Oh, Touring, then...?

I have always wanted to go to London. I know I will go one day, because it's in my bucket list along with swimming naked in the Pacific in Fiji and banging a tall Swede and I need to do that before I turn ninety. But his post is about Chicago. Yes, I know that John is coming to America and that Upton promised he'd take me out if he comes to Chi, so here it is: my top ten places to visit when here:

10. The Green Mill Cocktail Lounge: Don't let the dated front fool you. This joint is full of history and you can sit in the same booth Chicago's Big Fellow used to sit. I don't like mafiosi, but I like me some history. And some cocktails. Mads??

9. The Aragon: Oh, yes. Here I saw @omarapollo and it was a blast. The Aragon has hosted some epic parties and some fab concerts. So if you are in town and one of your favs is playing, GO! I think you can also visit the tunnel that goes from The Aragon to The Green Mill... Just sayin'...

8. The Chicago Motor Club Inn. If you are coming to Chi in a road trip, you've got to come visit this fab building (it's pure Art Déco!) and they have one of the most fab cocktails: The Giggle Water. Try it. The mural there is perfect to lose yourself thinking about where your road trip is gonna get you. Route 66?

7. Lost Eras: We discovered this joint when I was looking for that sailor getup. Here you can find literally anything: from fringed jackets for your cowboy (or girl) fantasy to a fucking gorilla suit. Really. They have EVERYTHING. Tip? Go to the basement. It's a treasure trove of anything and everything curious and fun. And they have heaps over heaps of vinyl. And if you buy any records, haggle! They're overpriced.

6. Garfield Park Conservatory: You have GOT to visit this conservatory and its absolutely beautiful Fern House. Totally recommend. It's in the West Side of Garfield Park and you can take the Green Line to get there. It's such a joy. Especially if you visit Chi in the winter. And the Chihulis!!

5. The Broadway Antique Market: OMG I love this place. Are they slightly overpriced? Yes. Can you find fantastic Mid Century furniture here in mint condition? Yes. It's worth the stop. The people who work there are super nice (and I hope you talk to the hunky dude with the piercings, he's got the prettiest eyes!). I usually go there for gifts for my friends who have quirky furniture and expensive taste. And for silly things for myself. A must visit if you are in Edgewater.

4. The Kathy Osterman Beach: If you come to Chi in the summer, you have GOT to come to the KOB. Or the Gay beach. Here I've seen some of the most beautiful men in Chicago and one porn star or seven. It's very telling that you just know you are in a Gay beach because the men get progressively more gorgeous and the bathing suits smaller and smaller. I usually bring a book but I usually forget why I brought it. And don't forget to take a selfie at the tiny lighthouse at the end of the pier..

3. The National Museum of Mexican Art: a tiny museum in the middle of the Pilsen neighborhood is one of THE places to visit when in town. It has some of the most fascinating exhibits from Latin American artists I've ever seen and it can get very political. And you know how I like that. It's also in the Pilsen neighborhood, where you can find the best murals in the city and the best Carnitas. What's not to like?

2. Sidetrack: if you are gay, you'll probably end in Boystown. If you are in Boystown, check and see if Sidetrack is hosting Outspoken, one of the BEST storytime events in Chi. I've been to several (they are usually in the middle of the week, but if you are on vacay, that's not a problem, right?) and I cannot recommend them enough. Fabulous. You'll also be able to check out the menz and maybe go to the Mickey Mouse Club almost across the street? 

1. The Art Institute. If you come to Chi and you don't go to the Art Institute, did you really come to Chi? I've had a membership for years, so if you come, let me know and you'll be my guest. I'll sneak you in for free. What's there to see at the Art Institute, you'd ask? Everything. Everything. But my favs are the Impressionists wing and the miniature rooms. And I can almost assure you that they'll have a fantastic exhibit at any time during the year. I just saw Picasso's drawings there a few weeks ago. So, are you coming?

And that's it. It was hard to just choose ten, though. There's so much to see here...

So if you were not distracted by Kit Connor's lips, let me know where you'd like to go. Who knows? Maybe you'll make it here before John or Upton do...

XOXO