Donald & Ray - Page 2 of 6

Gay Couples Owning Accommodations – Traveling in Our Fabulous Gay World

March 10, 2018 by J. Scott Coatsworth

For a lot of Gay couples, owning an accommodation is a perfect business for them. Some prefer a Bed and Breakfast, some prefer a resort while others prefer a hotel or motel. We have stayed in dozens of them and we have never seen one problem with a Gay couple owning them. They seem to all work well together with each having and knowing their own duties. It is a great way of meeting people without traveling themselves however more do take off and travel themselves. Actually we know a lot of str8 people who prefer staying in a Gay owned accommodations because they are cleaner, have better breakfasts and decorated better and they KNOW that they will have a great time.

Some of our favorite accommodations that are owned by Gay couples are:

In Santa Fe, the finest B & B is the FAROLITO BED AND BREAKFAST INN. Walt and his partner Wayne have owned it for many years and they are almost booked up all the time. They are within walking distance of downtown and they are located in a beautiful and scenic location. They have the best breakfast and their guests love them and their B and B and return year after year. Wayne and Walt know exactly how to operate their business and they work so smoothly together. Whether you stay there a few days or a week or more, this is the perfect place and Wayne and Walt are so hospitable. Check out their website at: www.farolito.com

In Palm Springs, California we enjoy the ESCAPE RESORT, which is owned by a Gay couple. Mark and Greg. It is one of the longest running, clothing-optional Gay resorts in the area. It is located within walking distance from downtown. They have 12 rooms from Queen and King and Suites. Mark and Greg KNOW how to treat their guests and that is why they have so many repeat guests that return. Different Gay resorts offer different things and the Escape Resort offers everything that one would want. You can be as private as you want to be or you can mingle with the other guests at all hours day and night. Mark and Greg are the perfect hosts and will certainly take care that you have a wonderful time staying with them. Their website is: www.escapepalmsprings.com

In Iowa City, Iowa we love the Brown Street Inn. Bob and his husband Mark have owned the Inn for several years. We think that this is the finest Inn in the entire Midwest. The Inn is within walking distance to downtown. They have 6 beautifully decorated rooms. It is true casual elegance in Iowa City’s historic Brown Street neighborhood. It is a 1913 Gambrel style Mansion. Guests from all over have heard about the Inn and how beautiful and historic it is. A short walk and you can find museums, shopping, entertainment and a lot of restaurants however they are located on a very quiet street. We LOVE this place and Iowa City as well! These gentlemen do EVERYTHING the ‘right way’ and that is why their guests have been returning for years.

Their website is www.brownstreetinn.com

In Boothbay Harbor, Maine, we enjoyed the TOPSIDE INN. Mark and his husband Buzz are the owners. They also have separate guest cottages to the side of the main house. They have a total of 21 guest rooms. With a picture-perfect location at the highest point in Boothbay Harbor which is a classic Maine Seacoast town, this 19th Century Sea Captain’s home has panoramic harbor views, seaside perennial gardens and quiet places to relax while steps away from downtown. The main house and their two classic summer guesthouses offers stylish and comfortable accommodations as well as indoor and outdoor common spaces to enjoy the magnificent views. When we last stayed there we met some wonderful and interesting guests. Their website is: https://topsideinn.com/

We can certainly understand why so many Gay couples own accommodations from coast to coast. It can be exciting, interesting and you do get to meet a lot of people across the country as well as from other countries who are visiting the United States.

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/

Las Vegas Gay Travel Resources

What Happened to the Gay Bars? – Traveling in Our Fabulous Gay World

February 24, 2018 by J. Scott Coatsworth

Years ago, Gays went to the bars to meet people, have fun and enjoy being with other Gay people. In today’s world with the acceptance of Gays, Gays can go to straight bars and feel just as comfortable as going to a Gay bar.

Other factors have stopped people from going out to the bars. Cover charges for no reason is one thing. For those who are not into drag queen shows, they have opted out of going to bars. Last year we went to a leather bar in St. Louis and they had drag queens performing. Several customers did an about face and walked out of the bar.

A lot of bars have bachelorette parties where straight women come in to see the drag shows and makes the Gays feel very uncomfortable. It makes money for the bar owners but they are alienating the Gay clientele.

Rising cost of drinks and the “drinking and driving” idea has stopped a lot of people from going to bars. And then there is the Smartphone and the different websites to ‘hook up’ and that has had a tremendous effect on bar business.
Embedded1519417024670.png

Rising costs of operating a business with rent, insurance, utilities, etc. are rising and forcing a lot of bars out of business. There are also a lot of owners of Gay bars who simply don’t understand how to operate a business. Long ago all you had to do was open a Gay bar and Gays would flock to the bar. This certainly is not the case anymore.

Since we travel from coast to coast a lot, we have walked in to hundreds of Gay bars or the past many years. We have seen bartenders rip off the owners and in today’s world the worst thing is to have a bartender on his smart phone and doesn’t even seem to care if you are there or not. There are a few Gay bars that still do it right and take care of their paying customers and we salute them.

Some of the bars that we really enjoyed in the past and now out of business are listed below:

The Tropics in Ft. Lauderdale which we have been going to for years closed their doors last year. It was always packed and one of the busiest bars in the city. It was sold and the new owners simply didn’t know how to operate a business properly so what was once a real cash cow, now is closed. In a resort city like Ft. Lauderdale one really has to be dumb to lose a bar such as this. Thankfully another smart businessman opened up the old Chardee’s which had been around for years until it closed about 13 years ago. Now 95% of all the patrons of the old Tropics will drink down there.

Burkhart’s in Atlanta had been a very thriving Gay for many years and we have been there several times on our driving trip down to Ft. Lauderdale. Some owners just don’t get it ! Any business depends on it’s customer base and for some strange reason, the owner turned out to be VERY racially stupid. All of his staff left and his customers stopped going there as well. Yep, he had to close the doors last January. Atlanta had already had two other bars closed due to not enough business.

The Palace Bar in South Beach which has been an “institution” for years was getting ready to close do to high rent, however the owner was able to find another location just 2 blocks away so the Palace will continue.

The Gangway in San Francisco, the city’s oldest Gay bar there closed last month. We have been to San Francisco many times over the years and never even heard of it. We had always thought that the Twin Peaks bar in Castro was the oldest Gay bar in the city. Well, we guess that is now !

The Double Header in Seattle, which was thought to be the oldest Gay bar in the country closed a couple of years ago.

One of our very favorite Gay bars was the Black Crown in Denver, Colorado. It was a very upscale and handsome bar. Unfortunately the owners simply did not know how to operate the business and then sold it a guy who really didn’t know how to operate a business. Sadly it also closed after just a couple of years.

In life, things change and the intelligent people know that they have to change with it. Just always remember the good times.

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

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

TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS GAY WORLD: How We Travel

February 3, 2018 by J. Scott Coatsworth

We get a lot of inquires as to how we travel, as in flying, drive a car or RV or what. We have been writing our national travel columns now for 18 years. Except for one time when we took Amtrak on a 2 week trip out to the West coast, we always drive an automobile. We travel rather “light”. NOT! as we always have clothing with us for any occasion including tuxedos, coat and tie, western gear, leather gear, bluejeans and sweaters, polo shirts, cabana outfits and swimwear for the beach, etc. Yes, we do take a lot with us as you can see by the below photo.

We of course always have our final destination planned out, but when traveling to either coast we have to plan where to stop along the way and we usually just play that by ear. Long time ago we have learned that there is always a room at motels along the way. When you are driving and get to a new State, be sure and stop in their ‘welcoming center’ as they have free motel/hotel coupon books where you can get for 25% to 50% off the regular rates.

We have stayed at Ramada Inns and Holiday Inns in some States for under $50.00 with those coupons! Most of the centers have free coffee and tea. On our way back from our California trip in December, we stayed in a WIGWAM!!! at the 1950’s Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, Arizona where each guest had their own Wigwam! and yes, it did have modern features inside.

Dining on the road is a challenge. We usually go with the local restaurants and check them out on line before we go to thru that town. Outside restaurants is one of our favorite places for breakfast or lunch.

Whether a chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes and gravy or a local Mexican restaurant, we always try to find new and interesting places to dine. For dinner, we prefer fine dining at restaurants where we have dined before.

Finally on the subject of dining, we always enjoy dining at places where we cannot dine in the city where we live, which mean, no chain restaurants!

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

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

TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS GAY WORLD: Meeting Old and New Friends

January 19, 2018 by J. Scott Coatsworth

On our last driving trip to California we enjoyed seeing old friends and meeting new ones. We have known the Countess Alexis Del Lago for 18 years. Unfortunately time has taken it’s toll with her and she has had some health issues including a stroke, but she is still going.

In the past she has entertained in New York City years ago. A great video on her is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rSnHG_htY4 Another wonderful video was made by Craig Calman: http://worldofwonder.net/meet-the-legendary-and-reclusive-alexis-del-lago/.

She invited us to her apartment in West Hollywood this time where we reminisced about old times and a glorious past. At least she has had a glorious past which is more than we can say about a lot of people. Live well Countess !

The next day we had breakfast with the noted Hollywood Agent, Budd Burton Moss. Among his many entertainers that we agent for was Rita Hayworth plus many more ! He and his wife have lived in Beverly Hill, California forever. We had breakfast at the famous La Conversation Bakery/Cafe, which has been around for more than 30 years there.

You can either enjoy your meal inside or sit on their front patio and watch the people walk by. http://www.laconversationbakery.com/ Last year Budd Burton Moss came out with his biography which we wrote up,
https://www.purpleroofs.com/gay-travel-blog/2017/06/summer-reads-traveling-fabulous-gay-world-hollywood-sometimes-reality-better-dream.html He is in his 80’s and knows all the good stories and tales about ‘Old Hollywood’.

On to Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills with all of it’s glitz and glamour. We walked by one store, looked in and knew we had to enter. Peter Marco ‘Extraordinary Jewels’ is the place and located at 252 North Rodeo Drive. Peter is the owner and he dresses the part! When you are one of the finest jewelry stores in California why not dress the part ? Who wants to buy a diamond ring or jewelry from someone wearing bluejeans ? Peter has a flawless reputation for selling the finest diamonds. No trip to Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive would be complete without visiting his shop. His website is: www.petermarco.com

Driving home thru Arizona we always stop and see our friend, Paul Winer who owns the Reader’s Oasis Used Book Store in Quartzsite, Arizona located on Interstate 10. One does not need an address to find the store, however it is located at 690 East Main St. Quartzsite is just a very small town, population around 3,500 however in the months of January and February, RV’ers descend on the town.

Paul and his wife have owned the bookstore for many years. He offers a huge selection of used books in every subject matter. Thousands of tourists a year stop to see him and his store. Paul is a VERY interesting guy and he is also a “NUDIST”. The only thing he wears is his cowboy hat, a Turquoise blossom necklace and a ‘penis’ sock. Yep, you read that correctly. His wife is always fully dressed.

So when you go in, forget about the world and visit with Paul. He also sings and plays the piano. Here are a couple of videos to check out on him: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_ZvmTCBn4M and also
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4X9Ob7Y88sQ

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

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

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway – Traveling in Our Fabulous Gay World

December 29, 2017 by J. Scott Coatsworth

If you have never been on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway you have certainly missed a very exciting experience. Thousands of visitors visit the city but have no idea what an educational experience it is take the Aerial Tramway.

Palm Springs has an altitude of only 479 feet however when you drive 15 minutes to the base of the Tramway Valley Station, you at 2,643 feet. Then you take the Tramway up to over 8,500 feet and the temperatures are 30 degrees cooler so be and proper clothing with you.

It is the largest rotating aerial tramway in the world and opened in September, 1963. It goes from the Coachella Valley to near the top of San Jacinto Peak. In 1998, the Tramway said that they were embarking on news cars and update its facilities.

In September of 2000, passengers first rode the world’s largest rotating tramcars.

Once you are at the top station, you have a large variety of things to see and do. They have a very upscale restaurant, Peaks Restaurant where we had a great lunch while overlooking the valley below. Ryan was our server and he did an outstanding job.They also have a Pines Cafe which is more informal and cafeteria style. They also have the Lookout Lounge for drinks and appetizers and a great gift shop.

You can walk outside on the Long Valley deck and view the beautiful Mt. San Jacinto State Park.

For those you like to ‘rough it’ you can a Guided Nature Walk or hike on your own in the over 50 miles of trails. They have three different hiking trails for novice, experienced as well as expert hikers. We chose not to take those hikes. Plus if you are very adventurous you can even go camping overnight!

In the downstairs Valley station they have a documentary movie showing the building of the Aerial Tramway. Visiting the Palm Springs Aerial Tram is one of the World’s greatest wonders and something that you remember for a lifetime.

As we travel around the country we are so fortunate to meet a lot of professional people. Greg Purdy, Vice President of Marketing and Public Affair or the Tramway is one such person. We first met Greg when he was the Director of Marketing for the Palm Springs Follies. He is extremely professional. Thanks Greg for doing things the right way!

For more information on the Aerial Tram; 888-515-8726 or email them at pstramway@pstramway.com and their website is www.pstramway.com

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

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

TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS GAY WORLD: A Two Week Driving Trip to California

December 4, 2017 by J. Scott Coatsworth

We decided to take a 2 week driving trip from our home in greater Kansas City to California. We always travel by auto and there are good Interstates all the way there. We usually stop in small towns for lunch and dinner since we really are not into chain restaurants. Usually they are good as they are so far on this trip.

Kansas is 400 miles long and really nothing to see or visit. However they do have largest Catholic Church in the Midwest which was built out of limestone over a year ago, so we did visit it. The architecture is very interesting.

Our first day’s stop was in Limon, Colorado which is a very small town. We always talk to everyone and a semi truck driver came in and we were talking with him. He had a truck load of Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream.

We kept telling him how much we enjoyed Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream, but being such a small town they didn’t have any at the only small grocery store in town. Yep, he felt sorry for us and went out to his semi and brought back a 1/2 gallon for us. It PAYS to talk to people!

Our second night was in the middle of Utah and the only place to stay is in Green River which has a population of 952 and most everyone works in the 10 motels in town.

Needless to say after the sun goes down, there is absolutely nothing to do in town. However the scenery along Interstate 70 is absolutely incredible. Native American Indians are selling their hand made wares at the rest areas.

The next night we stayed in Primm, Nevada which is about 40 miles southwest of Las Vegas. Room rates at the resorts are like $39.95 so is much less expensive than staying in Las Vegas. We were both lucky on the penny slot machines. Ray first won $49.60 and Donald won $176.50. So that was a nice surprise!

At the Resort where we stayed they had on permanent display the actual auto that Bonnie and Clyde were killed in – with dozens of bullet holes in it.

Then, next, onward to West Hollywood where the temperatures are tremendously warm! Upon arriving to Hollywood the news came out that Jim Nabors had died so we went immediately to his Star on the Hollywood Walk of Stars on Hollywood Blvd. Flowers had already been placed at his star by fans.

Now we will have a very interesting time in West Hollywood and then more fun times in Palm Springs before driving back home.

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

Proud members of the IGLTA. You can email them at gaytravelers@aol.com and visit their website at http://gaytravelersataol.blogspot.com/

TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS GAY WORLD: Signs of the Times

November 18, 2017 by J. Scott Coatsworth

Since 99% of the time we always drive coast to coast, besides being able to visit a lot of very interesting sights we also get to see a lot of very interesting signs along the highways and as we drive into a town. Smaller towns seems to have the best interesting signs.

We don’t know if they are really trying to attract more people or that they are really just ignorant as to their signage.

Either way, we are showing some of the signs that we have seen in our travels around the country and some are so unbelievable that we had to stop and take photos.

We are not going to tell what towns or cities that these are in but of course most are in the “Deep South”. Most all of these are in small towns but we do fine some very interesting ones on the Interstates as well.

We get a lot of emails from readers asking where our next trip is.

We leave the end of November on a driving trip to Denver and across Utah to Las Vegas and then to West Hollywood for a few days and then on to Palm Springs and then the drive back to Kansas City.

In Winslow, Arizona we will be staying at the Wigwam Motel and each unit is in the shape of a Teepee. Should be very interesting. Meanwhile enjoy some of the photos here that we have found in our travels.

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

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

TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS GAY WORLD: Omaha, Nebraska

October 26, 2017 by J. Scott Coatsworth

There are a lot of cities in the country that for some reason or another, travelers just don’t think about. Omaha, Nebraska might be one of those cities however it is a very vibrant and live city where the arts and culture as well as many other things of full of places to visit.

One is the Joslyn Art Museum. It is located just south of downtown at 5200 Dodge Street. The galleries begin with the Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque artists, and continues with 18th and 19th Century works by British and French painters and concludes with Impressionism and Modernism. You will also fine sculptures, photography as well as a large variety of art at the Museum. One of our favorites is a wonderful oil painting by the British born Artist, J. G. Brown who later moved to New York City and became famous for his depictions of street urchins found on the streets (bootblacks, street musicians, posy sellers, newsboys, etc).

They are open everyday but Mondays. In keeping with the tradition of a lot of other art museums around the country there is no admission fee. Check out their website at http://www.joslyn.org/visit/

While there be sure and visit the Museum’s Peter Kiewit Foundation Sculpture Garden which is open all year from 7 AM to 11 PM and again that admission is also free.

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is certainly something that you do not want to miss. It is ranked one of the world’s finest zoos with over 130 acres. It is the home to the world’s largest indoor desert and the largest indoor rainforest in North American. You can explore exotic locations and underground caves to see thousands of animals from around the world in their natural habitant with more than 7 acres of indoor exhibits! The Zoo is located at 3701 South 10th St. and their website is: http://www.omahazoo.com. Plan on spending the entire day there.

Omaha sits right on the Missouri so simply drive over the bridge into Council Bluffs, Iowa and visit Casinos if you are into that.

Downtown Omaha is alive and well and unlike so many other cities, It is all happening right downtown. They do have a very vibrant nightlife there. The MAX, 1417 Jackson St, in the Old Market District has been around for years. They have different levels and rooms and there is always something for everyone. Flixx Video Bar, 1019 South 10th Street is a music video bar. Omaha Mining Company, 1715 Leavenworth St. is more of a neighborhood bar and we have been going there for years. As in most cities in today’s world, Gays and Lesbians are welcomed anywhere and that is certainly so in Omaha.

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

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

TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS GAY WORLD – Book Review: A Body to Die For

October 7, 2017 by J. Scott Coatsworth

A very recent book came out on the beautiful Hollywood star, Joi Lansing. Born in 1929 with the real name of Joy Rae Brown in Salt Lake, City, Utah she made her first major Hollywood movie, ‘When a Girl’s Beautiful’ in 1947 and continued throughout her short life and her last film was ‘Bigfoot in 1970.

All in all, she appeared in over 30 movies including, ‘Easter Parade’, ‘In the Good Old Summertime’, “Singing in the Rain’ and ‘A Hole in the Head’ with Frank Sinatra.

The author, Alexis Hunter was also her lover and constant companion for the final years of her short life. Joi died as a result of breast cancer in 1972 at the age of 43.

Besides being a Hollywood actress, Joi also performed on television and did nightclub performances. In her movies, she was frequently dressed in skimpy costumes and bikinis that showed off her ’34D bust’. She was often compared to Mamie Van Doren and Jayne Mansfield. Among the dozens of television shows that she appeared in were: I Love Lucy, Where’s Raymond ?, Petticoat Junction, The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, The Beverly Hillbillies and Bat Masterson.

However the book delves into the private lives of Joi and the author. Joi had been married and was still married to her last husband but the author, Alexis Hunter became a strong force in her life. The husband lived in another residence as Joi and Alexis lived together. When Joi was diagnosed with breast cancer, the two women really bonded as one and what a beautiful story it was.

This is a must read for anyone who enjoys the story of two people (in this case, two women) in love and the trials of trying to overcome what society did not appreciate. They even had to tell the world that Alexis was Joi’s young sister as they traveled around the country. This book is a true love story. Whether straight or gay or lesbian, readers will really enjoy this book. We recommend it highly. ‘JOI LANSING: A Body to Die For’ can be purchased thru Amazon.com

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

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

TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS GAY WORLD: Edith “Edie Windsor

September 16, 2017 by J. Scott Coatsworth

President Barack Obama said it best: “Former President Barack Obama offered his condolences Tuesday following the death of Edith Windsor, 88, an LGBT rights activist whose lawsuit against the federal government led to the federal recognition of same-sex couples.

“America’s long journey towards equality has been guided by countless small acts of persistence, and fueled by the stubborn willingness of quiet heroes to speak out for what’s right. Few were as small in stature as Edie Windsor and few made as big a difference to America,” Obama said in a statement. Windsor sued the government when she received a bill for an estate tax after the passing of her first wife, which led the Supreme Court to issue a decision in 2013 overturning part of the Defense of Marriage Act.

“In my second inaugural address, I said that if we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well,” Obama said Tuesday. “The day that the Supreme Court issued its 2013 ruling in United States v. Windsor was a great day for Edie, and a great day for America — a victory for human decency, equality, freedom, and justice. And I called Edie that day to congratulate her.”

Edith is survived by her second wife Judith Kasen-Windsor, whom she married in 2016 after the Obergefell v. Hodges decision guaranteeing the right of same-sex couples to marry.

“I thought about Edie that day,” Obama said of Windsor’s landmark case, “I thought about all the millions of quiet heroes across the decades whose countless small acts of courage slowly made an entire country realize that love is love — and who, in the process, made us all more free.”

THANK YOU EDIE WINDSOR AND THANK YOU PRESIDENT OBAMA ! You both have made us proud to be Americans! and YOU have made America GREAT again in the true sense ! Edie’s website is http://www.ediewindsor.com/

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

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