Tag Archive: Travel


Vermont

Filed Under: Travel

Vermont may be known for being the leading producer of maple syrup but there is a lot more going on around there than watching tree sap drip.

Lying in the New England region in the northeast of the United States, “The Green Mountain State” is centrally located for tourism and travel.

The state is so well acclimated into the LGBT community that every bar has the possibility to be a gay bar. While some of the population is conservative most here were found to be very open-minded and liberal. Civil unions were passed back in 2000 way ahead of the United States curve as the first state to recognize it and Vermont was fourth in line to legalize gay marriage.

Flying jetblue was breeze with snacks and drinks for the short hop from Chicago to JFK to Vermont where I lost an hour with Eastern Time. Car renting right out of the airport was convenient and necessary in this part of the world where things are spread out on a scenic highway with foliage at every turn.

We drove to our lodging at the Moose Meadow Lodge tucked onto the side of a mountain. This homey bed and breakfast was full of taxidermied wildlife and paintings. We stayed in the cozy creel room dedicated to fly fishing complete with a private steam room and balcony overlooking the forest. The only thing that was missing was a fish smell and that was okay by me.

The gay owners continue to expand with a tree house chalet in the works overlooking a pond. Don’t miss a glorious uphill hike to see the mountains from an overhang pavilion that is not for the faint of heart.

Before dinner we visited the Grunberg Haus with its strong Austrian style that is owned by past straight member of the LGBT Tourism Board, Jeff Connor and his wife Linda. Over ten rooms along with separate outside cabins provide suites for guests. A bird feeder watch from their living room never got boring.

The Cider House BBQ & Pub had some of the best pulled pork I have ever tried but bring a bib for those messy tasty ribs. Don’t forget to spread some bourbon sauce on any morsel in sight and ask for Bubbles the server who will show you one of a kind service.

For lunch there is probably not a better hot spot than Simon Pearce’s The Loft named after the famous Irish glass blower. Located over a historic woolen mill diners can watch the hydroelectric turbine and waterfalls while consuming calamari salads or a delicious shepherd’s pie. The lamb burger was a treat after fans demanded its return to the menu but watch out for the juice!

Downstairs tourists can not only shop from the massive gift shop, but also watch a glass blowing demonstration. After a devastating flooding from Hurricane Irene, this place bounced back after only three weeks to maintain it’s historic look.

There are so many welcoming places for LGBT visitors to stay in Vermont including all green gay owned Deer Brook Inn in Woodstock. A moose even felt right at home there recently when he charged across the property to surprise guests. Where was that moose crossing sign when they needed it?

Just a two-minute drive from there was the Farmhouse Inn where 31 hens ran out to greet us upon arrival. A huge barn was turned into a party room projecting movies on the wall and hosting local bands to entertain folks that stay there. With bees and trees, honey and syrup are served fresh for breakfast for visitors staying in their seven rooms. Remove your shoes upon entering and no pets please, there are enough on the farm!

Speaking of parties, Killington was the place to be for drinking and carousing. The Killington Resort has the complete getaway package for any taste. Stretching across six mountains, these snowmakers extend the amount of ski time on their 3,000 acres thanks to secluded sun escaped areas. Jam packed with activities, the Winter Pride Slide has revelers in a downhill parade and competing in a costume contest after hitting the slopes from February 1 through the weekend. Stay in The Grand Resort Hotel to enjoy spa treatments and a spacious golf course while you are there.

One of my favorite locations to visit was the Red Clover Inn. The farm-to-table dinner menu looked delicious with butternut squash soup for starters and garlic Portuguese steak to satisfy. The rooms were named after past owners and were just the right taste of modern mixed with historic architecture.

Later in the day we drove to the most populated part of the state, Burlington, for Gay Pride Weekend or Northern Decadence as some called it. Within walking distance of our centrally located Marriot Hotel accommodations we found the VGSA Pride Cruise on Lake Champlain.

The Ferry left the harbor with attendees covered in Hawaiian leis setting sail on the Love Boat or more appropriately titled Gilligan’s Island since it was a three-hour tour. The drag queens joked that there was a Ginger, and Mrs. Howell, but no one wanted to be Mary Ann. Maybe she was too innocent for the partygoers?

Patrons ate a light buffet after boarding complete with an anniversary cake. A DJ played tunes that got people dancing and a live singing drag show provided more entertainment for the evening. One unlucky fellow tossed his cookies overboard either from being seasick or having too many cocktails at the bar.

Saturday after the Vermont Pride Parade kicked off on Church Street. There were no barricades or stumbling drunkards on the street for this short but sweet celebration. Afterwards many walked to Battery Park to show their true colors with tents full of rainbow merchandise, clubs to join and square dancing. Performers sang from a local production of Rent after drag queens lip-synched with gusto in the pavilion. Former Governor Madeleine Kunin spoke of equality and changes in the government while Adam Bouska took NOH8 photos close by. Some rain sprinkled down to cloud up the festivities but that didn’t stop the after party called Farm Fresh with a southern theme that lasted until the break of dawn.

On the way up Route 100 visit Ben & Jerry’s factory where the company not only has incredible ice cream but they are active politically and in the gay community having a presence at the aforementioned festivities. Lake Champlain Chocolates and the Cabot Cheese Annex have enough samples on the highway to fill anyone up including a busload of tourists when I was there. Also, make a pit stop at the Hollow Cider Mill for a drink of cider along with apple doughnuts and soaked hot dogs.

There are so many places to stay such as the Commodores or Timberholm Inn but tourists simply must trust the only gay owned B&B in Stowe at the Arbor Inn. Renovated and adorable, this place was prepared for the upcoming Foliage Week with a new porch.

Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa supplied a relaxing reprieve with a total immersion into a world of massage and luxury that worked out the aches and pains of driving.

For the musical lover head uphill in Stowe where the family Von Trapp still remains to this day running the Trapp Family Lodge. The hills were alive with the Sound of Music as the great grandchildren keep their Austrian past alive with 96 rooms styled in classic yet modern looks. From the exercise room, pool, outdoor sports, to the restaurant, everything is within reach and was top notch for families with no need to leave a fireplace and balcony in their rooms.

It is fairly inexpensive to live in this region but gas prices were on par to Chicago. The population appears to be growing in leaps and bounds. After talking to some locals, many have moved here for a better way of life and the legalization of gay marriage. With ceremonies and honeymoon opportunities at every turn in Vermont, when are the other states hopping on this economic stimulating train and getting with the program?

Visit www.vermontgaytourism.com for details on planning a trip today!

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Dollywood or Bust

Filed Under: Travel

Located in the heart of Tennessee, Pigeon Forge to be exact, just a hop, skip and a jump from Nashville, lies a theme park with one bigger than life theme. Dollywood opened in 1986 while I was still in high school in a suburb of Nashville. I tell you what, I would have been intimidated with my interview of Dolly Parton last year had I visited the park first. It was a mix of my first job at Opryland and my recent visit to Six Flags Great America.

The roots of the place trace back to the Rebel Railroad, the location that the park is built on top of. The Smoky Mountains surround Dollywood with Gatlinburg’s its neighbor and tons of shopping and attractions to keep any tourist busy. There are campgrounds and Dolly has her own cabins on the property to pop a squat in.

Dollywood brings in about two million visitors annually. I kept thinking, “Where is Cher World or Madonna’s Monastery?” No one has had a successful park about themselves. Why didn’t Michael Jackson opens his to the general public. You would think Ms. Parton has the biggest ego in the world but after meeting her I don’t think so. She has managed to stay down home and friendly. So was the service here at every turn. Country is not even the word for the staff here. Everyone drops what they are doing to answer a question.

Upon arrival I headed to the tour bus to take a gander of how Dolly lived on the road for so many years. There was even an early wig to gawk at and surprisingly very small compared to nowadays. Dolly’s Closet is right across the street from it with but nothing scandalous was inside like I hoped for.

After a quick bite at the diner it was time to ride some roller coasters. New this year is the Wild Eagle. It is a double wing coaster much like X-Flight at Great American but it has it’s own unique style and the most thrilling ride at the park. Unfortunately the Mystery Mine was closed for the day but the Tennessee Tornado was a hoot and very fast. Thunderhead really shook me up but lasted a good long time.

There are lots of water rides such as the Mountain Sidewinder where I thought we might flip upside down since it is basically a mat on a water slide. The Smoky Mountain Rive Rampage guaranteed people to get wet on a hot day.

There were shows throughout the day with even members of Dolly’s family singing and performing. Her museum was really spectacular tons of pictures with celebrities (see I’m not the only one that likes a picture with Carol Burnett) and an attic full of relics and memorabilia to check out.

It was easy to spend a day strolling around and that is not even hitting her Splash Country water park next door. Book your trip at www.dollywood.com. Now when are we having a gay day there? Bring your own wig!

Don’t miss Out in the Park at Six Flags on September 8 to benefit TPAN. Tickets are $35 with details at www.GaySixFlagsChicago.com.

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Toronto

Filed Under: Travel

Toronto is the capitol of Ontario and means meeting place from an aboriginal word. Only an hour away from and founded at the same time as Chicago this area split from America in 1776. Both cities were considered gateways to the west. Being the largest city in Canada it is expansive and has a personality all on its own. While nice to visit, Toronto not cheap to live in as it was the highest ranked this year for cost of living.

Flying there is a breeze as Porter Airlines leaves from Midway airport daily where the snacks and drinks are flowing on the designer jet and the unlimited free Starbucks in the private lounge on return flights were a hit. A short ferry ride across the pond upon arrival and then you are on your way. Traffic can be tight though so plan on being patient. Getting around the city is very easy with railway buses, cabs and trains it’s a snap.

There are several Marriotts located in Toronto but the Eaton Center location offers a closed in walkway to start that shopping. Bars and attractions are nearby along with an excellent breakfast buffet to start the day off right.

The Royal Ontario Museum is currently presenting Maya: Secrets of Their Ancient World that shows past civilizations alongside dinosaur bones.

Take a walk on the high side at the CN Tower. Over 1,000 feet in the air, Chef Peter George serves up a cuisine that keeps diners spinning on a rotating platform at the restaurant inside the tower with a 360-degree view. After having the chocolate tower for dessert head to Edge Walk where you can be buckled in for a stroll on the outside ledge. This gives sightseeing a whole new meaning and was lit up red to honor World AIDS Day when I was there.

The St. Lawrence Market has something for everyone who loves to cook, from meat to cheeses. Don’t skip breakfast with a traditional peameal Canadian bacon sandwich at the Carousel Bakery.

Many people travel to see celebrities at the Toronto International Film Festival every year and now have a new place to eat with Luma located in the TIFF Lightbox. As you walk up the steps don’t miss the encased Oscar from the winner The Barbarian Invasions donated by the director.

The Grace Kelly exhibit runs in the same building displaying her rise to fame and the incredible outfits that she knew how to work.

Missing the comedy of Chicago? Take in an early show with this sister act from the same name of Second City presenting holiday themed shows throughout the year.

Another recent Chicago touring show was Mary Poppins landing at the Princess of Wales Theatre.

Fighting a foot fetish? Step over to the Bata Show Museum where founder Sonja Bata first started collecting footwear in the 1940’s. Now with over 13,000 artifacts including shoes from Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand, this place really has sole with the biggest boot ever from Mexico.

Decorated for the holidays was the castle Casa Loma, the previous estate of Sir Henry Mill Pellatt is the home of many movie sets including the X-men although Hugh Jackman was not to be found.

Every year the Historic Distillery District’s Christmas Market opens with wooden booths to shop at or just stroll around with a hot chocolate in hand. Barenaked Ladies front man Steven Page sang for the shoppers while Santa took care of the kiddies for the opening ceremony. Pure Spirits nearby always has a line outside for their swordfish steak and tiger shrimp angel hair pasta.

Off the beaten path is The Spa at the Old Mill Inn, which provides a getaway for travelers far and near. An indoor chapel for weddings, a 300-seat restaurant and luxurious spa conveniently means a couple never has to leave the premises.

Step back in time with the Black Creek Pioneer Village. Flaming pudding, yarn spinning, and history are all fun to witness while visiting a village founded in the 1800’s.

Speaking of blasts from the past, for fans of the Mildred Pierce movie Mildred’s Temple Kitchen is named after the film. This establishment made headlines this year when customers were encouraged to have bathroom sex on Valentine’s Day to celebrate. After your torrid toilette rendezvous return to your seat for a Makers Mark apple cider drink or the delicious gnocchi poutine.

After dinner the gay area is not too far where there are blocks of bars to try out such as world famous Woody’s, massive in size with room after room of activity. Zipperz has a piano bar and Fly is the place to be on the weekends to dance. Pride week in June is one of the biggest LGBT festivals in the world.

Take care of your sweet tooth with a Canadian baking class by Le Dolci where people of all ages learn to decorate cupcakes. All classes are two hours long and a can celebrate any special day or holiday.

Head to more shopping in the historic Yorkville area where upscale chains such as Roots and Club Monaco are all the rage. The Guild Shop featured local artists and was very reasonable with prices.

Sassafraz is a nice place for a lunch break right in the middle of this square and has a bar area to rest your feet.

For dinner located inside an upscale mall is La Societe with Parisian cuisine and a stained glass ceiling that shoppers must try.

After all this shopping, dining, and sight seeing it is only a quick trip back to Chicago.  For a nearby sister city that is among the world’s top tourist destinations there is no excuse not to experience Canada and Toronto for yourself.

For more information on many of the places mentioned above visit http://www.seetorontonow.com before your visit!

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Messin’ Around in Massachusetts

Filed Under: Travel

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is known as The Bay State and located in the New England region.

Boston is the capital and a good place to start the journey. The Inn @ St. Botolph makes a great home base for downtown Boston. The place is modern, masculine and maintained by the guest. It has a virtual check-in with a key code so no need to even see anyone at the front desk. It is basically like having a private apartment with living room instead of a hotel feel to it.

There is a huge mall around the corner or head over to the Bully Boy Distillery where founding members Will and Dave Willis make small limited run batches of rum, whiskey, and vodka. These farm boys gave up previous careers to make spirits for local restaurants and bars.

The Boston Railway and bus system was very easy to use and on par with Chicago. Take the green line over to Haymarket Square where the area is quite charming with restaurants and nightlife. Tucked away on the Waterfront is Aragosta. The Italian cuisine is prepared before your very eyes at the chef’s counter by chef David Daniels and literally melts in your mouth. Don’t miss signature drinks such as a s’more martini or the oak sage margarita.

After dinner try local karaoke or visit Club Café with a fun photo booth, music, and dancing. There was an appearance by RuPaul Drag Race star Pandora Boxx the night I was there.

Take the Reverse Walk Into History Tour with up to 16 historic sites such as Paul Revere’s house.

For lunch after the walk Bin 26 is a welcome change serving 200 wine selections. The cocoa tagliatelle with porcini mushroom is a must try at this Beacon Hill restaurant. If you still have you walking shoes on then continue down side streets to see the architecture and picture the history of this area.

Tourists love the Sam Adams Brewery as they sample award-winning beers and learn about the brewing process.

Don’t miss the hip Island Creek Oyster Bar. Fresh oysters and seafood work in harmony with atmosphere with this newly opened restaurant that is packed on the weekends. The setting for the television show Cheers is nearby in this upscale neighborhood.

For a luxurious stay spend the night at the Hotel Marlowe. This Klimpton Hotel rates four stars and comes complete with a roommate, a fish named Francisco, to keep the weary traveler company.

Halloween is the perfect time to visit the bewitching city of Salem. The feeling of the Salem witch trails still hang in the air as tours go over the history of hysterical young girls in the summer of 1692 causing townspeople to be accused of witchcraft. Using life sized figures and narration viewers are sunk into a world where witch-hunts were commonplace. Afterwards take a walk through the history of witches to learn that maybe they aren’t all bad from the Wizard of Oz to current day Wiccans. TV Land even placed a statue of Samantha from Bewitched in the town square as an homage.

The House of the Seven Gables raises the roof on history with a large collection of antiques and architecture inspired by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Shops are in walking distance ran by modern day witches selling fortunes and trinkets.

Finz Seafood & Grill serve a raw oyster bar right by the bay. The stoli-wasabi oysters are very popular with the locals and a must try.

Many people enjoy the Peabody Essex Museum including the Yin Yu Tang house inside that is over 200 years old. There are other collections housed inside from Asia to Africa.

Take a train to Gloucester, which is America’s oldest seaport and is still one of the busiest harbors on the Eastern seaboard today.

Not too far from the train station lies the Sleeper-McCann House is originally owned by gay designer Henry Davis Sleeper who created each room with a theme. The tour really emerges the viewer into the living quarters of one of the world’s first interior designers.

Family owned Ryan & Wood Distilleries makes vodka in large vats or try some from the Cape Ann Brewing Company with their long hall style seating to meet the neighbors.

For dinner be submerged under the ocean at Latitude 43 and nosh on fish & chips.

If you like modest accommodations and bright sun check out the Blue Shutters Beachside Inn that is just steps from the Ocean in Cape Ann.

It was women’s weekend in Provincetown and there are several ways to get there. The Bay State Cruise Company offers a high-speed ferry that was a bumpy ride on a windy day or Cape Air brings travelers across the great divide in about 30 minutes as opposed to the driving around the arm of Massachusetts for four hours.

The Sunset Dune Tour takes visitors by car through the sand to see where artists have lived with no electricity or running water ending with a clambake at sunset.

The Harbor Hotel at the tail end of the strip offers retro styled rooms and ocean views. There are many timeshares and bed & breakfasts along the road. Expect to pay big money for some but the views are breathtaking.

The Mews Restaurant was a bit of a walk from the hotel but well worth it. The service was top notch and on Bravo’s Tabatha’s Salon Takeover this hotspot was used as a lesson for customer service. Also featured on that reality show was Dougie Freeman’s salon and spa where celebrities drop in such as Anderson Cooper getting manicured privately a few years ago.

For women’s weekend there were performers up and down the strip from comedian Kate Clinton to rock group Betty. Fantasia week was the following week, which spotlights transgender people. Provincetown is a safe place for all LGBT folk to show affection without fear and to really cut loose. Gay bars were easy to find with Atlantic House (or commonly referred to as A-House) being the most popular to dance late night at. Also try Shipwreck with a cozy outdoor fire pit and friendly staff or Purgatory for the grittier tourist.

Located in the tip of Cape Cod, Provincetown is one of the safest and LGBT friendly areas in Massachusetts. Pilgrims actually landed in Provincetown making Plymouth the second settlement. Learn all about this and more by taking a trolley tour around town picking guests up at the town square.

The Bay State brings seafood, history, and distilleries to the northern traveler. With a quick flight visitors can be vacationing in no time. Recommended times to travel are anytime after April when this region springs to life with sunshine, tours and architecture not to be missed.

For more information on travel to Massachusetts, visit: www.massvacation.com.

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Ecuador

Filed Under: Travel

The Republic of Ecuador lies in South America bordered by Colombia with the Pacific Ocean to its west. The word Ecuador translates to equator and we traveled to the center of the world to report back about it.

Known for its exotic wildlife and ancient civilization this country makes the perfect destination for the adventure traveler.

Our trip begins with American Airlines and switching to LAN in Miami. I recommend attempting to only bringing carry on for the plane but be careful of baggage weight. Whether a smaller roller board or duffle bag this will make your life easier. One of the reporters from our group had his checked luggage lost for four days. LAN was a joy to fly on. The flight attendants dressed in a uniform that would give Pan Am a run for its money. Dinner was served along with alcoholic beverages with no extra charge. Personal televisions offered entertainment and made the flight literally fly by. In no time we arrived at the capitol of Ecuador, Quito.

Quito is the most populated city in Ecuador. The elevation can make it hard to breathe having nothing to do with age or health and has no specific factors. Headaches and dizziness are typical symptoms of altitude sickness. Locals use tea from the coca plant to combat it.

Swissotel is a luxury hotel in the heart of the city and makes a good base to begin your stay. Look for a rose on the bed with plenty of pillows and enjoy relaxing in the plush space.

The Ventanal Restaurant has a breathtaking view of the neighborhood of San Juan. With bife de chorizo and delicious chocolate desserts this place knows how to present a dish.

After a short flight to Coca an eco tour begins at the Napo Wildlife Center. To reach the accommodations one must travel by high-speed motorboat and canoe. Thus begins a total seclusion experience and bug repellant along with flashlights are suggested. The lodge is next to the Anangucocha Lake that is loaded with caymans so swim at your own risk by the dock after 6 pm. Guests are treated to excursions beginning at the crack of dawn after a quick breakfast. By boat we arrived at the clay licks to see hundreds of parrots coat their stomach with the earth to protect it from toxins. We hiked for hours through the jungle to observe wild deer, howler monkeys and bullet ants that can paralyze a grown man for an hour with one bite. We turned back time with locals performing and dancing including a shaman to heal the village. The swarming of bees were commonplace on a tall tower in the rainforest although toucans and sloths could be spotted next to this Ceiba tree. Experience the dragon’s blood tree where you can drink the sap or apply it to a bug bite to stop the itching. There were moments to proceed with caution such as poisonous frogs on the ground or a tarantula surprised us in our quarters one evening after dinner. This jungle tour lasts for four days and three nights and includes all meals buffet style.

Afterwards we trekked back to Quito to have lunch at El Crater Restaurant with an amazing view and delicious fish on the menu. Close by is a tour at the Middle of the World where tourists can find ground zero and try balancing an egg on a nail.

For dinner Boca del Lobo made a hip place to check out with retro décor and tasty salads to enjoy. Down the street was a gay bar entitled Buddha that was packed, sweaty and blasting Olga Tanon as people cruised, dancing the night away.

Another short trip from Quito is the city of Manta with an incredible beach in Bay Caraquez including a museum. With a tour of the mangrove visitors can learn more about the ecosystem and the nesting of birds.

Discover the history of panamas hats at one stop then travel to Casa Ceibo with handcrafter beds and spa bathrooms. The pool alone makes this a getaway that one can forget their troubles once and for all.

To get back to basics spa treatment try an energy bath in a sulfur lagoon but make sure you don’t mind the smell or kids jumping all over the area. Witness a two-headed chicken at the Agua Blanca museum along with ancient artifacts.

The Hosteria Alandaluz made a comforting place to stay with the beach right outside the property complete with night bonfires. Meals are included and pitchers of caipirinhas flowed during happy hour.

Puerto Lopez opened the way for a full day boat trip to La Isla de la Plata where there is wildlife to match Galapagos Island. After hiking for two hours we spotted many a blue-footed booby and their young sometimes next to us on the path. Lunch and snorkeling was part of this bumpy boat cruise but how often do you see clown fish straight out of Finding Nemo? On the boat ride back to the mainland turtles, dolphins and whales escorted us back to the shore.

Don’t miss some the most beautiful beaches with outdoor markets such as Los Frailes and Salinas. Hotel Punta Carnero can transport a traveler back to the ‘70s with its Brady Bunch stairs and stylings. It is only open part of the year so call before you drop in.

The Megaterium Museum is nearby housing a giant sloth skeleton. After discovering these fossils in 2003 the State University of the Santa Elena Peninsula created this museum to study the remains. Another museum to check out was the Sumpa Lovers Museum where you can learn about the burial bones and see ancient homes.

Guayaquil is the largest city in Ecuador with over two million inhabitants. The Oro Verde Hotel makes a safe, luxurious accommodation including restaurants, bakery and gambling inside the property.

Nightlife offered a karaoke bar that was not too friendly but the GYE Disco made up for it. With shirtless severs and three free drinks with cover charge this dance club eventually was packed with videos of Rihanna and Britney playing in the background.

Across the Guayas River lies a train that takes tourists through rice fields. The tour guide played games with the passengers to pass the time and somehow tricked me into singing Madonna’s “Like a Virgin” on a microphone!

For an encore we arrived at a rodeo where we learned how to make chocolate, drain sugar cane and ride a bull.

Overall this will give an idea where to start for a traveler that sometimes was off the beaten path. In this vibrant country expect wildlife, museums, shops, and restaurants.

For a country about as big as the state of Colorado, Ecuador is the highest populated area in South America and is packed with things to do and see.

Visit http://ecuador.travel for further ideas for traveling in this diverse part of the world.

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Hawaii

Filed Under: Travel

Hawaii greets visitors with a hearty “aloha” and flowered necklaces called leis upon arrival. United Airlines flies directly there from Chicago. While it is an over eight flight, as long as the passenger is prepared it’s not a problem. One suggestion is to eat before the ride or bring a snack on the plane. Small morsels are offered for purchase also after boarding on United Airlines for this trip.

The Modern Honolulu Hotel has an over four-star rating with breathtaking views and heated saltwater pool. Hidden behind a bookcase in the lobby like a grown up Clue game is the bar area. Fireworks exploded every night and frozen coconut mojito really cools off the tourists in their lounge. It is a little off the beaten path and doesn’t offer a private beach but the service and valet are top notch.

Start off the day early by visiting the fish auction, located on Pier 38, to see where local restaurants bid on their favorite member of the ocean. Bring a jacket because everything is stored in a walk-in refrigerator. The fishermen arrive at 1:00 am to prepare the proceedings and don’t stop until it is all sold with opening bids beginning at 5:00 am. Culinary classes are offered onsite with tuna and swordfish being very popular.

Next door is Nico’s with an excellent fish and eggs breakfast. Don’t forget to try that tartar sauce along with it. Here is a picture of Nico himself in front of his restaurant.

The West Oahu Farms is a complete learning experience where farmers are students who have their tuition paid for by while learning about the environment. Whole Foods are among other vendors purchasing their food fresh from this farm.

The Naked Cow Dairy is where milking and pounding out butter is everyday life. Pickles the cow works overtime as there is a huge demand for fresh cream. With garlic and coconut butter it’s easy to see why this business is booming with local sisters as owners.

The first Hawaii Food & Wine Festival kicked off with celebrity chefs such as Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto and table after table of samples for the crowds to try. Roy Yamaguchi of Roy’s Restaurant began the festival with a quick speech. Attendees enjoyed the festival over the entire weekend as it moved to various locations while raising money for charity. Check back on their website http://www.hawaiifoodandwinefestival.com as it promises to be even bigger and better next year.

Jared Leto’s band Thirty Seconds to Mars rocked it that same evening at the Aloha Tower Water Front. This was not typical local reggae music and the fans loved it when Jared brought a few onlookers onstage.

The next morning the He’eia Fishpond proved a worthy excursion with a 700-year old taro field garden. Tourists can learn about how the fish are herded into the crystal clear water then try some poke, or sliced raw fish, at a build your own buffet.

“Eat the Street” is a big block party of lunch wagons where the community gathers monthly to try samples. Everyone loved the OnoPops with their frozen chili pepper jam swirl or another popular dessert was the Fairy Cakes baked from scratch.

Hot spots at night can be found everywhere in Honolulu with karaoke offered on almost every block. Hula’s Bar and Lei Stand had a nice mix of go-go boys, a pool table and live hula show with fun drinks. After Wang Chung’s was incredibly small but full of friendly locals to sing a song with no judgment involved.

Every Saturday the Kapiolani Community College Farmers’ Market brings local growers together for over 50 booths with everything from pizza to sea asparagus.

Disney just opened the Aulani Resort with an amazing spa on the beach. The service is top notch as expected from the Mouse.

If a tourist wants to get away from the chain restaurants try the Rainbow Drive-In. For over 49 years this joint has served plate lunches to such big names as Shaquille O’Neal and Barack Obama. For its 50th anniversary they will roll back prices to 25-cent hamburgers to celebrate.

If chips are your favorite snack Kilauea Fire bbq sauce should hit the spot with homemade taro chips and sauce inspired by the lava of a volcano.

For recreation after eating, O’ahu is home to more than 125 beaches so try snorkeling, surfing or stand up paddle boarding. Take a class at the Hans Hedemann Surf School and the instructors will keep you safe while taking pictures to capture the moment.

Chef Mavro is the place to dine after that paddling workout with a AAA five diamond signature restaurant. With a mix of French and seafood courses, selections range from grilled diver scallop grenobloise to a caviar flight.

Each island has its own personality. It’s a short flight on Hawaiian Airlines to Maui. Being the second largest of the island, Maui. Whale watching and rainfall are common in Maui.

The Fairmont Kea Lani is elegant as part of Polo Beach. The pools alone are impressive with an adult pool next to the bar. Have a massage on the beach in a private cabana or ride in a canoe on the waves. Ko restaurant is located inside the Fairmont and with the help of Chef Pang has out of this world cuisine. With a multi-million dollar renovation the new Ko will be open for lunch and dinner in February.

Don’t miss a party to see the sunset as Ali’I Nui Sailing takes a cruise complete with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres making it a relaxing water getaway.

On the other side of the island is Hana, a forest paradise that is difficult to travel to but well worth it. The traveler needs to take their time on the road to Hana. Hiking and waterfalls can break up the sometimes single-lane drive to the resort Travaasa Hana. With daily spa treatments, meals included and ocean front cottages the tedious trip is quickly forgotten. This really is more than a resort but a compound where technology and loud children are a thing of the past. Travelers can surrender to a vacation that is worth the trip to escape typical civilization.

With winter quickly approaching this is the time to book a trip to one or more of the islands today.

Visit http://www.gohawaii.com for ideas from this adventure and more.

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Hawaii Gay Bars

Filed Under: Travel
Aloha!
With direct flights from Chicago and temperatures dropping this could be a good time to head to Hawaii.
I stayed at the Modern Honolulu for the first ever Wine & Food Festival. The nightlife scene is in walking distance making it convenient and fun to explore.
First stop was Hula’s Bar & Lei Stand, 134 Kapahulu #2. The number two stands for upstairs at a shopping center. The place is warm and inviting. Everyone drinks mai tai’s on the island but look for specialty cocktails such as the High School Harry Bloody Mary.
There is a pool table and go go boys to appease all types. A live male hula show was fun and they celebrated a birthday while I was there. The age range was all over the place and is a super space to bring a straight friend where they will feel comfortable as well.
Karoake is extremely popular in Honolulu. The new kid in town is Wang Chung’s at 2410 Koa Avenue. With the friendliest staff I have encountered and lychee infused vodka this is a no brainer. The space is very small so not much room for dancing. Look for a bootie in the face if you are sitting on a bench. When the bartenders are cute and can sing everybody was having that night!
In the heart of the bustling straight bars there is Fusion Waikiki at 2260 Kuhio Avenue upstairs. When I saw prostitute looking drag queens wandering in and out the door this should have been a sign to head for the hills. The whale that took my ten dollars at the door was rude and sour. The early show had a broke down hostess. The strippers were not hot and bachelorettes had taken over the place. Later the place turns into a dance club but it was too late. I will take my chances with the drunken tourists outside instead.
If you are looking for a quick hook up Grind R and Manhunt created a fast way to make friends the island. Catch the wave and let your fingers do the walking. Also, Max’s Gym is a good place to work out as well as enjoy a sauna. Located inside a strip mall this gentleman’s club can be a little tricky to find for your trick.
Overall the natives were very friendly and welcoming. Gay friendliness was everywhere and there is lots to see and do for the LGBT traveler.  

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