New Gay Travel Guide

Gay Travel with HELLO KITTY

Gay Lesbian LGBT Travel — Sun, 06 May 2012 11:05:00 GMT

I personally LOVE Hello Kitty. It is so bright and gay and happy!

EVA Air has recently announced the transformation of two of its Airbus A330-300 airplanes into airborne tributes to Japanese icon Hello Kitty. I’m pretty sure this proves there is nowhere to hide from the magic of Hello Kitty.

The adorable kitten created by Sanrio, in 1974, has become a powerhouse brand in Asia, worth billion of big dollars. Everybody seems to love Hello Kitty so Taiwanese airline EVA Air decided to associate itself with it in an attempt to boost their struggling sector.

Analysts say there is no risk in the move, and that despite having to pay Sanrio a HUGE sum of money for licensing , the company has a high chance of reaching its goal. After all, this is their third Hello Kitty plane, so they must have had some success with the previous two.

Photos: REUTERS

Just in case you were wondering what other things bare the Hello Kitty logo, the answer is simple: EVERYTHING! The world already has Hello Kitty theme-park, a Hello Kitty Castle, Hello Kitty cars, and even Hello Kitty themed weapons. If you’re looking for more, just check out Hello Kitty Hell, and you’ll realize there’s just no escaping the pussy. Um, kitty I mean.

Get a peak!

Gay Travel to Amsterdam Holland and Keukenhof

Gay Lesbian LGBT Travel — Sat, 05 May 2012 13:08:42 GMT

Keukenhof – known as the Garden of Europe – is the one of the best places to view the abundance of spring flowers in the South Holland region of the Netherlands.

Amsterdam's flower market – the Bloemenmarkt – reflects the country's passion for cut flowers and plants.

Around seven million bulbs are planted each year in the park at Keukenhof, in an area of 32 hectares.

The Bloemenmarkt - set on the capital's Singel canal and said to be the world's only floating flower market - has a score of stalls where you can buy all sorts of plants, flowers, bulbs and seeds.

The mild climate of Holland, with its wet springs makes it an ideal place for bulb cultivation.

DID YOU KNOW???
Tulips originated in the east and were brought to Holland from the Ottoman Empire in the mid 1500s.

In springtime, the lowland area by the North Sea is carpeted with fields of gladioli, hyacinths, lilies, daffodils, crocuses... and, of course, tulips.

Keukenhof - literally 'kitchen garden' - is part of the hunting grounds of the ancient Teylingen estate.

This year, the theme for the Keukenhof exhibition is Germany: Land of Poets and Philosophers.

The patchwork quilt of colours in the Keukenhof park, just outside Lisse in South Holland, is a veritable feast for the eyes.

The bulbs of Keukenhof are re-planted each year according to the current trends and in collaboration with a number of gardening magazines.

The best way to appreciate the full glory of the Dutch spring is to hire a bike and cycle one of the tourist routes among the bulb fields.

GAY PRIDE in Amsterdam is happening August 1-7, 2012
Special pricing and packages available NOW
Call DAVE at 1-800-942-1280

*All photos are owned by their respective owners and I disclaim any ownership. No infringement or copyright is intended.

If you own a particular photo/s and would like it removed from this site, please contact me raphaelsmp (at) gmail.com, with your proof of ownership then I'll remove it within 24-48 hours.

Do Gay Travelers Have A Lot Of Baggage? Don't Fly Spirit

Gay Lesbian LGBT Travel — Sat, 05 May 2012 09:24:00 GMT

OK, you have seen the travelers trying to avoid the checked baggage fee and cramming 7 days of clothes into a carry on that has to be SHOVED into the overhead!

Spirit Airlines' new $100 fee for a carry-on bag may be the most recent irritant for fliers, but other airlines also have quietly raised their fees.

Spirit says that beginning Nov. 6 it will charge $100 for fliers who pay for a carry-on bag at the boarding gate. That's a big jump from the $45 the airline is charging now at airport gates and means it could cost $200 round-trip to carry a bag on board.

Most airlines don't charge to carry on a bag, but last month Allegiant Air began charging up to $35, depending on the route.

Bag fees on other airlines also have been rising since USA TODAY surveyed all fees in September:

•Delta Air Lines' highest fee then for a second checked bag was $75 for some international flights. Now the airline charges $80 for fliers paying online and $100 at the airport for flights between the USA and Europe or North Africa.

•American Airlines' highest fee in September for a second checked bag was $60 on some international flights. Now the price is $70 for flights between the USA and South America (excluding Brazil).

•JetBlue increased its fee for a second checked bag from $35 to $40 in February. Unlike most competitors, though, the airline doesn't charge to check a first bag.

BACK TO SPIRIT - It’s been 24 hours of turbulence for Spirit Airlines chief executive Ben Baldanza since he waved off his airline's “irrelevant” industry-worst customer complaint record in an exclusive interview with FoxNews.com.

Meanwhile, as support for a “Boycott Spirit Airlines” Facebook page jetted past 30,000 supporters early Friday — up from 700 earlier this week — a second Facebook page is now calling for Baldanza’s ouster.

“Facebook facilitated the fall of Egyptian dictator Hosni Mubarak ... now we must force Ben Baldanza out,” the group’s description reads. “His actions towards a dying veteran and his airline's customers are reprehensible. We have the power to make him resign!”

US Tourism is not Afraid to Welcome LGBT Travel

Gay Lesbian LGBT Travel — Fri, 04 May 2012 17:23:43 GMT

Watch the music video for "Land of Dreams," the original song written by Rosanne Cash and John Leventhal and performed by Rosanne Cash and guest artists Los Lobos, Bebel Gilberto and TREME.

Encouraging travelers to come and find your "Land of Dreams," they are featured in the first ever global tourism campaign for the United States.

For a couple seconds we see what appears to be a gay couple! (about 1:16). I wish they would have done a little more than just that...but, it's better then not being included at all.

WATCH NOW!

St Stefan in Montenegro...Not So Gay Friendly?

Gay Lesbian LGBT Travel — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 00:23:12 GMT

So I am debating where to plan my next European adventure. While I love Prague and Budapest, and I can't keep going there every year, when there are other places I want to see.

A friend recently suggested planning a trip around Montenegro. I said, "WHERE?!"

Montenegro is the pearl of the Mediterranean, unique in many ways, is situated in the south of the Adriatic. Nowhere else can you find, so much natural wealth, beauty, mild beaches, clear lakes, fast rivers, and gorgeous mountains in such a compact area as in Montenegro. In the morning you can wake up along the beautiful Adriatic coast, have lunch on the banks of Skadar Lake, and enjoy an evening walk in the Montenegrin mountains. Montenegro cannot leave you indifferent.

Not only an excellent choice for holidays, Montenegro has many other remarkable characteristics: history, culture, tradition, good weather conditions, clean air, beautiful nature, the blue Adriatic Sea.... Everyone should visit Montenegro. This little country combines features of both the Balkans and the Mediterranean, near Serbia, Bosnia, Croatia, Italy and Albania. Despite its small size, Montenegro offers great diversity and abundant natural beauty.

And my friend said ST STEFAN island and hotel resort is a must. The resort includes the islet of Sveti Stefan and part of the mainland, where the Villa Miločer part of the resort is located. An Adriatic playground for the rich and famous from the 1960s to the 1980s, the hotel is now a 5-star franchise hotel of the international group of Aman Resorts, completed in 2009 and operating under a 30 year lease. Formerly an island, Sveti Stefan is now connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus. The resort in total contains 50 rooms, cottages and suites on the island and 8 grand suites at the Villa Miločer.

My only worry is that Serbia is not so gay friendly. Many of those little countries over there are not so gay friendly!

In an article called HONEYMOON FROM HELL it says.. If embarking on a tour across Europe is your ultimate goal, same-sex couples should skip a stop in Montenegro. Located on the Balkan Peninsula, Montenegro decriminalized homosexuality in 1977; yet deeply ingrained anti-gay attitudes continue to permeate the culture in this conservative Eastern European nation. Similar sentiments are reflected in many of the former Soviet Republics, including Belarus and Ukraine, according to Collins.

Gay-friendly destinations in Europe: most western European countries, Czech Republic, Slovenia (western), Hungary!

Gorgeous Inn in Ohio hills Offers Chance to be Innkeeper for an Afternoon!

Gay Lesbian LGBT Travel — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 23:02:16 GMT

Inn offers “Innkeeper for an Afternoon” experience; includes free overnight

After frequent comments from guests who say they think it would be fun to run an inn, Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls has created a unique way for them to experience firsthand what it’s like to be an innkeeper. The “Innkeeper for an Afternoon” program was just launched to give staff the day off so that they may help celebrate the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls’ 25^th Anniversary. But the program also allows guests to try their hand at the job of innkeeping.

Thus, the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls is seeking friendly, energetic people to help run the inn on Sunday, June 3. The “job,” will include checking in guests, taking phone messages and other innkeeping duties. The lucky person to get the assignment will also receive a free overnight stay that evening. Interested travelers can email Innkeeper Ellen Grinsfelder, ellen@innatcedarfalls.com or call (800) 653-2557. Reservations and complete details on the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls are available at Innatcedarfalls.com.

A Hocking Hills Tourism Association Certified Green destination, The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls is located ½ mile above Hocking Hills’ scenic Cedar Falls. The region offers a variety of recreational opportunities including hiking, bird watching, canoeing and fishing, as well as exquisite photo opportunities. The Inn’s pampering spa offers a full compliment of spa services, including couples massage, girlfriend getaways, bridal parties and group events.

Fine American cuisine is the specialty at the Inn’s dining room and meals are prepared with the finest organic herbs, produce and ingredients. The Gathering Place at The Inn at Cedar Falls caters to weddings, family reunions, business retreats and organizational brainstorming sessions of up to 50 guests.

We wrote about this Inn last year - it was an amazing time!

Innatcedarfalls.com or 1-800-653-2557 (1-800-65-FALLS).

The inn is a member of Select Registry Distinguished Inns of North America.

A New Way to Locate Dog Sitters in your City!

Gay Lesbian LGBT Travel — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 22:16:04 GMT

This is pretty cool! I know a lot of people board their dogs at these Doggy Daycares and Dog Hotels - but I did that once, and my little yorkie came back stressed out. She really needs to be with people 24/7.

You can search by city now and find dog watchers in your area!

Cage Free

Most dog owners love their dog too much to keep them crated for hours on end, so why should that change when you are out of town? Dog Vacay allows you to find a home environment for your puppy, where they can get individual attention and roam freely

Perfect Fit For Fido

Pick the perfect host and environment for your dog. Whether you need an affordable apartment for your chihuahua or a luxury ranch for your champion show dog, Dog Vacay has an option for you

Affordable

Our prices start at $15 per night. Travel with ease without breaking the budget

Convenience

Browse hundreds of profiles to find the perfect host. Schedule and book online with just a few clicks

Quality

There’s a big difference between watching 3 dogs and several hundred. In a home environment your dog receives more care and personalized attention from a true dog lover. It’s like dropping them off at your favorite aunt’s house.

DOG VACAY.com

Gay Travel to Anti Gay Countries - Would You Go?

Gay Lesbian LGBT Travel — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:56:00 GMT

I don't know about you, but I have no desire to go to countries that are anti gay! I work too hard for my money to spend it in countries that hate gay people!

I came across this writer on Huffington Post this week, Laurence Watts, who says there are at least

10 Breathtaking Sights You'll Miss If You Boycott Anti-Gay Countries.

I can see them in books, right?

Me personally, I have no desire to go to Libya, Dominica, Jamaica, Egypt, Zimbabwe, Uganda,Pakistan/Afghanistan, Namibia, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Iraq, Russia and even Dubai. Sorry. I am not going. When there are hundreds of other places that welcome gay people.

Laurence goes on to say, "I've been to dozens of countries where homosexuality is illegal, and where our government warns people not to go. Through common sense, I've managed to enjoy my visits." - why walk on eggshells and have to look over your back all the time? And act straight? Seriously? You really want to go spend money in Uganda when they want to kill you???? You go Laurence, and take some pictures for the rest of us.

Gay Family Treated Like Second Class Citizens at London Heathrow

Gay Lesbian LGBT Travel — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 20:47:57 GMT

Two gay dads traveling with their children claim they were humiliated by border officials who refused to believe they were BOTH parents.

Seething civil partners Tony and Barrie Drewitt-Barlow said “horrendous homophobia” confronted them when they landed with three of their five kids at Heathrow.

Businessman Tony, 47, said yesterday: “The woman asked who I was. When I told her I was their father, she asked who ‘he’ was, looking at Barrie.

“When I said he was my civil partner and also the children’s father, she sneered and said it was ‘biologically impossible’ for us to be their parents.

"It was horrendous – it made my blood boil. We travel abroad a lot and this has never happened.

“We’ve faced homophobia before but it was like going back in time.”

Tony and Barrie, 42, made history in 2000 after they traveled to the US and used donated eggs and a surrogate mother to have twins.

Saffron and Aspen became the first children in Britain to be registered with two dads and no mother after a court ruling.

American Airlines and US Airways Possible Merger Today

Gay Lesbian LGBT Travel — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 13:52:24 GMT

Later today American Airlines is supposed to make a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT. Employees we talked to to AA say they expect to hear about the rumored merger with US Airways.

It is believed that 2 will merge - but will remain separate entities for a period of seven years. The current board at AA would be fired and AA would now play by US Airways rules and guidelines. The merger could yield $1.5 Billion per year in revenue and savings.

Gay Travel Brazil - A Murder every 24 Hours

Gay Lesbian LGBT Travel — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 21:16:53 GMT

The International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association is holding its 2012 Convention in Brazil this week, while violence against gays in that country is making headlines - again.

"Murders of gays and lesbians [in Brazil] are on the rise," according to the online news site The Daily Beast. “Attacks against gays have climbed steadily for most of the last decade, with 272 murdered in 2011—one every 36 hours, according to GrupoGay da Bahía, a leading gay-rights group that tracks anti-gay violence.

This year, GGB reports, it’s even worse, with 75 murders in just the first 10 weeks. That’s one every 24 hours.”

These statistics are shocking for a country often cited as one of the gay-friendliest in South America. However, reports of gay-murders in Brazil are not new. According to a January 2011 article by Gay City News, there were 121 gays murdered in 2007, 187 in 2008, 198 in 2009 and 250 in 2010.

- I am wondering what is the count of locals being murdered vs tourists?

Sérgio Carrara, a professor at the Institute of Social Medicine at UERJ, the State University of Rio de Janeiro, believes that the number of gay-murders is likely under reported. In the same Gay City News article, Carrara is quoted as saying, "The absence of a law against hate crimes means most of these crimes are treated with silence."

While Brazil allows same-sex marriage and is home to one of the largest gay pride celebrations in the city of São Paulo, its efforts to pass measures designed to curb anti-gay violence have failed.

As word of Brazil's gay-murders spread, it is possible that U.S. LGBT travelers will decrease their travel to the country. As part of the 16th Annual Gay & Lesbian Tourism Report by the gay travel research and marketing firm Community Marketing, Inc. 81% of gay men and 84% of lesbians in the U.S. report they would "avoid destinations that have a reputation for anti-gay violence." Um, yeah!

Police Refuse to Allow Budapest Pride to Happen This Year

Gay Lesbian LGBT Travel — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 13:49:15 GMT

The gays in Budapest have struggled for years, for their freedom and acceptance. It's a gorgeous city and a great value for travelers.

We were there last year for their gay pride, which had been on again, off again during the planning months. Police were unsure they wanted to provide the protection needed. In the end, the pride parade and march did happen - but over 1400 police were on hand to make sure no skinheads or fascists bothered or harmed the marchers.

The Budapest Pride is Hungary's largest annual LGBT event. It has historically been known under several names, including Budapest Gay Dignity Procession (Hungarian Meleg Méltóság Menet) or simply "happy parade" (Hungarian Meleg Méltóság Menet). The parade has taken place each year since 1997, usually on the first Saturday of July, proceeding along Budapest’s most expansive thoroughfare, Andrássy Avenue, between the City Park (Városliget) and Elizabeth Square (Erzsébet tér). Though much smaller in scale than similar gay pride parades in Western Europe and the Americas, between a thousand and two thousand marchers typically participate in the Budapest procession. Radical right-wing demonstrators and hooligans have severely disrupted the Budapest gay parades held in 2007 and 2008, casting concerns with the Police in Budapest.

In the past, sometimes anti-gay groups threw eggs, smoke bombs and bottles into the crowds. Several years ago, Gábor Demszky, Budapest's mayor from the Alliance of Free Democrats party, condemned the violence against the event for which he had expressed unambiguous support. However, three non-governmental organizations accused the government-supported police of doing little to stop the fascists.

Last year's parade went off just fine, other than some anti-gay people yelling at us. But I am guessing the city feels the cost to have 1400 police on high alert was too much?

We received this press release today -

The Budapest Police Department has refused to grant permission for this year's Budapest Pride march. The march had been announced for July 7, 2012, with a route from City Park to Alkotmány Street along Andrássy Avenue, by the festival’s organizers, the Rainbow Mission Foundation. This is not the first time the police have tried to prevent the march, and this year they again justified their decision to restrict our freedom of assembly with the claim that it is impossible to redirect traffic to another route. With the help of the Hungarian Civil Liberties Union (TASZ), we are filing a petition for review of the ban. We look forward to the Budapest Metropolitan Court repealing the police’s decision, which is expected to be announced in the next few weeks.

Banning the march is one of the means used to silence the LGBTQ community. The last two years have seen democracy, human rights, and the rule of law threatened in Hungary, and through its actions, the government has infringed upon the rights of many groups. The Basic Law, passed in April 2011 and in effect since the beginning of this year, the “family protection” law voted on last December, and the Hungarian Society for the Science of the Family founded in February all severely violate the rights of LGBTQ people. Banning the Pride march would only exacerbate the social marginalization of this community.

One of the themes we are highlighting in this year’s festival is the diversity of the LGBTQ community in Hungary. Given that the community is often invisible, our diversity of identities and experiences often goes unrecognized even within the community. For example, bisexual, queer, and trans people frequently find themselves marginalized and their voices unheard. LGBTQ people who are members of other marginalized groups as well (disabled people, national, ethnic, and religious minorities, etc.) are hardly ever allowed the opportunity to express their full identities. Mainstream society’s view of the LGBTQ community is restricted to a very narrow segment of the group, primarily gay men and lesbian women, and this picture is often based on explicitly homophobic and transphobic stereotypes.

Kudos to the gay community! They are not backing down and plan to march with or without a permit!

The campaign video against the ban

2012 Budapest Pride for news and updates

If you love architecture, Hungary is STUNNING! It is a gorgeous city. And there a dozen or so gay bars and clubs. They have a couple saunas. There is lots to see and do and it is so inexpensive to eat and drink and sleep there. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!

Gay Thailand - Phuket Pride Week April 23-28, 2012

Gay Lesbian LGBT Travel — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 14:41:49 GMT

Phuket, formerly known as Thalang (Tha-Laang) and, in Western sources, Junk Ceylon (a corruption of the Malay Tanjung Salang, i.e. "Cape Salang"), is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighbouring provinces are (from north clockwise) Phang Nga and Krabi, but as Phuket is an island it has no land boundaries.

Phuket, which is approximately the size of Singapore, is Thailand’s largest island. The island is connected to mainland Thailand by two bridges. It is situated off the west coast of Thailand in the Andaman Sea.

Pride comes to Phuket - April 23 to 28, 2012. Phuket Loves You (PLU) Club is the organization selected to produce this year's pride celebration.

The goal for this year's pride celebration is to create a stronger sense of community within the Thai and Farang communities in Phuket which is why this year's theme, chosen by the Phuket Pride committee, is "Join our Family"

PHUKET is an international destination attracting visitors from Asia, Australia, Europe and the United States. With 17 sandy beaches, access to the amazing Pha Na Bay with its dramatic rock formations, and numerous smaller islands, PHUKET has vaulted to become one of Conde Nast’s Magazines top ten tropical resort destinations in the world.

And no wonder. From fantastic food, to world class water sports (a top world snorkeling and scuba diving destination), from fabulous shopping to a vibrant night life, Phuket has something to offer every traveler.

And your money goes a lot farther here than in other places. (You can life the high life in Phuket for weeks for the same amount of money one week in Hawaii or the Caribbean would cost you.) There are countless smaller boutique hotels and guesthouses – both stylish and inexpensive – as well as the usual array of the world’s top hotel chains.

Get details for pride at Phuket Pride.

Gay Travel Guide Photos From Around The World

Gay Lesbian LGBT Travel — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 19:22:53 GMT

We get lots of people who send us cool travel photos - the last one is supposed to be a body of water in Montana - look at the clarity!! - I can't read the writing - but it appears that image is from National Geographic. - I hope they do not mind we are running it . (NG has an amazing collection of travel images - with an Annual Contest.)

Be it known , All photos are owned by their respective owners and I disclaim any ownership. No infringement or copyright is intended.

If you own a particular photo/s and would like it removed from this site, please contact me raphaelsmp (at) gmail.com, with your proof of ownership then I'll remove it within 24-48 hours.

If you have a cool photo to share - send it along - and we are happy to link to you.

Michael Snell

Best Conservatories and Floral Exhibitions

Gay Lesbian LGBT Travel — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 17:18:15 GMT

Ahhhhhh, Spring is in the air! Tree's are busting out of their buds and flowers are popping up everywhere!

If you love flowers and appreciate the beauty of nature - here are some MUST SEE Conservatories around the country:

Franklin Park Conservatory - Columbus Ohio.

Built in 1895, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a botanical landmark two miles east of downtown Columbus. It is a premier horticultural and educational institution showcasing exotic plant collections, special exhibitions, and a signature collection of work by glass artist Dale Chihuly.

Set within the 88 acres of Franklin Park, the Conservatory houses 400 species of plants from a variety of global climate zones and features a Victorian Palm House with more than 40 species of palms. It is surrounded by botanical gardens and floral displays.

RIGHT NOW you can see -

Blooms & Butterflies: Now on view
Central Ohio’s iconic sign of spring returns! Get an up-close view as hundreds of newly emerged butterflies are released into the Pacific Island Water Gardens— a tropical haven where exotic butterflies of all sizes and colors fly freely and feed on nectar from colorful blooms. Learn about the fascinating life cycle and ecological importance of these amazing insects during daily educational presentations and related activities. \

Orchids! Vibrant Victoriana
Awaken your senses on a dreary winter day and take a stroll through a warm Victorian garden. Hundreds of orchids of all forms, colors and sizes are artfully displayed in the Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse. Explore the Victorian collectors’ fascination with the exotic species through displays emphasizing the form, color and pattern of individual blooms. Learn more about orchids in these special programs.

Cocktails @ the Conservatory

Spice up your humdrum work week with an evening visit to the Conservatory. Stroll through warm, tropical plant collections and view current exhibitions while enjoying live music, specialty cocktails, and delicious appetizers. Reserve a table for your friends and colleagues! Call 614.645.1800 for more information.

Thursdays, 5:30 - 10pm 21 and over
Full bar, featured cocktails, small plate menu
$11 admission, in return each guest receives $10 in tokens that can be used toward the purchase of food and drinks.

*It's also the 200th Bicentennial Anniversary for Columbus this year! Lots going on! A great time to visit!

Read more about Gay Columbus and see they have been voted a hot new LGBT destination!

Golden Gate Park- San Francisco CA.

The largest and best known park in San Francisco is the 1,017 acre (411 ha) Golden Gate Park. Its history goes back to 1870 when the site was an area of wild sand dunes. At the time, the area, known as 'outside lands', was well outside the city's developed limits.

The main attractions of the park are located at the eastern side. Here you find the Conservatory of Flowers as well as the Japanese Tea garden and the adjacent M.H. De Young Museum.

The Conservatory of Flowers, a Victorian-style greenhouse is modeled after the Palm house at the Kew Gardens in London. It was built between 1876 and 1883 and houses a collection of tropical plants and flowers.

The M.H. De Young Museum has its origins in the 1894 Midwinter International expo. The Fine arts Museum, temporarily built for the expo, was so successful that it was decided to establish a permanent museum. The museum has a very diverse collection, including paintings from the Laurence Rockefeller collection.

Another remnant from the 1894 expo is the Japanese Tea Garden. Following the success of the expo's Japanese village, a Japanese Tea Garden was constructed to display the Japanese lifestyle. The garden, covering 5 acres, features a teahouse, sculptures, ponds, bridges and many native Japanese plants.

Chicago, IL - There are actually 3 great gardens and conservatories in Chicago.

Lincoln Park Conservatory, 2391 N. Stockton Dr., located in the heart of the city and connected to the Lincoln Park Zoo - Step inside and be transported to another place and time! Take a journey to the Lincoln Park Conservatory where you will find tropical palms and ancient ferns right in the heart of Lincoln Park. Designed both to showcase exotic plants and grow the thousands of plants needed for use in the parks, the Conservatory offers visitors a tropical experience within its four display houses: Palm House, Fern Room, Orchid House and Show House, which is home to the annual flower shows. This historic facility continues to provide an escape to nature to the millions that live in and visit Chicago. No matter the time of year, Lincoln Park Conservatory is always green and lush. Come take a stroll and let yourself be transported away. Admission is free.

Chicago Botanic Garden - is located just outside the city limits. Take a walk and discover early spring trees and shrubs in bloom, including Joel bush cherry and Appalachian Red redbud, as well as Autumn flowering cherry. Joining the host of narcissus and early tulips in bloom are Lenten roses and Virginia bluebells.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Garden! Today, 2.5 million plants, 24 display gardens, and four natural areas thrive here. Visit our anniversary website to view Garden milestones since the 1972 opening.

Located at 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL 60022 • (847) 835-5440
Admission is free - However, it costs $20 to park.

Garfield Conservatory is just west of the city a mile or so. Visit one of the nation's premier conservatories — six multi-faceted greenhouses and two grand exhibition halls.

The Garfield Park Conservatory sustained catastrophic damage in the June 30, 2011 hailstorm, shattering approximately half of the glass panes in the roofs of the historic Fern Room, Show House, and ten propagation greenhouses. The glass panes in the Desert House also sustained significant damage. The pathways, ponds and plants in the Fern Room, Show House, Desert House and propagation houses are covered with broken glass, and shards of glass hang dangerously from the roofs. Until the roofs are repaired, rain will cause the ponds to overflow, and direct sunlight will destroy and kill the plants that have been so carefully and lovingly conserved for so many years. - It is still open to the public and the rebuilding continues.

The Garfield Park Conservatory is open every day of the year. Located at 300 N. Central Park Ave., 10 minutes west of downtown Chicago and easily accessible by automobile or public transportation.

HAPPY SPRING!