On imagination of the perfect couple’s hideaway the sights of boutique dwellings catered to every desire, deserted beaches destined for frolicking and the privacy of your own love spring to the mind of many. In the Centro region of Portugal, some 50km north of Lisbon, these visions become one seemingly everlasting reality.
The region, best served by car, is home to four rustic and timeless old towns that unlock the true heart and soul of rural Portugal, bringing a thirst for connection to life.
Obidos, Nazare, Peniche and Caldas da Rainha will spark the flames of a love that will last forever. Welcome to the Centro region in Portugal:
Nazare
This market fishing town, in the north of the region, plays homage to the true beginnings of the area. Fish-sellers, scattered amongst the cobbled maze of streets and terracotta roofing, lay out the carapaus (horse mackerel) to dry as done by their ancestors and attract custom with the sweet smell and colourful array of fresh fruits and vegetables nurtured in the local area. During the summer months the area awakens with the spirit of returning Portuguese holidaymakers, travelling in from Lisbon and Porto, who bring a tide of international followers to Nazare’s vast expanse of beaches promised with ambient basking in the Portugal sun.
By Dan Beeson – Full Story at Gay Star News
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Periodically we’ll feature one of our properties here to let our readers know about some great gay friendly places to stay:
The Woods Cottages & Cabins at the Russian River is the perfect answer for a rejuvenating, relaxing and slightly “spirited” escape to the Sonoma Wine Country.
The Woods, a Russian River Hotel that is centrally located in downtown Guerneville, is situated between the tall, swaying redwood trees and the hypnotic flow of the splendid Russian River for the ideal getaway! Watch our video!
This Russian River Hotel is within walking distance to shops, restaurants, dancing and live entertainment. Enjoy wine tasting and tours along the Russian River Wine Road through the Russian River, Dry Creek and Alexander Valley appellations. Enjoy varietals including Sauvingnon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Barbera, Merlot, Syrah, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and a wide variety of dessert wines.
The Woods Resort, Russian River Hotel, offers cottages, free-standing guest cabins and multi-room suites with full kitchens, gas fireplaces, private balconies and stunning views of lush redwood forests. The resort has one of the largest swimming pools in the area and has full sun all day long. With an outdoor fireplace, stone fountains and romantically lighted landscaping, your stay at The Woods is guaranteed to make you forget the chaos of the real world.
The Woods Resort has a wireless Internet workstation available for guests in the lobby …and is an ideal venue for Russian River weddings, conferences and private parties.
Your hosts at this Russian River Hotel, Michael and Verna, are veterans of the local customer service industry with a familiarity of all the area has to offer in the way of recreation, adventure, wine tasting, dining, spa treatments and entertainment. They are happy to help you plan an exciting, memorable stay at the Russian River.
Last week, I was supposed to take another trip and visit a town I’ve been wanting to visit for a while now – San Miguel de Allende – and an old favorite, Oaxaca. However, somehow I never made it out of the city. I had too many projects to finish and didn’t want to rush through these places – you know I like to take my time in each place.
And in hindsight, staying in Mexico City was the best thing that could’ve happened to me. Even though I spent weeks here, I only ever felt like I scratched the surface instead of getting a real feel of life in Mexico’s giant capital.
On this past visit, I finally got to know the city like a local, stayed with friends, discovered off-the-beaten-path places, found a local coffee shop for me to work in every day, visited my favorite bakery several times, found a local market I went to for tapas, fresh fruit and vegetables, explored neighborhoods that I didn’t know well before, like Doctores, Roma and La Condesa, let my friends take me to their favorite Cuban bar (the live music was amazing) and checked out a pulqueria popular with Mexicans in their mid-20s that was recommended to us on a night of bar hopping.
Most people associate Berlin with crazy sex fetish clubs and an extremely lax attitude to, well just about everything. In fact, you’re not far from the truth: in Berlin, anything goes, except crossing the road when it’s red. Don’t get caught jaywalking in Germany! Couples (straight or gay) will in particular love this city. There’s plenty of romantic things to do in Berlin to suit all preferences. Here’s our 5 favourite:
Before going to Egypt, I really thought that climbing the Pyramids is a big No-No thing to do because they’re ancient, fragile and they have to be protected at all cost. Boy, I was so wrong!
Apparently you can climb the Pyramid as high as you can–that is if you can find your way to the top. Well, you aren’t allowed to climb in all three of them but in only one: The Pyramid of Khafre (or the middle Pyramid).
Somewhere, I read warning signs, “No Climbing” but only in certain areas of the said pyramid. Nearby, guards are watching people go up and down the steps. And if they think you’ve gone high and far, they’ll remind you to stop and come down.
We’ve spent a lot of time at Bear Week in Provincetown so it is amusing to see a new VICELAND (Vice’s new TV channel) segment on the annual rendezvous.
Calling it “a world of many contrasts,” reporter Thomas Morton (the hairless twink in the shot above) headed to Bear Week to dig down into the world of bear culture, find out about the lingo, and check out just what goes on in the pool at the Provincetown Inn.
Says Morton:
“The term bear once referred to a very specific type of gay man, particularly a big and hairy gay man. Over time bears have evolved into an entire family of gay men of various body types and hairinesses…”
Periodically we’ll feature one of our properties here to let our readers know about some great gay friendly places to stay:
Comprised of a gorgeous farm house and barn, both originally built in 1915, The Chanticleer Guest House is truly one of Door County’s most unique bed and breakfasts.
We are located on thirty private acres, just 1/2 mile north of Sturgeon Bay. The guest house and guest barn have been carefully renovated to capture the beauty of each structure, while providing the modern conveniences you should expect in a fine country bed and breakfast.
If a secluded cabin is more your idea of a romantic retreat, The Chanticleer Cabins were built just for you! Our four luxury cabins are located on forty private, wooded acres a few minutes walk from the guest house. Each cabin overlooks a private, 1/2 acre pond, which is a magnet for deer, turkey and other wildlife.
The owners and staff of The Chanticleer Guest House and Cabins have been caring for guests since 1993. We take great pride in offering clean, comfortable accommodations in a private and romantic setting.
Open year round, The Chanticleer is here to make your visit to Door County an enchanting experience. We look forward to your arrival.
Though Egypt’s tourism has experienced a big slump in the past years, the Pyramids of Giza has no shortage of visitors everyday. There are more local tourists going in (mostly students on one-day excursions), and only few are foreign travelers going around and about the pyramids—on foot. Most foreign tourists come in the comfort of their aircon buses, taking them from one place to another.
If you’re adventurous enough and you’re traveling with friends or alone, there’s a way to beat the crowd: don’t follow where most of them go. Make a detour.
There are three things, however, that you need to bring: a hat, water, and a few chocolate bars or some nuts. And oh, wear shoes, not sandals or beach flip flops.
Puerto Vallarta was listed by LatinTimes in the top 10 destinations for solo travelers for Spring/Summer 2016. People who have traveled alone often describe their first solo vacation as a religious experience. Alone getaways gives you the chance to think, relax and recharge energy from your daily routine, also; these types of trips helps travelers to meet new people and gain some sense of independence while vacationing in exciting destinations. Puerto Vallarta has much to offer solo LGBT travelers and holds its own against cities like Ft Lauderdale, Curacao, South Beach Miamia, and Aruba.
Puerto Vallarta for LGBT Travelers. Puerto Vallarta is home of Mexico’s only 
2016! Join other enthusiasts at the world’s oldest motorcycle rally in Laconia, New Hampshire. Laconia Bike Week 2016 is unmatched for scenic riding along New Hampshire’s tranquil country roads. Laconia Bike Week 2016 has a schedule packed with terrific events too. Scheduled events include gypsy rides, live music, bike air jumps, stunt shows and lots more. Residents and business alike, welcome motorcyclists during Laconia Bike Week each year. If riding is your pleasure, join us for Laconia Motorcycle Week 2016 – June 11 – 19.
Are you looking for Laconia Bike Week accommodation? The historic ‘circa 1895’ Glynn House Inn is the perfect Laconia Bike Week 2016 location. The Inn is situated 20 minutes from Weirs Beach. It’s perfectly positioned for cruising dozens of easily accessible country roads too. Laconia Bike Week 2016 guests experience elegant surroundings delicious food, modern amenities, unrivaled service and genuine hospitality. Rates include gourmet breakfast – served at separate tables in the Victorian dining room. A full gluten free breakfast menu is always available. Afternoon refreshments and early evening wine and cheese are offered daily. Bike trailers readily be accommodated. Hoses and rags are available for bike cleaning. Let your four-footed canine pal join your Laconia Bike Week 2016 getaway. Reserve one of five pet friendly rooms. Therapeutic in-room massage is available in most guest rooms.
Experience additional delights during your two-wheel visit to New Hampshire’s amazing White Mountains and Lakes Regions. Art galleries, antiques and ‘tax free’ shopping options will entice the most discerning shopper. Cultural activities include concerts reflecting every genre and four professional theaters. Vineyards and micro breweries offer complimentary tastings and exceptional products. Outdoor enthusiasts can experience lakes and mountains, outdoor adventure, plus endless hiking trails. Guests are eligible for some terrific local activity discounts too. Great local dining options will satisfy your palette. View the Glynn House website