Chicago Detours Sleighs Virtually During the Holiday

Since 2010, Chicago Detours has brought little known facts and stories about the Windy City to people hungry to know more about Chicago. In pandemic times, this company is one of the first to pivot and bring virtual tours to patrons so they may learn safely from the comfort of their own home. Founder Amanda Scotese worked in travel for over 20 years and has created a team to fulfill a unique experience for guests who sign up. Hosts and guides take viewers on a journey through time, as well as place, through pictures of the iconic downtown area. Whether you are a local or a tourist, some may have missed the trivia and sights that comes with a large destination.

While there are ways to tour outdoors in limited groups safely these days, Chicago Detours has decided to go virtual with an hour-long endeavor called Virtual Holiday Stories Happy Hour. As the name suggests, sipping cocktails is encouraged and wearing holiday attire is suggested. After a picking a time slot at http://gopride.com/Zfas / for $20 a person or $35 a household, settle in for an informative and festive time. There is a limit of 45 participants and using laptops instead of phones for the Zoom call makes the tour easier to navigate.

On the plus side, people don't have to be in the Chicago area to see the sights of the city and enjoy the experts explaining the backstory of these hot spots. The Walnut Room's Great Tree at Macy's on State and The Christkindlmarket are included on the virtual tour, along with obscure facts about historic places along the Magnificent Mile.

The tour welcomes a wide age range and has participants reading stories, playing characters and decorating their surroundings to win awards. A reindeer dance party and creative screen names are all part of the experience that is different every tour based on who is on the Zoom call.

Illinois is full of hidden gems in its neighborhoods and that is where Chicago Detours really shines just like a Christmas tree ornament. The tour could have different levels of times with even more facts for those hungry for more information. The hosts do a good job though of keeping things entertaining when viewers may become distracted at home.

When things eventually open up, viewers will have learned some important information on where to visit, even remote areas, in the city rich with history.

For more information visit ChicagoDetours.com or call 312-350-1131. The Detour team is currently sleighing the game!