2008 officially comes to an end tonight. Overall it was a good year. I returned to a work environment that is encouraging and has great possibilities for success. I traveled to Orlando several times(though not for Gay Days), popped down to Key West for the 4th of July, and then the big cruise around the Caribbean the beginning of December. Though with the passing of 2008, I am closer to the big 5-0
Living in Ft Lauderdale has great weekend trip options. Key West is just a short hop down US 1. Even though it is not quite as gay as it was in years past(all those cruise passengers), it still has some great bars and hidden dining gems. Plus it is always fun walking around Fast Buck Freddie's and reading the innuendos on the tee shirts. This being New Year's Eve, the drag queen Sushi will be lowered in a red high heel at midnight in front of the Bourbon Street Pub. I saw the spectacle years ago and it is quite the street party. At the north end of Duval, a conch shell is lowered at Sloppy Joe's, isn't that creative.
Since not everyone can live where weekend trips are easy, more planning is involved. Damron Vacations can help in all aspects of your travel plans. In Key West, we offer accommodations from the Heron House, a collection of conch style cottages nestled around a pool filled courtyard, to the Hyatt Key West Resort & Spa, one of my favorites, and all levels in between. With their expertise, the agents can obtain the best within your budget. BTW, you really do not need a rental car in Key West. Everywhere you park there will be a charge, that is if you can find a space. Pack your Damron Guide, and finding the perfect store, to get that special gift will be a snap. Plus finding the best place for a drink and people watching will be at your fingertips.
Hope you get to experience the Sushi Drop and the knowledgeable agents at Damron Vacations.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
The Bucket List
In every person's life life there are hope and aspirations, marriage, children, travel, thrill seeking..... Finding the right person is a difficult task and sometimes ends in disaster. Children can be both also be a double edged sword, but parents do the best they can. Since I have neither a spouse or children on the horizon, I have travel and thrill seeking.
I have been to Europe, Asia, Central and South America already, though there are still many more cities on each that I want to see. I have seen a good portion of the United States, from Key West, Florida to Fairbanks, Alaska Australia is still out there, I would love to see Ayers rock in the sunset, scuba dive on the Great Barrier Reef, experience Bondi Beach, for obvious reasons.....nothing like an Australian Lifeguard.
I have yet to explore northern Europe, The Scandinavian countries and Russia. I have been told that St. Petersburg is beautiful. There is also Venice, the Swiss Alps dusted with snow, and a barge cruise through the South of France. All in good time.
One of the thrill seeking items on my list is to see the Northern Lights, the Aurora Borealis. Simmering curtains of light dancing in the dark night. Japanese tourist flock to Alaska in the winter to see them, it is considered good luck to do so on your honeymoon. In about 13 months I will be turning fifty, yes the big 5-0. I plan on seeing them for my birthday. I have a friend that has recently moved to Moscow, so he may joing me for the experience. For me it will be at least an overnight flight, but his trek will be a few hours by plane. Since he is aflight attendant, he is used to flying.
So once you review you Bucket List, check out Damron Vacations. With Damron's 40 plus years of publishing guides, and the well trained staff to assist you, the options are only limted to your imagination.
I have been to Europe, Asia, Central and South America already, though there are still many more cities on each that I want to see. I have seen a good portion of the United States, from Key West, Florida to Fairbanks, Alaska Australia is still out there, I would love to see Ayers rock in the sunset, scuba dive on the Great Barrier Reef, experience Bondi Beach, for obvious reasons.....nothing like an Australian Lifeguard.
I have yet to explore northern Europe, The Scandinavian countries and Russia. I have been told that St. Petersburg is beautiful. There is also Venice, the Swiss Alps dusted with snow, and a barge cruise through the South of France. All in good time.
One of the thrill seeking items on my list is to see the Northern Lights, the Aurora Borealis. Simmering curtains of light dancing in the dark night. Japanese tourist flock to Alaska in the winter to see them, it is considered good luck to do so on your honeymoon. In about 13 months I will be turning fifty, yes the big 5-0. I plan on seeing them for my birthday. I have a friend that has recently moved to Moscow, so he may joing me for the experience. For me it will be at least an overnight flight, but his trek will be a few hours by plane. Since he is aflight attendant, he is used to flying.
So once you review you Bucket List, check out Damron Vacations. With Damron's 40 plus years of publishing guides, and the well trained staff to assist you, the options are only limted to your imagination.
Monday, December 29, 2008
The Snowbirds Return......
Just like the swallows returning to Capistrano in the old favorite, snowbirds have returned to Ft Lauderdale. Snowbirds are people that spend only the winter months in a warm locale. With a daily temperature in the mid to upper 70s, South Florida has long been a destination for residents where winter has a strong grip. The shuttered condominiums have been opened, early bird specials are in full swing, and traffic has picked up.
In addition to the regulars, there is also an influx of travelers just looking to escape winter's grip. With the internet, there is a cornucopia of booking engines for complete packages, or individual site for each component. With the large community of alternative lifestyle visitors, I recommend Damron Vacations. The knowledgeable agents are well trained in not just the technical aspects, the flight/car/lodging, but also the 'entertainment' side. With Damron's over 40 years of experience, finding a complete vacation package with tips on where to eat, enjoy Happy Hour, dance the night away is just a phone call away.
In addition to the regulars, there is also an influx of travelers just looking to escape winter's grip. With the internet, there is a cornucopia of booking engines for complete packages, or individual site for each component. With the large community of alternative lifestyle visitors, I recommend Damron Vacations. The knowledgeable agents are well trained in not just the technical aspects, the flight/car/lodging, but also the 'entertainment' side. With Damron's over 40 years of experience, finding a complete vacation package with tips on where to eat, enjoy Happy Hour, dance the night away is just a phone call away.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Holiday Travel
With the holidays upon us, it is a time of mixed feeling in the gay community. Some families are not accepting of the lifestyle, so trips to vacation spots take the place of trips home. I was lucky that mine is an accepting family. Though that did not stop me from traveling after Christmas.
In years past I have traveled over the Christmas/New Years break to San Francisco, Palm Springs and Ft Lauderdale. All of which are popular for alternative lifestyles. In Palm Springs you can lay out at a clothing optional guest house in the morning and then in the afternoon be in the snow at the top of Mt. Jacinto. In San Francisco, you can drive 10 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge to the Muir Woods to see giant coast redwoods. Then there is the fog shrouded Point Reyes Lighthouse, and the wine country of Napa and Sonoma Valleys a short drive away. In Ft Lauderdale there is the Everglades to search for alligators and manatees.
All of these locations also offer plentiful options for dining, drinking and dancing. The 3-Ds of vacations. The Damron Gyuide has been helping vacations in new cities for over 40 years. Reviews, addresses, and phone number make it easy to plan your trip before you even leave. And now with the formation of Damron Vacations, your trip planning is a snap. Only thing you need to worry about is which restaurant to try out and which bar to go for Happy Hour.
So next year if you need holiday plans, check out Damron Vacations for all you travel needs. In fact, why wait until then, the circuit parties are starting up and there are some great deals on hotels and cruises. Remember Damron Vacations can help with everything.
In years past I have traveled over the Christmas/New Years break to San Francisco, Palm Springs and Ft Lauderdale. All of which are popular for alternative lifestyles. In Palm Springs you can lay out at a clothing optional guest house in the morning and then in the afternoon be in the snow at the top of Mt. Jacinto. In San Francisco, you can drive 10 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge to the Muir Woods to see giant coast redwoods. Then there is the fog shrouded Point Reyes Lighthouse, and the wine country of Napa and Sonoma Valleys a short drive away. In Ft Lauderdale there is the Everglades to search for alligators and manatees.
All of these locations also offer plentiful options for dining, drinking and dancing. The 3-Ds of vacations. The Damron Gyuide has been helping vacations in new cities for over 40 years. Reviews, addresses, and phone number make it easy to plan your trip before you even leave. And now with the formation of Damron Vacations, your trip planning is a snap. Only thing you need to worry about is which restaurant to try out and which bar to go for Happy Hour.
So next year if you need holiday plans, check out Damron Vacations for all you travel needs. In fact, why wait until then, the circuit parties are starting up and there are some great deals on hotels and cruises. Remember Damron Vacations can help with everything.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
At home by the sea.....
Well, here it is the holiday season in South Florida. Palm trees wrapped with lights sway in the gentle breeze, tourists lounge on the beach behind the lamp posts wrapped with garland and red bows, and the locals wrapped up in sweaters since it will only be 72, and they are cold.
I moved to Ft. Lauderdale just over seven years ago because I always wanted to live here. My first visit was years earlier for a spring trip and I fell in love. I had always liked the beach, and Ft Lauderdale offers plenty of sunshine, beaches and social life for people with alternative lifestyles.
There is a section of the main beach were the boys all congregate on sunny days. In Wilton Manors there is 'The Drive'. In approximately 7 blocks there are at least 7 bars, numerous restaurants and lots of shops. Wilton Manors was featured in the NY Times as the 'Gay Mayberry'. It boasts one of the highest percentage of same sex households in the country. Las Olas Boulevard in downtown is our version of Rodeo Drive with stylish shops and restaurants.
Another great feature of this area is the convenience of cruises. Ft Lauderdale and Miami are the two major cruise terminals in the country. Most of the major lines are headquartered here. And with Miami International Airport only and hour or so away, non stop flights to most European and South American capitals are plentiful.
So if this sounds like a place you would like to move to, retire to, or just visit, now is a great time. With the slowdown in the economy airlines and hotels are offering great deals to fill seats and rooms. Try Damron Vacations to book your trip. We are located in downtown Ft Lauderdale, and our agents are familiar with the the area. Plus Damron has been a trusted name in gay travel for over 40 years. Hope to see you soon!!!!
I moved to Ft. Lauderdale just over seven years ago because I always wanted to live here. My first visit was years earlier for a spring trip and I fell in love. I had always liked the beach, and Ft Lauderdale offers plenty of sunshine, beaches and social life for people with alternative lifestyles.
There is a section of the main beach were the boys all congregate on sunny days. In Wilton Manors there is 'The Drive'. In approximately 7 blocks there are at least 7 bars, numerous restaurants and lots of shops. Wilton Manors was featured in the NY Times as the 'Gay Mayberry'. It boasts one of the highest percentage of same sex households in the country. Las Olas Boulevard in downtown is our version of Rodeo Drive with stylish shops and restaurants.
Another great feature of this area is the convenience of cruises. Ft Lauderdale and Miami are the two major cruise terminals in the country. Most of the major lines are headquartered here. And with Miami International Airport only and hour or so away, non stop flights to most European and South American capitals are plentiful.
So if this sounds like a place you would like to move to, retire to, or just visit, now is a great time. With the slowdown in the economy airlines and hotels are offering great deals to fill seats and rooms. Try Damron Vacations to book your trip. We are located in downtown Ft Lauderdale, and our agents are familiar with the the area. Plus Damron has been a trusted name in gay travel for over 40 years. Hope to see you soon!!!!
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