1940’s StyleTrain Travel

Lovers of travel by rail prepare yourself for what I’m about to say. It will sound like an opportunity of a lifetime – something that should not be missed! Imagine zipping through time and space the very same way they did in the olden days when luxury and class was everything and the ladies wore such pretty hairstyles, not the big stuff you see in the south.

According to the folks over at Chicagoist a new train venture from Train Chartering is offering those who can afford this trip of a lifetime the chance to ride in a Mount Vernon rail car from NY to Chicago. The Mount Vernon was built between December 1949 and June 1950 for Pullman service on the Union Pacific Railroad, but has since undergone some minor renovations. Think private rail car with TV, DVD, CD, XM satellite radio receiver, full kitchen, marble-tiled shower and so-on. All this can be yours for the low-cost of $17,500 for full-service which also includes fine dining and beverages.

Go check out the 2007 itinerary if you think it’s a good fit. I’d love to do it myself, but well, I have some other places my $17,500 has to go towards. Perhaps you’ve heard of Sallie Mae’s student loan rail services? Not quite as luxurious, but just as expensive.

Photo of the Day (11/11/06)


If this isn’t a precious moment, then I don’t know what is… Captured by Jason Bechtel while strolling through the Chicago Zoo, this ape seems to be paying no mind to anyone though I’m sure there were many staring with big bright eyes at the sleeping animal. I’d say this is a perfect example of how I’d like to be spending my own Saturday afternoon, but the call of duty keeps me up and awake unlike this ape.

Waterpark Hotel in Chi-Town

Must have
been one heck of a cold day in Illinois when creators of the Mayan
Adventure Indoor Waterpark
came up with the idea, but regardless of the circumstances the area is pleased to
welcome the new family fun venue and hoping to keep tourism dollars in Illinois. Up until this point residents of the
area had been driving three or more hours to reach a similar attraction in Wisconsin. $30 million went into the new indoor waterpark located in the Holiday Inn Elmhurst at 624 North
York Rd., in Elmhurst. Having just celebrated
the grand opening
I’m sure the hotel will generate mucho dinero and a splashing good time for families and children
with spring here and summer around the corner.

via
HotelChatter

Chicago's Gay Games 2006 & Culture

From July 15-22, 2006, Chicago will play
host to the 2006 Gay Games. Chicagoist reports more than
8,000 athletes
are preparing for the games and Chi-Town is "thriving" as a gay-friendly city. 
Beyond the games there is much for the extremely liberal minded to do in the city aside from the snoring-boring old bar
scene as pointed out in a new book by Kathie Bergquist and Robert McDonald, which is scheduled to hit shelves in May, "The
Field Guide to Gay and Lesbian Chicago."
Just in time for folks with an interest in the Windy City and taking
part in the games.

The games will offer 30 different sport competitions varying from recreational to elite
levels. The sports villages will be split into five areas for convenience and to help foster camaraderie and support as
noted on the official site. Sports include badminton, basketball, beach
volleyball, ice hockey, rowing, martial arts, power lifting and rugby to name only a few. Sir Elton John, a Gay Games Ambassador, is thrilled to be involved with the
Gay Games and feels a well-deserved spotlight has been turned on athletic and cultural performances by members of the
lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender folks and their friends globally due to the games.

Check out the official website for additional details inlcuding event schedule.