TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS GAY WORLD: The Denver LGBT Center

Denver LGBT Center In our travels from coast to coast we usually contact and visit the LGBT Centers in each city where we stop. Last week we were in Denver, Colorado and toured the Denver LGBT Center. In all of our travels it is one of the finest in the country. Denver LGBT Center“THE CENTER-Advancing LGBT Colorado” offers something for everyone. From teenagers to senior citizens their center has a huge staff of volunteers to help and assist everyone. They have different exhibits during the year and while we were there we got to see ‘Ain’t Nobody’s Business: LGBT Influence on the Harlem Renaissance’ portrait exhibit featuring African Americans who were in the arts and entertainment in the 1920 and 1930’s. The Denver LGBT Center first opened in 1976 and currently operates on an annual budget of $2..2 Million and employs 19 staff members and has over 520 community volunteers to serve more than 46,000 people a year! Among the many services that the Center offers are General Support Groups including Counseling services, HIV/ST1 testing, Alcoholics Anonymous, Wellness screening and free cyber center. They have safe and low-cost activities for LGBT Families. They have free referrals to LGBT-friendly attorneys for help with legal questions as well as free monthly legal clinics. SAGE of the Rockies provides support and information for LGBT people over 50 years of age. They offer free weekly activities including coffee groups, wellness clinics, Yoga classes and more. We got to meet and talk with Reynaldo Mireles, the Program Manager. Other programs includes the Capitol Hill Care Link which helps elders over 60 to continue living independently and with assistance with access to a variety of senior services. They have special support groups for the Transgender community. Actually the Center is a place for ALL of the LGBT community. In the Denver LGBT Center is the Terry Mangan Memorial Library which is the home of over 3,000 volumes of LGBT texts. They also have a wonderful Oral Histories department, photo archive and research center where you can view articles, news clippings and correspondence related to the LGBT history not only in Colorado but in the United States. Denver LGBT Center pride paradeIn June they have the Denver Pridefest where over 380,000 people celebrated and over 120,000 attended the parade last year. This years festivities and parade will be June 17 and 18. It is one of the largest LGBT Pridefests in the country. We want to thank Rex Fuller, Vice President of Communications and Corporate Giving who gave us a complete tour of the Center. Also a very special thanks to Tony Smith of Denver. We first met him and his husband Jim when we visited Denver a few years ago.. Both of these gentlemen are great ambassadors for Denver. Visit their website at: www.glbtcolorado.org.  Their phone number is 303 733.7743 and their address is 1301 East Colfax just a few blocks east of downtown. The Center is open Monday thru Friday from 10 AM to 8 PM. The LGBT community in Denver certainly has something to be very proud of. Thank you to all the staff, volunteers and all the people who have made this a crown jewel for the LGBT community. Other cities in the country need to visit the Center and go back home and strive to make their Centers like the one in Denver.

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/

Denver Gay Travel Resources
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TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS GAY WORLD: Best Restaurants in New Orleans

VacherieFor fine dining we enjoyed VACHERIE, 827 Toulouse Street, and is located in the historic Hotel St. Marie. http://vacherierestaurant.com/ For reservations, call 504.207.4532. Vacherie Restaurant is named for the town of Vacherie, Louisiana, a small community situated on the banks of the Mississippi river just west of New Orleans. Laura’s Plantation, which is the only plantation that we highly recommend visiting is nearby. Chef Jarred Zeringue grew up there amid the sprawling farms, grand live oaks and antebellum plantations. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and they also have a large bar for those who just to stop in for a drink or two. Eat New OrleansFor our appetizer, we enjoyed the Alligator Tail Etouffee with Jasmine Rice which was really tasty. For our entrees we had the Pan Roasted Duck Breast with Steen’s Cane Syrup Glaze which was a real treat and the Crab Cakes Remoulade with Corn and Creole Green Beans which melted in your mouth. And for dessert what else but the Louisiana Pecan Pie. Paul was our very attentive and professional server. He also has another fabulous restaurant called, EAT, 900 Dumaine Street, http://eatnola.com/ . We especially enjoyed talking with the Manager, Erik. He and his husband are what makes us very proud about young Gay men. We wish them the VERY BEST in their lives together and with their family! Mona Lisa's New OrleansFor wonderful Italian we enjoy: MONA LISA’s, 1212 Royal Street, https://www.facebook.com/Mona-Lisa-NOLA-318143785407/?ref=page_internal We enjoy this restaurant because it is FUN place to dine. Even though you don’t know any of the other guests, everyone talks to one another. The owners, Tom and Farrow are extremely FUN and on top of everything. Cheezy Cajun - New OrleansFor true Cajun cuisine we enjoy: THE CHEEZY CAJUN, 3325 St. Claude, http://www.thecheezycajun.com/ Here you will find some of the best Cajun in New Orleans. Actually most of their guests say that it IS the best Cajun food in New Orleans. The owners, Doug and Michael are wonderful guys. 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/

New Orleans Gay Travel Resources
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TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS GAY WORLD: The Historic New Orleans Collection

The Historic New Orleans Collection

While visiting New Orleans we found a  very interesting place to visit. “The Historical New Orleans Collection” is housed at 533 Royal Street in the heart of the French Quarter. Hours are Tuesday thru Saturday, 9:30 to 4:30 and Sunday, 10:30 to 4:30. Closed on Mondays.
The Historic New Orleans CollectionThe Historic New Orleans Collection is a museum, research center, and publisher dedicated to preserving the history and culture of New Orleans and the Gulf South. It was founded in 1966 by General L. Kemper Williams and Leila Hardie Moore Williams who were collectors of Louisiana memorabilia and wanted to share their collections with the public.
The Historic New Orleans CollectionGuided tours give visitors an inside look at the elegant residence of the founders including the magnificent architecture and plush courtyards and it includes 7 buildings that compose the complex.. It truly is a remarkable tour and true New Orleans history at it’s finest.  They have beautiful period furniture, silver, porcelain and oil paintings. There are different exhibits at different times. In addition they have a very interesting Gift shop.
The Historic New Orleans CollectionThe Williams Research Center is located just a block away at 410 Chartres Street. Their hours are Tuesday thru Saturday, 9:30 to 4:30 and they are closed on Sunday and Monday. They have over one million items from more than 300 years, documenting New Orleans history. Scholars, historians and the general public can do research there.
While we were there, they had an exhibit of photographs by the Louisiana photographer, Clarence John Laughlin who was an American photographer best known for his surrealistic photographs of the South. The exhibit . also included photos by his contemporary photographer/friends. It was a remarkable and interesting exhibit.
The subject matter ran from landscapes to people in the area as well as buildings, trees, nature and a good general range for all to enjoy. Laughlin’s business and personal correspondence, notebooks, negative index, clipping file, and published and unpublished manuscripts for books and the articles are available to research at the Williams Research Center there. This certainly a “must see” place to visit and tour when visiting New Orleans!
Before visiting the Collection, visit their website at www.hnoc.org. Their phone is: 504.523.4662.
When we visit museums and historical places, we always enjoy complimenting some of the people who were outstanding. Among the people that we found truly friendly and professional were Docent Kurt Owens, Receptionist, Frances Salvaggio, Volunteer Barbara Louviere and Marketing Associate Anne Robichaux. You could tell that they all enjoy doing what they do. They were all very knowledgeable about New Orleans and full of information.
After visiting the Historic New Orleans Collection we highly recommend these restaurants in New Orleans,
VACHERIE, 827 Toulouse Street, EAT, 900 Dumaine Street,
MONA LISA’s, 1212 Royal Street, THE CHEEZY CAJUN.
To really get the ‘feel’ of New Orleans we like to stay at the BLUE60 Guest House, 1008 Elysian Fields Avenue.
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/
New Orleans Gay Travel Resources
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TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS GAY WORLD: New Orleans, Where the Good Times Roll On and On

New Orleans gay

New Orleans is simply too much to write about in just one column so we are going to make this a 3 part column for the next two weeks. We have been to New Orleans several times over the years and like San Francisco, it is a city that you keep wanting to go back to. It never changes but yet it does change. Partying is the number one thing to do in New Orleans however they do have fabulous restaurants, bars, museums and art galleries which we will talk about in the next columns.
New Orleans is always busy and crowded so be sure and reserve  early.
Blue60We have found a new Guest House which is within walking distance to the French Quarters but far enough away not to be affected by the loud noises. The Blue60 Guest House was formerly a Bed and Breakfast and the new owner, Joshua Smith purchased it a couple of years ago and has refurbished it wonderfully. He has sunk a great deal of time and money in restoring and updating it. Will is the manager and they both are on top of everything.
blue60 - New OrleansThey make your stay so enjoyable. That is why they have so many repeat guests that return again and again. The house was built in 1842. Each of their 5 guest rooms offers the convenience of a private outdoor entrance, private bathrooms and full amenities including a mini-fridge, microwave, toaster, coffee maker, the use of a charcoal BBQ on the back patio , free WIFI and use of the Hot Tub.
blue60 - New OrleansThe rooms are very large and spacious. The Guest House is located in the Fauborg Marigny district just to the east of the French Quarter. Within just a couple of blocks you will find a variety of restaurants and bars. There is also a large Walgreens just a block away. And if you are real lucky you will be there when his Mother is there from out of state. She is FUN, FUN, FUN!
Their address is 1008 Elysian Fields Avenue. You can email them at info@blue60guesthouse.com and their website is www.blue60guesthouse.com Their phone is: 504.324.4311 We have stayed in New Orleans several times and this is our very favorite place to stay. Joshua and Will care about their guests and will do most anything to make your stay in New Orleans perfect for you.
There are hundreds of restaurants in New Orleans and we highly suggest these:
For fine dining we enjoy:
VACHERIE, 827 Toulouse Street, http://vacherierestaurant.com/
EAT, 900 Dumaine Street, http://eatnola.com/
Jarred is the owner of both of these fine restaurants and each has a great atmosphere and extremely professional and friendly staff.
For wonderful Italian we enjoy:
MONA LISA’s, 1212 Royal Street, https://www.facebook.com/Mona-Lisa-NOLA-318143785407 We enjoy this restaurant because it is FUN place to dine. Even thou you don’t know any of the other guests, everyone talks to one another. The owners, Tom and Farrow are extremely FUN and on top of everything.
For true Cajun cuisine we enjoy:
THE CHEEZY CAJUN, 3325 St. Claude, http://www.thecheezycajun.com/
Here you will find some of the best Cajun in New Orleans. Actually most of their guests say that it IS the best Cajun food in New Orleans. The owners,  Doug and Michael are wonderful guys.
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/
New Orleans Gay Travel Resources
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TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS GAY WORLD: Cleveland Rocks

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Stone Gables B&BWe recently visited Cleveland and it was our first time there. We were very pleasantly surprised by the city. We stayed at the STONE GABLES Bed and Breakfast at 3806 Franklin Blvd. Richard and Jim are great hosts.
They have owned the B and B for several years and really know what their guests want and how to treat their guests. The house is a stone mansion that has been completely restored and each guest room has it’s own distinct decor. They have a very nice breakfast each morning in the dining room.
Stone Gables B&BThey have fenced off-street parking for their guests. Wi-Fi is located throughout the entire house. Each guest room has it’s own private bath. They are conveniently located just a few blocks from Lake Erie and transportation to everywhere in the city. They are located in the old Ohio City historic center in west Cleveland.
Cleveland’s famous Market Center is within walking distance plus many restaurants and shops They are about a mile from downtown Cleveland. We highly suggest this Bed and Breakfast. Their toll free number is 877.215.4326 and their website is www.stonegables.net and email them at stonegablesbnb@yahoo.com
 Cleveland’s downtown is a very dynamic place. They really have it together downtown. We were quite impressed with it. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is right downtown and it truly is amazing. Even if you are not into Rock and Roll, this is a MUST SEE museum, www.rockhall.com
cleveland christmas houseAnother museum we took in was the house for the movie, A CHRISTMAS STORY movie, www.achristmasstoryhouse.com It brought back a lot of memories the movie of course is a classic. For a smaller museum they have done it extremely professional. Their staff is very friendly.
Check out our travel columns on these two museums, https://www.purpleroofs.com/gay-travel-blog/2016/09/traveling-fabulous-gay-world-rock-roll-hall-fame.html and https://www.purpleroofs.com/gay-travel-blog/2016/09/traveling-fabulous-gay-world-christmas-story-house-museum.html
Before going to Cleveland be sure and check out the Visitors and Convention’s website to get a complete listing of museums, galleries, shopping and other things to do.http://www.thisiscleveland.com/ .
Also check out http://cleveland.gaycities.com/ for what Gay activities are going on. In our travels from coast to coast we find that bars come and go and they have an updated list of bars. The LGBT Community Service Center has been serving the community since 1975 and they have lots of information for travelers. http://lgbtcleveland.org/index.html
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/
Las Vegas Gay Travel Resources
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TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS GAY WORLD: Kansas City Rally/Protest

Kansas City Protest Kansas City ProtestOver a thousand people in greater Kansas City, MO attended a special Anti Prez Trump Inauguration Day protest today. The Rally began at the World War I Museum which is across the street from the Union Station. Several speakers spoke and then the parade went through the streets of Kansas City began and everyone walked about a mile to City Hall. A VERY heavy Police presence was on high alert on horseback, on foot and patrol cars. They even had a couple of drones to check things out. Fortunately the rally and parade were a peaceful one and without any problems at all. Kansas City ProtestThere was a very large variety of people at the rally… Mothers and Fathers with their babies, Gays and Lesbians, Jews, Blacks, Muslims and hundreds of United States citizens who are simply fed up with the new direction that the country is going. They ranged in ages from toddlers to people in their 80’s. At City Hall more speakers addressed the audience. Kansas City ProtestIt was an event that everyone was thrilled with and very glad that they attended. They had pallbearers that carried a casket in the parade representing the death of America. At some point in life, being quiet is simply NOT an option. Each of us needs to stand up and be counted. There needs to be a place at the table for EVERYONE ! Be safe and sane, but we all have to stand up for our rights. Kansas City Protest Kansas City Protest Kansas City Protest Kansas City Protest Kansas City Protest 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/

Missouri Gay Travel Resources
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TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS GAY WORLD: High Road to Taos

Taos The High Road to Taos of course is the road from Santa Fe, New Mexico to Taos, New Mexico. Actually there are two different ways to drive from Santa Fe to Taos, the High Road or the regular highway. Most people take the High Road to Taos and then take the four lane highway back to Santa Fe. Taos is only 70 miles from Santa Fe and takes just a little over an hour to drive on the four lane highway however it can take 2 1/2 to four hours when taking the High Road which is a very small two lane road that winds thru different very small villages. taosFrom Santa Fe take New Mexico highway 76 all the way to Taos. The High Road to Taos is a scenic, winding road through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains., It winds through high desert, mountains, forests, small farms and tiny Spanish Land Grant villages and Pueblo Indian villages with plenty of galleries and studios selling weavings, hand crafted pottery, woodwork, pottery, paintings, jewelry and other traditional art work of the region. The first village is the Nambe Pueblo which is located about 15 miles north of Santa Fe. It has existed there since the 14th Century. We have been there many times and have seen their native Indian dances and festivals. All visitors and guests are invited to watch the different ceremonial functions that they have throughout the year. The second village is Chimayo where the Ortega weavers are still producing high quality rugs, blankets and a sundry of other items which can be purchased from their gift shop. You will also find the 19th century Santuario de Chimayo Church, known as the “Lourdes of the Southwest” which attracts thousands of visitors every year. Other small villages are Cordova, Truchas and Ojo Sarco which also have native American Indians selling their wares. In Las Trampas, they have one of the oldest churches in the country. It was founded in 1751 and is called Santo Tomas Apostol del Rio de las Trampas. TaosThe village of Truchas is a remarkable village. When we were there many years ago, we got to meet Robert Redford who was directing his movie, The Milagro Beanfield War back in 1988. Of course all of these villages are very small however visitors are made welcome by all of the residents. Then you will approach Taos, New Mexico and you can explore the sights and sounds of that town. Visit the major pueblo there as well as the entire town. Our favorite restaurant in Taos is Orlando’s which has been around forever. Their address is 1114 Don Juan Valdez Lane. Besides having the best authentic food in town they also have a very delicious special dessert, Frozen Avocado Pie! Orlando’s is a very funky place and is always crowded. Their downtown plaza in Taos is a must see. After a driving trip on the High Road to Taos you will come back to Santa Fe with your camera full of photos of fabulous historical places where you have visited and toured. Even if you are not into religion, you will certainly appreciate all of the very old architecture of the area. Then when you return to Santa Fe, ALWAYS stay at the Inn of the Farolito Bed and Breakfast, www.farolito.com It is the finest accommodations in Santa Fe. Wayne and Walt have owned and operated the Inn for many years and guests always stay with them whenever they return to Santa Fe. We have been visiting Santa Fe for over 30 years and always find it so refreshing and always see new things and meet new people every time we go back. 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/

Taos Gay Travel Resources
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TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS GAY WORLD: Greenport, New York

greenport-claudio greenport-five-welcomeGreenport, New York is located on the far east side of the north shore of Long Island. There is just one small village to the east of it, Orient Point where you can take the Ferry over to New London, Connecticut and on up to Boston or Ptown. Greenport was founded in 1682 and was incorporated in 1838. It was first a ship building and whale and fishing village. Of course that is all past history however when visiting there, it is interesting to read all about the history and visit many of the places. We have been there over a dozen times in the past 15 years and always look forward to our visits there. The population is only about a couple of thousand. Most all of the homes are very old but kept up beautifully. greenportIn the summertime, tourists and visitors flock to Greenport. It is only about 100 miles east of New York City. You can drive or best to take the train or bus out to Greenport. You can walk all around town so a car is really not necessary. They have great restaurants and we do think that we have dined at all of them over the years. Two of our favorites are Claudio’s (pictured at top) which has been in business there since 1870. They have three locations there including one right downtown and one on the wharf. their website is: https://www.claudios.com/ Another great restaurant is Lucharitos Mexican restaurant which is also located right downtown. It is one of the few restaurants that has a solid 5 Star rating and we certainly agree with that consensus! Their website is: http://www.lucharitos.com/ Whether you are into fresh seafood or Mexican you cannot go wrong dining at these two restaurants. There of course are a lot of other restaurants to dine. Greenport books up in the summer so be sure and make your reservations early. We recommend: STIRLING HOUSE B AND B, http://www.stirlinghousebandb.com/ WELLS HOUSE B AND B, http://thewellshousebnb.com/ HARBORFRONT INN, http://www.theharborfrontinn.com/ GREENPORTER HOTEL, https://greenporterhotel.com/ All of these accommodations are within walking distance of downtown and close to the sights, museums, galleries and historical places in Greenport. For one of the best websites to visit before visiting Greenport is: http://www.greenportvillage.com/category/attractions-in-the-village/ greenportThat will give you a great start before visiting there. The Arts are alive and well in Greenport and you will find everything that you expect in large cities. We have found that everyone is extremely friendly. While there, but sure and visit the wineries as the north shore of Long Island is full of wineries and the beaches are wonderful. Greenport really has it all! On a very personal note, our dear friend, Tom Monsell who has lived his entire life in Greenport recently passed away. We were there in August to help him celebrate his Birthday. We have many fond memories of our times with Tom in Greenport and with Tom when he would visit us here at our home. His dear friend, Gail Horton is the executor of his estate and has been a very close friend of Tom’s for nearly 50 years. She contributes so much for the community of Greenport. She is a real jewel. 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/

Las Vegas Gay Travel Resources
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TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS GAY WORLD: Salvador Dali Museum, St. Petersburg

Salvador Dali Museum Traveling around the county as we do, we really appreciate visiting different museums and historical places. St. Petersburg, Florida has the absolutely fabulous Salvador Dali Museum. It houses the largest collection of Dali’s works outside of Europe. The museum’s collection includes 96 oil paintings, over 100 watercolors and drawings and 1,300 graphics, photographs, sculptures and objet d’art. Salvador Dali MuseumThe museum is the home of 7 of the 18 ‘masterwork’ paintings by Dahl, the most of any museum in the world. Other than the Dali Theater-Museum in his home town of Figureres, Catalonia, Spain which Dali created himself, this Museum has the world’s largest collection of Dali’s works. We were really amazed at the diversity of Dali’s works. There are those who say once you have seen three or four Dali’s the rest are all alike. Nothing could be more false than that. His range does go from A to Z and everything in between. You would think that perhaps you were seeing art work by a number of different artists when in reality it was all Dali! and truly unbelievable. Visitors come from all over the world to visit this museum. We have visited the Museum 3 times and can’t wait to return.’ Salvador Dali MuseumThey have their Avant-garde Studies which is an online publication by The Dali annually that aims to inspire and inform the public about Dali’s work, the avant-garde movements that shaped him as an artist and the impact Dali’s life on the avant-garde still to this day with talks and conferences. The Museum’s Education and Activities department is a vital link between the permanent and visiting collection and the many community that they serve. Dali’s live and art afford numerous opportunities for students, teachers, scholars and interested individuals and groups to explore a wide range of topics, engage the mind, and reflect on human experience. Salvador Dali MuseumThe history of the Dali Museum in St. Petersburg is extremely interesting. Reynolds and Eleanor Morse of Cleveland, Ohio purchased their first Dali in 1942 and kept purchasing for over 40 years. They first opened their Dali Museum in 1971 in Cleveland. In 1982 they moved their Dali Museum to St. Petersburg. In 2008 a new building was built to house the Dali Museum at a cost of over $30 Million and officially open in January, 2011 and now located in the beautiful downtown area at One Dali Blvd They are open daily 10 AM to 5:30 PM and until 8 PM on Thursdays. They have a great Museum Store and outdoor Gardens. Visit their website at: http://thedali.org/ and their phone number is: 727.823.3767 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/

St. Petersburg Gay Travel Resources
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TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS GAY WORLD: When the Weather Gets Hot

New England When the temperatures rise to 100 and even more, it is time to travel to somewhere that is much cooler. We have friends in Palm Springs and Phoenix that really cannot take that kind of heat everyday. Even in the Midwest the temperatures are brutal. On the west coast, many travel up to Oregon and Washington for the summer months or even for one month. In the Midwest, travelers drive up to northern Michigan and Minnesota where it is much cooler. The nighttime temperatures are wonderful and you can sleep with no air-conditioning. On the east coast travelers go to New England where the temperatures are good. oregon-coastBoth Oregon and Washington on the west coast offers a large selection of areas to stay. Whether you prefer staying in a city or if a rural area is what you enjoy, there are plenty of options for you. Northern Minnesota and Michigan is more rural. blueberriesThey have hundreds of fruit gardens in both states and the blueberries and other berries are the most delicious that we have ever had. New England offers a great deal as you can either stay on the coast and enjoy the ocean or stay inland and take advantage of the rural area. Naturally different travelers enjoy different things when they travel and all of the places we mentioned offers so much. michiganSome LGBT travelers prefer to be in an area that is predominately for the LGBT travelers while others prefer to be able to assimilate with straight people more. All of the areas that we mentioned above have options for both. Things have certainly changed (and for the better of course) in the past few years where businesses like hotels, motels and Bed and Breakfasts are actually begging for the LGBT business travelers to stay with them. We have been to Palm Springs and Phoenix as well as Las Vegas in the summertime when the temperatures were near 115 degrees and all we can say about that experience is ‘been there, done that, and NO MORE! A lot of places where the temperatures can be brutal do offer special prices to stay and if you are looking for a bargain and do not mind the high temperatures, then by all means, check into their websites for the offers that they have. The best way to find an area where you might want to travel would be to go to www.purpleroofs.com and click on the state that interests you. They will give in full details about the places where you would be interested in staying. If you are driving and have pets with you, be sure and remember never to leave them in your car with the windows up even if you plan to make a quick run into a shop or something. The temperatures in a car can rise dramatically in just a few minutes. Our next trip is to Cleveland, Ohio where we will visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the museum and house where they filmed the movie, A Christmas Story and then drive on to Atlantic City, New Jersey for a few days and then on to the Hamptons where we will be guests of Sir Ivan at his Castle. You can check out his Castle by going to this link: http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Main-Articles/17888/King-Of-His-Castle-Sir-Ivans-Hamptons-Estate-A.html#.V5LjHxGHthz Always remember to have fun when traveling, meet new people and talk to everyone. TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS GAY WORLD is written Donald Pile and Ray Williams, Award-Winning, Celebrity Travel Columnists. Proud members of the IGLTA. You can email them at gaytravelers@aol.com 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/]]>