florida

Sarasota Gay Bars – The Nomadic Boys

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Sarasota Gay Bars - The Nomadic Boys

Sarasota is a destination that most gay travellers to Florida are likely to overlook, opting for nearby St. Petersburg instead.

We’ll be very honest, before coming to Sarasota we knew very little about it. However, it turned out to be the hidden gem of our trip, a place we would definitely love to return to. As well as being the cultural capital of Florida with so many things to do, it also has a fun gay scene worth checking out, with annual events like the “Harvey Milk Festival” and “Sarasota Pride”.

Following our trip, we’ve put together our travel guide featuring the best gay bars in Sarasota, LGBTQ events, beaches and gay friendly hotels to stay.

Gay Bars of Sarasota

The gay scene of Sarasota is so small that even gay locals we met advised us to instead head to nearby St. Pete to party. This is no surprise given that St. Pete is 5 times larger than Sarasota. Despite its size, Sarasota still has a handful of places worth checking out for a fun gay night out:

Purple Rhino: this is Sarasota’s oldest gay bar with a really friendly atmosphere and some hilarious drag shows. We came here on a Saturday evening and saw a couple of shows, which you can see in our video below. On Sunday evenings, look out for their gay drag “Bingo Bash” event. Purple Rhino is located at 2920 Beneva Rd and is open daily from 4:40pm to around 10:30pm (later on weekends).

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at The Nomadic Boys

Sarasota Gay Travel Resources

 

Gay Fort Lauderdale – Nomadic Boys

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Gay Fort Lauderdale

Over the past few decades, Fort Lauderdale has evolved massively to become the gay capital of Florida as well as one of the top LGBTQ destinations in the USA.

The city has everything to suit all LGBTQ travellers including clothing optional male-only resorts, gay beaches, many gay events taking place throughout the year and of course the gay scene of Wilton Manors!

We’ve been several times to Fort Lauderdale, either as a stopover for a cruise, or to go to one of the many gay parties they have here throughout the year like “Wicked Manors” on Halloween. We always love coming here, particularly as it’s a 365 day destination. There’s always something happening and you’re almost always guaranteed gorgeous sunny weather.

This is our detailed gay guide to Fort Lauderdale featuring highlights from the gay scene of Wilton Manors, the best gay beaches, events and gay hotels to stay.

The gay area of Fort Lauderdale

Just tell your Uber or Lyft driver to head straight to Wilton Manors. This is where all the action happens. It’s comprised of several blocks where all the gay hangouts can be found as well as gay shops like Pride Factory, and museums like the Stonewall National Museum and the World AIDS Museum.

One hidden gem in the area you should check out is the unassuming road near Wilton Manors called “Eucalyptus Gardens”. It’s a Bohemian block of cafes and colourful gay friendly hangouts. One particular favourite of ours in Eucalyptus Gardens is “Voo La Voo“ who do the best omelettes we’ve ever tried, as certified by our discerning Frenchman.

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at the Nomadic Boys

Fort Lauderdale Gay Travel Resources

Romantic Gay Sarasota – The Nomadic Boys

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Gay Sarasota - The Nomadic Boys

Sarasota is the arts and cultural capital of Florida. It has no fewer than 2 symphonies, an opera house, a world-class ballet company and many art galleries. That’s on top of the many beautiful powdery white sandy beaches like Siesta Key, as well as being the famous HQ of one of the world’s most eminent circus companies – the Ringling Bros.

Sarasota offers the ideal holiday for couples looking for a romantic weekend, or even for travellers who want to add on something different to their Orlando theme-park vacation. These are our 10 romantic things to do in Sarasota from our big road trip around Florida.

1. Watching the sunset together on Siesta Key beach
Siesta Key is perhaps the main reason most people will know about Sarasota. As well as being the title of a MTV reality TV show, this is also one of the best beaches in the US. For example, in 2017, it was ranked as the #1 beach in the US by Dr Beach and TripAdvisor also rates it as the #2 best beach in the US.

The reason why Siesta Key is so notorious is due to the fact that the water is so clear, clean and can be enjoyed throughout the year. In addition, the sand is powdery white, like icing sugar. This is because it is comprised of 99% pure Quartz, which means it is always silky in texture and cool to the touch, even on the hottest summer days. And if it couldn’t get any better, Siesta Key beach has spectacular sunsets every evening.

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at The Nomadic Boys

Sarasota Gay Travel Resources

 

Historic St. Augustine – Go Girlfriend

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Aviles Street, Historic St. Augustine - pixabay

Celebrating nearly 500 years as the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the United Sates, don’t be fooled by the age of this vibrant city. This abuela (grandmother) of american cities will surprise you with amazing restaurants, a vibrant city core, miles of beaches, a touch of sinfulness, and historic sites to explore that will turn back time.

As a getaway destination, there is more than a few days needed to experience the scope of St. Augustine’s richness. As a couple’s romantic destination, a girlfriend’s weekend retreat or a family beach vacation, a simple walk over the Bridge of Lions will tease excitement of what historic St. Augustine has to offer.

Where to Eat in St. Augustine

Good question? Would you like the old city or the more modern? Would you like seafood (fresh catches right from the ocean), farm to table freshness, or have a specific taste preference? I’m certain St. Augustine can satisfy it.

Catch 27 – deliciously delivering fresh seafood made from scratch with the freshest of locally sourced ingredients – what a treat! Try their cheese board as an appetiser with smoked blue cheese and drunken cherries, and any cocktail that features the distinctive St. Augustine gin.

By Stacy Rosien – Full Story at Go Girlfriend

Northeastern Florida Gay Travel Resources

Northern Florida’s Unique Finds – 2TravelDads

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Northern Florida - 2TravelDads

Our latest piece for the Alamo Rent a Car Scenic Route hub is live and it’s all about our favorite family destination: the North Florida coast and inland! We love to visit and explore Florida, not just because of its sunshine, but because of its beautiful nature, fascinating history, and cool cultural finds.

From tip to tip, Florida has some of our top picks for family travel just perfect for exploring the Scenic Route, but the North Florida coast is really a gem. Check out our full piece on Alamo’s site, but here’s a little preview of what you’ll find. And each picture is just a hint… cuz who doesn’t love a good suspense post, right?

Fun fact: did you know that the oldest city in the USA is in Florida? It’s true, and we love visiting St. Augustine for a flashback in time and cool activities with kids. There’s more to it though…

By Rob Taylor – Full Story at 2TravelDads

Florida Gay Travel Resources

 

Historic St. Augustine – Go Girlfriend

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St. Augustine, Florida

Celebrating nearly 500 years as the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the United Sates, don’t be fooled by the age of this vibrant city. This abuela (grandmother) of american cities will surprise you with amazing restaurants, a vibrant city core, miles of beaches, a touch of sinfulness, and historic sites to explore that will turn back time.

As a getaway destination, there is more than a few days needed to experience the scope of Historic St. Augustine’s richness. As a couple’s romantic destination, a girlfriend’s weekend retreat or a family beach vacation, a simple walk over the Bridge of Lions will tease excitement of what historic St. Augustine has to offer.

Where to Eat in St. Augustine

Good question? Would you like the old city or the more modern? Would you like seafood (fresh catches right from the ocean), farm to table freshness, or have a specific taste preference? I’m certain St. Augustine can satisfy it.

Consider these great restaurants from our recent visit:

Catch 27, St. Augustine: deliciously delivering fresh seafood made from scratch with the freshest of locally sourced ingredients – what a treat! Try their cheese board as an appetiser with smoked blue cheese and drunken cherries, and any cocktail that features the distinctive St. Augustine gin.

Queer Key West Events – Passport Magazine

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Queer Key West

Pack your bags for Key West! This LGBTQ playground provides visitors with some of the most unique and exciting things to do, see, and experience throughout the year. Here are five of our favorite annual events that make this island destination one of the most popular places for travelers from around the world.

Key West Pride

Celebrate Pride—island style. Key West Pride is not just about the party, it also brings the entire community together to show off its long history of LGBTQ inclusivity. After all, the their motto is “One Human Family.” With a street fair, parade, and parties at some of the best bars and clubs, you’ll discover one of the most integrated and unique communities in the world. Show your Pride from June 6-10, 2018.

Key West Tropical Heat

The subtropic island of Key West might be hot, but temperatures are only rising in anticipation of Tropical Heat, a four day all-male, all-adult festival running from August 15-19, 2018 that’s filled with clothing-optional pool parties, not-to-miss drag shows, and the late-night happenings that have made Key West a go-to gay getaway in recent years. Hit the sizzling kick-off party at Big Ruby’s Resort, dance the night away at Aqua Nightclub, or lounge poolside at the Bourbon Street Pub. Complete with the beloved, long-standing tradition of gay bingo, and even a saloon Dungeon party, this Key West event is one-of-a-kind!

Alexander’s Guesthouse – Gay Key West Guesthouse

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Alexander's Guesthouse - Gay Key West Guesthouse

Alexander’s Guesthouse is a European style luxury guesthouse catering to Gay & Lesbian clientele.

We offer a complimentary breakfast buffet and an open bar, as well as multiple level tanning decks, a 24 hour heated pool & Jacuzzi.

Alexander’s Guesthouse is a retreat for your soul… with comfortable beds and crisp white linens, a lovely pool and jacuzzi to melt your worries away, and delicious breakfasts to get you started each morning and a friendly Happy Hour.

See the Alexander’s Guesthouse Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

Key West Gay Friendly Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals

It’s Still Gay Key West – The Advocate

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gay Key West - pixabay

They have a motto in Key West: “One Human Family.” Coined by James Thompson — an HIV-positive activist, organizer, and designer — it represents Key West, the tiny island best known for its queer inclusiveness.

“Inclusiveness is part of our heritage,” one tour guide told me when I visited last August. Its embrace of diversity and willingness to set itself apart from the Florida mainland goes back to its origins as a haven for an eclectic blend of Native Americans, Spanish, freed slaves, seafarers (including pirates), queers, and creatives. The island known as the “southernmost point in the continental U.S.” sided with the North during the Civil War and later served as home to famous writers like Tennessee Williams, Ernest Hemingway, and Judy Blume.

The charm Key West offers is so unlike other Florida cities that many locals call it “Unflorida” and consider the island to be “more Caribbean than the United States.” Its reputation as a refuge for LGBT people has been reflected in local politics: The city was one of the first in the U.S. to elect an out gay mayor (Richard A. Heyman in 1983).

By David Artavia – Full Story at SOURCE

Key West Gay Travel Resources

Lilith Pad Vacation Rental – Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

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Lilith Pad Vacation Rental - Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

Lilith Pad Bungalow is located in the heart of Blue Mountain Beach, just 2 miles from Grayton Beach and 5 miles from the famous town of Seaside. Our home is nestled on a 1/2 acre property, surrounded by old growth Florida pines and a natural landscape.

Our Florida Coast vacation rental has 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, an outside hot and cold water cedar shower, laundry room and fully stocked kitchen in the front of the open floor plan front room.

Our home also boasts a sound system that offers sound in every room of the home and both front and back porches. There’s ample outdoor living space including a covered grill pad with room for seating and a fenced in back yard for our furry friends.

We built the home in 2003 with our own hands, and those of friends and family and it was our primary residence until life moved us to the Pensacola area. We still consider the house our home and have provided all the comforts of home we hope you will enjoy during your stay.

See the Lilith Pad Vacation Rental Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

AREA Gay Friendly Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals