Chase Vondran | LGBTQ+ Travel & Chicago π³οΈββ§οΈ
your lgbtqia+ guide to chicago + βοΈ
π road trips π³οΈβπ gay things to do π© unique stays
π chase.talent@uphouseinc.com

After 8 months, 4 IUIs, 1 IVF, 200+ shots, 32 fertility clinic appointments, 1 embryo transfer, and tons and tons of happy tearsβ¦. Oliver and I are SO excited to announce thereβs a little explorer on the way. πΆπ»β€οΈ
3ish months ago, I was sitting inside of a clown-themed trans-owned cafe in Upstate New York when I got the call. I ran outside to answer as Oliver smiled and excitedly nodded on FaceTime. The test was positive. It was a moment I will never forget. A moment that Iβm sure Baby V will hear about over and over. As trans husbands, it feels both radical and quite ordinary for us to be expecting parents.
While thanks will never feel like enough, we want to say thank you. To the seahorse dads, the two mom families, and the queer parents both in our lives and whose stories weβve seen online and read about in books. Your stories of turkey basters in the 90s, navigating adoption when it wasnβt legal for queer people to adopt, and getting pregnant before most people even knew gender diversity existed, have given us the gift of representation, peace, and hope for the future of our family. To the fertility clinic staff, nurses, and doctors who made us feel seen and supported. To our friends, family and village. To our first-borns, Kaliπ, Phillipπββ¬ and Gilbertπ. And to Oliver for his strength and bravery throughout this journey.
We are SOOOOO freaking excited to meet our little Leo (who is already moving around and dancing) in Oliverβs belly (!!!) and to be parents.
Love,
Papa Chase + Dad Oliver

After 8 months, 4 IUIs, 1 IVF, 200+ shots, 32 fertility clinic appointments, 1 embryo transfer, and tons and tons of happy tearsβ¦. Oliver and I are SO excited to announce thereβs a little explorer on the way. πΆπ»β€οΈ
3ish months ago, I was sitting inside of a clown-themed trans-owned cafe in Upstate New York when I got the call. I ran outside to answer as Oliver smiled and excitedly nodded on FaceTime. The test was positive. It was a moment I will never forget. A moment that Iβm sure Baby V will hear about over and over. As trans husbands, it feels both radical and quite ordinary for us to be expecting parents.
While thanks will never feel like enough, we want to say thank you. To the seahorse dads, the two mom families, and the queer parents both in our lives and whose stories weβve seen online and read about in books. Your stories of turkey basters in the 90s, navigating adoption when it wasnβt legal for queer people to adopt, and getting pregnant before most people even knew gender diversity existed, have given us the gift of representation, peace, and hope for the future of our family. To the fertility clinic staff, nurses, and doctors who made us feel seen and supported. To our friends, family and village. To our first-borns, Kaliπ, Phillipπββ¬ and Gilbertπ. And to Oliver for his strength and bravery throughout this journey.
We are SOOOOO freaking excited to meet our little Leo (who is already moving around and dancing) in Oliverβs belly (!!!) and to be parents.
Love,
Papa Chase + Dad Oliver

After 8 months, 4 IUIs, 1 IVF, 200+ shots, 32 fertility clinic appointments, 1 embryo transfer, and tons and tons of happy tearsβ¦. Oliver and I are SO excited to announce thereβs a little explorer on the way. πΆπ»β€οΈ
3ish months ago, I was sitting inside of a clown-themed trans-owned cafe in Upstate New York when I got the call. I ran outside to answer as Oliver smiled and excitedly nodded on FaceTime. The test was positive. It was a moment I will never forget. A moment that Iβm sure Baby V will hear about over and over. As trans husbands, it feels both radical and quite ordinary for us to be expecting parents.
While thanks will never feel like enough, we want to say thank you. To the seahorse dads, the two mom families, and the queer parents both in our lives and whose stories weβve seen online and read about in books. Your stories of turkey basters in the 90s, navigating adoption when it wasnβt legal for queer people to adopt, and getting pregnant before most people even knew gender diversity existed, have given us the gift of representation, peace, and hope for the future of our family. To the fertility clinic staff, nurses, and doctors who made us feel seen and supported. To our friends, family and village. To our first-borns, Kaliπ, Phillipπββ¬ and Gilbertπ. And to Oliver for his strength and bravery throughout this journey.
We are SOOOOO freaking excited to meet our little Leo (who is already moving around and dancing) in Oliverβs belly (!!!) and to be parents.
Love,
Papa Chase + Dad Oliver
[SAVE/SHARE] LGBTQIA+ TRAVEL GUIDE: NEW HOPE, PA π³οΈβππ³οΈββ§οΈ #VisitPAPartner
Just over an hour from Philly and tucked along the Delaware River, New Hope, PA is easily one of the queerest small towns in the U.S. A longtime haven for LGBTQIA+ travelers, artists, and creatives since the 1940s, it was recently named the #1 small town for arts and culture (and for good reason). Whether you want a laid-back gaycation or a weekend full of exploring, New Hope delivers. Hereβs a quick travel guide to one of my new favorite places:
STAY
Logan Inn @loganinnpa
EAT
Ferry Market ferrymarketnewhope (indoor food hall)
Playhouse Deck @playhousedeck (great patio with riverside views)
Karlaβs @karlasnewhope (comfort food + martinis)
Landmark Tavern @loganinnpa (inside Logan Inn)
Main Street Marketplace @marketplacedoylestown (in Doylestown)
Genevieves (in Doylestown, BYOB)
Moo Hope @moohopeicecream (vegan ice cream options)
TO DO
Explore New Hopeβs main street
Go vintage shopping
Ride the New Hope train @newhoperailroad
Walk the bridge
Candle-making workshop at Wax N Scent @waxnscentstudio (Black-owned)
See a show at Playhouse Theater @theaterbcp
Explore Peddlerβs Village @peddlersvillage (10 min)
Michener Art Museum @michenerart (Doylestown)
Mercer Museum @mercerandfonthill (Doylestown)
Vampire Museum @vampamuseum (Doylestown)
SHOP
Love Saves the Day @lsdnewhope (vintage, collectibles and oddities)
Night Bird Vintage @nightbirdvintage
The Creeper Gallery @thecreepergallery
QUEER BARS
The Cub Room @thecubroom__newhope
Havanna @havananewhope (queer-friendly)
John & Peterβs @johnandpetersnewhope (queer-friendly)
For more details and a comprehensive guide, check out my new blog post LGBTQIA+ Travel Guide to New Hope, PA! π
#VisitPA #lgbtqtravelers #lgbtqtravel #newhope #doylestown #pennsylvania #buckscountypa
Welcome to your next Southern Illinois gay getaway π³οΈβππ³οΈββ§οΈπβ¨ #airbnbpartner @airbnb
This cozy @Airbnb cabin in Makanda sits on a 52-acre farm near Shawnee National Forest, just five hours south of Chicago. Tucked right outside town, Makanda is often called the βhippiest town in Illinoisβ and is the perfect queer-friendly weekend getaway for hiking, exploring nature, and fully unplugging. The cabin has no WiFi, a full kitchen, and a fire pit for late-night sβmores, plus total seclusion that makes it feel like your own private retreat. A true hidden gem for LGBTQIA+ solo travelers, couples, small families, and adventurous pups.
Save this for your next Midwest road trip!
More Details:
πMaple Ridge Cabin at Pantherβs Rest Farm
π 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, 2 beds
πΆ pet-friendly
π§βπ§βπ§ up to 5 guests (recommend 1-3)
π½οΈ full kitchen with dishes and silverware
π free parking
β
easy self check-in
πͺ΅ indoor fireplace + fire pit outside
#lgbtqtravel #enjoyillinois #shawneenationalforest
Info belowβ€΅οΈ [AD]
π³οΈβπLGBTQ+ GUIDE TO SOUTH HAVEN, MICHIGANπ³οΈββ§οΈ
TO STAY
for couples & solo travelers:
π @innparkbandb
ποΈ The Hawthorne Suite (featured)
*also loved The Magnolia Suite
for families with kids & large groups:
π @watersviewinn
ποΈ Room 11 (featured, 2bed/2bath suite + kitchenette)
TO EAT
@julias_soha
@tastesouthhaven
TO DO
@hellobooksmi
@eaglestreetmarket
@murph_ysantiques
shop downtown
explore local wineries/breweries
Woodman Beach for sunset (near Inn at the Park, less crowds)
North Beach (biggest + most popular)
South Beach (also popular)
#visitsouthhaven #southhavenmichigan #lgbtqtravel #midwesttravel

Doorways Of Chicago Book Launch!
Join us for the launch event of my new Doorways Of Chicago Book!I will be in conversation with Chase Vondran @explorewithchase and sharing the story about the DOC project!
After the talk there will be a book signing and you will be able to shop my photography prints and greeting cards and say hi!
Friday, May 8
@fineartsbuilding
410 S. Michigan Ave
Third Floor Studio C (in the annex)
6 pm - 7 pm
Hosted by @tropereader and @exileinbookville.
Are you coming?See you there!
The Doorways Of Chicago Book has been #1 in Hot New Releases for over a week on Amazon in 4 categories!
πTravel Photography
ποΈArchitectural Photography
πCity Photography
πΊπΈMidwest US Travel Guides
#doorwaysofchicago

Doorways Of Chicago Book Launch!
Join us for the launch event of my new Doorways Of Chicago Book!I will be in conversation with Chase Vondran @explorewithchase and sharing the story about the DOC project!
After the talk there will be a book signing and you will be able to shop my photography prints and greeting cards and say hi!
Friday, May 8
@fineartsbuilding
410 S. Michigan Ave
Third Floor Studio C (in the annex)
6 pm - 7 pm
Hosted by @tropereader and @exileinbookville.
Are you coming?See you there!
The Doorways Of Chicago Book has been #1 in Hot New Releases for over a week on Amazon in 4 categories!
πTravel Photography
ποΈArchitectural Photography
πCity Photography
πΊπΈMidwest US Travel Guides
#doorwaysofchicago
Also got a Costco membership this weekπππ» #gaydads #chicagoparent #seahorsedad
RATING BABY STORES + SECTIONS IN CHICAGO pt1 πΆπ»ππ#chicagoparent #lgbtqchicago #transdads [AD]
π@humboldthouse in Humboldt Park, Chicago
π³οΈβπ queer woman-owned
π» in-person + online shop
βοΈ 10/10 for inclusivity, cool parent gear, unique gifts & cute accessories
happy national chaco daaaaaay [unbox + manifest with meπ¦π«] @chacofootwear #ChacoPartner #lgbtqtravel

Freewill is jumping into your car at 7am and arriving in Kentucky by lunch time. πβ¨π³οΈβππ³οΈββ§οΈ #KYTourismPartner @kytourism
Thank you Kentucky for your warm welcome, whimsy and southern hospitality. Here are some highlights from my 4 day solo road trip through the Bluegrass State (full itinerary posted on my feed).
Have you been to Kentucky? What are your favorite places?
Disclaimer: this content is based on my own experience as a tourist. As always, do your own research and travel with caution. π³οΈββ§οΈπ³οΈβπ #lgbtqtravel #travelky #usatravel

Freewill is jumping into your car at 7am and arriving in Kentucky by lunch time. πβ¨π³οΈβππ³οΈββ§οΈ #KYTourismPartner @kytourism
Thank you Kentucky for your warm welcome, whimsy and southern hospitality. Here are some highlights from my 4 day solo road trip through the Bluegrass State (full itinerary posted on my feed).
Have you been to Kentucky? What are your favorite places?
Disclaimer: this content is based on my own experience as a tourist. As always, do your own research and travel with caution. π³οΈββ§οΈπ³οΈβπ #lgbtqtravel #travelky #usatravel

Freewill is jumping into your car at 7am and arriving in Kentucky by lunch time. πβ¨π³οΈβππ³οΈββ§οΈ #KYTourismPartner @kytourism
Thank you Kentucky for your warm welcome, whimsy and southern hospitality. Here are some highlights from my 4 day solo road trip through the Bluegrass State (full itinerary posted on my feed).
Have you been to Kentucky? What are your favorite places?
Disclaimer: this content is based on my own experience as a tourist. As always, do your own research and travel with caution. π³οΈββ§οΈπ³οΈβπ #lgbtqtravel #travelky #usatravel

Freewill is jumping into your car at 7am and arriving in Kentucky by lunch time. πβ¨π³οΈβππ³οΈββ§οΈ #KYTourismPartner @kytourism
Thank you Kentucky for your warm welcome, whimsy and southern hospitality. Here are some highlights from my 4 day solo road trip through the Bluegrass State (full itinerary posted on my feed).
Have you been to Kentucky? What are your favorite places?
Disclaimer: this content is based on my own experience as a tourist. As always, do your own research and travel with caution. π³οΈββ§οΈπ³οΈβπ #lgbtqtravel #travelky #usatravel

Freewill is jumping into your car at 7am and arriving in Kentucky by lunch time. πβ¨π³οΈβππ³οΈββ§οΈ #KYTourismPartner @kytourism
Thank you Kentucky for your warm welcome, whimsy and southern hospitality. Here are some highlights from my 4 day solo road trip through the Bluegrass State (full itinerary posted on my feed).
Have you been to Kentucky? What are your favorite places?
Disclaimer: this content is based on my own experience as a tourist. As always, do your own research and travel with caution. π³οΈββ§οΈπ³οΈβπ #lgbtqtravel #travelky #usatravel

Freewill is jumping into your car at 7am and arriving in Kentucky by lunch time. πβ¨π³οΈβππ³οΈββ§οΈ #KYTourismPartner @kytourism
Thank you Kentucky for your warm welcome, whimsy and southern hospitality. Here are some highlights from my 4 day solo road trip through the Bluegrass State (full itinerary posted on my feed).
Have you been to Kentucky? What are your favorite places?
Disclaimer: this content is based on my own experience as a tourist. As always, do your own research and travel with caution. π³οΈββ§οΈπ³οΈβπ #lgbtqtravel #travelky #usatravel

Freewill is jumping into your car at 7am and arriving in Kentucky by lunch time. πβ¨π³οΈβππ³οΈββ§οΈ #KYTourismPartner @kytourism
Thank you Kentucky for your warm welcome, whimsy and southern hospitality. Here are some highlights from my 4 day solo road trip through the Bluegrass State (full itinerary posted on my feed).
Have you been to Kentucky? What are your favorite places?
Disclaimer: this content is based on my own experience as a tourist. As always, do your own research and travel with caution. π³οΈββ§οΈπ³οΈβπ #lgbtqtravel #travelky #usatravel

Freewill is jumping into your car at 7am and arriving in Kentucky by lunch time. πβ¨π³οΈβππ³οΈββ§οΈ #KYTourismPartner @kytourism
Thank you Kentucky for your warm welcome, whimsy and southern hospitality. Here are some highlights from my 4 day solo road trip through the Bluegrass State (full itinerary posted on my feed).
Have you been to Kentucky? What are your favorite places?
Disclaimer: this content is based on my own experience as a tourist. As always, do your own research and travel with caution. π³οΈββ§οΈπ³οΈβπ #lgbtqtravel #travelky #usatravel

Freewill is jumping into your car at 7am and arriving in Kentucky by lunch time. πβ¨π³οΈβππ³οΈββ§οΈ #KYTourismPartner @kytourism
Thank you Kentucky for your warm welcome, whimsy and southern hospitality. Here are some highlights from my 4 day solo road trip through the Bluegrass State (full itinerary posted on my feed).
Have you been to Kentucky? What are your favorite places?
Disclaimer: this content is based on my own experience as a tourist. As always, do your own research and travel with caution. π³οΈββ§οΈπ³οΈβπ #lgbtqtravel #travelky #usatravel

Freewill is jumping into your car at 7am and arriving in Kentucky by lunch time. πβ¨π³οΈβππ³οΈββ§οΈ #KYTourismPartner @kytourism
Thank you Kentucky for your warm welcome, whimsy and southern hospitality. Here are some highlights from my 4 day solo road trip through the Bluegrass State (full itinerary posted on my feed).
Have you been to Kentucky? What are your favorite places?
Disclaimer: this content is based on my own experience as a tourist. As always, do your own research and travel with caution. π³οΈββ§οΈπ³οΈβπ #lgbtqtravel #travelky #usatravel
More details ππ» @kytourism #KYTourismPartner
DAY 1-2: LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY (~4.5 hrs from Chicago)
STAY @myriadhotelky (π³οΈβπ)
EAT @proofonmain (π») @lemoolou (π³οΈβππ») @breakfastaf_germantown (π»)
TO DO shopping in NuLu [featured: @louabull (π³οΈβπ)], explore the gayborhood (The Highlands), @louisvillehistorictours (π³οΈβπ), queer history tour @louisvillefoodtours
QUEER BARS @bigbar_louisville (π³οΈβππ») @chillbarlou (π³οΈβππ») @playlouisville (π³οΈβπ)
β‘οΈ @gotolouisville
DAY 2-3: BARDSTOWN, KENTUCKY (45 min from Louisville)
STAY @thetrailhotel
EAT @lems.cafe (π»), Hardornβs Bakery, @bourboncitykitchen , @rickhouserestaurant , @myoldkentuckydinnertrain
TO DO Bottled-in-Bond Warehouse Tour and Tasting at @heavenhillbourbonexperience + explore downtown
TO DRINK @volstead.lounge @oldtalbotttavern @3rd_street_tap_house @coxs_evergreen_liquors (π»)
β‘οΈ @visitbardstown
DAY 3-4: COVINGTON, KENTUCKY (2 hrs from Bardstown)
STAY The Pickle Factory @theneatsuites
EAT @roeblingbooks (π»), @rekas_butcher (π³οΈβπ), Mamaβs On Main @mamas621cov (π»)
TO DO Tasting at @newriff (π»), check @queerkentucky @midwestern.lesbian for LGBTQIA+ events (π³οΈβπ), explore MainStrasse Village
SHOP @creativehousead (π³οΈβππ»), @revivalvintagespirits (π³οΈβπ) @roeblingbooks (π»)
QUEER BARS Bar 32 (π³οΈβππ»), @rosies_tavern (π³οΈβππ»), Secret Bar (π³οΈβππ»)
β‘οΈ @meetnky
DAY 4: DRIVE BACK TO CHICAGO! (4.5 hrs from Covington)
π³οΈβπ = LGBTQIA+-owned
π» = all-gender restrooms available on site
π‘ If you have time, I would add Lexington, KY to the mix as well
#lgbtqtravel #TravelKY #usatravel
Once inhabited by infamous Chicago mobster βLittle Clown,β this Airbnb in Chicago is truly one-of-a-kindπΉπΌ @airbnb #AirbnbPartner
Comment βwest townβ and I will DM you the π
πRetro Airbnb in West Town
π two bedroom, one bathroom
π½οΈ full kitchen
π§βπ§βπ§βπ§ up to 4 guests
β
easy check-in
π free street parking
π‘nearby cool vintage and thrift shops + tons of amazing restaurants; highly recommend for history and vintage lovers or folks looking for a unique Chicago experience
#lgbtqtravel #chicagoairbnb #chicagocreator
10 GAY THINGS TO DO IN DC π³οΈβππ³οΈββ§οΈποΈ [part 2] #VisitWashingtonDCPartner @visitwashingtondc
π shop queer-owned: @loyaltybooks @littledistrictbooks
π³οΈβπ nerd out on DCβs LGBTQIA+ history: @atourofherown
π€ do a (free) museum date: @nmaahc @amhistorymuseum
π find vintage + oddities: @garlicgirlvintage @omansion
βοΈ breakfast at a queer-owned bakery: @threefiftybakerydc
π½οΈ eat queer-owned: @herdinerdc
πͺ© experience DC queer nightlife: @asyouaredc @alohodc @thurstlounge @sparksocialdc @sinnersandsaintsdc
β¨ stay at a queer-friendly hotel: @dupontcirclehotel
π explore a local market: @easternmarket_dc
π³οΈββ§οΈ visit during the gayest weekend of the year: @capitalpridedc
BONUS: frolic at @cherryblossfest πΈπΈ
What are your favorite DC spots?
#lgbtqtravel #transtravel #usatravel Only1DC
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