"Pride Illinois" Offers LGBT Travelers Detailed Information on Navigating Illinois' Destinations and Attractions

CHICAGO - February 11, 2012. One year after signing historic civil union legislation, Governor Pat Quinn today announced the launch of a new section of the state's official tourism website tailored toward lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered (LGBT) travelers. "Pride Illinois" features LGBT-friendly and/or owned travel destinations, attractions, accommodations, events and more throughout Illinois.

"Our tourism website helps visitors map out their visits to Illinois by giving them information about the great places and activities Illinois has to offer," Governor Quinn said. "Tailoring the site to meet the needs of LGBT travelers will help them make the most of their visit while supporting the growing Illinois tourism industry."

The new "Pride Illinois" section of the Illinois Office of Tourism (IOT) website - www.EnjoyIllinois.com - furthers Governor Quinn's efforts to boost tourism and foster equality in Illinois by highlighting the variety of sites, entertainment and activities for LGBT travelers visiting Illinois. "Pride Illinois" is organized by each of the state's four travel regions.

"Pride Illinois" offers yet another resource for people traveling throughout the state," said Illinois Office of Tourism Deputy Director Jan Kostner. "We are excited to offer more detailed information to assist LGBT travelers as they discover Illinois."

The "Pride Illinois" section provides a listing of TAG Approved® accommodations throughout Illinois.

A TAG Approved® property enforces non-discriminatory policies, treats heterosexual and domestic partners equally in personnel policies, and provides LGBT diversity and sensitivity training for employees. In addition, the property employs staff reflective of the diversity of their community, gives back to its community, and empowers customers and employees to act as watchdogs of its LGBT business practices.

According to the LGBT 2020 Study conducted by OutNow Global, LGBT travelers spent an average of $1,974 on leisure travel over the past twelve months. The study also showed that 78 percent of LGBT consumers prefer to stay at "gay-welcoming" hotels. OutNow Global is an LGBT marketing agency formed to better understand the lives and concerns of the LGBT community.

Illinois is the sixth state in the nation to allow civil unions. In January 2011, Governor Quinn signed historic legislation providing same-sex couples with the same full state legal rights as married couples.

For additional information on "Pride Illinois" and to find attractions, destinations and events statewide, visit www.EnjoyIllinois.com.

 

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WHO:           Allegiant - Quad City International Airport

WHAT:          Get your picture taken at the Florida photo booth and register to win a vacation to Orlando!

WHEN:          February 11th and 12th, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

WHERE:        Iowa / Illinois Regional Auto Show

Moline, Ill. -Allegiant (NASDAQ: ALGT) wants to take you on a President's Day Getaway Orlando. Allegiant and Quad City International Airport are bringing vacation to the Iowa / Illinois auto show.  The Florida photo booth will feature real sand, tons of Florida fun props and a beachy backdrop where visitors can have their Florida vacation photos taken and register to win a President's Day getaway to Orlando.

The inaugural Allegiant flight from Quad City International Airport (MLI) to Orlando-Sanford International Airport takes off at 8:20 a.m Friday, February 17th. To celebrate, Allegiant will give one lucky winner and three guests a spot on that inaugural flight, as well as a three night stay compliments of World Center Orlando Marriott and tickets to see Blue Man Group at Universal Orlando.

Media and the public are also invited to the airport the morning of the inaugural flight, February 17, 2012 to celebrate with refreshments, the introduction of and congratulations to the President's Day Giveaway winners, more prize giveaways and photo / interview opportunities.

To enter, visit the Allegiant / Quad City International display at the Iowa / Illinois Regional Car Show on February 11 and February 12, 2012 between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM local time. One winner will be selected by random drawing and notified on February 12, 2012.

There is a limit of one registration per person, must be 21 years of age or older to win. The winner will receive round trip airfare on the inaugural flight between Quad City International Airport and Orlando-Sanford International Airport, hotel accommodations and Blue Man Group Orlando tickets for four (4).  Additional rules and restrictions apply.

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Washington, DC - Today, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) released the following statement in response to Southwest Airlines' announcement that it would convert AirTran operations at Des Moines International Airport to Southwest Airlines service:

"Southwest Airlines' announcement is good news for Iowa travelers and the Iowa economy.  Southwest Airlines will bring reduced prices and increased competition to the Des Moines airport.  That means a more competitive business environment for Iowa employers and more money in the pockets of consumers."

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Recreating Titanic's final 11-course dinner menu is just one of the special events slated for St. Louis' Titanic Centennial Weekend, April 13-15, 2012.

ST. LOUIS -- January 19, 2012 -- One hundred years ago this April, a reporter for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch scored one of the biggest stories of the 20th century - the sinking of the H.M.S. Titanic.

St. Louis journalist Carlos Hurd was aboard the Carpathia, the vessel that scooped up Titanic's lifeboat-clinging survivors. Hurd and his wife Katherine were the first to interview the eyewitnesses to the downing of the "unsinkable" ocean liner. He wrote the world-wide headline story on rolls of toilet paper during the voyage that brought those rescued into New York harbor. Today, the legendary ship continues to make headlines in St. Louis where a weekend of special commemorative events will take place to remember this ever-fascinating piece of history.

Cruise into the Gateway City to experience the history, fashion, food and music of the elegant Edwardian era during St. Louis' Titanic Centennial Weekend, April 13-15, 2012. For more information, click on http://www.explorestlouis.com/ or www.titanic2012stl.com or call 314-657-5033. Tickets for all events and accommodations are also available through Metrotix at 314-534-1111 or www.metrotix.com.

On Friday, April 13, the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park serves up an Edwardian Champagne Reception prior to a screening of the classic 1958 Titanic film, "A Night to Remember." Guests also will view Titanic-related artifacts from the Museum's collection.

The highlight of the weekend takes place at the Fabulous Fox Theatre on Saturday, April 14. The Fox's executive chef Stephen Proctor along with the culinary teaching staff at L'Ecole Culiniare will recreate the original First Class menu served to Titanic guests on the actual 100th anniversary of the last dinner on the ship. The historic menu was meticulously researched to authentically recreate the sumptuous eleven-course meal and accompanying wines. The Titanic-sized menu includes oysters a la Russe, poached salmon, filet mignon, chicken Lyonnaise, roasted squab and Waldorf pudding.

Diners will have the opportunity to experience A Taste of History: Last Dinner on the Titanic while seated on the stage at St. Louis' Fabulous Fox Theatre. The evening is black tie. Dinner guests are encouraged to wear vintage attire (white tie for men). Upon arrival, guests will receive a boarding pass and envelope containing the name and biography of an actual first-class passenger from the Titanic. Guests can be assured that the only ice afloat at the Fox this evening will be found in drinking glasses.

Prior to dinner, a period-style cocktail reception featuring live music popular during 1912 will fill the Fox Theatre's elaborate Grand Lobby. Between courses, guests will be entertained with incredible stories about the Titanic told by actors portraying passengers and crew who had been aboard the fateful ship including Missouri's-own "Unsinkable" Molly Brown. Proceeds from the evening benefit the Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation, a not-for-profit which fosters and promotes the performing arts in the St. Louis area.

Those who survive the Saturday evening soiree can partake in a special champagne brunch at the Piper Palm House, the oldest standing greenhouse west of the Mississippi River. Located in St. Louis' Victorian-designed Tower Grove Park, the Palm House's distinctive architecture, soaring ceiling, stately windows and exotic plants, resemble the Titanic's Verandah Café. The brunch will be recreated from a Titanic first class breakfast menu. The buffet service meal features, along with other delicacies, smoked salmon, lamb chops, sirloin steak, prepared-to-order omelets, fruits and baked goods.

The three events range in price from $10 to $500, so everyone can "step back in time" and experience the history, fashion, food and music of the elegant Edwardian Era. A special St. Louis Titanic Weekend Travel Package is available at the newly restored Cheshire, a landmark hotel property that embodies the charm and authenticity of a traditional British inn with all the modern conveniences of today. The $389 hotel package includes deluxe accommodation for two nights (Friday and Saturday/double occupancy), an English continental breakfast on Saturday, complimentary high tea on Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m., and round-trip transportation to the events at the Missouri History Museum, The Fox Theatre and the Piper Palm House.

True Titanic buffs will want to tour historic Bellefontaine Cemetery in St. Louis. St. Louisan Elizabeth McMillan Madill Robert was returning home from a year-long European tour and lodging in Cabin B-3 aboard the Titanic. She, her daughter Georgette Madill, niece Elizabeth Allen and maid Emilie Kreuchen were all rescued from Lifeboat 2. Mrs. Madill Roberts died in 1955 and is buried on the Madill family lot. Also resting at Bellefontaine are Carlos and Katherine Hurd who were traveling on the Carpathia, the White Star Line vessel that rescued Titanic lifeboat passengers. Hurd enlisted his wife to help him gather interviews for the news story of the century. Stop by the Bellefontaine Cemetery office at 4847 West Florissant Avenue for a complimentary map to these gravesites and those of hundreds of notable persons including explorer William Clark, Civil War officers, beer barons, literary personalities and more.  Information also is found at www.bellefontainecemetery.org.

Follow St. Louis on Twitter and Facebook for all the latest information on what's happening in the Gateway City. www.facebook.com/ExploreStLouis; http://twitter.com/explorestlouis

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On Friday, Jan. 20, warm up with Caribou coffee, tea and hot chocolate from 6:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Daley Plaza in Chicago for Winter Bike to Work Day.

The first 50 bike commuters who come by the event can choose from either a free bike light or a free balaclava. People can also enter a raffle for a folding bike.

Winter Bike to Work Day, organized by the Active Transportation Alliance, commemorates the coldest day in Chicago history--Jan. 20, 1985--when the official temperature at O'Hare International Airport was 27 degrees below zero.

Jan. 20 also marks the opening of registration for one of the best bicycle rides in the nation, MB Financial Bank Bike the Drive. Get a jump on your summer by signing up for this world-class bike ride, to be held on May 27. Save $10 when you sign up for this Active Transportation Alliance fundraiser between Jan. 20 and Feb. 6 at www.bikethedrive.org.

The Active Transportation Alliance is a non-profit, member-based advocacy organization that works to make bicycling, walking and public transit so safe, convenient and fun that we will achieve a significant shift from environmentally harmful, sedentary travel to clean, active travel. The organization builds a movement around active transportation, encourages physical activity, increases safety and builds a world-class transportation network. The Active Transportation Alliance is North America's largest transportation advocacy organization, supported by nearly 6,000 members, 1,000 volunteers and 40 full-time staff. For more information on the Active Transportation Alliance, visit www.activetrans.org or call 312.427.3325.  
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New Rockford Station and Chicago-Rockford-Dubuque Rail Corridor Expected to Support Nearly 700 Jobs

ROCKFORD - January 17, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today announced a $3 million investment to develop a new multi-modal station in Rockford just south of the downtown area. The Illinois Jobs Now! capital plan funding to design and engineer the new facility is in addition to the $60 million allocated to construct the Chicago-Rockford-Dubuque rail corridor. The two projects together are expected to support nearly 700 jobs, and bring rail access back to a part of the state that has not seen service in 30 years.

"Investing in Rockford is good for Illinois," Governor Quinn said. "Not only will we create a new station and Amtrak service, we'll create new jobs and attract more economic development to the Rockford area. Illinois residents will have additional travel options and reduced travel times from Rockford to the Chicago area and to western parts of our state."

The total cost of the new multi-modal station is expected to be approximately $12 million, including design and engineering. The Illinois Department of Transportation and City of Rockford will work to obtain the additional funds to move construction of the project forward. Construction is expected to begin in late 2012 on the site of the former Amtrak station in Rockford.

"This is great news for Illinois. Under the leadership of Governor Quinn, the grant allocated for this project is expected to provide easy access for Amtrak passengers to and from the Rockford metropolitan area," Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann Schneider said. "The new facility also will encourage the public to use transit as a mode of transportation and expand community access."

The new station, which will serve Amtrak's new Chicago-Rockford-Dubuque corridor, replaces a dilapidated structure that the city of Rockford demolished at its own expense last year.  The facility will support both passenger rail and public transit, which will improve accessibility and air quality by reducing vehicle emissions.

The Chicago-Rockford-Dubuque corridor is planned to carry one round-trip per day with planned stops in South Elgin, Genoa, Rockford, Freeport and Galena. Construction on the new facility and corridor is expected to be complete by the end of 2014.

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ORLANDO, Fla.?Las Vegas is on sale at www.southwestvacations.com. Travelers booking a flight plus hotel Las Vegas vacation package for three or more nights at participating MGM Resorts will qualify to receive up to two complimentary show tickets. Plus, save $50 per reservation when using promotion code MGM50JAN12 at time of booking for travel January 15, 2012 through February 29, 2012, or save $80 per reservation when using promotion code MGM80JAN12 at time of booking for travel March 1, 2012 through August 10, 2012.

Participating Shows (based on availability):

  • Viva ELVIS® by Cirque du Soleil® at ARIA
  • Terry Fator: Ventriloquism in Concert live at The Mirage
  • KÃ?® by Cirque du Soleil® at MGM Grand
  • Jabbawockeez at Monte Carlo
  • Zumanity®, The Sensual Side of Cirque du Soleil® at New York-New York
  • CRISS ANGEL® Believe® from Cirque du Soleil® at Luxor
  • Tournament of Kings at Excalibur

For complete details on this offer, visit:
http://www.southwestvacations.com/Deals/Deal.aspx?deal=418

Las Vegas vacation packages must be booked between January 5, 2012 and January 12, 2012 by 6 p.m. Central Time for travel January 15, 2012 through August 10, 2012. One-day advance purchase is required. Blackout dates apply.

Customized Las Vegas vacation packages include roundtrip flight via Southwest Airlines® to Las Vegas, hotel accommodations (including taxes), Rapid Rewards® points on the flight portion, 24-hour traveler assistance, and first and second checked bags fly free (weight and size limits apply). Even golf bags fly free! Savings of up to $120 per person, roundtrip.Â? Visit the Benefits of Booking a Southwest Vacation page to learn more about everything included in a customized vacation package.

About Southwest Airlines Vacations - Southwest Airlines Vacations offers vacation packages to more than 80 destinations with flight service available from every scheduled Southwest Airlines departure city. Travelers can customize vacation packages to include flight, hotel, car rentals, show tickets, attraction passes, tours, and more. Southwest Airlines Vacations is located in Orlando and operated by The Mark Travel Corporation (TMTC). TMTC is a member of the USTOA $1 Million Traveler's Assistance Program and ASTA TOP. For more information or to make a reservation,
please visit: www.southwestvacations.com.

Offer not valid on existing reservations and may not be combined with any other offer. Subject to availability. Limit two tickets per hotel room. Some restrictions may apply. Reserve your tickets within 72 hours of receiving your E-Travel Documents. Tickets are not available for all price categories at all performances. Limited seating is available for select performances. Seating availability and location is determined automatically on a first-come-first-serve basis. Tickets have no cash value and are non-transferable. Show tickets can only be redeemed by the primary guest as it appears on the package reservation. Guest must check into the hotel prior to redeeming show tickets. Offer does not apply to group reservations and may be cancelled or modified without notice at any time. Tickets must be picked up from the applicable Box Office at least four HOURS prior to show time or they are subject to be released.

Â?First and second checked bags. Weight and size limits apply. A pair of skis or a snowboard can be substituted for one checked bag. Checked baggage fee comparison is based on Southwest=1st and 2nd bag FREE vs. "The Other Guys"=1st bag $25/one-way; 2nd bag $35/one-way; or 2 bags $60/one-way and $120/roundtrip. Source: farecompare.com.

Seats are limited and may not be available on some flights that operate during peak travel times and holiday periods. Flight and hotel rates may vary by day of the week. Surcharges may apply to weekends, holidays, and convention periods. Flights available on published, scheduled service only. Rates may be subject to change until purchased. All Rapid Rewards rules and regulations apply. Discounts are valid per reservation before taxes are applied. Offer not valid on existing reservations and may not be combined with any other offer. Subject to availability. Restrictions apply. The Mark Travel Corporation is the tour operator for Southwest Airlines Vacations. Now accepting reservations through August 10, 2012. On January 22, 2012, Southwest Airlines will open the schedule for sale through September 28, 2012.

This message was sent by Southwest Airlines Vacations.

Cody, Wyoming's, western museum complex, the Bill Historical Center, and the Cody Country Chamber of Commerce announced Friday, December 29, 2012, that the Chamber has taken the reins of the cutting edge Cody High Style Fashion Show held each September as part of the city-wide Rendezvous Royale. In addition, the two entities will now collaborate to produce the Cody High Style western design exhibition?a partnership that will continue to see that the event is held at the Center as part of Rendezvous Royale.

"In much the same way as we have worked so successfully with the Chamber to host the Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale, we now add the highly popular Cody High Style into the mix," explains Bruce Eldredge, the Center's Executive Director and CEO. "The Chamber staff will manage the two events while we continue to provide space for the Cody High Style western design event."

For a number of years, the fashion show has been held in the Center's main lobby area with the runway erected above the admissions area. "Without a doubt, we've had an extraordinary time with our designers, models, and attendees," Eldredge adds. "However, we've embarked on a new strategic plan and have begun to examine how we use our resources. We simply think that the Chamber of Commerce is best suited to coordinate the fashion show as part of their efforts to promote city-wide events. With our friends at the Chamber in charge, we have no reservations at all that the show will continue to be a highlight for Rendezvous Royale attendees."

Since 1999, Rendezvous Royale, billed as "celebrating the arts in Cody, Wyoming," has brought hundreds of visitors to share in fun, engaging activities as summer winds down. The event consists of the Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale, Cody High Style, Boot Scoot n' Boogie, and the Buffalo Bill Historical Center's Patrons Ball.

"We are pleased to strengthen our partnership with the Cody Country Chamber of Commerce and support its efforts to bring more events and activities to our community," Eldredge said. "In so doing, we'll attract more visitors?especially in the shoulder seasons?and that is definitely what we'd all like to see."

To learn more, visit http://www.bbhc.org/explore/events/rendezvous-royale/.

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LeClaire, IA, December 29, 2011 - Midwest Living Magazine is bringing another round of national press to Mississippi River Distilling Company in LeClaire.

The publication lists the distillery as one of the "Top 25 Places to Stay, Eat and Play" in their January/February 2012 issue.  Midwest Living showcases travel, food and culture in Midwest states of Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.  The article can be found on page 55 of the magazine or on their website www.MidwestLiving.com.

Writers for the magazine joined a public tour of the distillery over the summer.  "They didn't tell us who they were until after the tour," said owner/distiller Ryan Burchett.  "But at the end of the tour, they were really excited.  Once they told us who they were, so were we!"

The article describes the distillery as a "sophisticated yet earthy craft distillery near the Quad Cities" and encourages readers to visit the distillery for a free public tour and "prepare to cheer for the two brothers who started it all in December 2010."

The distillery was one of two attractions in the Quad Cities to be recognized as Hotel Blackhawk is also on the 2012 list. 

The national press attention has been growing for the little distillery as FoxNews.com featured the distillery last week.  Owner and distiller Garrett Burchett says it's exciting to see the region gaining steam as a tourist destination.  "It's an honor to be included among some of the best tourist destinations in the region.  We feel like we're just one part of a larger attraction that is LeClaire and the Quad Cities as a whole.  It's great that people across the country are starting to take notice."

Mississippi River Distilling Company is open from 10 AM to 5 PM Monday through Saturday and from 12 to 5 PM Sundays.  Free tours are offered to the public daily on the hour from 12 to 4 PM or by appointment.  The tour takes visitors through the entire distilling process.  Tours end in the Grand Tasting Room with free samples of products for those patrons over 21 years of age. 

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Presses Transportation Secretary LaHood to stop airlines from sending parents and kids to the back of airplanes 

 

Washington, DC - As the holiday travel season ramps up again this week, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today urged US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood to ensure airlines aren't treating parents traveling with young children unfairly.

A Wall Street Journal report last month raised questions about the perils many parents face when traveling by air with young children.  The Journal reported that many airlines have adopted seating policies that relegate parents traveling with children to the back of the plane.  Many airlines also restrict the type of strollers that can be gate-checked.  Some airlines count diaper bags toward carry-on bag allowances, and charge parents who check both a car seat and a stroller.

"Many Iowans will be traveling by air over the holidays," Braley said.  "But too often, it seems like families flying with young children have to play by a different set of rules.  From airlines purposefully keeping parents and kids in the back of the plane to charging parents fees for strollers and diaper bags, airlines should treat parents traveling with kids just like any other passenger.  That's why I've requested that Transportation Secretary LaHood immediately review airlines' policies."

 

The full text of Braley's letter to LaHood follows.  A copy of the letter can also be downloaded at the following link: http://go.usa.gov/N0C

--

 

December 19, 2011

The Honorable Ray LaHood

Secretary, Department of Transportation

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE

Washington, D.C. 20590

 

Dear Secretary LaHood:

I want to direct your attention to a recent article that appeared in the Wall Street Journal.  This article details the travel nightmares that many families with small children go through while flying.  I've included a copy of the article for your reference.

As a parent, I know firsthand how stressful traveling can be with young children.  A parent's worst nightmare is being separated from their young child because the child's seat was re-assigned to the back of the plane.  This is something that clearly happens quite frequently.

As we approach the holiday travel season, millions of families with small children will be traveling by air around the country.  That being said, I would like to know what rules the Department of Transportation has in place to ease the stresses placed on families with small children who travel during the holidays.  Please provide me with an answer to the following question:

What rules does the Department have in place to ensure that airlines do not separate children from their parents when traveling by air?

If there are no rules in place, please explain why.

I ask that you please provide me with a response to this letter within 10 business days.  Thank you for your attention to my request and please feel free to contact me if I can provide further assistance.

 

Sincerely,

Bruce L. Braley

 

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