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

Black Crown

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.

The GangwayA 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.
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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 TropicsThe 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'sBurkhart’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.

Don and RayAlways 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

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

Alexis RayOn 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’.

Ray and JewelerOn 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

ariz paulDriving 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

Don and RayAlways 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

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

Nevada - Donald and Ray

Kansas Church - Donald and RayWe 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.

Limon - Ben & Jerrys - Donald and RayOur 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!

Kansas Historical Marker - Donald and RayOur 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.

Bonnie and Clyde Car - Donald and RayThe 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.

Jom Nabors Star - Donald and RayThen, 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.

Don and RayAlways 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/

TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS GAY WORLD: Signs of the Times

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.

Don and RayAlways 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

TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS GAY WORLD: Traveling Is the Best

Lincoln

We first met the Broadway actress Tovah Feldshuh in Ft. Lauderdale in 2007 where she was portraying Katharine Hepburn in our friend Matthew Lombardo’s “TEA AT FIVE”.  In March of 2015 she hiked Mount Kilimanjaro with her son. She said that she was inspired after the 2014 death of her mother at the age of 104, and her own athletic role in Pippin in which she had to swing on a trapeze.

travel everglades

“I really do feel we’re only in this body once,” she said. “I just want enough money to buy experience. I can forego a dress, but the idea of taking a trip and trekking Mount Kilimanjaro or going on the Trans-Siberian railroad or tracking lemurs in Madagascar — these things are very exciting to me. To see the world until I leave my own body. It’s now or not at all.”

And of course we all know what Auntie Mame said about life,  “Yes! Life is a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death.” And what a life she lived and she knew how to live life well. There were few dull moments in her life.

Forest Mountains Colorado Woods Snow Trees

Unfortunately we know way too many people who live very boring lives, doing the same thing day in and day out, month after month and year after year, without traveling or seeing new things and experiencing how other people live.

Whether you want to take a cruise or hike up a mountain or ride the rapids on the river, or visit a large city or visit the forests or ocean, there are literally hundreds of things that you can do here in the United States.

A cross country driving trip is always extremely interesting, visiting the sights and sounds of the land along the way. Forget all the chain restaurants when you travel and try the local ones. Eat different things that you don’t normally do, from real southern cooking in the South or Cajun food in New Orleans to New England Lobsters, to Boston Baked Beans to Barbeque and grits. In Florida we have tried Alligator burgers and in New Mexico we have tried calf cheeks tacos. Perhaps they are something that we would not enjoy on a regular basis but we did enjoy trying them. We have dined with American Indians on their reservations as well.

travel rafting

We have been rafting down the Colorado River, climbed many mountains and discovered interesting underground caves and went on a boat ride thru the Everglades. For those who cannot afford to travel all around the country, just enjoy your own State. Google your State and visit their websites to see what your State offers. For instance,   http://www.travelok.com/ gives a listing of dozens and dozens of things to do and see in that State.

So if you can only travel close to where you live and only have a couple or three days, you can still get away from your ‘regular life” and enjoy new and interesting things.  You are never too old or young to travel. We are fortunate and we have been traveling with a str8 couple in their 80’s for the past two years and have driven in 17 States and are ready next month to drive with them out to California. We will be stopping everywhere to see everything and even still be sleeping in a Wigwam Motel.

So don’t be one of those people who Auntie Mame says is starving to death. Make your life something special, just for you!

Don and RayAlways 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

BOOK REVIEW: 100 Things to Do in America Before You Die

100 Things to Do in America Before You DieEarlier this month we attended a special event at the Kansas City Public Library.  The Library is nationally known for having an extraordinary ‘Friends of the Kansas City Library” program which entails having national and regional authors giving programs.  This was a very special program featuring Saint Louis, Missouri broadcaster and national travel writer, Bill Clevlen who recently had his book, 100 THINGS TO DO IN AMERICA BEFORE YOU DIE, published.

The auditorium was nearly packed with people wanting to hear about his travels.  He said that it was the largest audience that he has had on his book tour.

Besides being a great travel writer, Bill is also a great raconteur who is highly skilled in relating stories and  anecdotes interesting.  He kept the entire audience listening to every word that he spoke.  He was fun, funny and a true professional speaker.  The audience would have stayed for a couple more hours listening to him.

Bill Clevlen

His book tells readers about everything from Niagara Falls to Florida, Seattle, Los Angeles and different cities both large and small across America.

Among very interesting things he tells readers to do are:  eating Thomas Jefferson Ice Cream at Mount Rushmore, riding a mule in the Grand Canyon, have a mint julep at the Kentucky Derby, drink free water at Wall Drug in the middle of South Dakota where coffee is only 5 cents, see the Beatles drums at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, watch a case at the United States Supreme Court as well as sitting in the bus seat that Rosa Parks refused to give up.

Other interesting things he suggests are visiting the beautiful fountains in Kansas City, Missouri which boasts more fountains than any city in the world other than Rome, taking a hot air balloon ride over Albuquerque, New Mexico, take a riverboat cruise on the Mississippi River and of course he lists 100 of things to do and see before you die!

In his book he also has a great series of Trivia questions which is very interesting like where is the highest State Capitol, why did the tradition of ‘dropping of the ball’ in Times Square begin in the first place?, can you name the state that has the most Presidential Libraries plus dozens more.  Before his presentation, we had an interesting chat with him and compared notes about traveling.

Bill Clevlen hosts a weekly radio show and podcast  in Saint Louis, Missouri called ‘Bill on the Road’ that features road trip ideas and uplifting stories. When he is not traveling or on the radio, Bill’s hobby is ‘pickleball’. He realizes that a lot of people enjoy traveling abroad but he really enjoys touring America and meeting people. You can visit his website:  www.billontheroad.com  We highly recommend that everyone purchase his book and you can order an autographed copy directly from him at his website.

Don and RayAlways 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/

TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS GAY WORLD: Fourth of July Mark Twain Riverboat Cruise

 

hannibal mark twain riverboat cruise

We were trying to think of something very special to do for the 4th of July this year and we found the perfect thing to do. From Kansas City, we drove over to Hannibal, Mo. (hometown of Samuel Clemens, aka Mark Twain) and took a cruise on the Mark Twain Riverboat on the mighty Mississippi River.

Captain Steve and his wife Sandy have owned the Mark Twain Riverboat for over 20 years and although we have taken other Riverboat cruises in the country, this one is the best and most professional one to take. The boat is immaculately clean and the crew is extremely professional and friendly. They all know what they are doing and they do it right! You can either take a regular sightseeing cruise or if you prefer you can take a 2 hour dinner cruise which includes a fine buffet dinner as well as live musical  entertainment.

The Captain gives a great narrative of the history of Hannibal, Mark Twain and a VERY interesting tale of Lover’s Leap which is located just downstream from Hannibal.  His story on Lover’s Leap gives a new meaning to the sign that you see on the highways around the country, “Watch For Falling Rock”.  We learned that Samuel Clemens, aka Mark Twain was a Riverboat pilot and that the name Mark Twain actually means two fathoms deep.

We thought that we heard upstairs at the front of riverboat Paul Robeson singing “Ol’ Man River”, however perhaps it was just our imagination. We were in “Movie Show Boat Heaven”!

You can sit anywhere on the 3 decks (both inside and outside) and watch out the windows as you view the riverbanks and walk to the top of the boat deck and get an eyeful of scenery. Both cruises take you to two States, both Missouri as well as Illinois. BE sure and take your camera / smart phone and take plenty of photos.  For those people that are really into Riverboats, this boat is not a paddle-wheeler, but a diesel prop. The Riverboat has a 400 passenger capacity and it was build in 1964.  It is  120 feet long and 33 feet wide.

For more information, check out: https://marktwainriverboat.com/ You can also email them directly at info@marktwainriverboat.com or give them a call at  573 . 221 . 3222. They are located right downtown Hannibal at the Center Street Landing.  The Riverboat runs 7 days a week. They have a huge FREE parking area right in front where you enter.

If you have never been on a Riverboat cruise, be SURE and go to Hannibal, Mo. and take this Mark Twain Riverboat  cruise. You will be glad that you did.  We certainly enjoyed ourselves as well as our traveling companions, Jan, Roy and Margye.
Always remember to have fun when traveling, meet new people and talk to everyone!

Don and Ray

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/

Missouri Gay Travel Resources

TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS GAY WORLD: Florida Holocaust Museum

Holocaust Museum - St. Petersburg

When we were in St. Petersburg, Florida earlier this month we visited the Florida Holocaust Museum which is one of the largest such museums in the country.  This year they are celebrating their 25th Anniversary.

Their permanent exhibit, “History, Heritage and Hope” is on the first floor and features original artifacts, videos and photos. It deals not only with antisemitism but also with other victim groups. The Nazis classified not only Jews as ‘the enemy” but also included Roma (Gypsies), people with disabilities, Poles, Soviet prisoners of war, Afro-Germans as well as Jehovah’s Witnesses and Homosexuals.

Holocaust MuseumThe centerpiece of the museum collection is an actual train box car that transported victims of the Nazi regime to the concentration camps. It rests upon original track from the Treblinka Killing Center as a silent tribute to those who perished on the Holocaust.  Seeing this is a VERY daunting and somber experience.  Just to think of all the hatred in the world both in history and in today’s world as well !  Everyone claiming to be a right wing Christian and or ‘born again Christian needs to visit this museum as well as everyone else in the country!  You will walk away with a new appreciation toward life. The 2nd and 3rd floor has changing exhibits of art and history.
Besides having artifacts, photos, exhibits, etc. the museum also runs several programs of outreach within the community with the aim of continuing their mission of human rights. To put it simple…… they are an excellent and outstanding organization.

They are now having a very special exhibit thru July 2:  NAZI PERSECUTION OF HOMOSEXUALS – 1933-1945. Between 1933 and 1945, 100,000 men were arrested for homosexuality under Paragraph 175, the sodomy provision of the German penal code dating back to 1871.    Some were imprisoned, others were sent to concentration camps.  Of the latter, only about 4,000 survived. In 2000, fewer than 10 of these men were known to be living.  The exhibit is full of LGBT history with stories, photos and artifacts.

Holocaust MuseumFive of the survivors came forward in a documentary to tell their stories for the first time, considered to be among the last untold stores of the Third Reich. The documentary, “PARAGRAPH 175” tells of a gap in the historical record and reveals the lasting consequences, as told through personal stories of gay men and women who lived through it. including Karl Gorath, Gad Beck, the half-Jewish resistance fighter who spent the war helping refugees escape Berlin, Annette Eick, a Jewish lesbian who escaped to England with the help of a woman she loved; Albrecht Becker, German Christian photographer who was arrested and imprisoned for homosexuality, then joined the army on his release and Pierre Seel, the Alsatian teenager who watched as his lover was eaten alive by dogs in the camps. If you REALLY want to read a heart wrenching story, just ‘Google’ Perre Seel, actually ‘Google’ all of these people.

They are having a special film showing at the Museum on June 21 at 6:30. The FHM Film Series:  Paragraph 175. This event is free and open to the public! If you are unable to attend the see the movie yourself as it is at many local libraries as well as thru Amazon.com.
The Museum is located in downtown St. Petersburg at 55 Fifth Street South and their hours daily are 10 AM to 5 PM. You can call them at 727.821.0100 or visit their websites: www.thefhm.org or https://www.flholocaustmuseum.org/

We want to thank Kristen Wright at the Museum for her assistance.

We dedicate this travel column to Siegbert “Siggi” Wilzig, (1926-2003) who was a Holocaust survivor and  the Father of Sir Ivan, Sherry Izak and Alan Wilzig and the husband of our dear friend Naomi Wilzig,(1934-2015),

Don and RayAlways 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/

St. Petersburg Gay Travel Resources

TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS GAY WORLD: Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Denver

Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Red Rocks AmphitheatreWhen we were in Denver last month we visited the fabulous Red Rocks Amphitheatre which is just about 10 miles west of Denver and located in the Red Rock Park.. The outdoor venue is remarkable as it is nestled right into the red rocks.

It hosts over 9,500 attendees per concert. The stage is at the bottom and the people look down at them and can also see the skyline of Denver 10 miles away. There is a 100 foot difference between the top row of seats and the stage below. The altitude is 6,400 feet so be careful, An estimated 750,000 non-concertgoers visit Red Rocks every year.

Red Rocks AmphitheatreThey have been having musical concerts there for over 100 years. In 2016 they had 73 concerts. Artists perform on a stage nestled in the perfect acoustical surroundings of Red Rocks.

They are booked up year round and some of the entertainers who have performed at Red Rocks are the Beatles, opera singer Mary Garden, Jimmy Hendrix, Vanilla Fudge and Soft Machine. Others includes Jethro Tull, John Denver, Sonny and Cher, Seals & Crofts, Carole King, U2, Ray Charles and Peter, Paul & Mary. The Grateful Dead Widespread Panic holds the record for the most sold-out performances and has performed there 51 times! The beloved Dolly Parton performed to a sold out audience and the crowd roared and roared simply because she is such a FABULOUS ENTERTAINER!

The Amphitheatre is located in Red Rocks Park and free to everyone. At the Amphitheatre they have a Visitor’s Center which is also free and features interactive educational displays, a short film on it’s geologic and musical history and a “Performer Hall of Fame”.

In the park they have a Trading Post which has been open since the 1930’s. In front of the Trading Post they have a larger than life-size bronze of singer John Denver. This is a place where you can spend a few hours or all day. Take a picnic lunch with you and dine “al fresco”. Except for the concerts, everything is free at Red Rocks. Check out http://redrocksonline.com/ before you arrive in Denver. This is certainly one of the ‘wonders of the country”.

Denver Hamburger Mary'sWhile in Denver one needs to dine at the MILE HIGH HAMBURGER MARYS. It is a great place to go for casual dining. They have Hamburger Mary restaurants in several cities around the country however this is one of the best ones. Located just a few blocks east of downtown Denver at 1336 East 17th Avenue. Call 303.993.5812 for reservations.

Denver Hamburger Mary'sThey are open 7 days a week and their Sunday brunches are to die for! This is a FUN place and always plenty of action going on. They have a large selection on their menu. We dined there twice and both times the service was great and so was the meals. They also have a full service bar.

This is always a great place to meet old friends and make new friends. Before going to Denver be sure and check out their website: http://www.hamburgermarys.com/denver/ and you can keep up with all their specials and daily activities that they have at
https://www.facebook.com/MarysDenver/ They have new owners who know how to run a restaurant and we know that they will be around for a long time because they take good care of all of their guests. Service and food is what it is all about in the restaurant business and MILE HIGH HAMBURGR MARYS has them both. We wish them the very best of success. They certainly deserve it!

We want to say a VERY SPECIAL thanks to Tony Smith in Denver for assisting us on finding interesting and fun things to do and see while visiting Denver.

Don and Ray

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/

Colorado Gay Travel Resources

TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS GAY WORLD: Best Restaurants in New Orleans

VacherieFor fine dining we enjoyed VACHERIE, 827 Toulouse Street, and is located in the historic Hotel St. Marie. http://vacherierestaurant.com/ For reservations, call 504.207.4532. Vacherie Restaurant is named for the town of Vacherie, Louisiana, a small community situated on the banks of the Mississippi river just west of New Orleans. Laura’s Plantation, which is the only plantation that we highly recommend visiting is nearby. Chef Jarred Zeringue grew up there amid the sprawling farms, grand live oaks and antebellum plantations. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and they also have a large bar for those who just to stop in for a drink or two. Eat New OrleansFor our appetizer, we enjoyed the Alligator Tail Etouffee with Jasmine Rice which was really tasty. For our entrees we had the Pan Roasted Duck Breast with Steen’s Cane Syrup Glaze which was a real treat and the Crab Cakes Remoulade with Corn and Creole Green Beans which melted in your mouth. And for dessert what else but the Louisiana Pecan Pie. Paul was our very attentive and professional server. He also has another fabulous restaurant called, EAT, 900 Dumaine Street, http://eatnola.com/ . We especially enjoyed talking with the Manager, Erik. He and his husband are what makes us very proud about young Gay men. We wish them the VERY BEST in their lives together and with their family! Mona Lisa's New OrleansFor wonderful Italian we enjoy: MONA LISA’s, 1212 Royal Street, https://www.facebook.com/Mona-Lisa-NOLA-318143785407/?ref=page_internal We enjoy this restaurant because it is FUN place to dine. Even though you don’t know any of the other guests, everyone talks to one another. The owners, Tom and Farrow are extremely FUN and on top of everything. Cheezy Cajun - New OrleansFor true Cajun cuisine we enjoy: THE CHEEZY CAJUN, 3325 St. Claude, http://www.thecheezycajun.com/ Here you will find some of the best Cajun in New Orleans. Actually most of their guests say that it IS the best Cajun food in New Orleans. The owners, Doug and Michael are wonderful guys. Don and RayAlways 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/

New Orleans Gay Travel Resources
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