Sharing My City: Bloghouse Chicago

Sharing My City at #Bloghouse Chicago

For those that know me or are regular readers, you know how much I love my adopted city of Chicago. So much so that I consider myself an unofficial ambassador to the Windy City, singing its praises during my travels to all those I meet. Honestly. I told so many about this city…I think I should get a cut of those tourism dollars. 😉 So many of us who live here, love it and become ambassadors, it’s a good cycle. Not only was I traveling the world and learning so much, I was thrilled to share my love of this city and teach others around the world about what a great place it is to visit.

So when I took on the role of project manager of Bloghouse Chicago 2014, I was super excited, not only to just organize this great event, but also to welcome newcomers to my gorgeous town. I don’t usually write about blogging itself here, but this case is special because it mixes my new career with my love of this city.

What is Bloghouse?

Bloghouse is an intense and intimate three-night travel blogging workshop/retreat.  Chicago was our fourth one (after Spain, Toronto, and Dublin) and a huge success (if I can say so myself, but I did hear it from others!). In a nutshell, travel bloggers, who are serious about their work and ready to take it to the next level, apply and are selected to come attend for an all-inclusive weekend which includes small workshops on everything from writing and photography to WordPress, social media, and how to really make money blogging. We all live in the same ‘house’ for the entire time and everyone gets personal one-on-one attention plus the fact that we all become friends. It’s a very nurturing weekend with no one ‘better’ than anyone else and always leaves everyone feeling very good. I like it!

And just as good as the conference felt, so did sharing my wonderful and gorgeous city. We were able to enjoy a travel Industry cocktail party at the ‘view-tiful’ Vertigo Sky Lounge atop the Dana Hotel, took a fabulous electric boat ride on the Chicago River thanks to Chicago Electric Boat Company, and had an amazing meal at Mercadito thanks to one of our main sponsors, Gogo Inflight which is also based in Chicago.

And one of the best parts? We were able to stay all together in an amazing graystone mansion in the heart of Lincoln Park, one of Chicago’s great neighborhoods. It’s always great to have travelers stay local and get the feel of actually living in Chicago. FlipKey hosted us in our sweet digs at Villa D’ Citta, an Italian “Villa” with all the trimmings including a fully-stocked kitchen with overflowing Intelligentsia coffee, a panini press, scrumptious breakfasts (the best french toast I’ve ever had!), and get this, a wine tap in the wall. Yes, free-flowing wine on tap.

Good luck to all our amazing ‘graduates:’

• Francesca Mazurkiewicz – TheWorkingMomsTravels.com
• Anne Lowrey – PartTimeTraveler.com
• Ryan Zieman – RyanZieman.com
• Brad Bernard – MyWanderlist.com
• Susan Schwartz – BestBitsWorldwide.com
• Mindi & Daryl Hirsch – 2foodtrippers.com
• Jenny Marshall – AThingForWords.com
• Nick Huggins – NicksTravelBug.com
• Lindsay Buckley – FrugalFrolicker.com
• Beth Williams – BesudesuAbroad.com
• Amber Hoffman – WithHusbandInTow.com
• Chanel Brown – CulturalXplorer.com
• Kristin Francis – SouvenirFinder.com

Can’t wait for the next one. If you are interested in signing up or know someone who may be, get on the list! Sign-up here to find out where the next one will be!