Places To Go

We luuuurve Miami! To be honest, we love the whole of Florida as a gay destination but there’s just something about Miami. Perhaps it’s all the sun and gorgeous beaches, or the delicious restaurants where we can gorge on sushi and other seafood. Or the buff gay bodies on display wherever you look… yeah that definitely plays a part.

The Nomadic Boys visit Miami Beach

But what we really love about Miami are all the fabulous gay bars, clubs and beaches where we can feel completely free while surrounded by our rainbow family. Miami is home to one of the largest LGBTQ communities in the world and attracts more than a million gay visitors each year – now that’s a lot of queer eyes, baby!

Out of our many trips back to the gay scene of Miami there are a few places that we return to again and again. Whether it’s for a chilled drink with some friends or a night of dancing and debauchery until the wee hours, there is something for everyone in Miami’s gay scene. These are our personal favourite gay bars and clubs in Miami where we always have a good time:

Twist

Twist is without a doubt one of the best gay places in Miami and you definitely don’t need to twist our arms to visit it again, get it?! Twist is the longest-running gay bar/club in Miami, founded in 1993 and with the slogan “Never a cover – always a groove”. That means you never need to pay a cover charge to get in and enjoy your night – now that is a marketing campaign we can get behind!

Twist is also huge, with three different dance floors and seven bars spread out over a two-storey building. There are both indoor and outdoor areas to relax as well, so visiting Twist is almost like spending time at a miniature gay town! Best of all, it’s open 7 days a week with exciting events pretty much every night of the week as well. On Sundays there’s an underwear contest at midnight, there’s comedy drag on Wednesdays plus top DJs and the HOT gaiety dancers every night for your viewing pleasure…need we go on?

The overall vibe and crowd at Twist is young, fun and fiiiiine! It’s located at 1057 Washington Avenue on Miami Beach, next door to the 11th Street Diner featured in Will Smith’s “Miami” music video. Twist is open every day from 1pm until 5am.

The Rainbow Walk

WaterLOO

“Waterloo, I was defeated, you won the war…” oh sorry, we got distracted! And while WaterLOO in Miami might not be blasting out ABBA hits (they missed a trick there when naming it), it’s still one of our favourite gay bars in the whole city. It’s a different vibe than some places, with a rather classy feel, especially since they call themselves a “discotheque” rather than a bar or club. Make sure you hold your pinkie finger out while drinking that cocktail daaarling!

This doesn’t mean you can’t have fun though, as WaterLOO is kind of like a lounge where you can also dance and have fun. Let’s not forget all the hot topless Go-Go dancers, bartenders and DJs that you can ogle. Just keep it classy (and in your pants) ladies! On Tuesdays there’s karaoke with drag queen Tiffany Fantasia and they also host regular Ru Paul’s Drag Race viewing parties so do NOT sashay away…

WaterLOO is located at 1216 Washington Avenue in Miami Beach, just two blocks away from Twist. They’re open from 9pm until 2am every night except Saturday, when they stay open until 5am the next morning.

R House

For something a little bit different, head to Miami’s hipster Wynwood Arts District which is filled with cool street art and home to the funky gay-owned R House. It was created by chef Rocco Carulli and his husband Owen Bale as a place for enjoying food, art and music all in one spot – we love it!

R House is a fab spot for a delicious meal of American, Mediterranean, Asian and Latin dishes but the fun certainly doesn’t stop there. The art gallery gives you something beautiful to look at while you’re there, although the staff are pretty easy on the eyes as well! Friday nights are when the Fri-yay events take place, with special discounted drink prices and live DJs to keep the crown entertained.

The weekends are pumping at R House as well, with hilarious drag brunches on Saturday and Sunday which include bottomless mimosas! The Queens and music are also amazing, then later on Saturday night is the biggest party night with guest DJs keeping you up dancing till all hours.

R House is located at 2727 NW 2nd Ave, Miami and is open Wednesday to Thursday from 3pm – 10pm, on Friday from 3pm – 3am, Saturday from midday – 3am and Sunday from 11.30am – 9pm.

Wynwood Walls

Palace

Palace Bar’s slogan is “Every Queen needs a palace” and honey, you should us wearing crowns! Every gay visitor to Miami needs to come to Palace to bow down and worship at the number one gay restaurant/bar in the city. It’s been going strong since the 80s and is THE place to see the most glamorous drag queens in Florida.

As well as the Palace bar where you can enjoy craft cocktails, tasty dishes, music and drag shows, there’s also the Palace cafe where the legendary weekend drag brunches are held. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays there are two different showings (at 11am and 2pm) where you will be entertained and absolutely roasted by the fierce queens! The food ain’t half bad either, with fluffy pancakes, French toast that even my fussy Frenchman enjoyed, potato hash and, of course, bottomless mimosas.

Palace is located at 1052 Ocean Drive (right by the beach!) and is open every day from 10am until 3am (Sunday – Wednesday) or 4am (Thursday – Saturday). Don’t miss out on their Happy Hours from Monday to Friday between 5pm – 7pm.

Azucar

Look, if you haven’t had your fill of fierce drag queens or you just like to stay up LATE partying, then Azucar nightclub fits the bill perfectly. This is a gay Latin nightclub in the heart of Miami’s Little Havana district where you might need to brush up on your Spanish skills to properly understand the filth those ladies are slinging your way!

Azucar hosts regular fun events, from drag wars to cabaret, karaoke to ‘normal’ party nights like “extreme Thursdays” and “crazy Fridays”. Pretty much every night that they’re open features some form of drag show and the drag contests are just the thing if you’ve always wanted to get in touch with your feminine persona.

Since Azucar means sugar in Spanish, people often say a night at Azucar Miami is sweet as sugar, and we certainly can’t disagree. The vibe here is unabashedly wild and carefree. Azucar is located at 2301 SW 32nd Avenue and is open from Thursday- Sunday between 10.30pm and 5am.

You may also like these other Nomadic Boys places!

• The Nomadic Boys’ 5 Favourite Gay Bars in Bangkok

The reopening Puerto Vallarta, Mexico’s number 1 gay travel destination, has gradually begun re-opening starting on June 1, 2020. Puerto Vallarta is located in the state of Jalisco so we are under the direction of Governor Enrique Alfaro Ramirez from Guadalajara. Most Puerto Vallarta gay businesses and bars closed March 17, 2020, before the Mexican government declared a national health emergency that closed the beaches and our famous Malecon on April 1, 2020. As of June 13, 2020, Puerto Vallarta gay bars, clubs, spas, boat cruises, and bathhouses remain closed until further notice. During the pandemic, many PV ex-pats and international seasonal performers organized many fundraising events raising thousands of dollars to give back to the local community. As you can imagine, the local economy survives almost exclusively on gay tourism where locals only make a few pesos per day and rely heavily on tips.

pre-coronavirus nightclub party

What is open now?

Many of Puerto Vallarta’s popular restaurants reopened late May 2020 with limited capacity and social distancing for inside dining. On June 1, 2020, the Governor announced that Puerto Vallarta hotels could reopen but without access to common areas and pools. Governor Ramirez announced Puerto Vallarta beaches and hotel common areas and pools can reopen with 30% capacity starting June 15, 2020.

The government has developed a Coronavirus safety and re-opening protocols and certification processes for each and every business (all in Spanish). So beyond that, many Puerto Vallarta businesses are going above and beyond what is required to make you as safe as possible while you are in town. So, If you are considering a future vacation to Puerto Vallarta, here are some things to know:

At Puerto Vallarta, gay hotels expect some changes.

Paul Christ, owner of Hotel Mercurio is readily preparing for the return of his LGBT travelers. “Our open-air patio is open for bar/restaurant service from May 26, 2020. Our breakfast buffet will no longer be offered, but we will have a breakfast menu available, included in the rate, for hotel guests. The public will be able to join us for breakfast on a space-available basis”. At Pinata PV Gay Hotel, beyond the obvious hand gels and disinfectants, they will now provide single-use towels, sanitizers, and soap for extra cleansing and personal use.

Vidal Mesa, CMO of the Almar Group, has announced that Almar Resort reopened June 1, 2020, with very strict hygiene and sanitary protocols. At check-in, your luggage will be disinfected upon arrival.  For the rooms, among the extra protocols are the minibars will be stocked only on demand, not pre-stocked prior to arrival, bedsheets and towels will be removed every day, all room surfaces will be cleaned and disinfected every day, and additional room visitors will need to register, have their temperature taken, and go through the disinfection process before entry.

Reopening Puerto Vallarta means some weekly gay events are postponed until further notice. Hotel Mercurio will no longer offer the Sunday Beers Boys & Burgers pool party, until the pandemic is over, likely when there is a vaccine. That may be well into 2021. Pinata PV  looks forward to reopening and hosting the men only Saturday Social & clothing optional parties when they are allowed to do so.

Expect smaller event gatherings with safe social distancing

What remains to be seen?

The new norm that will develop after gay travelers return to Puerto Vallarta is still evolving. What will the gay dance floor look like here? PV is the home to the top gay circuit parties. How quickly will travelers be ready to dance again? The popular Puerto Vallarta gay boat tours are still closed at this time. I have spoken to the cruise owners who seem to indicate the boats will have limited capacity when they are allowed to reopen. Spartacus Men’s Sauna is completing some major safety protocols for their eventual reopening. Lastly the popular Puerto Vallarta gay bars, clubs, strip clubs have not been given a reopening date as of yet. La Noche bar will be bringing back the daily drag shows and go-go dancers as soon as they reopen.

So when you are ready to travel, Puerto Vallarta is waiting for you to return. Discover for yourself how beyond gay-friendly Puerto Vallarta can be. Check the latest updates of the gay scene in Puerto Vallarta at GAYPV Travel Guide.

You may also like these Puerto Vallarta articles:

1. Gaycation Magazine Issue 8 where we discuss things to do in Mexico!
2. If you aren’t sure what to do in Puerto Vallarta, check out what it’s known for.
3. If you’re looking for some food ideas, you definitely need to take this culinary tour!

Gay and lesbian travelers looking for a bit of French glamour with a tropical twist would do well to consider a visit to New Caledonia – to its capital Noumea, the Isle of Pines, and the Loyalty Islands. Each has a landscape and culture that makes them totally unique.  While it’s easy to get to New Caledonia, the hardest part is leaving!  Hurry to New Caledonia, Noumea, and the Loyalty Islands before time and everyone else catches up!

If you’re wondering about the best time to visit or the best places to stay, then you’ll love what we put together for you here.

Jump to:
Why visit New Caledonia
Noumea
Isle of Pines
Loyalty Islands
Travel Information

Why visit New Caledonia?

1. It’s just next door to Australia New Caledonia is Australia’s closest South Pacific neighbor. Less than 4 hours from Melbourne, less than 3 hours from Sydney and under 2 hours from Brisbane.
2. It’s a French experience Charming French influence with English commonly spoken in tourist areas. The visitor information centers carry the complete range of touring, day cruise and accommodation options for exploring beyond Nouméa.
3. It’s a gourmet paradise The best food & beverage experience in the South Pacific with over 200 restaurants, cafes, bars and clubs in Nouméa alone.
4. It’s beach and secluded islands The New Caledonia Islands of Lifou, Ouvéa, Maré (the Loyalty Islands) and the spectacular Isle of Pines are a beach lover’s paradise. The fine white sands are only matched by the crystal clear waters. Islands are serviced daily by local carrier Air Calédonie.
5. It’s not touristy New Caledonia is not overrun by tourists. When you visit you’ll be joining the local population and sampling their day to day life. You’ll soon understand why over 80,000 French expats choose to call New Caledonia home.
6. It’s a natural wonderland It’s home to the world’s largest lagoon, six parts of which were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2008. With minimal commercial activity, New Caledonia’s reefs boast 146 coral varieties and 9,300 marine species.
7. It’s great value The Australian dollar is currently at a high against the local currency. So New Caledonia is a fantastic value for Australian travelers.
8. It’s exciting nightlife Exceptional nightlife for a South Pacific destination with a good selection of bars and clubs within walking distance of top hotels and accommodations.
9. It’s a safe place A stable and tolerant environment to relax and explore independently.
10. And, it’s easy to get there There are departures weekly from Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane to Noumea.

Noumea

Noumea is an emerging gay destination, with a community resource center, gay-owned nightclubs, and waterfront restaurants flying the colors and welcoming visitors to their events.

As the capital of New Caledonia, it is more than a tropical playground than a backpacker’s paradise.  It is a dazzling destination, with a diamond-blue lagoon surrounding it.  It is a stylish and sophisticated destination with hidden pink bits.  It’s a place where everyone is welcome and the joi de vivre is infectious.

Noumea rightfully boasts warm hospitality and European elegance.  It’s a gorgeous place to soak up the cultures of its joint Melanesian and French cultures.  Because of these attractive elements, Noumea is fast becoming a favorite of gay and lesbian travelers from the world over.  Tourism leaders are committed to this concept and gay visitors continue to rise as word gets out.

In Noumea, the fine French restaurants, designer boutiques, and cosmopolitan crowds all proclaim that this is the Paris of the Pacific. It is a small but busy city, a place where chic European decor and sophistication embrace elements of tropical island ambiance.

If your dream stay is more of a tropical resort, the islands of New Caledonia will not disappoint, as many Asian and European gay and lesbians have already discovered.

Isle of Pines

One of the biggest attractions is the Isle of Pines, an easy day trip from the main island of Grande Terre. Whether you want 5-star lodging or to camp out under the stars, this is the place. You can try your hand at snorkeling in a natural aquarium, and take a short walk in the rainforest or eat fresh-caught lobster on the beach.

On the Isle of Pines – just 20 minutes by air from the capital city Noumea – you can:

• relax beachside at a flash resort (3, 4 and 5-star)
• engage with Kanuk  culture  (bonne cuisine, dancing, craft markets)
• experience a homestay or camping on the lagoon

There are long, gorgeous beaches and tiny islets that attract day-trippers.  But if you fall in love with the place and pace,  stay for a while and soak up the culture.

Lounge by the turquoise-blue lagoon, walk the rainforest paths or go kite flying or kayaking. Do as much or as little as you want on this stylish, sophisticated and pristine spot in the South Pacific.

Loyalty Islands

The jewel of the Pacific might just be the collection of Loyalty Islands. Travel by air or sea to the charming outer islands named Mare, Lifou, and Ouvea. Each is picture-postcard perfect in its own right, each with its own Kanak Villages and traditions, each open to gay travelers who want a chance to interact with the people and culture.

Memories of Mare, Lifou, and Ouvea will draw you back if you’re a sun and water worshiper that prefers empty, pristine beaches, caves with deep blue holes, shallow dive reefs, and natural aquariums for snorkeling. Not to mention to-die-for lobster, sweet prawns, and other fresh fish from the lagoon every day. Kayaking in the bay at sunset…sailing, and fishing all day long… Even a brief visit to these idyllic islands is something not likely to be forgotten.

Another great way to experience the diversity of the Loyalties and the tribal villages is to island-hop. Whichever island you visit, you can enjoy a taste of local life… from learning about how to build a traditional Kanak hut to casting a net for the fish of the day to tasting bat soup.

Travel information

• For more information on New Caledonia, check out The official guide for New Caledonia Tourism

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico is one of the most gay-friendly destinations in Mexico and is known as the San Francisco of Mexico. From its eclectic bar scene to its indulgent properties, it is one of my favorite places to visit, and I do often. Having spent many gaycations roaming around the city everywhere from its gayborhood to the high-end properties in the South to the decadent yacht getaways around the Bay of Banderas, I have found some spots NO ONE visiting Puerto Vallarta should miss.

Jump to:
The Hotel Zone
Zona Romantica
Where to eat
Places you don’t want to miss
Other articles on Mexico

The Hotel Zone

So, first things first, where do you stay when you are gaycationing in Puerto Vallarta? I have stayed at a variety of places and there is certainly something for everyone regardless of your individual needs or tastes.

If you’re looking for one of the international chains, you’ll have plenty to pick from across the city, from Casa Velas, Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa and The Westin Resort and Spa Puerto Vallarta in popular Marina Vallarta, just minutes from the airport to the Hacienda Hilton Puerto Vallarta. Further south, in the city’s Historic Center and South Side you can find the legendary Casa Kimberly, the Grand Miramar, the Hyatt Ziva and the destination’s only 5 Diamond, all-inclusive adults-only property the Hotel Mousai. Many of these properties are TAG certified and are members of IGLTA.

Each property offers a unique take on hospitality, from one-of-a-kind spa treatments to cooking classes, tequila and raicilla tastings, wellness programs, and even your own rent a Valentino purse for a day.

Puerto Vallarta is also home to several gay-owned or ran hotels, including the very upscale Almar Resort, which sits on a hilltop, and is home to the very popular Top Sky Bar and Mantamar Beach Club. Smaller properties like the Blue Chairs, La Pinata, and Hotel Mercurio are just steps away from the Los Muertos Beach where you can mingle with the likes of Ross Mathews, Mama Tits, Hedda Lettuce and many of the RuPaul Drag Race contestants who often vacation in this city. On the weekends, don’t miss the Adam and Steve show at Puerto Vallarta’s original luxury gay boutique hotel: Casa Cupula.

Zona Romantica

Of course, you can’t go to Puerto Vallarta without going to Playa Los Muertos beach. The gay section of the beach officially starts in front of the popular LGBTQ hotel Blue Chairs and spans just past the Mantamar Beach Club. This is certainly the place to be if you want to see half-naked bodies tanning during the day. Steps away, you will find Basillo Badillo street where you can buy a unique souvenir from local designers like Casandra Shaw or Sergio Bustamante, who also did many of the statues located on the Malecon. If you have time, try the Puerto Vallarta ArtWalk and start your evening with some wine and international artwork window shopping. Continue the day with a local taco tour with Vallarta Food Tours and mingle with the locals before heading out for the night.

The bar scene in PV is quite extensive regardless of the night of the week. You can certainly get into some trouble if you aren’t careful! ? My suggestion would be to bop around the city, checking each one out until you find one that works for you. The gayborhood is manageable, and it is easy to get to most of the clubs as you hop from one to another.  Most people start the evening at Mr. Flamingos, which plays 90’s music and normally gets packed early in the night.

Looking for a more private experience? How about a luxury yacht getaway? Hire your private yacht to cruise over to Yelapa and enjoy the day on the Bay of Banderas and its many secluded beaches or stop by Los Chicos Beach Club in Yelapa or do a day pass at the gay-owned Casa Pericos or a wellness retreat at Xinalani Retreat. You can also book a tour with Vallarta Adventures for visits to many of the towns located in the south or their private beach club in Majahuitas or the popular Las Caletas Beach where Sports Illustrated shot their Swimwear issue.

Where to eat

Puerto Vallarta has more than 370 restaurants ranging from the upscale to mom n’ pop’s dining. Gay owned Sapphire Beach Club and Azafran offer chef-oriented dining experiences. At Gaby’s Restaurant, guests are invited to discover Mexican food by taking a cooking class. Barcelona Tapas offers an international fusion menu with arguably the best sangria in Puerto Vallarta. Not to be missed is El Arrayan. These ladies have traveled Mexico to get you the best dishes around. For beach-front dining, you can’t beat La Palapa or El Dorado. If you are a true foodie, you must visit Café des Artistes and try its tasting menu.

Places You Don’t Want to Miss

The first stop for all visitors to Puerto Vallarta is the world-famous Malecon, the boardwalk that hugs the historic downtown and the coastline of the Bay of Banderas. It is a must-visit location where visitors and locals alike can immerse themselves in the flavor, color, and 24/7 activity that embodies the Puerto Vallarta vibe. The north side of the Malecon starts off at Hotel Rosita and ends by the Amphitheater beside the Plaza de Armas. Attractions include local artwork, statues, seaside artists, shopping, restaurants, bars, and the perfect vantage point from which to view the legendary sunsets. After 10 p.m., the Malecon also becomes the heart of Puerto Vallarta nightlife as entertainment spills out into the streets for all to enjoy. The Southside of the Malecon includes the colorful Los Muertos Pier and the Rio Cuale crafts market which make the perfect backdrop for a selfie.

Puerto Vallarta has established itself as a center of creation, exhibition, and promotion. An important contribution to the city’s art scene is the weekly ArtWalk, which is held every Wednesday from 6 to 10 p.m. during high season. Low season offers visitors the opportunity to do the tour on their own and include other galleries not included in the regular schedule. The participating galleries in Historic Center exhibit work by important national and international artists.

Puerto Vallarta’s Gay Pride festival takes place at the end of May. The 10-day event includes an anti-homophobia march, a Pride Rally, concerts, fashion shows, drag shows, weddings, and women’s parties.

Other articles on Mexico

• A culinary journey through the town of Pitillal – discover quaint restaurants and see how locals live and shop.
• Gaycation Magazine Issue 8 – Puerto Vallarta gay pride and how it evolved through the years.

I took a vacation the other day. Well, to be honest, it was a couple of weeks ago. We went to New York to visit family and have some downtime. We really did have some downtime because I didn’t do a damn thing (work-related) while we were there. I cooked once. ONCE. I couldn’t believe it. It was a nice reprieve.

My husband flew ahead of me because he was attending a conference. When I landed, he and my brother in law picked me up from La Guardia and we drove through the city. My first stop was literally in Little Italy to pick up some cannolis from Ferrara Pasticceria Bakery & Cafe. These beauties are just amazing and Ferrara is one of THE BEST bakeries in Manhattan. Not a bad way to start my vacation right?

Of course, no trip to New York is complete without a few trips to the diners. We ended up hitting 2 of them (not on the same day mind you). Both are my favorites! The I-84 Diner in Fishkill is my number 2 spot. I was trying to watch what I was eating since I was also taking a break from the gym so I opted for a salad. A cheeseburger salad with ranch. haha!

The other diner is my very NUMBER 1 top of the list diner, The Alexis Diner. I could eat there probably every day. I also seem to collect the placemats; I still have one from 5 years ago. How can you not keep them when they give you the recipes to so many different cocktails?

Thanks for reading all the above…my vacation story isn’t over yet, I just had to give you an idea of what it’s like for me in New York. Food. It’s about food.

The rest of the vacation goes like this: 

My brother in law decided the family should get together for a day trip so he rented a pontoon boat on Lake George in Upstate New York. The day was beautiful, the lake was gorgeous, and there were 8 people and one very large chocolate lab onboard.

If there was ever anything called foreshadowing, this would have been it…When we arrived at the marina, the boat was loaded with provisions and the boat rental rep was going over things when they noticed the boat was sitting funny in the water. They realized something was wrong because it was slowly sinking??? Yes, sinking. So we transferred all the provisions to another more seaworthy vessel.

You don’t know my in-laws, but suffice it to say, they ALL have very strong personalities and opinions. There was a lot going on as we motored out of the marina, out of the channel, and into the thoroughfare of the lake. One person had been there before and she wanted us to go north but with so many captains on the boat, it was difficult to focus.

We finally ended up heading north and were motoring along having a great time. Everyone was laughing, talking, catching up, and well, some weren’t paying attention. That’s when it happened. We found ourselves outside of the channel and onto shallow rocks. I’m not sure if you know what the sound is like or what it even feels like when a boat motor hits rocks but let me tell you, it’s bumpy. It’s loud. It’s heart-stopping.

We trim the motor and turn it off. We see 2 of the 3 blades are now missing chunks from them. Here is where some panic moves in. Comments like we’re F’D! We’re screwed! OMG. We can’t get back. We don’t have a radio…etc. After everyone calms down, we manage to CAREFULLY motor out of the area and realize there are marker buoys for the shallow spots.

The next bright idea was when they wanted to gunk-hole in a cove to just regroup and relax. Problem is, it was in shallow water. The lake bed is not sandy but full of rocks. So the trick is to set the anchor but catch it on the rocks. Mind you, 6 of us have boating experience. Yet when we were trying to set the anchor, half the boat was ready, the other half was distracted and the anchor dragged. 

Now, here’s where it really gets interesting. My husband (one of the experienced boaters) says he is going to set the anchor. My sister in law (also an experienced boater) and I were next to him watching. When all of a sudden, I see the anchor fly out over the water and plunge into the water…along with the rope line…I yelled but it was too late. The anchor and line were in the water sinking fast in 15 feet of clear, cool Lake George water. I look up and my husband has his hands over his mouth saying something inaudible. And that is when I lost it. I couldn’t stop laughing. 

Mind you, all of this. Every single bit of water sporting adventure that has happened thus far, has happened in a span of 25 minutes of leaving the marina. TWENTY-FIVE MINUTES! So for the next 45 minutes, my husband and my brother in law’s girlfriend were diving to grab the anchor. They ended up using a very long tree branch to grab hold of the line and bring it to the surface.

Meanwhile, back on the boat…we were in shallow water, this time on purpose. We ended up running aground on a rock, thumping and bumping with the waves. People were upset that we were hitting rocks but there was nothing we could do without the rope or the anchor.

Finally, success! The anchor was on the boat. The next decision? I said let’s just head out into the channel where it’s deep. We’re on a pontoon boat. We can just float around and do nothing. People will go around us. We aren’t in the way. So, that’s what we did. We stayed in the channel and drove up and down the lake. 

After a full day of fun and sun on Lake George, it was time to head back to the marina…and fess up to the motor damage. As we were motoring back in, the rental company greets you and boards your vessel to dock it for you. As a safety precaution. haha. It’s something they do for everyone. Then my brother in law spills the beans and the rep says it’s all good. Happens all the time (which is what I said to begin with). Problem is, it does happen all the time but at $300 worth of damage. YIKES. OUCH!

It was an expensive and memorable vacation on Lake George that none of will ever soon forget. Especially since I tell the story every chance I get!

Yes, we are lucky nobody was hurt. Yes, I know what the consequences were. We all did. Fact is, there were too many captains. We were all safe and sound and happy. The only thing hurt was some pride. It’s not like that never happened to any of us before.

Life is an adventure. Be careful and enjoy the ride. I can’t wait for next vacation time!

You may also like

• Gaycation Magazine Issue 19 September 2015 featured article New York Fashion Week
• A trip upstate New York for My vacation in a New York minute
• New York LGBT Accommodations

by: An Anonymous Travel Couple

For those in a long distance relationship, travel becomes a part of your everyday world. Some days are lonely. Others are full of anticipation and for the times when you meet at some remote airport at midnight, the days are just about as perfect as days can be. For all the ups and downs, it’s got to be a pretty special kind of love to go the distance. 

An excerpt from our travel diaries: 

It’s raining a soft slow rainfall like mist. The sky is grey, one sweeping shade so pale that it’s almost white. In the background I’m playing an indie love song, sent from her. I am filled with a warmth that falls down around me as I listen to each soulful lilting word and somehow know that only she would have ever found such music or thought to send it to me. She has my every mood tapped, knows just what I want to wake up to and how to carry me through the day. Even from thousands of miles away. Somehow, even long-distance she knows just how to be beside me and fill up the space. 

When I think about this relationship with another woman, I try to find the words to describe it, to give it the same context that comes when a guy and girl walk down the street. Like the music I’ve been listening to this morning, it’s hard to describe how it sounds or feels. Music carries you away, touches that splintered part of you and makes you whole. I remember when I was a kid staying at my cousin’s place, was my every holiday dream come true. I never thought about travelling far or doing something new, because the feeling of completeness when my cousin and I would lay in our beds, giggling way past midnight talking about our latest crush, filled our world’s with happiness. We just got each other and there was a simple joy in that familiarity. When I think of it now, it was like a sacred bubble of loveliness. That’s a little of what this girl love is like.

Perhaps this should be called “Why is gay love so good?” because maybe in relationship with our same-sex partner, we catch a glimpse of ourselves.

From those moments as little girls or boys finding our way, as teenagers recognising each other’s fears to falling in love and creating our place in the world. We wear the familiarity like an old jumper, cosying up against our girlhood or boyhood memories that only they would understand. Growing up, people tell girls that boyfriends will come and go, even men may come and go, but your girlfriends will be there forever; keep them close and love them fiercely. We all understand the natural sense of comfort this recognition brings. 

As for me, I recognised her immediately. I was in my late 30’s and I knew, just knew in an instant that life would never be the same again.  Yet it feels like the most familiar path to take and I wonder at how other’s judge what really is a natural part of who we all are. We cherish our sisterhood, we’ve carried each other through each up and down of life and we connect on a level that is understood. To take it a step further and love that little bit more, is a natural path for so many. At the end of last year, Australia, like so many other countries decided finally, that this love has a place. And though I wasn’t overly hung up whichever way the vote went, I was grateful that the process brought a little more awareness and a little more understanding of what makes this love tick. Like the stretch of stars scattered across the inky night sky, it shines like love does, within us all. 

Updated from 2015…

Sitges Bears Week is a Haven For Bears and Admirers in the Jewel of the Mediterranean

The splended Sitges Bears Week reached its climax with the Mr. Bear Sitges competition on the stage of the Bear Village on the promenade (Paseo de la Ribera).

This was my third visit to Bears Week and the event has grown every year from a modest affair of a few bears and friends having a party to an international event attracting in excess of 5,000 visitors to the town during the first week in September making it one of the biggest Bear festivals in Europe.

Set against the gorgeous backdrop of Sitges with its miles of sandy beaches sloping gently into the warm Mediterranean Sea, Bears Week is now one of the most popular events in the town’s calendar. The friendly restaurants, bars, clubs, beach parties, exhibitions, shows, DJs and special events all come together to make this a week of nonstop fun.

Sitges is well deserving of its reputation as the most cosmopolitan town on the Mediterranean coastline and during the first week in September the ‘Jewel of the Mediterranean’ plays host to thousands of sexy bears, cubs, otters, daddies and admirers of all ages and types from all over Europe and further afield.

Many of the guys spend their days at Balmins Beach, a nudist beach and perfect sun trap for that all-over tan then cooling off with a swim in the calm waters of the Mediterranean. The section on the town beach in front of Picnic Snack Bar is also very popular with gay men if you don’t fancy the 10-15 minute walk out to Balmins.

At night, whole sections of the town become nonstop party zones. Joan Tarrida is known as Bear Street and as the night goes on it becomes a chore (or a pleasure) to squeeze your way through the masses of men enjoying drinks on the street. It is also home to El Horno, XXL and Bukkake, three of the popular bars on the Bears Route.

Just round the corner in C. Bonaire are Sitges’ original ‘Bears Bar,’ Queenz Cabaret Bar and Privilege Pre-Club bar as well as Organic Club which hosts bear themed party nights every night until 6 a.m.

Accommodation can be difficult to find during Bears Week so early booking is definitely recommended. If you book early enough there is a variety of places on offer from hostels, 2- to 4-star hotels (local ratings) and apartments. Dates for Sitges International Bears Week are every September. See you there! You can find out more here.

Steve O’Donnell is UK Director of Serene Journeys, an independent travel company specializing in meeting the needs of LGBTI travelers to India. He is also a freelance travel writer and photographer. Contact Steve at [email protected]

Traveling in Our Fabulous Gay World, by Donald Pile and Ray Williams

When making travel decisions, choose what is safest and most comfortable to your pet.

For instance, unless you’ll be able to spend a lot of time with your dog, he’ll probably be happier at home than tagging along on your trip. As a rule, cats are almost always better off in their own home.

But if you have decided it’s best to bring your pet along, follow our tips for a safe and low-stress trip.

The safest way for your dog to travel in the car is in a crate that has been anchored to the vehicle using a seat belt or other secure means. Dog restraints or seat belts are useful for preventing your dog from roaming around the car and being a distraction to the driver, but they haven’t been reliably shown to protect dogs during a crash. Most cats aren’t comfortable traveling in cars, so for their safety as well as yours, keep them in a carrier.

It’s important to restrain these carriers in the car so that they don’t bounce around and hurt your pet. Do this by securing a seat belt around the front of the carrier. Keep your pet in the back seat of the car. If an airbag deploys while your pet is in the passenger seat (even in a crate), it might injure your pet.

Dogs and cats should always be kept safely inside the car. Pets who are allowed to stick their heads out the window can be injured by particles of debris or made sick by having cold air forced into their lungs. Never transport a pet in the back of an open pickup truck.

A quick pit stop may feel like no time at all to you, but it’s too long to leave your pet in a car by himself. One hazard is heat: When it’s 72 degrees Fahrenheit outside, the temperature inside your car can heat up to 116 degrees within an hour.

On an 85-degree day, even with the windows slightly open, the temperature inside your car can reach 102 degrees in just 10 minutes. If you’re held up for 30 minutes, you may return to a car that’s 120 degrees inside and a pet who is suffering irreversible organ damage or death.

Taking your pet on a plane is very difficult. Be aware of the dangers of flying your pet in a cargo hold. Animals flown in the cargo area of airplanes are killed, injured or lost on commercial flights each year. Excessively hot or old temperatures, poor ventilation and rough handling are often to blame. Many hotels, motels and resorts either do not allow pets on their properties or if they do, they charge a hefty charge for having your pet stay in your room.

Everyone loves their pets, however when traveling, think about leaving them at home and let them have a “vacation” from us as well.

Consider all the alternatives to flying. If you plan to bring your pet on vacation, driving is usually a better option. If you can’t travel by car, your pet will probably be healthier and happier if you leave her behind under the care of a pet sitter or boarding kennel.

Always remember to have fun when traveling, meet new people and talk to everyone!

Donald Pile and Ray Williams are award-winning celebrity travel columnists and proud members of the IGLTA. You can email them at [email protected] or visit their website at gaytravelersataol.blogspot.com.

This is my third visit to the Thai capital and Bangkok has lost none of its magic or charm for me. From its early roots in the 15th Century, the city has grown to become home to over 8 million residents and first impressions of the city could create a false impression that you have arrived in yet another modern Asian city dominated by high-rise office blocks and condominiums and grid-locked traffic congestion. However, look beyond the modern edifices and you will discover a city full of contrasts reflecting its illustrious past with narrow lanes bustling with street food and market stalls, traditional long-tail boats on the river and glorious temples and palaces.

Among the must-see landmarks of Bangkok is the Grand Palace, established in 1782, that houses the royal residence and throne halls as well as the renowned Tempe of the Emerald Buddha. Walking around the grounds of the palace you have the feeling you are in an open-air museum surrounded by Buddhist sacred sculptures, towering monuments and even a miniature Angkor Wat, the world-famous temple in Siem Riep, Cambodia. Located almost opposite the Grand Palace is Wat Arun, the most iconic temple in Bangkok. The 17th Century monument is often called the Temple of Dawn and sitting on the banks of the Chao Praya River, can be visited either by road or by boat.

An impeccably preserved example of traditional Thai architecture can be found at Jim Thompson’s House, rebuilt from original houses by the American architect who did so much to revive and promote the silk industry in Thailand. Today, the house still displays many artifacts of ancient Thai traditions.

Thai hospitality is renowned worldwide and gay travelers to Bangkok are well catered for with many gay bars, restaurants and clubs offering a variety of attractions and shows from karaoke to drag shows and live sex shows. Most of Bangkok’s gay life is centered in the Silom district with many gay bars and restaurants to be found in Soi 4. One of my favorites is Telephone Bar which houses an ambient restaurant upstairs, a lively music bar downstairs with seating outside and a karaoke room if you feel the urge to let loose your X-factor potential.

An absolute must-visit for gay men is the world-famous Babylon Spa. Set in a private, lush garden, the outdoor swimming pool features an array of sun loungers under tropical palms and a poolside bar where you are served cocktails by courteous and attentive bar staff. The spa houses two buildings connected by another wooded courtyard and open-air cocktail bar. As well as featuring two saunas, two steam rooms, a large jacuzzi and several labyrinthine cruising areas, the complex also offers a bistro serving lunch and drinks, a restaurant providing both Thai and international cuisine, a massage spa and a fully equipped gym. If you really can’t bring yourself to leave, they even offer hotel accommodation on site. If you are a gay man visiting Bangkok, Babylon is the perfect place to relax after a day exploring the city. The spa is open from noon until 10:30 p.m. and entry costs 220 Baht (approximately £4.50) A full-body oil massage (probably the best you will get in Thailand) will set you back 800 Baht (approx. £16).

A perfect way to round off your visit to Babylon is to enjoy dinner at the nearby Vincent’s Restaurant. The menu is varied and innovative, offering mouth-watering Thai and Taiwanese cuisine alongside some western dishes with Vincent’s new addition of Thai-flavored burgers for those looking for a quick bite. A good selection of wines and draft beer is available to complement your dining experience.

Top tip: Taxis are very cheap in Bangkok but traffic congestion can make taxi journeys somewhat lengthy. The best way to beat the traffic is to speed through rush hour in Bangkok on a motorcycle taxi. It’s quick and more fun than a roller coaster ride!

The last time we were in Las Vegas, our first stop was at the City Hall where we had an appointment with Mayor Carolyn Goodman so that she could welcome the “Gay Travelers”  to the city. She is one of the most professional, friendly and fun Mayor’s in the entire country. All of Las Vegas loves her and we can understand why!

Las Vegas has over 62,000 hotel rooms and last year they had over 40 Million visitors!  The best and cheapest way to get to and stay in Las Vegas is to get a ‘fly and hotel’ package.  Check the Internet as they have specials all the time.  It really doesn’t matter where you stay as long as you stay on the STRIP!   All resort hotels there have very nice rooms and within walking distance to all the shows and other resort hotels.

There are dozens of shows to see while visiting Las Vegas.  The major show to see is  the fabulous and very entertaining Frank Marino’s DIVAS. Frank has been performing in Las Vegas continuously longer than any entertainer in the history of Las Vegas. He has a very devoted following (including us) that has been returning to see his show year after year after year. He performs at the LINQ,  which is the old Imperial Palace/Quad resort hotel,  across the street from Caesars Place. Check out his website: www.frankmarino.com Talk about glitz and glamour! AND exciting! You know why he has performed for all these years and has such a packed house almost every night? Because Frank is a PROFESSIONAL and he loves what he does. After performing to over 10 million people, he is in the Guinness  Book of World Records of having the most performances on any Las Vegas stage.

Bally’s Jubilee which has all the fabulous showgirls and boys with their feathers, glitz and glamour is a must see. Not too many shows have that anymore, which is really sad to say. Visitor’s flock to Las Vegas to see glitz and glamour! Jubilee! Is Las Vegas’ last classic showgirl revue, with over 30 years of rhinestones and feathers making it the best-loved Las Vegas entertainment tradition and is almost the only topless show left in Las Vegas.  Information on that show is at www.caesars.com/ballys-las-vegas/shows/jubilee#.VcinQ5VRHIU

For those into magic, JAN ROUVEN is performing at the Tropicana Resort Hotel. He gives a fantastic performance and the audiences really love him. He does however need to dress better.  Check out his website: www.janrouven.com    One can also see Cher, Celine Dion and John Elton if you are wanting to shell out the big bucks.   Two tickets may cost more than your apartment rental or house payment ! They have a half dozen different Cirque du Soleil shows if you are into that type of entertainment.

And then there is THE FUNNIEST and DIRTIEST show that we have ever seen in Las Vegas in all of our years of going there. ABSINTHE plays nightly at the Stripside venue at Caesar’s Palace. The Emcee forewarns everybody at the very beginning of the show about it’s content and suggests people go across the street to see Donny and Marie if they think that they will be offended. Not ONE person left.  We were ashamed to laugh so much but during the entire show it was a “laugh riot”. They had jugglers, acrobats, high wire acts and every kind of performances that one can image PLUS the two co-stars are, well, let’s just say that you would not be wanting to be seated next to your grandparents while watching these two marvelous entertainers doing their skits. Penny does a skit with two sock puppets that you have to see to believe. This is a show in the round and you are so close to the performers that you can almost touch them. All we can say is DO NOT MISS THIS SHOW ! It is dynamite, raunchy, fun, funny and will keep you laughing throughout the entire show. Their website is: absinthevegas.com

There are so many things to see and do in Las Vegas. They have three major museums and we went to all of them. The new MOB Museum is located in the old  downtown.  Check out their website at: www.themobmuseum.org.

The NEON M– USEUM located at 770 Las Vegas Blvd. North. This is an outside museum filled with past neon signs from the hotels, casinos and restaurants in Las Vegas. It is truly amazing for visitors to be enthralled with the history of the city. Their tour guides  are extremely well versed in what they are talking about and this is a must see tour. The tour takes about an hour. When it is hot in Las Vegas, as it usually is, be sure and take their early morning tour. Their website is: www.neonmuseum.org.

The next museum which is “BEYOND FABULOUS” is the LAS VEGAS SHOWGIRL M– USEUM and the Director is Grant Philipo. He has lived in Las Vegas for years and knows everybody and everything about Las Vegas. This is a “private” museum and you must make reservations to see it. NO TRIP TO LAS VEGAS would be complete unless you have seen this collection of costumes and headdresses!  We are NOT talking about a collection of three or four costumes, we are talking about hundreds and hundreds and HUNDREDS of costumes from the past 50 years in Las Vegas! The collection is absolutely breath-taking! They have over 20,000 artifacts in their collection.  There are over 100 mannequins on display and their mannequins are custom painted with glass eyes and anatomically correct. Grant has been collecting since 1976.  BE SURE AND VISIT THIS M– USEUM NEXT TIME YOU ARE IN LAS VEGAS !!!!!  The website is: www.lasvegasshowgirlmuseum.com.

The most wonderful Museum was the famous Liberace Museum which was the #1 place to visit in Las Vegas.  Sadly about 4 years ago, it closed.

Dining while in Las Vegas can be a very daunting experience to say the least.   At Picasso’s restaurant located at the Bellagio Resort hotel, we had the ‘prix fixe dinner” with wine pairing for $173.00 per person.  We dined at the BORDER GRILL at the Mandalay Bay which is called “modern Mexican”. We do not care what they call it, but it was the best of the best!   If you are not winning all that much money at the slot machines, you can cruise the Strip and dine many places for under $10.00 so it really is all about YOU and where you want to spend YOUR money.

Over the years, Gay bars have come and gone and come and gone. However when one goes to Las Vegas, it really is all about having a fun and fabulous time so it is easy to see why the Gay  bar scene is not that good.   Some trendy bars charge a $30 cover and they soon learned that no one would pay that, so they are out of business.  They have a leather bar, cowboy bar, disco bar however the smaller ‘local’ bars are a lot more fun.

Before traveling to Las Vegas be sure and check out the local gay publication, www.qvegas.com. Their website will update you on the gay scene and activities in Las Vegas.  For shows and other information, go to www.lasvegas.com  and www.vegas.com/shows

On a special note, Las Vegas is very proud to have one of the finest Gay and Lesbian Community Centers in the country. Located near downtown at 401 South Maryland Pkway . Their website is: www.thecenterlv.com

Always remember to have fun when traveling, meet new people and talk to everyone.

TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS GAY WORLD is written by Donald Pile and Ray Williams, Award-Winning, Celebrity Travel Columnists. Proud members of the IGLTA You can email them at [email protected] or visit their website at: http://gaytravelersataol.blogspot.com

by Sally Calder
Tired of beach vacations, but still love to spend time by the water? A boating vacation might be the perfect way to up the ante. Instead of spending long lazy days on the beach, choose long lazy days on a chartered yacht or cruise ship, or go for an active vacation that includes diving and other activities. On the ocean or inland on rivers and lakes, there are lots of great LGBT-friendly destinations all over the world.

Sail the Greek Islands

The Greek Islands harbor some of the world’s most gorgeous scenery, and along with its deep turquoise water and wide blue sky, is definitely high on the list of the world’s most beautiful oceanic regions. LGBT tourism has really taken off in Greece in recent years, and there are now lots of queer-friendly places to visit. Mykonos remains a highly popular gaycation destination, but other islands such as Paros and Santorini are up-and-coming vacation favorites too. There’s now a pretty wide range of charter companies in the Greek Islands that fly the rainbow flag (figuratively if not literally), making this a great spot for a gaycation. Novices can choose the chartered option that includes a crew and an experienced skipper, but many companies offer the chance for passengers to get involved with sailing if they wish. It’s a great way to enjoy all the advantages of a private yacht without any of the hassle and additional expense of ownership. Not to mention, one of the most enjoyable ways there is to get a great tan!

Boating on England’s Canals

The English countryside is criss-crossed with a network of canals, constructed during the industrial revolution to tote goods from town to town. These days there’s not much call for transporting goods this way, but the canals are still in use for recreational purposes—one of which is traveling via boat for day trips and longer journeys. It’s the perfect DIY gaycation for independent travelers who want to try something a bit different, and while it’s not a fast method of travel, it’s a fun opportunity to see a little piece of England in an entirely new way. England’s network of canals is pretty extensive, so it’s a good idea to use a canal guide when you’re mapping out your itinerary. It’ll not only help you decide where to go, but also what to see and do in the towns and villages you travel through.

August in Amsterdam

Amsterdam has long been known as an LGBT-friendly city, and with its exhaustive list of attractions and sights, and clubs, cafes, and bars, it’s an amazing place to visit in its own right. It’s also host to a number of annual events, one of which is Sail Amsterdam, a celebration of the city’s rich maritime history and heritage. Sail Amsterdam is the world’s biggest public event, during which hundreds of ships—including stately tall ships as well as naval vessels and smaller craft—sail through the city’s harbor and into the North Sea Canal, eventually mooring at locations all over the city. It’s an incredible event, packed with cultural events and activities, but it’s one that’s not easy to catch. Sail Amsterdam takes place over a few days towards the end of August, and only happens every five years: if you miss the 2015 event, it won’t come around again until 2020.

Travel the Norwegian Coastline

Norway’s coastline is nothing short of stunning, and there’s no better way to see it than a week or two on one of the Hurtigruten line’s cruise ships. The vessels do double duty, carrying not only cruise passengers but also ferrying cargo and local travelers between adjacent port cities. As such, the ships make frequent stops along the coast, giving passengers plenty of opportunity to explore. It should be noted, however, that Hurtigruten ships don’t bear much resemblance to your average cruise liner. Each ship has a bar or two and typically has a great menu full of fresh local food, but there’s little in the way of onboard amenities and entertainment, as the real star of the show is the incredible scenery, and the cruise experience itself. However, for budget-conscious travelers looking for a quiet vacation option, this is a good one to add to the list of possibles. 

Santa Fe is so interesting and exciting. The city was established in 1610 and is one of the oldest cities in the country. The elevation is 7,000 feet. Everyone is welcome in Santa Fe. You will not see very many gay flags as they do not need any. Actually it is one of the most gay-friendly cities in the country.

We always stay at the Inn of the Turquoise Bear. In 1996, Ralph Bolton and Robert Frost purchased the estate which was the former estate of Witter Bynner, the famous poet and author who lived there for over 40 years. Ralph and Robert operated it until they retired last year. In April, 2014 Dan Clark & David Solem acquired the Inn. Their goals as innkeepers and as stewards of the estate and land that Bynner loved – are to rekindle the comfort, creativity and hospitality for which this home was renowned in the past, to protect, restore and extend the legacy of its famous creator, and to provide their guests with a unique, restorative experience that captures the essence of Santa Fe’s past and present. Actually the Inn is a “compound” with an adobe wall all around it. It is located just a few blocks of the downtown Plaza. You are really stepping back in time when staying there. Their guest list reads like a who’s who in the arts, entertainment and writers. We have met so many extremely interesting guests over the years staying there. This is just a very grand place to stay when visiting Santa Fe. Their website is www.turquoisebear.com

There are so many things to see and do when visiting Santa Fe. The “Plaza” which is the business square in downtown Santa Fe has been at the heart of Santa Fe. You will find all of kind of shops in the area selling Indian jewelry, bronze sculptors, and an abundance of all kinds of art for sale. The shops on Canyon Road are extremely top of the line. There are many museums in the city including the Museum of Fine Arts, with regional art, oil paintings, watercolors and photographs. The Palace of the Governors built in 1610 as well as the original capitol of New Mexico is located right on the Plaza. The Museum of Indian Arts and Culture with exhibits of pottery, basketry, clothing, carpets and jewelry is a must see. The Museum of International Folk Art houses over 130,000 objects from around the world. The Girard Room is truly spectacular.

The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum has the largest collection of her photographic works in the world. There are several other museums that you would also want to visit. For those interested in architecture Santa Fe has some of the most wonderful old churches, many dating back several hundred years. The Santa Fe Opera was established in 1959 and is considered the 2nd finest Opera company in the country, second only to the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. Check them out at www.santafeopera.org.

There are dozens of restaurants all around Santa Fe, from the finest 5 Star restaurants to little hole in the wall places that you will find interesting. We have been to Santa Fe over 20 times and have never had a bad meal yet. Gay bars seem to come and go in Santa Fe however you will feel welcome in ANY bar that you go. Santa Fe is for EVERYONE !

There are numerous day trips that one can take from Santa Fe including driving up the high road to Taos thru the very small Indian villages and then visit Taos itself. The Bandelier National Monument close to Los Alamos is a scenic beauty and just 15 miles to the south is El Rancho de Las Golondrinas which is a 200 acre ranch dating back to 18th Century. Check out santafe.org before going. And for the most memorable time visiting Santa Fe, be sure and stay at the Inn of the Turquoise Bear Bed and Breakfast.

Always remember to have fun when traveling, meet new people and talk to everyone !

TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS GAY WORLD is written by Donald Pile and Ray Williams, Award-Winning, Celebrity Travel Columnists. Proud members of the IGLTA. You can email them at [email protected] or visit their website at: gaytravelersataol.blogspot.com.

Hitting The Road – Biking Vacations For The LGBT Community

by Sally Calder

It’s been a long time since motorcycling was the exclusive preserve of the aggressively heterosexual white American male. While it still retains much of its cultural masculinity, biking no longer comes with the connotations of exclusivity and aggressive bigotry with which it was once afflicted. Plenty of people within the LGBT community have taken up motorcycling. For some, it – along with things like following sports and so on – is a way to engage with and assert their masculine side, challenging the societal view that gay men in particular must be effeminate. The homo-masculine and ‘leathermen’ cultures have contributed greatly to the way in which the world views gay people, and have helped them to be seen as human beings rather than a set of stereotypes. They have also helped to open up the world of motorcycling for all enthusiasts who like the freedom and exhilaration of a bike! If you’re so inclined, spending a vacation motorcycling around the world can be a truly incredible experience. Here’s a guide to some of the best biking vacations to be had:

Going It Alone

Obviously you don’t have to join any LGBT-specific tour to enjoy a motorcycle vacation. You could just hit the road of your own volition, on your own or with friends. The great freedom of biking is of course, one of its major enticements! However, you would be advised to do some research before you head off into the wide blue yonder. Make sure that your bike is prepped and generally ready for whatever the road has to throw at it – but also check out the reputation of the places you’re thinking of heading to. There has unfortunately been a rise in homophobic hate crimes in the USA, and some areas may be best steered clear of unless you feel like acting straight for the duration of your stay. This is sadly a particularly relevant piece of advice for those travelling by motorbike, as even in this day and age some people still see a biker as a challenge by which they can ‘prove’ their ‘masculinity’ – and a gay biker may well be viewed as an affront to that very same masculinity. Pitiful, but (alas) true. On the plus side, plenty of people are a lot more enlightened, and will be perfectly happy to treat you like any other vacationer. Just be sure to do your research and make sure you’re heading somewhere with a warm welcome!

Get Some Local Advice

There are lots and lots of LGBT biker groups all over the world. Wherever you’re going you’re bound to find a group of LGBT bikers with plenty of valuable local knowledge! If you want to get the lowdown on the area, find out the best biking routes, or even join like-minded people for a ride, making contact with one of these groups is a great way to go about it. Some even offer dedicated tours which could make for a great vacation! You’ll also find that there are plenty of organizations which offer guided biking tours and vacations, particularly within the United States. Again, do your research before signing up for any of these – you don’t want to be saddled with a homophobic guide for the duration of your vacation!

See The World

It is easy to combine a biking vacation with some sightseeing. If you’re planning on travelling to Europe, you’re likely to be pleasantly surprised by how LGBT-friendly Europeans are. In many ways, the USA still lags behind enormously when it comes to LGBT rights, and Europe – particularly Western Europe (the less said about Russia the better…) – is forging ahead. Europe is a fantastic venue for biking – amazing history, beautiful and varied scenery, a wide and fascinating mix of cultures, and some of the best roads on the planet! If you’re planning on travelling abroad with your motorcycle, again, do your research before heading off – paying particular attention to the highway laws, which are different all over the world. You don’t want to head off to Britain, Ireland, Australia, India, or New Zealand, for example, only to be completely flummoxed by these countries’ system of driving on the left!

It is hard to believe there is this very special and unique village in the Midwest where people go to on weekends to get away from their day-to-day lives and HAVE FUN! Actually people go there all week long! It has been called the “Switzerland of America”, “Key West of the Midwest”, “The stopping point between San Francisco and Ptown”. It has also been called dozens of other names and they would all be perfect for this little village with a population of about 2,100 people. There are no Gay bars and you really will not see too many Gay flags. They do not need that as most of the shops, bars and restaurants are owned by Gays and Lesbians. Everybody is there to have a fun time. It was the first city in Arkansas to officially endorse same-sex marriage and the first and only city in the state with a Domestic Partnership Registry. Eureka Springs is also the number one vacation destination in the entire Midwest for Out and Proud LGBT travelers. The antithesis of the redneck stereotype, their micro-Mecca has been a beyond-gay-friendly getaway for decades– long before OUT was in. In Eureka Springs, one Gay Pride weekend will not do. So, Spring, Summer and Fall they also celebrate a trifecta of Diversity Weekends that attract thousands of Gay and Lesbian gaycationers. A microcosm of San Francisco, they boast a disproportionately large Gay population, dozens of Gay-owned and Gay-friendly B&Bs, hotels, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, art galleries, shops, turn-of-the-century Victorian homes and vintage trolleys plying steep and narrow village streets.

As we have been telling our readers for the past 15 years, traveling is all about “PEOPLE” and trust us on this, you will meet all types of people in Eureka Springs and you will come away with a new outlook on life. Life is to be lived to the fullest and most of the residents in Eureka Springs do just that. We are all born and we all die and it is what you do in between that counts. If you have never been to Eureka Springs, we HIGHLY recommend you go! It is a lovely little village that draws all kinds of tourists from coast to coast and even from Europe! 95% of everybody in Eureka Springs marches to their own beat. No two people in the town are the same. They dress different, act different, talk different and that is a great thing. You will not find much in the shops made in China. Most of the shops sell LOCALLY handmade items including jewelry, pottery, yard decorations, art work, etc.

The restaurants and bars are packed with people and everybody has a GREAT time. It is as though the Village People are in town and everybody is having a fabulous time. It is NOT a place to bring children. This is adult-town for adults to kick back and enjoy themselves, AND THEY DO! We met people who go there just about every other month! There are dozens of small B&B’s in this little village of 2,100 residents and most are GAY OWNED !

There are many restaurants in town, and one of our favorites was THE NEW DELHI CAFE. Bill is the owner; and what can we say about him? He is fun, funny, FABULOUS and more! Words cannot describe his personality. He has the cafe plus several outdoor decks on the patio which is always packed with people having FUN! The food and the drinks are wonderful. It is ALWAYS busy there from breakfast through closing, which is late at night. And if you are real lucky you will get ‘Grandma’ to be your server. Her real name is Penny but everyone calls her “Grandma”. She is a real jewel, but then most of his staff is great and different; and different is a good thing. The New Delhi Cafe and Patio Bar is THE place to see and be seen! The largest bar in town, the Eureka Live Underground which is a blast. We are not going to give addresses of the different places in town as they are all within walking distance of each other. Merely drive downtown, park your auto and walk or walk from your B&B. For a FABULOUS Mexican experience, BE SURE and dine at CASA COLINA MEXICAN GRILL AND CANTINA. The ambiance, the service, the food presentation, the perfectly cooked food makes for a perfect dining experience! Owners, Dani and Joe are terrific as well as the staff who were there the day we dined: Steve, Nick and Taylor were superb! This is what dining should be all about, a perfect blend of everything. You can dine inside or out on the patio. We really would rate this as one of the finest Mexican restaurants in the entire Midwest. Other wonderful restaurants are DeVITO’S. It was voted the best Italian Restaurant in the entire State of Arkansas and has been in business over 26 years.

LOCAL FLAVOR CAFE is a MUST DINE AT restaurant in town. You can either dine inside or on their patio overlooking the street. It is a great place to people watch and their food on a scale of one to ten is a solid TEN!

CAFE AMORE is another Italian restaurant that serves wonderful home cooked Italian.

Shopping downtown is a real treat. You will not find shops filled with things made in China. Instead you will find actual handmade and handcrafted creations, many of which are made by the artisans in the area. The shops are filled with artwork, jewelry, garden statues and items related to your outdoors, lots of pottery, etc. Plus a few shops with very unusual clothing. One of our very favorite clothing shops was THE FINE ART OF ROMANCE. It is a large shop filled with Fine Art, luxury intimate attire, books and romantic gifts. It is a FUN shop. The MOUNTAIN ECLECTIC is an historic Gadd Springs home and shop and one of Eureka’s more eclectic shops and a must see for many who find it hard to believe there is a flowing spring inside, garden accessories and hundreds of other items that are very unique and different. They have a fenced side yard that is filled with beautiful flowers and shrubs. The owners Paul Aulgur and Jack Bratt are terrific guys. They are located at 104 North Main Street just a couple of blocks North of downtown. They have plenty of free parking. Do NOT miss this shop!

Other very interesting shops that we visited were EUREKA’S NUT HO– USE full of some of the finest and tastiest nuts you ever had.

FUSION SQUARED, Owners and partners are John Jarrett and John Rinehart. John Jarrett was instrumental in helping round up underwriters for our visit. He’s also acting president of the new Eureka Springs Gay Business Guild. John Rinehart is a fabulous glass artist and jewelry maker.

QUICKSILVER GALLERY is co-owned by Lamont Richie, one of a very few gay elected officials in Arkansas. He’s a Carroll County Quorum Court Judge (in plain English, that’s the equivalent of a “county commissioner”). He wrote the marriage-equality resolution passed by the city council in November 2012– making Eureka Springs the first city in the state to officially endorse marriage equality.

OUT ON MAIN GALLERY is located on a staircase between Spring St. and Main Street directly across from Basin Spring Park. Partners Pat Lujan and Lee Kroll are amazing potters and show the work of other artists in their gallery. Some of the most interesting pottery involved using horse hair accents. For nightly entertainment you have a wide choice of special bars and lounges.

A ‘MUST SEE” show when you are in Eureka Springs is at the Intrigue Theater. “The ILLUSIONIST and THE MEDIUM starring the incredible talents of Illusionist, Sean-Paul and his wife Juliana Fay. Together they amazed and stunned the audience with their unbelievable talents. The entire audience was in AWE of what they did. The Theater is located in an historic old stone church that closed several years ago and that setting only adds to the mystic of the wonderful experience. We have seen Illusionists from coast to coast and Sean and his wife Juliana are the best of the best and truly remarkable. Do not miss this show!

For daytime entertainment there are all types of possibilities of things to do. There are lots of places to fish, hike, or just see the sights and sounds of the village. We loved TURPENTINE CREEK WILDLIFE REFUGE. It is located just 10 minutes East of town and is the largest big cat refuge in the world. It is open to the public 7 days a week. They have all types of wild animals so be sure to take your camera. BLUE SPRING HERITAGE CENTER is located about 10 minutes west of downtown. It is a natural wonder, pouring 38 million gallons of cool, clear water each day into a trout feed lagoon. You walk over the entire area on a very landscaped trail. Take a picnic and enjoy hours there. It is hard to get closer to nature than visiting there.

If you arrive in Eureka Springs by bus, train, walking or anyway other than by auto, be sure and check out ABUNDANT TRANSPORTATION, 479.553.8294. They are a full service Taxi company and have great rates. They are the only Gay Owned & Operated taxi service in the Northwest Arkansas Area. They offer clean late model cars at a great rate! They also offer service to Rogers/Bentonville as well as the many area Airports. Go to Eureka Springs to enjoy life, to enjoy yourself and to enjoy others. Eureka Springs truly is a hidden gem in the Midwest. Eureka Springs is all about being yourself and enjoying everybody there. Their friendliness will really rub off on you and you will return home a better person. Meet new people and TALK to everyone.

For a weekend or a week, find out for yourself how easy it is to be Out In Eureka Springs! They have one of the finest gay organizations in the entire country, so be SURE and check out their website for a complete listing of what is happening and the different entertainment they have in store for you. They also have a listing of merchants who WANT your business. It is too bad that larger cities do not have as great of an organization as they do.

We want to thank Michael Walsh and OUT IN EUREKA for a wonderful..NO. FABULOUS time in their hidden gem. P.S. Did we mention how FRIENDLY of a town this is?

Always remember to have fun when traveling, meet new people and talk to everyone!

TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS GAY WORLD is written by Donald Pile and Ray Williams, Award-winning, Celebrity travel columnists who write for gay publications from coast to coast (And now legally married). Proud members of the IGLTA. You can email them at [email protected] and visit their website at www.gaytravelersataol.blogspot.com

The New Delhi Cafe and Patio Bar
www.newdelhieureka.com

Eureka Live Underground
www.eurekaliveunderground.com

CASA COLINA MEXICAN GRILL AND CATINA
www.pepetacos.com

DeVITO’S
www.eureka-springs-usa.com/devito

LOCAL FLAVOR CAFE
www.localflavorcafe.net

CAFE AMORE
www.cafeamorearkansas.com

THE FINE ART OF ROMANCE
www.fineartofromance.com

FUSION SQUARED
www.eurekafusion.com

QUICKSILVER GALLERY
www.quicksilvergallery.com

OUT ON MAIN GALLERY
www.outonmain.com

Intrigue Theater
www.intriguetheater.com

TURPENTINE CREEK WILDLIFE REFUGE
www.turpentinecreek.org

BLUE SPRING HERITAGE CENTER
www.bluespringheritage.com

Out in Eureka Springs
www.outineureka.com

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by Gaycation Magazine Guest Blogger, Ben Lambert of High Society Hobo

I think the biggest decision to travel anywhere has to be whether or not a destination is gay friendly. This happens to be my story of my visit to Bangkok Thailand. Here’s how it actually started:

I turned around to find a 5” white, very anatomically detailed, dildo in my face. While not something I’m unaccustomed to, I was surprised that it was happening smack in the middle of the brightly lit, crowded sidewalk. I was even more surprised by the fact that behind the dildo was a little Thai grandma asking, “You like? You want, yes?”

When I recovered and politely declined, she paused, assumed a knowing look and replied “Oh. Too small for you!” The next thing I knew, she was brandishing a 10” purple, battery-operated, light up monster. “This, this you like. I know.” Thus ended my first day in Bangkok.

Two weeks later, I’m still in Bangkok and I can honestly say that I’ve felt more comfortable being out and proud here than in many western cities I’ve been to. In fact, Bangkok just might be the world’s most gay-friendly city. I know it sounds a bit crazy but bear with me a few minutes while I tell you all the reasons this should be your next gaycation destination.

First, let’s get the boring but important legal bits out of the way. Homosexual acts are completely legal in Thailand. In fact, they’ve been legal since the government repealed their anti-gay laws in 1956! It also puts them 11 years ahead of England, the 5^th country to do so. And as for the United States, well we only fully eliminated anti-gay sex laws in 2003 and it only took years of litigation and a Supreme Court ruling. Let me repeat that for all of you gaybies out there, as of 2003 (a mere 11 years ago), it was still a crime in several states for you to have sex with another guy.

I think I could easily stop here and still more than adequately prove my point. However, as all of us homos know, there’s a big difference between something being legal and something being accepted (or at least tolerated) by social values. So, I shall go on.

Thais are renowned for being super friendly people and Thailand is even touted as the “Land of Smiles”. I must say it is true. The people here are incredibly friendly and that friendliness extends to the LGBT community. In fact, my experience with a local, 70-year-old cab driver pretty much sums it up. When he discovered I was American, he was insanely happy and excitedly informed me, “I work in American GI bar during Vietnam War!! Love America.” He was even more excited when I gave him an address in Silom, near the gay bars. “Ohhhhh. You go bar gay!” he exclaimed, winking and giving me a thumbs up. “YEAH! You have good time!” I wonder if he was married to the dildo lady.

What’s more, the gay locals I met were more than happy to talk about their experiences. All of which were positive. They generally feel accepted by society, all of them were completely out to their families and colleagues. They never felt as if they’d been discriminated against for being gay. While there aren’t any anti-LGBT discrimination laws on the books, it appears that they aren’t needed – there are almost no complaints made on that issue. In fact, the newspapers here reported a recent incident on the metro, involving two young local lesbians who were kissing. Not over the top making out, just a few quick intimate kisses in public. Someone verbally accosted them and it was such a rare occurrence that it made the news and everyone in the media was in favor of the lesbians. You won’t find that happening in the US.

As a foreign observer, Bangkok today feels very open and accepting of the LGBT community. The Thais seem to take a “live and let live” approach to life, which I can totally respect. There is a small, but thriving and always packed gay district in Silom with loads of bars and clubs, mostly dedicated to gay males. Take a stroll through Soi 2 or Soi 4 any night and you’ll think you’ve died and gone to heaven – you won’t find a single non-gay establishment in the place and the streets are overflowing with gay men. Many of them insanely hot and several of them scantily clad.

In Silom especially there are loads of hotels, hostels and B&Bs that really cater to the gay tourist community. You’ll find that the staffs of these places are almost all members of the LGBT community themselves. As the gay male scene is more visible here, you’ll even find some hotels with an exclusively gay/bi male staff. That, of course, means that if you come alone you probably won’t have to go very far to find your gaycation boyfriend. But even outside of the gayborhood, you won’t have to worry about any issues if you want to bring a guy home from the clubs.

Want a warm-oil massage with a happy ending? They’re pretty common here, even in the massage parlors outside of the Silom area. Nearly every place will have at least one male masseur who’d be more than happy to give you a massage. You’ll definitely get felt up a little, because they make sure they get every inch of those thigh muscles. And there’s a better than average chance that if you start rocking a hard on, he’ll help you out with that as well. If you’re a big guy and you get stuck with a female masseuse, don’t worry. Chances are she’ll help you out too.

If you’re looking for more than just a massage and fancy a full-blown spa day in an all-gay environment, then you’re in luck! Bangkok has a decent number of gay saunas/spas. Some are fairly seedy establishments that are basically nothing more than a hot tub, steam room and private rooms for sex. Others are more like an actual spa that just happen to be gay (though they’ve got sex rooms too). One of my favorite gay travel bloggers, That Gay Backpacker, is somewhat of a gay spa authority.

Of course, there’s more for you to do in Bangkok than just have sex. The food scene here is amazing and runs the gamut from traditional Thai to European cuisines. You can find delicious and ridiculously cheap food on every street in Bangkok. If you fancy something a bit more fancy than street food, then you’ve got loads of options for that too, from café’s like Silom Society (a gay coffee bar) to expensive, rooftop places like Zen at the World Center.

There are loads of fun market to visit as well. There’s the Chatachuk Weekend Market, rumored to be the largest market in Asia and possibly the world, which has absolutely everything under the sun. You’ve got Asiatique, which is right on the river. It’s more upscale, but the food options are plentiful and cheap and make for great people watching. If you want something a bit more local, then take the BTS to On Nut and check out the market right by the station stop. There are loads of others of course.

If none of this is quite your cup of tea, just head into any residential area and wander around for a bit. Eventually, you’ll happen upon some great market, shop or restaurant. Or, even better, maybe you’ll strike up a conversation with one of those friendly locals who will turn you onto a place most tourists never see.

If you want to get some beach time in, Bangkok is also a short bus/train ride or flight from several amazing beaches and islands. All of which are just as gay friendly as the capital city. There might not be any gay bars or gay hotels, but I guarantee you, you’ll find some openly gay friendly places with the rainbow flag on their doors. Even if you don’t, trust me when I say, these people are inherently gay friendly. You won’t have a problem.

So the bottom line is this, regardless of what your ideal type of gaycation is, whether cities or beaches, exploration or sexploration, budget or luxury, Bangkok is definitely worth a visit. The people of this city are so incredibly friendly that you’ll feel right at home instantly. And, if you’re like me (or most of the foreign guys I’ve met in Thailand so far), you won’t want to leave.

featured image courtesy of “Bangkok Night Wikimedia Commons” by Benh LIEU SONG – Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

The Lattice Inn is an award winning and unique bed and breakfast known as “Heaven on Hull.”  TripAdvisor has bestowed the Certificate of Excellence on them 2 years in a row and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.  You can find the bed and breakfast nestled in the heart of Montgomery’s historic Garden District.

There are 4 guest suites to choose from and feature free WiFi, HDTV with Apple TV, refrigerator, microwave, DVD/CD Player, MP3/iPod docking clock radio, hairdryer and a king size bed.  The property itself offers a saltwater pool, hot tub and a garden area in a style that reflects the Florida Keys.

There are plenty of opportunities for relaxation in one of the parlors.  You can listen to music in the Music Parlor, which comes equipped with a Baby Grand Piano or you view original artwork and prints from local artists in the Craftsman Parlor.  For those of you that cannot disconnect, you can visit the full access Business Center.

Each morning, breakfast ranges from a robust Continental meal to hot and tasty items, which are subject to availability.

The Lattice Inn offers a range of discounts.  For seniors and active or retired military, you can receive a 5% discount.  If you book a stay during your birth month, you can receive a 15% discount.  If you’re looking for a special getaway for you and your partner, you can enjoy a 1% discount for each year of your relationship (up to 50%) during the month of February.  In order to be eligible for discounts, you MUST call the property and book directly with them.  

Use discount code ‘Gaycation” for a 10% discount; just remember to contact The Lattice Inn directly.

For more information on The Lattice Inn or to make reservations, visit them at www.thelatticeinn.com. 

The Lattice Inn
1414 South Hull St
Montgomery, AL 36104

Phone 334-263-1414
[email protected]

You can find The Lattice Inn in our directory under Accommodations.