
What we’re about
This group is for LGBT-friendly food lovers and travelers who don’t want to wait on their friends to finally say “yes” to get out to enjoy some good eats, socialize, and see the world. Life is too short and the world is too big!
The food events in this group are member-driven so if you’d like to host a Meetup in your area (i.e. brunch, cooking class, happy hour, a meal out at a new restaurant, etc), feel free to let me know and I'll help you get it set up in the group!
The trips in this group are usually 90% solo travelers but everyone is welcome, female/male, solo/couple/friends, straight/LGBTQIA+! So let’s travel together with fun, like-minded travelers! If you have an open mind and are kind to fellow travelers, you will fit in perfectly on these trips!
NOTE: The people on these trips are from all over the States but you’ll always be connected with people from the same city on a trip so you can meet up face to face and get to know your future travel buddies prior to the trip. You’ll also be connected to the whole group via email prior to the trip so you can virtually get to know those that are from different areas. On average, the people on each trip are 90% solo travelers but it’s hard to predict the exact demographic for each trip so please keep this in mind.
Feel free to join the Facebook group to connect with past travelers on these trips, see pictures, ask questions, funny travel memes, travel-related articles, etc: https://www.facebook.com/groups/613025845523107
The trips in this group are put on by a tour company called Globe Drifters and they focus on small group trips geared towards solo travelers with the mission of giving new meaning to travel by putting the human experience at the heart of their trips. The groups are small, usually with 12 people maximum per trip and about 90% of everyone on each trip are solo travelers so you’re not stuck being the odd man out on trips with mostly couples. You’ll have the best of both worlds, solo travel with the security of a small group of other solo travelers for some company on your adventure! To contact Globe Drifters directly, you can email [info@globe-drifters.com](mailto:info@globe-drifters.com).
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- 🏡 Porch Stories & Park Paths: East Portage Park Walking Tour 🌼City News Cafe, Chicago, IL
🗺️ Explore East Portage Park: A Chicago for Chicagoans Walking Tour!
“A Pay-What-You-Can Tour with Chicago for Chicagoans – Discover the history, homes, and hidden gems of Portage Park’s east side!”🏡 Porch Stories & Park Paths: East Portage Park Walking Tour 🌼
📅 Saturday, June 28, 2025
🕚 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM (approx.)
📍 Start: City News Café, 4018 N Cicero Ave
🎯 End: Biagio Banquets, 4242 N Central Ave
👟 Approx. 2 miles of walking | Tour ends ~1.2 miles from start
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✨ About the Tour:
Join us for a special public walking tour of one of Chicago’s most underappreciated neighborhoods—Portage Park! This is part one of a two-part series and focuses on the East Side of the neighborhood.This unique walk is presented in collaboration with Chicago for Chicagoans, a local nonprofit dedicated to educating residents about their own communities. Unlike my usual private tours, this one is open to the public, and we welcome both Meetup members and newcomers!
💸 This is a Pay-What-You-Can event, with donations collected at the end of the tour, per nonprofit policy.
✅ Registration is required to attend – secure your spot here:
👉 Register for East Portage Park Tour
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🏘️ What You’ll Discover:
We’ll explore the history, architecture, and community of East Portage Park. Stops will include:- Bungalow-lined streets of the “Bungalow Belt” 🏡
- Former movie palaces & classic shopping districts 🎬
- Historic churches and beautiful parks ⛪🌳
- Fun local trivia and lesser-known neighborhood gems
📸 While not a formal photo walk, there will be plenty of Insta-worthy stops!
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🍽️ Optional Post-Walk Meetup:
Join us afterward for a casual bite at Legno by Suparossa – all are welcome!
Menu: https://www.legnochicago.com
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📚 Why Portage Park?
Named for the ancient “portage” route linking the Des Plaines and Chicago Rivers, Portage Park is a neighborhood packed with immigrant heritage, mid-century charm, and rich architecture. It was annexed in 1889 and blossomed into a family-friendly working-class area after the Kennedy Expressway opened.🏊♀️ Home to the iconic Portage Park Pool, which hosted the 1959 Pan-Am Games and 1972 U.S. Olympic Swim Trials, the area also boasts:
- National Veterans Art Museum
- Portage Theater & Patio Theater
- Six Corners Shopping District
- Merrimac Park
- And so much more!
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🤝 About Chicago for Chicagoans:
Founded in 2016 by Patti Swanson, this 501(c)(3) nonprofit uses tours and lectures to connect residents with their neighborhoods. Learn more or donate:
🌐 www.chicagoforchicagoans.org
💖 Make a tax-deductible donation
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🚇 Getting There:
Use CTA Trip Planner or Google Maps.
🚗 Driving? Metered parking available on Cicero, Irving, and Milwaukee. Free side street parking nearby—but watch for permit signs.⚠️ Remember: The tour ends 1.2 miles from the starting point! Please park accordingly.
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🔁 Attending Sunday too?
The West Portage Park Walk will take place on Sunday, June 29th—each tour is listed separately on Meetup, and you’re welcome to join both!📲 Please RSVP and update your attendance if plans change—no-shows hurt planning.
Can’t wait to walk with you in my neighborhood! 😊
—Giovina