Month: June 2017

Recipe for Chilean Porotos Granados: Countryside Bean Stew

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Porotos Granados

Porotos granados is a traditional Chilean countryside stew made from cranberry beans, maize kernals and squash. It’s associated with the summer months because this is when the maize and summer squash are harvested in central and southern Chile.

Cranberry beans (also known as Roman beans) are similar to normal beans but slightly larger, popular in Latin America.

Porotos granados originates from the Mapuche indigenous people of Chile, who first cultivated bean. The word granados means pomegranates and word poroto comes from the Quechua word for bean: purutu.

This vegetarian recipe is courtesy of the Chilean Cooking School in Valparaiso and is for 6 people.

By Stefan Arestis – Recipe at the Nomadic Boys

Chile Gay Travel Resources

Montfair Resort Farm – Crozet, Virginia

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Montfair Resort Farm

Periodically we’ll feature one of our properties here to let our readers know about some great gay friendly places to stay:

Montfair Resort Farm offers eco-friendly vacation retreat cabins, close to Charlottesville, Virginia and The Blue Ridge Parkway. We’re just fifteen minutes from the town of Crozet, and forty minutes from Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s magnificent estate.

Come stay with us for a relaxing vacation or great getaway in our restful atmosphere, with fresh, clean mountain air, over a hundred acres of serene woodlands and open fields at the base of Pasture Fence Mountain.

We offer cozy A-frame and cedar timber frame cottages looking over a peaceful, six acre lake – the ideal blend of comfort, simplicity, and natural beauty.

Our cottages are fully air conditioned, and have modern appliances and gas heaters. The kitchens are completely stocked with dishes, silverware, linens & towels, and there’s also organic coffee & tea.

Just outside your front door, you’ll find walking and hiking trails for fishing, hiking, bird watching and biking.

Montfair Resort Farm’s rustic lodge is perfect for weddings, gatherings, reunions, and eco-friendly celebrations. We offer a memorable, magical location for private, relaxed events.

Montfair is also an ideal base for exploring the Charlottesville area, including the University of Virginia, the historic Downtown Mall, Skyline Drive, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and much more. There are also a number of organic farms and wineries close by.

Montfair Resort Farm became a popular camping spot in the 1960’s – guests were drawn by our beautiful, rolling, wooded foothills on what was once a part of the Brown Family plantation called Mount Fair. The Brown family owned more than 10,000 acres in the area.

Now in the middle of a revitalization, we are planning to become a certified eco-lodge. We enjoy refurbishing our buildings from the 1960’s, preserving the noncommercial nature of the landscape, and planting native plant species. We want to provide an eco-friendly lodging alternative and a showcase for the rich natural and cultural heritage of Virginia.

We offer mountain bikes for guest use – take them out on a variety of trails, or enjoy fishing and canoeing on our local lake and ponds.

There’s also great bird watching and other wildlife, including black bear, Blue Heron or busy beaver.

Montfair is pet-friendly – bring your dogs along to wander our fields and wooded trails.

Looking for an eco-friendly Virgina getaway? Come stay with us at Montfair Resort Farm.

See the Montfair Resort Farm Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

Gay Friendly Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals in Virginia

Gay Orlando

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gay Orlando

Florida has an array of amazing destinations, and many are famously LGBTI-friendly. Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Key West to name but a few. But there’s something special about gay Orlando; a magical draw that sets it apart it from its beachside brothers. If you’re anything like me, you’ve been desperate to go since you were four years old.

It’s known worldwide for being a friendly and welcoming place. Which in part explains why last year’s horrific massacre shocked in the way it did.

Almost exactly one year ago, on 12 June 2016, gunman Omar Mateen stormed Latino night at gay nightclub Pulse. Some 49 people were shot dead and another 58 wounded during the atrocious incident. But one year on, local LGBTIs are defiant, and visitors continue to descend on the city in droves. In fact, last year Orlando celebrated record tourism: 68 million people to be exact. (To put that into perspective, only around 262,000 live here!)

The only logical conclusion is that gay Orlando is, and always will be, amazing. Here are just 8 examples of that amazingness – starting with rollercoasters, obviously.

By Jamie Tabberer – Full Story at Gay Star News

Orlando Gay Travel Resources

Morning at Puerta Del Sol, Madrid – Keep Calm and Wander

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Puerta del Sol, Madrid - Alain

Puerta del Sol is the centre of Madrid. In here, you’ll find the Kilometre Zero slab of Spain’s 6 national roads. One weekend morning, I walked here from my apartment and found out that this place is a hangout of people with hangover from a night of partying. There were many of them sleeping, chatting and sitting on the circular foundation of the statue in different states of drunkeness. They were all waiting for the metro to open so they could go home and hibernate.

Puerta del Sol or Gate of the Sun is a public and business square in the city of Madrid. During Pride celebrations, the square is a main thoroughfare of wild events, parties, and protests.

The clock tower, built in the 18th century, is the main attraction when Madrilenos do their countdown to the New Year. The event is shown on national television.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Madrid Gay Travel Resources

Albion Manor B&B – Victoria, British Columbia

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Albion Manor B&B

Periodically we’ll feature one of our properties here to let our readers know about some great gay friendly places to stay:

Welcome to Albion Manor B&B – Victoria’s Victorian Jewel. We want your stay at Albion Manor to be the crowning touch to your stay in charming Victoria.

Albion Manor Bed & Breakfast is ideally located just 5 minutes from the Clipper, Victoria Express and Port Angeles Ferries, the ocean, downtown and Victoria’s major attractions and shopping.

Albion Manor B&B is surrounded by a beautiful, private garden, and features spectacular architectural details both inside and out.

Enjoy modern bathrooms (some with Jacuzzi tubs), private entrances, fireplaces, balconies and patios all in a superb heritage building tastefully decorated with antique furnishings.

Or relax on the covered veranda, in the Peacock Sitting Room or the garden after your gourmet breakfast at Albion Manor.

Coming to Vancouver Island for your next vacation? Stay with us at Albion Manor in the heart of Victoria.

See the Albion Manor B&B Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

Gay Friendly Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals in Victoria

Madrid Plaza Mayor – Keep Calm and Wander

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Madrid Plaza Mayor

Madrid Plaza Mayor is one of the most visited public spaces in the city. Though this square is infested with tourists from all over the world, it still oozes with a cultural vibe that the city is know for. This place is both loved and frequented by locals and strangers in the city. Despite its dark history, the square remains a must-go to when you’re in Madrid.

The main square has been through a lot of name changes. It was originally called Plaza del Arrabal, then it became known as: Plaza de la Constitucion, Plaza Real, Plaza de la Republica, etc…

The plaza was once used as a venue for bullfighting, soccer games, and fiesta celebration to honour Madrid’s Patron Saint, San Isidor. And most of all, it’s a witness to the brutality of the Spanish Inquisition.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Madrid Gay Travel Resources

More Colors for the Pride Flag?

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More Color More Pride

The iconic rainbow flag was designed by the late Gilbert Baker in 1978. Originally having eight colors, hot pink and turquoise being removed due to the lack of availability of those dyes, the now-famous flag consists of six colors. Red to represent life, orange to represent healing, yellow to represent sunlight, green to represent nature, indigo to represent harmony, and violet to represent spirit.

But Philadelphia is looking to make the flag have eight colorful stripes again – this time with the addition of black and brown.

The city’s new campaign, More Color, More Pride, looks to be more inclusive of LGBTI individuals of color who are often left out of mainstream LGBTI discussion.

‘To fuel this important conversation, we’ve expanded the colors of the flag to include black and brown. It may seem like a small step. But together we can make big strides toward a truly inclusive community,’ the campaign’s website reads.

‘The black and brown stripes are an inclusionary way to highlight black and brown LGBTQIA members within our community,’ one unnamed source told G Philly. ‘With all of the black and brown activism that’s worked to address racism in the Gayborhood over the past year, I think the new flag is a great step for the city to show the world that they’re working toward fully supporting all members of our community.’

By Rafaella Gunz – Full Story at Gay Star News

Brookside Mountain Mist Inn – Waynesville, North Carolina

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Brookside Mountain Mist Inn

Periodically we’ll feature one of our properties here to let our readers know about some great gay friendly places to stay:

What makes our Waynesville bed and breakfast lodging different? At Brookside Mountain Mist Inn, you’ll find luxury accommodations combined with over-sized immaculate guest rooms, 3 course gourmet breakfasts, privacy, a quiet park-like setting, and a wonderfully convenient location near the Great Smoky Mountains, Asheville, Biltmore and plenty of things to do.

Enjoy our Blue Ridge Mountain views from our terrace. Browse our downtown Waynesville shops and galleries. Savor a variety of cuisine in many nearby restaurants. Play golf next door. Or take a drive down the Blue Ridge Parkway, just four miles away from our front door. Hike, bike, raft, kayak and fish with lofty mountains (including legendary Cold Mountain), waterfalls and scenic rivers.

After exploring the Smokey Mountains for the day, relax peacefully at our quiet oasis with five spacious, tastefully decorated rooms, each with private bath, fireplace, sitting area and cable TV. Each of our guestrooms is beautifully furnished and include the “little extras” to be expected at a luxury inn or hotel such as soft robes, hair dryers, iron and bath amenities. Awake to a three-course breakfast outside on the terrace (weather permitting) and be greeted by songbirds and playful squirrels near the lily pond and waterfall.

Our park-like setting includes several quiet areas where guests can relax and enjoy our cool mountain breezes, whether it’s from the double hammock by the brook, rocking chairs on the terrace or the cozy glider facing the sunset over the mountains. Inside, relax in a large living room by the fireplace or play one of the games from our rainy day closet. Help yourself to soft drinks, bottled water, snacks and fresh-baked afternoon pastries.

Just a mile away, you’ll find Main Street in downtown Waynesville, a shopper’s paradise with art galleries, antiques, clothing, jewelry and great food. Whether you’re looking for a souvenir or high-end furniture, or just window-shopping, the rewards of a stroll along the brick sidewalks are plentiful. Enjoy the quaint and relaxed atmosphere; take a break and put the bags down at one of several cafes. Head down the hill to Frog Level, the revitalized railroad district, for even more galleries and furniture shops.

Our five large guest rooms in our Waynesville B&B are all located on the ground floor. Amenities in all rooms include heater and a/c, wifi internet access, ceiling fans, alarm clocks, mini fridges, housekeeping, and much more.

We also have a library of books and magazines about local activities and sightseeing, plus novels to enjoy in a rocking chair or by a fire.

Coming to western North Carolina? Come stay with us in Waynesville at Brookside Mountain Mist Inn!

See the Brookside Mountain Mist Inn Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

Gay Friendly Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals in North Carolina

Recipe for Chilean Pastel del Choclo – Nomadic Boys

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Pastel de Chiclo - Sebastien

Pastel de choclo is one of the most famous Chilean dishes and considered comfort food. It’s a beef and corn pie, with a corn crust, similar to a Shepherd’s Pie.

Choclo is an Andean type of corn with large starchy kernels, but you can use any corn as an alternative.

Pastel de choclo is typically served in a clay bowl either as a main dish, or as a starter in a small individual portions. This recipe is courtesy of the Chilean Cooking School in Valparaiso and serves 6 people.

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at SOURCE

Chile Gay Travel Resources

TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS GAY WORLD – The Parthenon in Nashville

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Parthenon - Nashville

Parthenon - NashvilleFor some very strange reason the Parthenon in Nashville, Tennessee is one of the best kept secrets in the country. How many people have actually heard of it? It is life size (the same size as the Parthenon in Greece) and was built in Nashville over 100 years ago. What a magnificent sight it is! Located just a few blocks west of downtown Nashville, it is in the Centennial Park.

Parthenon - NashvilleBesides from being a most impressive building, the inside is ultra impressive in that they have an actual 42 foot tall statue of Athena! Yes, 42 feet tall and all in gold gilt in all of her glory! The Nashville Parthenon was originally built for Tennessee’s 1897 Centennial Exposition. The plaster replicas of the Parthenon Marbles found in the Naos are direct casts of the original sculptures which adorned the pediments of the Athenian Parthenon dating back to 438 B.C. The original of these powerful fragments are housed in the British Museum in London.

We really enjoyed seeing the two matching large bronze doors. A sign at the Parthenon read, “These bronze doors weigh 7.5 tons each. They are 24 feet high, 7 feet wide and 1 foot thick. They are considered to be the largest matching set of bronze doors in the world”.

Parthenon - NashvilleThe Parthenon also houses the Nashville Art Museum. The main art exhibit in their permanent collection is The Cowan Collection of American Art, a group of 63 paintings by 19th and 20th century American artists and all were donated in the 1920’s  by James. M. Cowan, a wealthy businessman from Illinois. All of the 57 paintings were done by American artists including a marvelous painting, Mt. Tamalpais, circa 1873 by Albert Bierstadt.
There is also additional gallery spaces for a variety of temporary exhibits.

Parthenon - NashvilleWhen we visited in May there was a special exhibit by the photographer Jerry Atnip entitled GONE SOUTH: A COLLECTION OF IMAGES FROM THE AMERICAN SOUTH. The photographs document the southern landscape in Texas, Georgia, Tennessee and Florida. The photographer describes “something between waking and dreaming” and separately many are meditatively quiet and still. It is a very thought provoking exhibit of a way of life that most of us have never witnessed.

The Conservancy for the Parthenon and Centennial Park began in 1982 and helps promotes the arts and music as well as educational programs, symposia speaker series and ongoing exhibits.

The Musicians Corner supports emerging artists and presents free music events in partnership with the City of Nashville and local music industry, showcasing over 1,000 artists since 2010. There is also a “Speaker’s Corner” Check out http://www.conservancyonline.com/

The Parthenon is located at 2500 West End Avenue and their phone number is: 615.862.8431. Their website is: http://www.nashville.gov/Parks-and-Recreation/Parthenon.aspx Their hours are Tuesday thru Saturday from 9 AM to 4:30 PM and Sunday 12:30 PM to 4:40 PM.

The admittance charge is a real bargain at only $6.00 and $4.00 for adults over 62, There is also a great gift shop to purchase souvenirs and books. Stop by a local restaurant or deli and get a lunch to go and dine on the grounds at the Parthenon. It is not Greece but it is the closet thing that you will see outside of Greece. This is a MUST SEE!

Don and RayAlways 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 gaytravelers@aol.com and visit their website at http://gaytravelersataol.blogspot.com/

Tennessee Gay Travel Resources