighborhood, Magnolia Studios offers a choice of three unique Chicago accommodations only five minutes from the beach and thirty minutes from downtown Chicago. All three units offer fully equipped kitchens, luxury en suite bathrooms, plasma TVs with full cable package, laptops with free wireless internet, exceptionally comfortable queen sized beds beds with luxury mattresses/ linens and in unit laundry. You have exclusive use of all amenities, which makes your stay relaxing and private.

CITY: Chicago

Buddies on Adams

Stop by this laid-back bar to play pool and darts, or just have a casual drink.

CITY: Peoria