POP CULTURE:
Gay Couple Seek Revenge on Homophobic B&B Owner in New Thriller (Pink News)
A film about a gay couple who plot against a b&b owner who turns them away has found funding.
full story
POP CULTURE:
Trailer for Gaycation (Joe.My.God)
VICELAND, VICE’s new TV network, launched the first trailer for GAYCATION, a brand new series hosted by Ellen Page and Ian Daniel.
full story
ABU DHABI:
The Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi (Keep Calm and Wander)
The Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi is where you should stay—if you have the cash to burn. This hotel spells luxury and opulence of the Emirati world. “Everywhere around”, as my brother said, “is pure magnificent!”
full story
AUSTRALIA:
Hot Aussies Having Fun In The Sun At Midsumma Festival In Melbourne (Gay Star News)
Midsumma Festival is officially back with a bang.
full story
DUBAI:
Desert Sunset (Keep Calm and Wander)
Desert sunset is breathtakingly magical. Behind the sea of sand, the orange ball goes down like a ball of fire, leaving an impression that makes us all sigh, hoping to see again the next day.
full story
EUROPE:
8 Best LGBT Events & Festivals in Europe 2016 (Travels of Adam)
February is traditionally the UK’s LGBT History Month. Over the past few years as LGBT individuals have gained more and more equal rights, there’s been a shift in traditional gay culture.
full story
FRANCE:
Three reasons to visit Paris in 2016 (Gay Star News)
If you’ve never been to Paris before there is an enormous list of must-do tourist essentials that will easily fill your time during your stay – climb the Eiffel Tower, wander around the Louvre, stroll along the Seine, sit in cafe and look intellectual.
full story
ICELAND:
10 Reasons Not to Miss Rainbow Reykjavik (Gay Star News)
It started as an experiment by then-new LGBTI travel company Pink Iceland – with support from Icelandic industry heavy-hitters, including national carrier Icelandair.
full story
RUSSIA:
Gus Kenworthy and His Boyfriend Weren’t Allowed to Share a Bed in Russia (Towleroad.com)
Gus Kenworthy says that while attending a competition in Russia ahead of the 2014 Sochi Olympics he and his then-boyfriend were denied a room with a double bed by a Russian hotel. Hotel staff reportedly told Kenworthy, “Two guys can’t be in the same bed.”
full story
USA, CALIFORNIA:
Dinah’ 2016 Lineup Revealed (LGBT Weekly)
Club Skirts has revealed its entertainment line-up for The Dinah 2016. The Palm Springs, California-based all girl party and music festival will again take place over the span of five days (March 30 through April 3, 2016) at the Hilton Hotel, the PS Convention Center and Zeldaz Nightclub.
full story
USA, WASHINGTON:
Inside Starbucks’ Massive Seattle Roasting Facility (Shermans Travel)
Less than two miles away from Starbucks’ original Pike Place Market store sits its latest Seattle location: a 15,000-square-foot-plus café, roastery, and packaging facility perched on Capitol Hill.
full story
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Gay Travel
Asheville Oak Cottage – Lesbian Owned Asheville Vacation Rental
Periodically we’ll feature one of our properties here to let our readers know about some great gay friendly places to stay.
My romantic cozy home is 2000 sq ft, two stories and is very private. The very large( almost an acre) yard is completely enclosed, including the large off street parking area. There are two outdoor seating areas, gas grill and a fire pit. Lots of safe rooms for pet or people play. It is surrounded by beautiful majestic Oak trees that provide wonderful shade and gorgeous fall colors. It has two extra large bedrooms, each with king beds, one normal size bedroom with queen bed and a third semi private room with a queen size sleeper. The bedrooms all have a TV and nice bedding. There is a beautiful large bath with a six foot claw foot tub and shower, wonderful towels and its own private balcony to sit in the sun after your luxurious soak.
See the Asheville Oak Cottage Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here
Gay Friendly Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals in Asheville, North Carolina
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Featured Gay Friendly Accommodations: Almost Home Inn Ogunquit, Ogunquit, Maine
Periodically we’ll feature one of our properties here to let our readers know about some great gay friendly places to stay.
Nestled within walking distance to Ogunquit village, this absolutely charming inn provides all that you need to have an amazing vacation. Hop on the trolley and tour Perkins Cove or head into town for some of the best shopping around. Take a walk on the Marginal Way and you will be moved to extend your vacation. Ogunquit Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in America, with miles of white sand, accented by gorgeous dunes and a lazy tidal river. Almost Home Inn Ogunquit is your place to relax and recharge. Watch old movies and play games in our cozy common room or read a good book on the sun drenched patio.
See the Almost Home Inn Ogunquit Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here
Gay Friendly Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals in Ogunquit
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City Sundays: Florence
Hey all,
Welcome to our weekly series on the blog and our Facebook travel groups – City Sundays. Each week we’ll select a different LGBT friendly city to talk about, and we’ll invite our innkeeper and travel agent/tour operator friends to come talk with us about it as well.
Florence is truly a world-class city. It’s extremely walkable, and it’s the cultural heart of Italy. There are so many great museums here, and one of the finest pieces of art celebrating the male form – David by Michelangelo – is here as well. Seeing David is almost a religious experience. It’s hard to explain, but seeing this statue that we have all seen in pictures a thousand times is nothing short of stunning. Florence is also a world-class food capital, with some amazing restaurants. And it’s a great base for exploring Tuscany.
Have you ever been? What did you do while you were there?
Do you wanna go?
Let’s chat! Join the conversation here:
Gay (Men) Travelers: Gay Travel Club
Lesbian Travelers: Lesbian Travel Club
Transgender Travelers: Transgender Travel Club
Bisexual Travelers: Bi Travel Club
LGBT Families: LGBT Families Travel Club
Check out our Florence page here:
https://www.purpleroofs.com/europe/italy/ittuscany/ittuseastern.html
And our Florence articles on the blog here:
https://www.purpleroofs.com/gay-travel-blog/?s=Florence]]>
Purple Roofs LGBT Travel Newsletter: February 7th
Purple Roofs Newsletter. Every day, our LGBT Travel Blog brings you featured LGBT travel articles, as well as tons of news and helpful travel tips, which we summarize here for you every few weeks. And you can also join our Facebook Travel Clubs for our daily discussions and your travel questions (it’s free!):
VENTURE OUT – Find Your Place in the World!
Since 1998 Venture Out has operated small-group tours for LGBT travelers around the world. We specialize in high-end, guided vacations for gay and lesbian travelers (and friends). Wherever possible we emphasize unique accommodations and fine dining. Each year brings a new calendar of tours as we introduce new itineraries as well as bring back popular vacations from our repertoire of 18 years. Be sure to check our website for current destinations! Our group sizes are small – usually a maximum of 15. Additionally, there is a Venture Out tour manager to accompany each group. Try us for your next adventure!
Featured Articles:
GENERAL: Traveling as a Gay Couple in Asia
by The Nomadic Boys
“Why should I spend my tourist dollars in a country that wants to throw me in jail?!” This was our dilemma before setting off for our big travel adventures in Asia – as a gay couple. If it isn’t illegal (like in Sri Lanka, Singapore, the Maldives, Malaysia, India, Myanmar…), then it’s certainly not truly welcomed (think Indonesia, China or Mongolia). A few (like Nepal and Vietnam) have taken proactive steps to start to protect their LGBT community instead of criminalising them. And some have gone further to not only protect their LGBT community, but to embrace, support them and in addition, actively promote gay tourism: Japan, Thailand, Taiwan and the Philippines. So as a gay traveller, does that mean you shouldn’t visit countries like India or Myanmar? Are you really under any practical danger visiting a country like Malaysia or the Maldives?
GENERAL: Evolution of a Nomad
by Dani, Globetrotter Girls
It’s been almost a year since I looked back on five years of full-time travel, and I thought it was time for an update on how my nomadic life has evolved in the past twelve months. It’s been now over 2,000 days since I switched my London apartment for a life on the road, and quite frankly, I’m tired of being on the road constantly. Over 2,000 days of vagabonding – that’s even longer than I had an apartment in London, or anywhere else I’d lived before. When I started traveling in 2010, I thought it would be a one-year trip around the world. I even had a new employment contract ready for me to sign, and a job waiting for me upon return.. which I obviously never started. In the beginning, I thought I could travel forever, never getting tired of exploring new places, meeting new people, trying new foods. I had an insane amount of energy, my body fueled by new experiences and my mind stimulated by the ever changing scenery around me.
[caption id="attachment_40083" align="alignright" width="250"]
Resorts World Bimini pool photo by Steven Skelley[/caption]BAHAMAS: Bimini
by Steven Skelley and Thomas Routzong
Ask just about anyone about Bimini and they will probably say they’ve heard of it but have no idea where it is. Some may know it is in the Bahamas but have no details beyond that. We learned quite a lot about Bimini during our recent visit. These two tiny Bahamian islands have a unique culture, bountiful history, visitors both famous and infamous, and a new focus as a casino hotspot for the rich and famous. Bimini consists of the two main islands named North Bimini Island and South Bimini Island as well as numerous cays or keys. Just 50 miles off of Florida’s eastern coast, Bimini is the closest Bahamian island to the United States. Bimini’s history contains an impressive list of both the famous and infamous. The Lucayan natives who inhabited the islands named them Bimini which means two islands. Within just 50 years after the European explorers arrive in the 1490’s, the Lucayans had all been enslaved and relocated to other islands to work as plantation slaves.
[caption id="attachment_40154" align="alignleft" width="250"]
Photo by Dennis Dean[/caption]CUBA: Gay Havana
by Joseph Pedro
In old Havana there is a tree that’s said to be older than the city itself. It was here, though it was very young, when the Taino people would worship, venerate, and respect her as Ancient Mother. It was here too, though a little older now, in 1519 when the Spanish first established a settlement. The land was claimed, right beside her growing roots, as San Cristobal de la Habana. She provided shade for the first mass and bestowed a breeze for the first council meeting. And as she reached toward the heavens, so did a city. Becoming resilient and strong, prosperous and wealthy, devout and ideological-she soon had a home overlooking churches and plazas, statues and mansions that rivaled those of Europe. She felt the breeze of independence and briefly felt it taken away from her. As times changed, though, she witnessed the plight of the Cuban people under a dictatorship and felt the mumblings of revolution brush through her leaves. Then, in 1959, as winter drew to an end she was here still to feel the rumbling of a tank shake her roots to usher in spring and a new hope for her land. More than half a century later, the wind again sways her branches and one of her leaves falls in 2014, twirling like a Sky Dancer, landing flatly on my head.
USA, INDIANA: TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS GAY WORLD: Amazing Indianapolis
by Donald and Ray, the Gay Travelers
We had not been to Indianapolis, Indiana in over 35 years and when we went a couple of weeks ago we were totally shocked, amazed and pleasantly surprised how Amazing the city is. The Governor of Indiana, and we will not even mention his name, but The Governor is one of the most homophobic Governors in the country. There are “PENCE MUST GO!” signs and billboards all over the city. However the State Capitol and major city, Indianapolis is one of the most GAY FRIENDLY in the country! As you enter the city there are signs that read, INDY WELCOMES ALL” and signs on many business read, THIS BUSINESS SERVES EVERYONE. The newly elected Mayor of Indianapolis, Joe Hogsett who by the way, won with over 63% of the vote last December is extremely intelligent and pro LGBT. He is loved by the entire city! He had us to the Mayor’s Office so that he could officially welcome the “Gay Travelers” to his city.
That’s it for this edition of the Purple Roofs Gay Travel Newsletter! –Mark & Scott Purple Roofs – https://www.purpleroofs.com
PO Box 4666, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762 PS: Wanna sponsor this newsletter and reach over 27,000 people? Email us at wheretostay@purpleroofs.com for details. To be removed from this email list, just reply to this email to wheretostay@purpleroofs.com and enter “remove” in the subject line.]]>
TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS GAY WORLD: Amazing Indianapolis
The newly elected Mayor of Indianapolis, Joe Hogsett who by the way, won with over 63% of the vote last December is extremely intelligent and pro LGBT. He is loved by the entire city! He had us to the Mayor’s Office so that he could officially welcome the “Gay Travelers” to his city.
We always tell our readers to have fun when traveling and talk to everyone and that is what we did on this trip. EVERYONE in Indianapolis is so fun, funny, interesting and fabulous. In Part One of our travel column on Indianapolis we are going to talk about them.
First and foremost were the Dynamic Duo of Kevin Warren and his husband Neil. Kevin is the founder of the “PENCE MUST GO!” project. Kevin and Neil are the heart and soul of the Gay community in Indianapolis. In addition they are two of the nicest gentlemen we have ever met. Here are some of the signs that you will see around the city.
Among many of the other wonderful people that we met were Mark Lee, editor of THE WORD, the LGBT publication in the city and Chas Navarra who has a smile that makes everyone who meets him smile. Why can’t more people smile more? John at Chef Joseph’s Restaurant knows how to be an owner. He enjoys what he does and it shows. The restaurant is packed every night only because he does it right! The two entertainers of the evening when we were there, Sean and Scott were having a ball and the audience really appreciated them. John Herbst at the Indiana Historical Society is a real GEM! He is very professional and the work that he is doing is tremendous. John is a man of many talents and lives life to the fullest.
Two young gentlemen that we met are up and coming guys who are making a big difference in Indianapolis. Candy Cain and Alex VanGorp are really great guys who are helping the Gay community in so many ways. Why can’t more young guys do the same?
Another fabulous gentleman that we met was Ben Solomon who has THE Antique Shop and Interior Design shop in the area. He has exquisite tastes and an old English charm. Tom Main at the Tinker Street Restaurant is another person who knows how to make his customers return again and again and again. While dining there we met a delightful and very intelligent young couple who we really enjoyed chatting with. Who says that str8 people can’t be fun and wonderful? We hope to see Kellina and Ary the next time we are in Indianapolis.
We want to give a BIG thanks to Kevin and Neil for such a fabulous time while we were in Indianapolis. In Part Two of our travel column we will be telling you about what the city has to offer travelers. Before traveling to Indianapolis be sure to go www.thegayword.com to read the local LGBT publication which is the large publication in the entire Midwest!
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/
Burj Al Arab Dubai is Not a Seven-Star Hotel – Keep Calm and Wander
Burj Al Arab Dubai is not a certified seven-star hotel in the world. You read the title right.
No one ever rated it as such. In fact, its website doesn’t boast of itself as “the only seven star hotel in the world.” No, they don’t use that, too, in their advertising anywhere. Also, the hotel doesn’t rate itself as five-star hotel but a luxury hotel. Period.
And oh, if you’re really curious how much will it cost you for a night, check here. The truth is: a British journalist dubbed it as the “world’s only seven star hotel” during its press briefing. She was so impressed that she rated it herself–and the world believed her. So, now, no one can ever stop the gossip she spearheaded. LOL….
By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander
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Eating Out: Dallas
Dallas is proud of some of its stereotypes. The “Big D” is, after all, where you’d head to find big hats and big cowboys wearing them, most of them sporting big appetites to boot. Then there’s football, another Big D, the silver-starred Cowboys. Even the classic TV show Dallas is something locals are proud to call their own, and not just for the big hats and big hair that made it the ultimate, iconic melodrama of the 1980s.
On the other hand, there are quite a few Dallas clichés ready to get bucked. Top among them is that this city is too conservative to have much LGBT culture. On a recent visit to Oak Lawn, one of the state’s, and perhaps all of the South’s, busiest gay neighborhoods, it was plain to see that queer folks are also pretty big in Dallas. Of course, where there’s a vibrant gay community there tends to be a strong dining scene. In Dallas, that’s true both in the gayborhood and around town. From staples like Tex-Mex and barbecue, to spicy send-ups and restaurants with soul, it’s time to refresh our notions about what Dallas has cooking.
LOCKHART SMOKEHOUSE
Vegetarians beware: This may not be the restaurant for you. The first tipoff are staff T- shirts that read, simply, “Wood fire meat beer.” The second is a menu that lists chick- en and turkey under “TX Vegetarian.” But for those who appreciate barbecued brisket, ribs, and other carnivorous delights, Lockhart Smokehouse delivers. This family operation is a relative newcomer having opened in the cute, walkable Bishop Arts District in 2011. Today it upholds the standard for central-Texas-style smoked meats and is considered by many to be one of the best places for barbecue nationwide.
By Kelsey Chauvin – Full Story at Passport
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Hotel Pattee – Gay Friendly Hotel in Perry, Iowa
Periodically we’ll feature one of our properties here to let our readers know about some great gay friendly places to stay.
Welcome to the Historic Hotel Pattee located in Perry Iowa, just North of Des Moines. The hotel was built in 1903 and renovated with over $14 Million Dollars. As an Arts and Crafts designed property, it is a “Destination unto Itself” as it boasts a full service restaurant, Frank Lloyd Wright themed Lounge, a two lane bowling alley, library, self-service and full service Spa, and more!
See the Hotel Pattee Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here
Gay Friendly Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals in Iowa
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Iceland's Most Mind-Blowing Sights
Some destinations don’t live up to expectations. Others exceed them. And then some, like Iceland, are so bang on what you imagined, it’s almost uncanny.
The eerie, otherworldly beauty of this Nordic island nation is not overrated. To behold it for the first time is to revisit some strange, recurring dream you never knew you’d had: the feeling of deja vu is unmistakable.
From brooding black sand beaches to exploding geysers; from gigantic glaciers to commanding volcanoes – 130 of them, both active and inactive – these perplexing natural wonders feel emancipated of time, like they could belong to the ancient past or the distant future. The weather, too, is unlike anything we’ve experienced.
By Jamie Tabberer – Full Story at Gay Star News
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