This post comes to us courtesy of Ned at alaturkaturkey.com: Sail the azure waters of the Aegean Sea on a blue cruise in Turkey. Explore the rich history, diverse culture and pristine environment along the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts of the Turkish Riviera Istanbul is the capital of the gay community in Turkey, however the seaside is amazing for vacations. For the ultimate holiday experience, whether for relaxation, partying, or exploration, a blue cruise with Alaturka Cruises will ensure you have a breathtaking adventure! Floating along the Turkish coast on your carefully selected gulet-Turkish sailboat- will make you feel like a Greek god and goddess. Let’s look at just a few of the destinations that are visited during a blue cruise. Although Alaturka Cruises has defined schedules, you are welcome to create your own itinerary.
J. Scott Coatsworth
European Artists B&B, Underhill, Vermont – Featured Gay Friendly Accommodations
Periodically we’ll feature one of our properties here to let our readers know about some great gay friendly places to stay. Located in scenic Champlain Valley between Stowe and Burlington minutes away from Mount Mansfield you will find this out of the ordinary contemporary LGBT friendly three units Bed and Breakfast built on 12 acres of private wooded land. With large common areas, including a cozy living room with a fireplace, European antiques and arts, as well as fresh flowers throughout, this Parisian lady owned and run guest house will remind you of a typical artist retreat in France. Each of the guest rooms represents a European painter of the 20th.century, is individually decorated with reproductions paintings, fine linens, and comfortable king, or queen beds. They come with private baths, and an individual patio overlooking mountains, meadows and gardens. To allow hassle-free check-in for late night arrivals each units comes with its own private entrance. The region of Champlain Valley is fantastic in all four seasons:
- spectacular fall foliage
- great winter skiing/snowboarding
- beautiful mountain springtime
- all summer sports
See the European Artists B&B Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here
Gay Friendly Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals in Northern Vermont
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Life’s a Beach in Koh Tao – Globetrotter Girls
Over the past few years, I’ve been finding it increasingly difficult to take a vacation. You might be thinking ‘Aren’t you always on vacation?’, but the truth is, that no matter where in the world I am, I always find myself working. Writing articles, answering emails, working on freelance projects, pitching ideas, being active on social media, dealing with the technical side of running an online business, and so on. I am always connected, always checking my emails, and a true vacation is rare. So when I welcomed my first visitor to Thailand and her visit was 100% vacation time for her, I saw this as the perfect opportunity for me to get some R&R, too, instead of working on my laptop until I fall asleep with my head on the keyboard (happens more often than I’d like to admit). The plan was to take some time off together, to splurge on tasty food, take time to relax and to explore together, lay on the beach and enjoy sunset beers. And Koh Tao turned out to be the perfect place to do exactly that. I’d long wanted to visit Koh Tao, the smallest of the three most popular islands in the Gulf of Thailand. It is less touristy than the other two (Koh Samui and Koh Phangan), known for great snorkeling and diving spots, pristine beaches and a clientele of independent and younger travelers. While Samui largely attracts a resort clientele and Phangan is the backpackers haven with now not only a full moon party but also a half moon party, black moon party and I’m sure several other moons to celebrate, Koh Tao attracts mainly divers as it is known to be home to some of the best diving sites in South East Asia.
By Dani – Full Story at Globetrotter Girls
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TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS GAY WORLD: Iowa City, Iowa, Part One
Iowa City has often been referred to as the “Athens of the Midwest” because of it’s rich cultural and educational offerings. Two of Iowa’s certified cultural and entertainment districts are positioned in the heart of Iowa City. The University of Iowa campus, intertwined with Downtown, showcases the Old Capitol Museum, the Pentacrest Museums and other cultural attractions throughout their community. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognized Iowa City as the world’s third City of Literature joining Edinburgh, Scotland and Melbourne, Australia. It is THE only city of Literature in North America! That designation provides additional international luster to the community and serves to validate the area’s long history of nurturing the literary arts and those who appreciate them. Pound for pound, this area constitutes the most literate community in the world! Naturally we were very interested in visiting Iowa City and it really is a tremendous place! We were welcomed to the city by Joshua Schamberger, the President of the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. In our travels from coast to coast, this gentleman was the most professional director of any Convention and Visitor’s Bureau that we have ever encountered. His assistant, Clarissa McPheron, Director of Creative Services at the CVB assisted in our scheduling and was extremely professional. Our first stop was to check into The Brown Street Inn Bed and Breakfast. It is owned by Mark Ruggeberg and Bob Brooks. They have operated the Inn for more than 10 years. It is located at 430 Brown Street which is just a short walk to downtown. It is located in a lovely two story old home and decorated to perfection. Casual elegance in Iowa City’s historic Brown Street neighborhood. It is a 1913 Dutch Colonial Style Mansion and located on a very quiet street and within walking distance to downtown as well as to the University of Iowa campus. Mark and Bob are fabulous hosts. Their website is www.brownstreetinn.com Their toll free number to make reservations is 319.338.0435. Their email is info@brownstreetinn.com They have 5 rooms and one huge suite. They have a computer for guests as well as WiFi for those who bring their laptops. This is one of the finest B and B’s where we have ever stayed. These gentlemen do EVERYTHING the right way. While we were there we met other guests who had stayed there several times in the past. We can certainly understand that once you stay at their Inn that you would want to stay there again and again and again. The first morning when we were there we met two delightful guests from eastern Iowa who were celebrating their anniversary…. Linda and Henry Neuman, both attorneys from a city in Eastern Iowa. She was the first woman to serve as a member of the Iowa Supreme Court in it’s 150 year history. She and her attorney husband were extremely interesting to talk with over breakfast and both are full of stories of their past. We need more people like that! Congratulations on your Anniversary! Another couple staying at the B and B were Kirsten and Ross Smith from greater Indianapolis. Since we had just been to Indianapolis the month before we had a lot to talk about. That is just one of the many reasons why we love staying at a B and B is that you get to meet such wonderful, exciting and interesting people and many times we run in to them again in our travels. We have stayed in over 100 B and B’s and The Brown Street Inn is one of our very favorite ones. In Part Two of our travel columns on Iowa City we will tell you about the many things to do and see and the wonderful dining opportunities that the town has to offer. For a city this size it is really remarkable how much they have to offer. No wonder so many people from coast to coast love to visit Iowa City! Before going, be sure and visit www.iowacitycoralville.org 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 gaytravelers@aol.com and visit their website at http://gaytravelersataol.blogspot.com/
Barangay Bed & Breakfast – Gay B&B in Amsterdam, Netherlands
Periodically we’ll feature one of our properties here to let our readers know about some great gay friendly places to stay: Barangay is a Filipino word meaning small village. Our tropical decorated Amsterdam bed and breakfast guesthouse was built in 1777 on the former coastline of Amsterdam and still has her original facade. The rooms are decorated in nostalgic colonial style with a tropical accent. Each room has cable tv, refrigerator, digital radio alarm clock, coffee/tea making facilities (and video per request), and a private bathroom. Don’t worry – we also have nice beds! The rooms are non-smoking but 2 rooms have garden doors to a small patio where smoking is allowed. One street behind is the longest shopping street in the Netherlands, but Droogbak itself is very quite. All tourist attractions are within walking distance. The Central Station for all kind of public transportation is a short 3 minutes walk. Bars, restaurants, (coffee) shops, canals, bike rentals, and more, you will find just around the corner. It will only take you 20 minutes from Schiphol Airport by car/train. The guesthouse is next to the famous Jordaan quarter, where you can also find Anne Frank’s house. The Area is called ‘the Golden Reaal’it, and is right in the old centre 200 meters southwest from the Central Station. Parallel with ‘Droogbak’ (our street) you will find the Haarlemmerstraat’ and the ‘Brouwersgracht’ (brewery canal). The Haarlemmerstraat is a former sea dike, now a very nice street with restaurants,(coffee) shops, barbers, laundry, and an art-deco cinema etc. The Brouwersgracht is one of the most beautiful canals connecting the 4 main canals. Our B&B is next to the famous Jordaan quarter where you can also find Anne Frank’s house, and markets on Saturday and Mondays. Within easy walking distance:
- Shops & Restaurants: 1 minute
- Central Station: 3 minutes
- Jordaan Area: 3 minutes
- Red Light District: 5 minutes
- Nearest Gay Scene: 5 minutes
- Anne Frank House: 8 minutes
- Dam Square: 10 minutes
- Leidseplein: 25 minutes
See the Barangay Bed & Breakfast Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here
Gay Friendly Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals in the Netherlands
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Key West is the Provincetown of the South – Mostly
We may have just sprung forward, but winter continues to linger throughout much of the U.S.-a fact that may be causing you to dream about getting away to somewhere warm and tropical. In the summer we like to hit up the sandy shores of Provincetown but this time of year is the perfect time to visit Key West. If you haven’t been to visit America’s original gay getaway, you’ll want to check out our 10 reasons why Key West, Florida is the Provincetown of the south plus 1 sexy way Key West stands on its own. 10. Artists Galore TnFrankFence2Like Provincetown, Key West is also known as an artist’s colony. Key West has long been a favorite among gay authors, including playwrights Tennessee Williams, Jerry Herman (Hello, Dolly, La Cage Aux Folles), Terrence McNally, poet Elizabeth Bishop, and novelist Truman Capote. Williams in particular has the distinction of being Key West’s most famous gay denizen and also its gay godfather of sorts. Williams famously wrote of living in Key West, “there is almost nothing to do at all but drink or swim or -.” He also reportedly said of why he loved the island, “I work everywhere, but I work best here.” Williams (far right) lived in Key West for years with his partner Frank Merlo (pictured left of Williams) in a tiny house on Duncan street, which still stands today. Writers seeking inspiration can pay homage to Williams at an exhibit set up here in his honor.
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Iceland on a Budget – Globetrotter Girls
One of the things I say on my About Page is I make mistakes so you don’t have to – and I actually made a big mistake in Iceland. Well, it wasn’t actually a mistake, because I knew I had to hit up one of the big grocery stores before leaving Reykjavik – big supermarkets are sparse on the island, and we wanted to pick up food to make picnic lunches during our road trip – restaurants in Iceland are pricey. And that’s what we did, we went to the first Bonus supermarket we came across, ready to load up the car with groceries. Only that the supermarket didn’t open until 11am (!), and we were there at 9am. So we decided to head off on the first leg of our road trip, assuming we’d be coming back through Reykjavik after driving the Golden Circle. But we didn’t. We headed straight south. And were stuck with a small town grocery store in Vik, with a very limited selection. I put together some other things I’ve learned on my road trip through Iceland to help save you money during your trip, to give you an idea what to expect as for how much things cost, and last but not least some thoughts on renting a car for your trip vs. using public transportation or hitchhike.
Don’t Pay for Water in Iceland
I was surprised when I read on other blogs that travelers had paid for water in Iceland. Icelanders proud themselves of having some of the best water in the world! It comes straight from the spring and is delicious – why would you pay for bottled water?! Plus, you won’t contribute to plastic bottle garbage.By Dani – Full Story at Globetrotter Girls
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Featured Gay Friendly Accommodations: Old Granite Inn, Rockland, Maine
Periodically we’ll feature one of our properties here to let our readers know about some great gay friendly places to stay. The Old Granite Inn Bed & Breakfast, located in the national historic district of Rockland, Maine, is a Federal Colonial built of gray granite quarried nearby in St. George. Local craftsmen fashioned the beautiful structure that still stands today. In the early 1900s, the building was purchased by the ELKS for their clubhouse. In 1984 John and Stephanie Clapp bought the building and through renovation and restoration created the lovely, comfortable Old Granite Inn. In 1997, Ragan and John Cary of St. George, an educator and an engineer respectively, purchased the Inn as their gracious home, continuing the tradition of a fine Bed & Breakfast. Rockland is a wonderful place which we call the, “Gateway to the Penobscot”. Ferry boats depart daily for North Haven and Vinalhaven Islands, which are part of the Fox Islands. There is fresh water swimming on Lake Chickawaukie about two miles from the Inn. Rockland is minutes from the Knox County Airport which has daily commercial air service from Boston, Massachusetts. Explore the city: Rockland is becoming a name in art circles with the opening of the Wyeth center, at the renowned Farnsworth Art Museum. There are interesting and diverse galleries and intriguing shops:
- Farnsworth Art Museum
- The New Wyeth Center: opened on June 21, 1998. American art. Its distinguished collection of over 5000 works spans three centuries.
- Maine Watercraft Museum: 100 boats built prior to 1960. Classes on boat building and rentals.
- Olson House: A “significant place” for those interested in the art of Andrew Wyeth. See
- “Cristina’s World”, 1948, painted by Andrew Wyeth.
- The Owls Head Transportation Museum: One of the worlds finest collections of pioneer automobiles, aircraft, engines, motorcycles, bicycles and carriages.
- Penobscot Marine Museum: The Penobscot Marine Museum is a seafaring village of nine historic buildings with special exhibitions and an excellent collection of marine paintings.
- Shore Village Museum: The largest collection of lighthouse and Coast Guard artifacts on display in the country.
- Out in the country find beaches, parks, lighthouses and mountains to climb. The Rockland area contains the only Knox County mainland lighthouses accessible by car and foot. These are:
- Rockland Breakwater Light-1888/1902: 18′ square tower atop fog signal house at end of granite pier. Access from Samoset Road.
- Owls Head Lights-1825: 20′ white (brick) conical tower built on the peak of the headland and standing 87′ above sea level. From Route 73, take North Shore Drive to Owls Head Village. Follow signs.
- Marshall Point Light-1832/1858: 25′ white (granite) tower with attached foot-bridge. Access from Marshall Point Road, off Route 131, Port Clyde.
- Go to sea: Rockland harbor is home port to windjammers and other tour boats offering luncheon cruises, day trips and extended sails. Take the ferry, across from the inn, to the islands of Vinalhaven or North Haven.
See the Old Granite Inn Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here
Gay Friendly Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals in Maine
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Juston McKinney
Juston McKinney! When NH magazine named Juston McKinney http://glynnhouse.com/events/ ‘Best of NH’ they wrote, “The Granite State may have more famous comedians than you can shake a stick at (Seth Meyers, Sarah Silverman and Adam Sandler to name a few) but no one really ‘gets’ New Hampshire humor like Juston McKinney.” He’s been using the state as his comic muse since he was humoring perps as a deputy sheriff on the NH/ME border in the 1990s. Juston has two Comedy Central Specials including his own one-hour special and multiple appearances on the Tonight Show and on Conan O’Brien, but there’s no place like home! Don’t miss a terrific evening of comedy at the Capitol Center for the Arts April 2. The romantic Glynn House Inn – situated in the heart of New Hampshire’s White Mountains and Lakes Region – offers guests and exceptional experience. A full gluten free breakfast menu is always available. Bring your four-footed canine pal on holiday too. Reserve one of five pet friendly rooms. Venture away from the Inn and enjoy antiquing, art galleries, boating, fine dining, fishing, golf, hiking, historic sites, skiing, snowmobiling, ‘tax free’ shopping and scenic drives along tranquil country roads. Visit the Glynn House website http://www.glynnhouse.com for additional information about the Inn and local activities.]]>
Colombia’s Stunning Valle De Cocora – Globetrotter Girls
This week, I finally visited Colombia’s coffee region, which I had been anticipating since arriving in Colombia a couple of months ago. However, I must admit that I couldn’t enjoy the zona cafeteria as much as I had hoped for… which was partly because I was still battling my sickness (to which a stomach parasite was added) and partly because the weather didn’t fully collaborate. I spent most of my time in the little town of Salento, known to be the heart of Colombia’s coffee region. The town itself, where almost all houses have colorful balconies or brightly painted wooden doors, was a fabulous place to base myself, with a number of cozy coffee shops to while away during the daily downpours, delicious restaurants to eat my way through, and enough artisan shops to make sure my backpack is now fuller than before! For most people, the main attraction is not Salento itself though, but its surrounding: the lush green mountains, and the dozens of coffee plantations that make this region famous. And then there’s the region’s showstopper: the Valle De Cocora, a valley filled with giant wax palms which are unique to this area. These wax palms are the tallest palm trees in the world and can grow up to nearly 200 feet (60 meters) tall – it’s quite a sight to see these giants towering high above you while walking through the valley.
By Dani – Full Story at Globetrotter Girls
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