Holidays

Yesterday was Mother's Day in the United States. Countries around the world have similar holidays, but the actual date varies, in England it was in March and in Israel it is in February. I guess Hallmark cannot get everyone to agree to one day.
Since my mother passed away almost four years ago, I had no one to buy flowers for, or mail a card to. My roommate and I went out to lunch after he got home from church. His mother has also been gone for a number of years. It seemed most of the restaurant parking lots were crowded with families out enjoying the day. The place we chose eventually filled up with families with mothers and in some cases grand mothers.
My father used to make sure that their was a card from all the children and a present from us, which he had bought. While still in New Jersey my mother would get breakfast delivered to her in bed. As we got older it was just a big breakfast in the kitchen. But honestly, my father cooked breakfast every Sunday for the family, so only the cards and gifts made it something different.
My family accepted my lifestyle and it was not much of an issue, but so many gay men and women are disowned by their families. And that is such a waste. Relationships that grew for years are destroyed by the truth, and no one is to blame.
If life has taken you away from your family, maybe it is time for a visit? Damron Vacations can help plan a weekend trip to the old hometown. While offering packages to exciting gay destinations, along with Europe and other exotics, Damron Vacations does offer packages to most US cities with an airport. A flight and car can be of assistance if there is no airport nearby. So contact one of the experienced agents and visit your family.

Anchors AWAY!!!!

This past Sunday was the monthly Tea Cruise on the Musette. There is free parking right near the ship's berth on the south bank of the New River. After checking with Peter and his crew, the Damron Vacations' staff(no pun intended) boarded the ship. Dana, Sherry, Kirk, his partner David and yours truly took a quick tour. Kirk and David set up the Damron Vacations display in the main lounge on the first deck, meanwhile the rest of us found 'adult beverages' on the open second level and found space at the rail to watch out departure.
After a slight delay for one of the performers, are drag queens ever on time?, we pulled away from land and headed east. The New River winds it way along the south side of downtown towards the intercoastal and the open waters of the Atlantic. Lining the shores are some of the most expensive homes in the area. Large waterfront compounds with plenty of outdoor living space with pools with attached spas, outdoor kitchens that rival most suburban homes.
The on board entertainment included performance from two local female impersonators, a stripper, a porn star and a young guy in his underwear. Of the group, the stripper was DEFINITELY the best. I'm guessing that he was well into his 30s, but had a body to die for. Well muscled but not steroid looking, dark hair, what had not been shaved, and appeared to be nicely equipped under his torn, wet, white, tee shirt. YUMMY!!!
The porn star was no slouch either. A tasty looking Latin man in a well packed Speedo. One of my coworkers(and me) thought it was nicely filled in the rear. So many men work on their chests but ignore other ASSets. He did pose for a group picture, but I have included the other I took.
The weather was beautiful, sunny with a nice breeze, so was a great day for a boat tour. The Tea Cruise is an optional feature for all of Damron Vacation packages if travel includes the first Sunday of the month. There is a variation with the next cruise the last Sunday in May so as not to interfere with Gay Days at Disney.

All about the Hoops!!

It is the last week of March and Spring is trying to get established across the country. Here in South Florida, it never was winter as most Americans know it. Yes, it did dip into the 30s a few nights, but when those chilly nights are followed by sunny and 70, it is hard to call it winter. We have been rather dry the past few months, though that was helped some a week ago with a rainy few days. But it is definitely better than the residents of Fargo, ND. It seems the river has crested but there is a chance of several inches of snow during this week.
In various cities around the country the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament is being played. From the original 64, only 4 remain and they are heading to Detroit for the semi-finals on Saturday and the finals on Monday. In years past, the colleges were placed in brackets to provide good match-ups and also occupancy for hotels. This year, because of the economy, teams started their quest much closer to home. This allowed fans to drive to the venues instead of flying.
Memphis was the scene for the quarterfinal game of UNC and Oklahoma. Both of these school are a days drive away from Memphis, yes it is a long drive, but $75 in gas for 4 people is a much better deal than several hundred each if flights were needed. Remember, there is no 14 day advance purchase, more like 7.
I will watch the game with my alumni association in a local sports bar. Going to the finals would be fun, but VERY $$$. And tickets to the game would be EXTREMELY hard to obtain for less than the value of a kidney. If I had planned to attend, Damron Vacations could have booked my flight, hotel and car. Even though Detroit is not known as a gay mecca, it is one of the destinations offered by Damron Vacations. So if a last minute dash to Detroit to watch UNC win the championship is needed, call or go on line to Damron Vacations, and hake it happen.

More Staycation Information

This past weekend was beautiful in Ft Lauderdale. This is the dry season in South Florida. Translation: clear sunny blue skies, no humidity and a nice breeze. The reason that people move here. The only ice hazards here is too many mojitos.
On Saturday, a nice ride down A1A showed that Spring Break is in FULL SWING. I have not seen the sand that crowded in a long time. I guess the economy has curtailed some travel for Spring Breakers. Instead of flying to Mexico, 4 guys in a car driving to Ft Liquordale.
Also this weekend was the Atlantis Celebrity Solstice cruise. Celebrity's stellar new ship, the Solstice carrying over 2,500 gay men. That might be just a few too many men for me. The bars over the weekend were hopping with early arrivals, lots of new faces.
Since it was the first full weekend in March, the Las Olas Art Fair was held. The main shopping street in Ft Lauderdale is closed for several blocks and tent are set up along the median. Artists from around the country come to display their artwork. The items on display are towards the high end of traveling art shows. No puppets made out of socks. In one of the intersections was a display of large metal animals with bobbing heads painted in bold primary colors. I think a few of these by my pool on the intracoastal would be nice. Guess I better buy some LOTTO tickets so I can buy that point lot.
With the economy barely breathing, and budgets being tightened, check out your local newspaper for local events. Most museums have a free day during the month, or account holders at certain banks get discounts. Or check out your local fag rags to check out Alternative events. I know the Gay Rodeo is coming to town. YUM!! Gay cowboys.
If a trip out of town is what you desire, try Damron Vacations. With possibilities to fit any budget, Damron Vacations can make your travel dreams reality.

Travel on a Dime

The downturn in the economy has also had an adverse effect on the travel industry. With the Federal bailout, many companies have recently canceled meetings as a result of adverse publicity.
Las Vegas and other popular cities have been hard hit and trying to fill vacancies.
This does have an upside. With empty rooms to fill, bargains are everywhere. There are many websites that offer last minute deals. Also some send weekly emails with specials they have uncovered. Though some are still on the $ side, some are quite reasonable. Maybe it is just a weekend away in a nearby city that you drive to, or a cheap flight to visit friends.
Low budget does not mean boring and dull. Staying in a 5 star property in your own city for a great price is a nice get away. Instead of a few hundred dollars in airfare, use the money for spa treatments, show tickets, or that expensive restaurant you always wanted to try. So many people are always waiting for a special occasion to pamper themselves. Why wait? There could be a bus out there just waiting........
Damron Vacations offers some great deals to great destinations. The experienced agents can help plan a quick get away to Vegas, or maybe someplace warm and tropical? A little stress release is just a phone call away.

Canyons and Valleys

While Las Vegas and Hoover Dam are impressive sights, they are the work of humans. Over the course of years, mankind has shaped the landscape to fit his need and wants. In the past it was usually in no regard to the environment. Building large dams that flooded vast areas, covering everything under somethings 100s of feet of water. The Colorado River was the focal point of dam building for flood control and as a source of power. With its free flowing water, steep inclination of the river bed and high surrounding banks, it made a perfect source for hydroelectric power. But travel outside of the metropolitan area and nature takes over.
A few hundred miles to the east lies the Grand Canyon. A might gorge cut over the millennium by the Colorado River. Long the home for the Anasizs, it was discovered by the Spanish while on their quest for the famed city of El Dorado. It remained unspoiled except for the occasional visit by Europeans until 1869, when American explorer John Wesley Powell mapped the Colorado River for the Smithsonian Institute. This exploration of the landscape led to more expeditions and research into the geology of the area. With such a large amount of strata revealed, it advanced the science significantly.
While first entrepreneurs entered the are for mining, it was soon discovered that tourism was much more profitable. A train spur from the line at Williams was brought to the South Rim and hotels sprang up. The El Tovar is nestled right on the rim at the entrance to the Bright Angel Trail.
The Grand Canyon is not the only breathtaking area in the southwest. There is Monument Valley, Bryce Canyon and Arches National Park. Through the erosion of the landscape, beautiful spires, pillars and arches have been created.
In Arches National Park there are over 2,000 known arches withe the longest, Landscape Arch stretching 300 feet. There is Double Arch, two graceful arches sprouting from the same base. Balanced Rock seems to defy gravity, a single stone the size of three buses, perched delicately on a spire. The Fiery Furnace looks like a wall of red flames. These fragile natural wonders are subject to the forces of nature, erosion has claimed over 40 arches since 1970.
Bryce Canyon is actually a large amphitheater filled with countless sites. The ground eroded away leaving spires, called hoodoos, some over 200 feet tall. Since it was created by head water erosion it is not technically a canyon.
Monument Valley is an awe inspiring area filled with large spires and columns of sandstone rising out of the plain. The combination of red stone tinged with yellow, clear blue sky and total absence of humanity is breathtaking.
Throughout this whole region, native Americans have left their imprint. Houses of the cliff dwellers, hieroglyphics and remnants of nomadic camps dot the landscape. So remember to leave only footprints and take only pictures so these natural wonders and reminders of past civilizations will remain for centuries to come.
The expert agents at Damron Vacations can help with your exploration of this region. Maybe a few nights at the Blue Moon in Vegas to start and end your trip and a week of rental car in the middle to go where the wind takes you.
The sites of the Four Corner

Viva Las Vegas!!!

The modern day Sin City. What happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas. One of the most popular travel destinations in the country.
The original settlement was farmers in the area. In 1905, the first plots in what is now the city of Las Vegas were auctioned off. The town was officially incorporated March of 1911. With the liberalization of divorce laws, a quicky divorce was one of Nevada's main attractions. During the Depression, construction of the Hoover Dam brought more population, power and water to the area. WWII brought with it military bases due to the sparse population in the surrounding countryside.
After the end of the war, lavish hotels and casinos began to spring up, first downtown and then along Las Vegas Boulevard, the Strip, as it was to become known. Iconic names like The Sands, The Dunes, The Stardust. Unfortunately, most of the original hotel/casinos have been torn down to make way for the new mega-resorts. Fantastic complexes with 1000s of hotels rooms, massive casino, high profile restaurants, and glamorous shopping arcades. Most with a theme, ancient civilizations, international cities, and stories.
In the downtown section of Las Vegas, there remains some of the original casinos, The Golden Nugget, the 4 Queens and Fitzgerald to name a few. A recent addition to the downtown scene is the Freemont Street Experience. The street has been covered with a canopy of LEDs that create an overhead show. Jet fighters, whales, floating clouds, an ever changing ceiling. Just watch out for pick pockets, with every one looking up, no one is watching around them.
The main resorts cater to all types of clients. The families wanting a cheap get away(though why bring children), high rollers from here and abroad, conventioneers from Peoria for the BIG shoe show. Though wonderful experiences, and welcome all visitors, alternative lifestyle travelers may feel a little out numbered. But do not despair, the Blue Moon Resort is Las Vegas's only exclusively gay male resort. Though not on Las Vegas Boulevard, its convenient location makes it easy to hit the Strip. And speaking of strip, part of the grounds is clothing optional.
So if mingling with international high rollers, a winning round of 7 card stud(or any stud) sounds like a nice way to spend a trip, but Monte Carlo would bust the bank, try Las Vegas. With the option of an all male resort, or a very gay friendly mega-casino on the strip, the knowledgeable agents at Damron Vacations can make your arrangements.

Minications

Hey, if a Madison Avenue advertising company can create staycation, I can create minication. To me a minication is a short trip away from home. It can be for just a day, a weekend, or maybe a three day weekend.
Many people have no idea what attractions are in their area. Just last night I was watching the Travel Channel' Ghost Adventures, and they went to a house in Palm Beach, a 45 minute drive from my place. It was about a house that was formerly the caretaker's house at a cemetery, and has been moved to a village of historic structures. While still at the cemetery, a man hung himself in the attic and reputedly haunts the structure. There was unknown voices, boards being moved and items being knocked over. So will add the house to one of my weekend trips. Plus, if you have not watched the show, you should, one word - WOOF!! Zac the main guy is quite tasty, and the two other team members are nice too. Lots of the hosts on the Travel Channel are similar, the Mark & Olly series.
There are many more interesting sites in the area. There is the Bonnet House, the Stranahan House here in Ft Lauderdale. Also in Palm Beach County there is Whitehall, the Breakers Hotel and others. In Miami there is Vizcaya(home of the White Party), the Deering Estate, The Art Deco District to name a few.
While doing research for work, I found the Oheka Castle. It is about 20 blocks from where my family used to live on Long Island. It is the second largest home in the country, only to Biltmore in Asheville, NC. Built to resemble a French chateau, it has extensive gardens and is currently used as a hotel. Tours are still offered of the estate.
So if you want to get away even for a day, check out the local Convention & Visitor's Bureau, they will have a list of nearby attractions. Many are very reasonable, and some offer free admission days once a month. If you want to travel farther afield, log-on to Damron Vacations website and check out the deals. If you have any questions, contact one of the knowledgeable agents to help plan your vacation.

Cool blondes, spies, thieves and a casino

Where do all of these occur? In a Hollywood movie? A best selling novel? The coast of France? The answer is all three, with Monaco being the actual location. There have been a few spy novels and movies set in this Mediterranean country, Bond, James Bond. To Catch a Thief with Cary Grant and Grace Kelly was filmed here. And Grace Kelly was the epitome of a cool blond is there ever was one.
During the filming of the movie is when Miss Kelly met Prince Rainier of Monaco. Their subsequent marriage was covered in the popular press. A princess from Hollywood becoming a true Princess. They led a storybook life until tragedy took Grace's life after an accident on the hill behind the city. Princess Stephanie, sister of the current ruler, resides not to far from the Royal Palace, where the changing of the guards occurs every afternoon. Though not as impressive as the English version, still a spectacle to observe.
The small country is nestled on the Mediterranean coast of France not far from the Italian border. Originally settled on a rock promontory jutting out into the sea, it now encompasses the surrounding countryside. Though the average person would take less than an hour to walk its width. The main source of income is tourism, since there is no income tax on personal income.
The main draw is the Grand Casino in the Monte Carlo district. Built to attract wealthy tourists it has succeeded quite well. Built in the Beaux Arts style is it quite an impressive building. With its purpose to attract tourism, it is off limits to local residents.
Along with the casino there is the Jacques Cousteau Center. It features a large aquarium and many displays from the famed diver's life and explorations. With a marina area formed with the reclaimed seabed, it boast a large collection of yachts, from the small up to the mega yachts. Life in Monaco is not for those of the small bank account. It has officially been deemed a tax haven by many watchdog agencies.
If rubbing elbows with the rich and famous(lots of race car drivers) sounds like a nice way to spend a vacation, consider Monaco. With its polished atmosphere, Grand Casino, wealthy people and mega-yachts, what more could a gay man want? Try Damron Vacations' expert agents to help plan your trip, and say good bye to middle America, and hello to Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.

Barging in the South of France

Does anything sound more romantic? Small ship, attentive crew, a handful of guests. Life is good, just add wine.
Carcassonne, an ancient fortified city in the Languedoc region of southern France. It is the best preserved walled city in Europe. As one approaches the city perched on a hilltop, visions of knights in armor and Cinderella come to mind. The imposing stone walls topped with towers appear to be able to withstand any assault. The narrow winding streets are definitely European, nothing in the United States comes close, except maybe Cinderella's Castle in Disney World.
Beneath the old city is the new part of town with the barge harbor. It is on of the starting ports for barge cruises. With only 4 passengers and a crew of 5, service was exceptional. With a comfortable room and lots of lounging areas, relaxation is the theme. With the barge chugging along at a nice leisurely pace, the country side slowly passes. Sycamore trees lining the banks provide shade and frame the small towns and farm houses as they drift past. Since it is Spring, flowers line the banks and the gardens along the shore. Thoughts of Monet and his gardens at Givenchy come to mind, swaths of pastels and brighter hues under dappled sunlight.
The barge itself is quite comfortable. The cabin, though not large is quite comfortable. The marble accented bath was nicely laid out. The common areas were comfortable with plenty of sunlight. The food preparation was first rate and the wine, well we were in France, does more need to be said? The barge we sailed on was one of the smaller that plies the canals of France. Larger vessels up to 20 passengers are available, but are restricted to larger waterways.
If a slow trip through the south of France seems like a dream come true, call Damron Vacations and make it happen. Perhaps a few nights in Paris before the cruise and after to keep from having to rush. This is a vacation remember. And if going with a group of friends, the Group Department at Damron Vacations, can work out a barge that can accommodate just your party.

Another Friday night

The week is over, and time to start the weekend. Typically for me this is the one night of the week that I will go out. Usually for happy hour then home.
I go to one of, if not THE, most popular places in Wilton Manors. Located in what was once a strip shopping center with a grocery store, it is now the unofficial center of the gay world in Ft Lauderdale. With a large parking lot, which is rare for most bars, it is a first stop for many bar hopping trips. From the parking lot, which it shares with another bar, it is an easy walk to at least 6 other bars and numerous restaurants and shops catering to alternative lifestyles. One of my favorite things about it is, no smoking. With the smoking legislation a few years ago, establishments that sell a certain percentage of food, smoking is prohibited inside. So no going home reeking of cigarette smoke. That and the 2-4-1 cocktails until 9 pm is also nice.
It seems the that usual crowd is there. I had taken a period of time off from bar hopping, so now that I have resumed, it seems the same people are in the same location each week sitting on the same bar stool. Since this is a vacation city, there is always an assortment of tourists. Some of the regulars I recognize from when I moved here over 7 years ago.
One thing I noticed this past weekend is cell phone usage. It seemed that over 50% of the people were calling or texting most of the night. I saw a few couples that seemed to be on dates, and one would leave for refills, the other would pull out a cell phone and start typing. I do not even know how to text on my phone, and since I have worked in a call center, talking on the phone gets old.
If your week's entertainment has become a routine, maybe a weekend get away is in order? A road trip to Key West? Weekend cruise to the Bahamas? Maybe Cancun? Check out the offerings from Damron Vacations, where experienced agents can help plan a long weekend or even a multi-country trip to Europe. With many of the world's economies experiencing a downturn, deals are everywhere. If there is a bunch of people traveling together, Damron Vacations also has a Group Department for 10 or more passengers.

Live from the Jackie Gleason Theater in beautiful.....

Miami Beach. I remember the Jackie Gleason show when I was growing up. Little did I realize I would end up living 45 minutes away. One never knows the turns life will take.
Going to Miami Beach is a regular outing for my roommate and I. We drive down on a Saturday to have lunch on Lincoln Road and wander around. Years ago the City of Miami Beach created a pedestrian mall of approximately 9 blocks of Lincoln Road. Great idea. The various cycles of the economy and the surrounding neighborhood had led to ups and downs on the mall. Right now it is still doing well despite the economy.
Parking is easy at the city owned convention center lot, which is only 1/2 block away. Just remember to take your ticket and not leave it in the car. Drivers without a ticket have to produce a drivers license and the information gets recorded. This has cut down on car thefts. And the city lot is the least expensive in the area.
The variety of restaurants is only rivaled by the various nationalities of the visitors. All the restaurants have menus posted which makes selecting easier. Nexxt is our favorite, lots of food for the price. They have the largest outside eating area by far. And with the network of umbrellas and plastic channels, downpours, while numerous in the summer, are under control. After lunch a leisurely stroll past the shops is a good way to burn off the calories. One usual stop is the Ghiredlli shop, free samples, yum. There is a William Sonoma, a Pottery Barn and a long list of clothing stores.
Right about in the middle is Score, the only gay bar on Lincoln Road. I was in it years ago when it was the Kremlin in the mid 90s. That was when it was a slow time in the area. I remember walking down a fairly deserted Lincoln Road to get there. Now it always has a group of guys having a few adult beverages and watching the parade of people.
As you eat, drink or stroll, there is a varied assortment of languages heard. The predominant is Spanish, though Italian, French and German are also common. And lately, Eastern European languages are started to be heard. This is due to Miami International is a non-stop from most European and South American capital cities.
With the varied languages, the beautiful people and the abundance of sidewalk cafes, Lincoln Road is very cosmopolitan and more European than American. Easiest way to leave the country with out a passport, and it is LEGAL!!
At the eastern end of Lincoln Road is the sand of South Beach. Known the world over for young beautiful tanned bodies. The old Art Deco hotels that line Ocean Drive are as vibrant as in their heyday. Gloria Estafan owns the Cardoza, maybe a celebrity sighting? The movie The Birdcage was filmed nearby.
Though South Beach is not as gay as it used to be, it is still a great place to escape winter's hold. I think it is in the minus degrees in Chicago today. With the Winter Party right around the corner and the South Beach Food & Wine Festival, now is the time to contact Damron Vacations to plan your tropical escape. Great food, good drinks, tan lines, and warm tropical waters are just a few of the attractions in Miami beach. Do not forget your Damron Guide to find the perfect bar to make your own memories.

Your next port of call is......

Traveling on the high seas. This was the only way to cross the ocean in ease until the arrival of jet airliners around 1960. In their heyday, the ocean liners ruled the oceans. Each country had its own line and battled for the fastest crossing. Famed ships include the Normandie, United States, both Queen Elizabeths, Norway(formerly the France), and the Andrea Doria, to name a few. These were built with reinforced hulls to tackle the rough North Atlantic. There were various classes and one did not mingle with those of a higher rank. The only remaining true liners are the Cunard Queen Mary 2 and the Queen Victoria. The Queen Elizabeth 2 is on her way to become a floating hotel in Dubai, much like her predecessor the Queen Mary. The United States is rusting away at a Philadelphia dock, the rest have met their fate with disaster or the scrap yard.
Today's ocean travel is accomplished mostly by cruise ships, which ply more tranquil waters such as the Mediterranean, the Caribbean or the South Pacific. These ships are geared more for fun, relaxation, and sightseeing. They come complete with rock walls, bowling alleys, lawns, theaters, and casinos to name a few amenities.
There are a few companies that charter the complete liner for a gay cruise experience. All the shows and activities cater to the tastes of those passengers. Most will cruise the popular routes, Northern Europe, ancient wonders of the Mediterranean, the Caribbean or Rio de Janeiro for Carnival to name a few.
Truthfully, I have never been on such a cruise. I have sailed on Celebrity three times, the Eastern Mediterranean, the Western Mediterranean and the last was the Caribbean. I like to describe the Celebrity line as going to sea in a country club. Very tasteful and subdued decor. The clientele tends to be older and the number of children is usually very low. Makes for a quiet time around the pool.
On a cruise there is a list of daily activities that is published, well daily. On the Celebrity Cruise Line, at 7:30 there is a meeting listed as Friends of Dorothy, it is usually near the meeting of Friends of Bill W. Is this coincidence? Friends of Dorothy refers to the Wizard of Oz, Somewhere over the Rainbow, get the connection? on the Constellation this past December and the Galaxy the year before, the meeting was in the new Martini Lounge on each ship. What a combination, gay men and martinis, is there ever a better match?
A section has chairs pulled together and a small Reserved sign is there to hold the seats. The group varies from cruise to cruise, but usually at least a dozen or so. On the Galaxy, I think we numbered over 30. You get to meet people from around the country or even the world. Some friends continue after the cruise, some do not. But it is nice to have people to do excursions with.
So if a cruise is one of your favorite types of vacation, or perhaps you have always thought about one, contact Damron Vacations, and get connected to our cruise desk. The agents there can arrange your cruise on any of the major lines, along with flights and extra hotel nights if needed. Don't forget your Damron Guide, to find stores, bars, or sights that might not be listed in most guide books.

The Conch Republic

At the far southern end of US 1 is the small town of Key West. First discovered by Ponce de Leon in 1513, Key West has had a varied and colorful history. It was fairly deserted until just after the Revolutionary War, when Spain gave it to Juan Pablo Salas, who in turn sold it to American business man John Simonton. After promoting the island to the Navy as a possible base, it became a point of entry to the United States.
With a small population of 'wrecker's', kind of a local pirate, a bit of lawlessness prevailed. These people would lure ships onto the reefs, then claim the cargo. With the legal salvaging of wrecks, the population was one of the wealthiest per capita in the country. Other industries that grew included: sponging, turtle harvesting, and cigar rolling.
In the 1920s, Prohibition gripped the country and more illegal activity helped Key West Thrive, bootlegging. Rum and beer from Cuba and other spirits from the Bahamas. In the 60's it was marijuana. Seem like many people made money in not so legal ways there.
But now for the present. Key West is an easy, if not speedy, way drive from the mainland. The roadway, trestles and bridges make a scenic drive, especially the southern half. Though once there, a car is basically not needed. If driving is not for you, the major lines offer flights directly to the island.
Once in Key West, your options are numerous, from large resorts with spa facilities, to B&Bs in restored cottages. There are plenty of male/female only and clothing optional is quite common. Most of which provide a nice continental breakfast, and some have afternoon Happy Hour. What more can you want, no searching for breakfast, and free drinks? Prices can accommodate a vast array of budgets. As I have gotten older, I prefer the larger resort hotels, favorite being the Hyatt on Front Street. It is convenient to Duval and the waterfront, but secluded at the end of the street.
With the arrival of cruise ships, commercialization has taken over the north end of Duval. While watching the sunset from Mallory Square is still popular, it has a more 'Disneyesque' feel to it than in the past. So head south to experience more of why you headed there.
There are still many of the old favorites drawing in the boys and girls. La te da still has shows and serves food. The patio is a great place to watch people pass. Bourbon Street and the 801 are busy from open til close. One of the more interesting bars is the Green Parrot. Is it gay? straight? whatever? What ever it is, it is still a great place to enjoy Key West as it used to be, laid back and relaxed.
There are the tourist favorites like Hog's Breath and Sloppy Joe's, but they are usually full of people off the cruise ships and can be kind of on the loud side.
Key West has great places to eat. I tend to stay away from the large chains at the north end. A Planet Hollywood is a Planet Hollywood, no matter what town it is in. 7 Fish on the corner of Elizabeth and Olivia is my favorite. The food is great, service superb, feeling is eclectic chic, and dinner will not send you to the poor house. Try the Yellowtail Snapper in Yellow Curry, to die for!! Other favorites are Blue Heaven(named after a type of chicken), Pepe's(oldest restaurant in the Keys) and the Raw Bar at the Turtle Kraals.
If a beach is your destination, hate to tell you, but Key West is not really the place for you. Most of the island is coral and the largest, Smather's is sand from the Bahamas. So if beaching it is what you want, choose Miami or Ft Lauderdale with their miles of powdery sand. If quaint, fairly gay, and lots of fun, Key West is a great place to relax, unwind, and get an all over tan at the pool at your gay guest house. So if this sounds like an experience you would enjoy, call Damron Vacations and speak to one of the experienced agents, and plan you escape to the Conch Republic.

Oo la la in Gay Paris!!!

Springtime in Paris, what a wonderful time to be in such a lovely city. With its wide boulevards lined with sycamores, quaint side streets with hidden gardens, and large parks, the city is alive with greenery and flowers. The city itself is arranged in districts, spiraling out from the center of town, with the higher numbers on the outskirts and along walk or Metro ride back to the center of things.
The sites to visit are vast in number and diverse to, from the Crypts of Notre Dame, to the French Impressionists at the Musee d'Orsay, to the incomparable Mona Lisa(is it really Leonardo in drag) and other masterpieces in the Louvre, to the indescribable view from the Eiffel Tower. Plus there is a myriad of smaller museums, galleries and monuments scattered around the city.
One thing to keep in mind is not to hurry from one place to another. Parisians to not run, but stroll, and enjoy the architecture from the Beaux Arts and Art Nouveau periods of Paris's building heyday. If going a long distance, the Metro is well laid out and easy to use. Metro passes are a good investment, they provide a specific number of consecutive days of Metro travel. Also available in the Metro Stations are visite passes. These also are for a specific number of days and provide access to the major sites. The best benefit is line jumping, with the pass you head to a separate line to enter which is usually 1/10 the length of normal admission line. Thre important exclusions from the visite pass are the Opera Garnier, Notre Dame's Towers and the Eiffel Tower, more on them later.
Starting with the Ile de la Cite, Notre Dame's imposing Gothic architecture is amazing. Begun in the 12th Century, building took almost 170 years to complete. One of the earliest examples of Gothic architecture with soaring arches and flying buttresses, it endures today. The climb up the north tower is made easier with an elevator( the reason for no line jumping) and the view is breathtaking. A farther climb up the south tower is accomplished through a narrow stair, so if claustrophobic, skip this part. The famous gargoyles are visible from the first gallery.
What card carrying gay man does not know at least one song from Phantom of the Opera? The Opera Garnier is the location for this production, and it is actually built over a small lake. The large chandelier is still suspended under a dome that was redone by Marc Chagall. The grand staircase with its various colors of marble hearken back to a bygone age of regally dressed men and women attending the performance.
The most noticeable landmark is the Eiffel Tower. Rising up along the left bank of the Seine, it was originally supposed to be dismantled after the World Exposition. Even with protests from many of Paris's more enlightened populace, the tower was allowed to stay. The ride to the top is accomplished by two elevator rides. At the first level is a post office so, drop you postcards there for an Eiffel Tower postmark. The view is spectacular during the day or after sunset with the city ablaze in lights below.
For a gay old time in Paris, head to the Marais. The former Jewish ghetto just east of the Louvre. The area is full of restaurants, cafes and bars. One aspect of Parisian bars, you can buy a bottle of liquor that they will serve you on subsequent visits, much better buy then nightly drinks. Check out the Damron Guide for the latest listings.
For souvenirs the selection is vast. There are quint local shops or the major stores like Printemps or Galleries Lafayette, along with teh major Paris fashiopn houses. Just remember some food products are NOT importable. Wine is allowed, but meats and cheeses are strictly forbidden. I recommend bringing a packing tube with you. Between the Seine and the Louvre, street vendors set up stand and you can purchase a watercolor of Paris actually painted by a Parisian, the packing tube ensures it will get home safe.
So if Springtime in Paris is the vacation you and you partner have always desired, now is a good time to go. With travel down and the dollar gaining strength against the euro, bargains are plentiful. Check out Damron Vacations to the best advice and experience in planning your trip. The knowledgeable staff will help with all the details.