It's not San Francisco, and it's definitely not Sydney, but Chicago is
home to a sizable and visible gay community. The largest concentration of
establishments catering to gay clientele is found along the Halsted Strip.
The area is marked by curbside towers, each bearing a rainbow design and the
words "North Halsted." Despite the city's simple moniker for this colorful
stretch of property, locals refer to the area as "Boystown."
Most non-residential space in Lakeview, the neighborhood surrounding
Boystown, is crowded with boutiques, bars, clubs and coffee shops -- which
doesn't leave much room for hotels. If you don't mind staying right in the
midst of the action you might try the City Suites Hotel (933 W. Belmont
Avenue) operated by Neighborhood Inns of Chicago.
If you tire of the scene in Lakeview, hop an "L" train to Andersonville on
the city's far north side. Originally home to the city's Scandinavian
immigrants, the neighborhood's Swedish bakeries are now complimented by an
assortment of gay-friendly establishments -- not to mention Chicago's finest
concentration of Middle Eastern restaurants. Accommodations are scarce in
this quaint neighborhood, but it's easily accessible if you stay anywhere
near the red line.
