Tropical parties hot in the suburbs
High gas prices.
A sluggish economy.
And all those weddings, graduation parties, and family barbecues that you just can't ditch.
Face it, right now it's tough to simply jet off to the Caribbean or Hawaii for a romantic getaway. And while nothing can quite measure up to the clear waters and white sands of the tropics, that's no reason to give up altogether.
This summer, the suburbs offer plenty of opportunities for you and your sweetheart to create tropical dates close to home.
Whether it's a sexy soiree, splashing at the pool or even checking out some ethnic dancing, here are a few ways to give your nights out some vacation-style flair.
Miami style ... in Rosemont
Because his job as a nightclub promoter moves him all around the country, Christian Banach knows that Las Vegas and Miami love to throw upscale hotel parties.
That means poolside cabanas, bottle service, top-notch DJs, high rollers and local models and reality stars.
"In Chicago, we haven't seen anything quite like what they're doing," Banach said.
But this Sunday, Banach's company Global Adrenaline will present "Splash Luxury Pool" party from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Wyndham O'Hare, 6810 N Mannheim Road, in Rosemont.
"We're really trying to bring that whole vibe here to Chicago for our own people. since gas prices are so high and a lot of people are going to be staying in town for the whole summer."
And take note, singles: sexy is mandatory, so don your best beachwear.
The cost is $20 in advance, $40 at the door and - if you want to go big - $500 for a VIP cabana. For details, call (773) 816-1018 or visit globaladrenaline.net. The hotel is also offering an $89 room rate that night for partygoers. For details, call (847) 999-3223.
Adult swim
Sue Gager had a very specific idea in mind when she planned the "We Be Jammin' Jamaican Pool Party" for the first time last year at the Bensenville Park District - a night for grown-ups to play.
"A lot of pools have adult lap swim, but it's not a party," says Gager, the park district's active adult supervisor. "I figured, why can't we have the pool all to ourselves for a night?"
So she booked a live steel drummer to play tunes by Bob Marley, Jimmy Buffet and Harry Belafonte, reserved the mini-golf course for ages 18 and older and convinced Sweet Baby Ray's to set up shop selling jerk chicken and other barbecue dishes.
The party will be from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Friday at the Bensensville Water Park, 1000 W. Wood St. The cost is $8, or $4 for pool pass holders. Numbered wristbands will be issued for raffle prizes. For details, call (630) 766-7015 or visit bensenvilleparkdistrict.org.
Hawaiian dancing
One tropic touch you can't create on your own is Hawaiian dancing (unless you're a very rare couple). With that in mind, pack up your lawn chairs and make a date to check out the Barefoot Hawaiian dancers, who perform more than 600 shows around the world each year. During the summer, you can find troupe members dancing at park districts. They will perform in their home base of Des Plaines at 7 p.m. today at the Des Plaines Park District's Lake Park & Lake Opeka Show, Lee Street and Route 72. Other shows include the Palatine Park District at noon Friday in Palatine Town Square, Palatine Road and Smith Street; 7 p.m. July 23 at Indian Trail Beach Park, 228 Indian Trail, Lake in the Hills, and 7 p.m. July 24 for the village of Hoffman Estates Summer Concert Series at the Village Green, Prairie Stone Parkway and Pratum Avenue. Admission is free for most shows. For details, visit barefoothawaiian.com.