Comedian Bob Marley! http://glynnhouse.com/events/ You’ve seen Bob on LENO, LETTERMAN, CONAN, the 
late show with Craig Ferguson, and the movie BOONDOCK SAINTS! Comedian Bob Marley returns to the Palace stage this spring Celebrating 16 years as a stand-up comic, he is one of the hottest and most sought-after comedians in the country. He has been featured in his own special on Comedy Central, and is one of the few comics to do the complete late- night TV circuit: ‘The Late Show’ with David Letterman, ‘The Tonight Show’ with Jay Leno, ‘Late Night’ with Conan O’Brien and ‘The Late Late Show’ with Craig Ferguson and Craig Kilborn. Enjoy a phenomenal evening of comedy at the Palace Theatre April 8 – 9.
Book your Palace Theatre accommodation at the romantic Glynn House Inn. Guests enjoy gracious surroundings, delicious food, uncompromising service and genuine hospitality. A multi-course gourmet breakfast is 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. Bring your favorite four-footed canine pal. Reserve one of five pet friendly rooms. Pamper yourself and book an in-room massage – available in most guest rooms.
Are you looking for other spring activities during your visit to New Hampshire’s spectacular White Mountains and Lakes Regions? Venture away from the Inn and enjoy art galleries, boating, fine dining, fishing, golf, hiking, historic sites, tax free shopping or simply experience the delightful New Hampshire countryside. Inn guests enjoy savings on many spring activities. View the Glynn House website http://www.glynnhouse.com for additional information about the Inn, special offers and local activities.]]>
Gay Travel
Fountainebleau – The Paris Day Trip You Must Take
Due to popular demand we’ve added one more Paris-related article to our recent series on the City of Light. This one is a day trip to Fontainebleau, our favorite nearby castle besides Versailles. In some ways, visiting Versailles during your trip to Paris has become so commonplace it borders on cliche. It’s not so much a day-trip as an extension of the city itself; as important to your Parisian cultural experience as a day at the Louvre, or a walk along the Seine.
In other words, you don’t need us to tell you to visit Versailles, just as you don’t need us to hold your hand on the way to the Eiffel Tower. But we thought you should know, there are other fish in the sea, and the Chateau Fontainebleau is one of our favorites. It’s not as well known, which also means it’s a bit less expensive and not as overrun with tourists and easy to get to; the palace is 34 miles southeast of Paris and accessible by train. The palace is, however, every bit as fabulous as Versailles, with a rich and longer history all its own.
Fountainebleau, a convenient day trip from Paris in Towleroad and in ManAboutWorld gay travel magazineBuilt in the 12th century, it was first used as a hunting lodge for the Kings of France (specifically Louis VII and Louis IX) and later expanded in the 16th century by King Henry II, and again by Henry IV. It is the birthplace and burial grounds of many French kings and has survived nearly a thousand years of revolutions and conflicts, remaining one of the world’s grandest estates.
By Ed Salvato – Full Story at Towleroad.com
Inn at Cedar Falls, Logan, Ohio – Featured Gay Friendly Bed & Breakfast
Periodically we’ll feature one of our properties here to let our readers know about some great gay friendly places to stay:
Hocking Hills’ The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls, in Logan, Ohio, features a setting that puts guests in tune with the harmony of nature, the peace of solitude and the simple joys of the Earth’s beauty. Mammoth rock formations, caves and waterfalls native to the Hocking Hills, Ohio region share their breathtaking beauty with the Inn’s charming cottages, 1840’s log cabins and antique-filled bed and breakfast rooms. Hocking Hills State Parks surround the Inn on three sides. Also within a three miles of the Inn are such tourist attractions as Ash Cave, Old Man’s Cave and Cedar Falls. Rock House, Natural Rockbridge, Conkle’s Hollow and the charming town of Logan, Ohio are also nearby.
One of the finest bed and breakfast stays in the Hocking Hills, Ohio region, the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls offers nine, antique-filled bed and breakfast rooms with individual heating and air-conditioning. Each inn room is furnished with two twin beds or a queen-size bed, small writing desk, towel warmers, hair dryers, cd music player, comfortable sitting chair and a private bath. Now Available-Wireless Internet Access in our Inn Rooms and Common Room!
Five renovated 1840’s log cabins accommodate up to four. Each Hocking Hills cabin has a deck with porch swing, cooking facilities and its own wooded lot. After a day of hiking the Hocking Hills, the gas log stoves and whirlpool tubs are cozy additions.
Each cottage features a room with a queen or king size bed, two-person whirlpool tub and separate shower, gas log stove and under counter refrigerator. Enjoy stargazing off the back deck or sitting under the tin roof listening to the rain.
A unique dining experience awaits our Hocking Hills guests in the double log cabin originally constructed in the 1840s. The open kitchen is the heart of this bed and breakfast inn, where guests may chat while watching gourmet meals being prepared from scratch. Fine American cuisine is the specialty and in-season patio dining is available.
Relax at the hands of trained therapist, at our secluded spa. We offer guests a full range of massage and bodywork.
Come enjoy all that Hocking Hills, Ohio has to offer.
See the Inn at Cedar Falls Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here
Gay Friendly Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals in Ohio
]]>
No Pink Party in the Castro This Year
San Francisco Supervisor Scott Wiener confirmed Thursday that there will be no Pink Party in the city’s gay Castro district the Saturday before the annual LGBT Pride parade.
Following a March 17 meeting with key stakeholders, Wiener told the Bay Area Reporter that there will be no street closures this year. In previous years, the streets were closed for the unofficial party.
The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence had produced what was known as Pink Saturday for nearly two decades. Last year, however, the Sisters decided to end their oversight of the street party due to escalating violence. A sister and his husband were attacked in 2014, while Stephen Powell, 19, died after being shot toward the end of the party in 2010.
By Cynthia Laird – Full Story at the BAR
San Francisco Gay Travel Resources
]]>
Angkor Wat?
Oh yes, Angkor Wat and the the Cambodian temples – a bucket list favorite and truly outstanding, if you love ruins. From a distance their enormity and grandeur awed and humbled us as we realized what the toil of thousands of workers had produced. But seriously folks, once inside the huge blocks of stone and surrounded by countless depictions of gods, warriors and dancing girls the excess of it all melds together.
To the uninitiated, one interior is like another as they trudge across vast anterooms and then face stairs up to the towers, stairs down to the gardens, stairs up to the gates, stairs down to the pool and stairs up to the main stairs. At every point, the eyes are inundated with imposing statues, elaborate columns and enormous carved panels depicting battles, rituals and kings all with names having six to10 syllables which were reverently intoned by our guide. He had learned it all by rote and happily rattled on (and on) listing everyone’s pedigree and claim to fame.
Also included were minute details regarding the hero’s inevitable companion – usually a lion, three-headed elephant, monkey or bullfrog. Our heads aching and reeling from the mostly incomprehensible verbal deluge, but so grateful for the finale, we gushed our thanks and tipped him hugely before trekking half a mile to our tuk-tuk and hurdling on to the next massive dilapidation whose rooms, towers and corridors duplicated what we just left, including the stairs.
By Bill Hanson – Full Story at LGBT Weekly
]]>
Cruising Turkey
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.
Bodrum
This vibrant city is the fashionable place to go for Istanbul socialites. Beautiful beaches, spirited nightclubs, and world class cuisine are all found in this former fishing village.DO
If you enjoy history, go to the Underwater Archaeology Museum located within Bodrum Castle. The largest museum dedicated to marine archaeology in the world, items from local shipwrecks dating back to the late-Bronze age can be seen. Get insight into the colorful gay culture of Turkey with a visit to the Zeki Muren Arts Museum. Turkey’s version of Liberace, Zeki Muren, was a famous cross-dressing singer, composer and actor in the 1970s and 80s. This was his Bodrum home until his death in 1996 and houses his flamboyant costume and art collection.STAY
The Mandarin Oriental Bodrum is is the ultimate modern and luxurious hotel above Paradise Bay. Relax by one of the 4 pools, or grab a lounge chair on one of the private beaches. You can also spend the day getting body treatments, facials or Thalassotherapy at the beautiful spa.EAT
For a low key, easy going café try Frappe Bodrum. Pasha the dog welcomes all visitors at this gay-friendly establishment. Breakfast is plentiful in the mornings and the vegetarian burger is one of the best in town. There is live music on most evenings throughout the summer.
Fethiye
Fethiye is the port where many blue cruises begin. Before or after your journey along the Turquoise Coast, spend a few days in the sublime nature of this area.DO
The beaches in Fethiye, especially in Oludeniz (dead sea), are world-famous for their serenity. Pull up a lounge chair at Sea Horse Beach and sip chilled wine as you watch the day pass by. Gemiler beach is a bit secluded and less crowded than the super popular Calis beach.
If you enjoy extreme sports, go paragliding from the top of Babadag Mountain. The view from the sky is unbelievable!
The best way to convene with nature is camping. Lilith Camp in Kabak Cove is gay-owned and shows the true meaning of Turkish hospitality. Just a 5-minute walk to the beach, this colorful camp offers bungalows for those who don’t prefer to pitch a tent. The parties in Kabak are well-known by EDM lovers.
STAY
Yediburunlar Lighthouse is a lovely guest house surrounded by forested beauty, in case you need a break from the parties in the city. The homemade meals are prepared with local, seasonal ingredients, so enjoy the fruits of Mother earth. Another gay-owned establishment is the Gul Baba House in Kalkan. Located on a hill overlooking the city and harbour of Kalkan, this rustic home has a minimum stay of 1 week.EAT
Arty’s Fish and Chips is the closest flavor to home, that is if you’re from the UK or Australia. Sit outside and enjoy a cold Efes beer while you wait, or have food delivered if you can’t manage to leave your comfortable hotel balcony. The city comes alive at night, so options for merry making are ample. The best cocktails in Fethiye are at 4 Corner Bar where the atmosphere is relaxed, but the music is lively.Antalya
There are weekly and daily blue cruises from the famous party city of Antalya, so stay here as long as you wish.DO
The historical sites in this region are vast. The amphitheater at Aspendos is the most unspoiled Greco-Roman theatre in the world. The International Opera and Ballet Festival has performances here throughout the summer. There are clubs galore in Antalya! Inferno is the most intense example of dancing bodies in the city. During foam party nights, bubbles encompass the dancefloor to ensure everyone is truly soaked. Ceyn Athena Club is a popular gay bar in Kaleici, the old town. As with every club you visit, be sure to ask the price of drinks when you order. Some places can be highly overpriced.STAY
A trendy, sophisticated hotel near the beach is Hotel Su. Mood lighting is the specialty in this luxury resort in the city center. All rooms have balconies to gaze on the swimmers and sunbathers at the pool below. Dining on Turkish, Asian and Italian cuisine takes place inside or outdoors at the lounge, poolside, the beach, or the sushi restaurant. For the ultimate pleasurable experience stay at Royal Adam and Eve Hotel. The walls are covered with mirrors at every step and the modern, sleek design inspires sensations of all kinds. The hotel is ideal for couples and honeymooners.EAT
In the old town, Vanilla is a nice contemporary restaurant set within Ottoman architecture. Dishes are prepared with (mostly) regionally selected items. ]]>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
]]>
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
]]>
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.
]]>