Z Ocean Hotel, a chic, intimate, luxury boutique hotel on Ocean Drive in the heart of South Beach is teaming up with Crunch Fitness to offer Z-Fit: Personal Fitness Weekend -- a unique way to stay fit while on vacation. The Z-Fit Personal Fitness Weekend, led by a Crunch instructor, will take place Sept. 25-27, 2009. Participants will begin each day with Z Ocean’s Spa Breakfast, including fresh fruit, juices, yogurt and more. Following the energizing breakfast on Saturday morning, fitness enthusiasts will engage in an invigorating 90-minute beach workout with a Crunch instructor.
The intense session on Miami Beach will focus on all muscle groups delivering a complete workout. From stretches and lunges to sit ups and sprints, the beach boot camp-ists will feel the burn, made even more effective because of the pliancy of the sand. After the boot camp session, guests will partake in a Q&A with the instructor to address their individual fitness concerns before heading back to the hotel for a revitalizing dip Z Ocean’s glass-bottom pool and some poolside refreshments. The Z-Fit Personal Fitness Weekend at Z Ocean Hotel South Beach is available for $478 for the two night stay, excluding taxes and resort fees. Space is limited. To reserve a spot in the boot camp, guests can call toll free 877-688-4232. All participants will be eligible to enter to win a Crunch Annual Membership and a 3-day, 2-night stay at Z Ocean Hotel South Beach.
Story by Ed Salvato; photos courtesy of Manchester Pride (above and below); Ed Salvato bottom.
I recently had the pleasure of discovering Manchester Pride. I'd heard a lot about how fun it was but thought, a Pride is a Pride is a Pride, right? Wrong! This 10-day celebration of the arts, culture and sense of fun of the LGBT community really is one of the best Pride events I've ever attended. It seems to have just the right balance of really fun events, cultural events and even a stirring candlelit vigil to honor those taken away from us by HIV and AIDS.
Here are a few photos so you can get a sense the experience, but the best way to really do that is to plan now to attend. It's held the last week in August to coincide with a national bank holiday. It's especially fun to discover something new about England if you've already visited London or elsewhere in the United Kingdom. And the best part is the Mancs or Mancunians, as the locals are known: They are incredibly hospitable hosts!
I've written a short guide for enjoying Manchester beyond Pride. Click here to see it. For more official gay and lesbian trip-planning information from the Visit Manchester tourism folks, click here.
Getting there gay
To get to Manchester, I flew direct on American Airlines in business, which really is the only way to travel to Europe or any destination that requires an overnight flight, and discovered that the American's gay and lesbian employee Group, GLEAM, was founded in 1994, thus celebrating its 15th anniversary this year. AA.com/rainbow, their dedicated LGBT-specific website, founded in 2006 and also a first for any major carrier, is still going strong. It's a great place to find exclusive offers for gay and lesbian travelers.
In addition to these, AA boasts a whole slew of LGBT-related firsts, like being the first major airline to implement same-sex domestic partner benefits in 2001. You can read more about it at AA.com/rainbow and book your next gaycation on a demonstrably gay and lesbian friendly airline. Also, it's worth nothing that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the Admiral's Club.
Story by Aefa Mulholland. Photo courtesy Tucson CVB.
If you’re a golfer and are
going to be in the Tucson area this fall, line up your visit to coincide with
the First Annual Wingspan Golf Classic, a competition that tees off
at the Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain Golf Club north of Tucson, Arizona, on
Friday, November 20, 2009.
The proceeds of the
event will be donated entirely to Wingspan, Southern Arizona's GLBT
community center. Wingspan is Southern Arizona's
lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community center and as such,
provides a variety of programs critical to youth, seniors, and victims of
domestic violence.
The Wingspan Classic
tournament is open to all members, friends, family, and allies of the GLBT
community. Tournament entry fee is $150/golfer for the 12:30 p.m. shotgun
start. All golfers will have the opportunity to buy mulligans and other fun
advantages throughout the event. Green fees include driving range use, cart, a
player gift bag, and post-play dinner. Fabulous raffle prizes will also be available, including an exotic, all-inclusive tropical vacation package for two.
For more details, see Wingspan Classic (www.wingspanclassic.org).
Images Courtesy Pink Lake Festival Story by Joseph Alexiou
A whole weekend lounging around a pristine Austrian lake is nothing short of paradise for lovers of the European vacation. In the southern province of Carinthia—a beautiful sunny region made up of a thousand lakes and mountains—Lake Wörthersee and the town of Pörtschach will be host to the second annual Pink Lake Festival—an international LGBT event from September 10 through 13.
In what is essentially a gay pride weekend without the parade, Pink Lake is an opportunity for the region to invite queer travelers to experience a quiet and remarkably picturesque part of Europe. With borders near Italy and Slovenia, last year's festival saw visitors from myriad destinations in Europe and beyond. Pörtschach, a spa town full of tradition (from architecture to bakeries), classy restaurants and boutique shopping, is "ideal venue for the Pink Lake Festival."
Highlighted events start with the Almdudler Folkwear Party at the beautiful Parkvilla Wörth—guests wearing Lederhosen or Dirndl (the traditional lady's peasant dress, although being a lady is obviously not a requirement) get a present, and additional prizes to the most creative outfits. Friday's big event is the dragtastic Sissi Ball at the Congress Center Pörtschach, presented by Villacher Bier and featuring the ladies from Vienna's Herr...liche Damen calls for Baroque, "eccentric" costumes. On Saturday the main event is the Schlumberger Boat Cruise, a nighttime dance cruise with live DJs and beautiful views of the lake.
Additional events include Welcome Speed Dating on Thursday for those looking for some weekend romance, a bicycle toure around the lake at 10 a.m. on Friday, numerous happy hours, buffet dinners, and the free "banana cruising," a sports happy hour at the Pink Lake Hausboot (a daytime bathing suit party, if you will). Check out the event website for full scheduling details and locations.
All-inclusive event tickets cost 20€, although most events are no more than 10€ individually.
Photos Courtesy of Manchester Pride Story by Joseph Alexiou
Across the Atlantic sea, as they say, is Manchester, the second city of England. Well known for its culture and vibrant nightlife, if you missed London Pride but still want to party with the rude boys, then you would do well to make it over there the weekend of August 28 for Manchester Pride.
And if that isn't enough to get your tweed vests out of the cedar closet, we have one word for you: Bananarama. That's right, the legendary 80's sensation will perform in the beginning of Pride Weekend.
But you have a whole week to travel, the festivities actually begin on Monday August 24 and continue on leading up to "The Big Weekend," as the Mancunians refer to the weekend of the parade. Additionally, our own Editor-in-Chief, Ed Salvato will be one of the specially invited attendees, a great opportunity to meet our resident travel expert first-hand! Tickets to the festival are £12.50 ($21) and can be purchased at www.manchesterpride.com/tickets (VIP tickets, which include three free drinks a day, exclusive views of the Main Stage and a luxury goody bag, are available on the website or by calling +44-1-612-367-474).
Some interesting pre-weekend happenings: the Lesbian and Gay Film Season at Cornerhouse; a Pride Gallery Tour; "Burlesque and drag king workshops and honest disucssions about sex" at Secrets of the Lady Garden; a pre-weekend canal bank run followed by eat and drinks; and short films dealing with trans issues by MORF and Transforum Manchester.
Once the Big Weekend rolls around, say goodbye to your Cruel Summer by dancing to Bananarama's Opening Ceremony show on Friday August 28. Other top festival acts include The Whip, The Blow Wave, and the newest electro-pop diva to hit the charts, Little Boots (performing Saturday—no need to upstage Bananarama!).
The parade itself is on Saturday, August 29 from 1-3 p.m. at the city centre (that's how they spell it in England!). You can bet your tuppence on some excellent color, sexy folks of all genders and orientiations, and all of the general parade insanity, including the undoubtably sexy Greater Manchester Fire Brigade—with any luck they'll require hosing down from the late-August heat.
After the parade, the Lifestyle Expo and Market Area will continue on through Monday, with lots of cute guys and gals hawking their products while heavily socializing. There's also the Sackville Gardens stage, which will be chock full of local bands and good old Manchester entertainment—local bands will play during the Sparkle space event on Saturday.
Partygoers will be happy with the list of great gay nightspots in the festival brochure—Manchester has a vibrant gay bar and club scene that will not disappoint those interested in late night revelry.
The celebrations culminate on Monday evening with the heavily attended candlelit George House Trust Vigil at 9 p.m. An AIDS memorial, quiet reflection in the idyllic Sackville Gardens is the "spiritual heart of the Macnchester Pride festival." Organizers describe the atmosphere as "magical and moving."
Looking for lodging? The Macdonal Manchester Hotel and Spa is a great 4-star property and is the official Manchester Pride partner, but there are a variety of great suggestions on the event website.
This year's "Surf Saga-Themed" event takes place on August 15 at DNA Lounge, and the San Francisco Bay Times has called this yearly event as "Sexy, campy, draglicious, professionally executed, and full of talent."
This year's featured performers include 2008 Solo King winner Papa Don Preach, 2008 reigning troup Fella-Fem, special guests Arty Fishal, Dee Dee Luxe, and the Psychobilly Punk Band.
The judges will rate everything from studliness to sex appeal and fashion sense—this year's panel will include previous titleholders Rusty Hips and Jay Walker, as well as SF scene celebrities Anna Conda (hostess of Charlie Horse at the Cinch, Herr-a-Chick, and Simone DeLaGetto (of Harlem Shake Burlesque).
Door open at 8 p.m. on Saturday, August 15 at DNA Lounge—the show will benefit P.A.W.S., a volunteer organization that provides companion animals to people with debilitating diseases. Dress code looks are as follows: Drag of all kinds (faux, king, and queen), Fetish, formal, High Femme, Surfer (and Surfette), and Bikini Beach Babe (of all time periods) and/or "Festive."
Photos in order (2, 5, 6) Courtesy of Montréal Pride, (3,4) courtesy Divers/Cité by Aydin Matlabi Story by Joseph Alexiou
There's no denying it: we here at Out Traveler love Montréal. Quebec's premier gay destinations is holding two super LGBT events in the upcoming months: Diver/Cité in July 26 to August 1, and the main Pride, also known as Celebrations de la Fierté, from August 13 to 16. Originally one big Pride festival, the arts and music festival was so popular that it was split became its own unique event.
Divers/Cité, translatable French wordplay for "Diverse/City," bills itself as an modern, avant-garde arts festival. 55 hours of live shows, concerts and cinema screenings will run alongside photo exhibitions. Talented drag performers Joey Arias and Justin Bond (featuring Our Lady J) will perform in the Cabaret de Minuit's "New York Series." If that's not enough drag, Mascara, La Nuit des Drags features 80 performers, outdoors on the night of Saturday, August 1.
Spinning at various parties that night are world-class DJs David Morales (playing the Sunset Party and opening the D/C Party)and Peter Rauhofer, who will play the late night set at D/C from 4 to 10 a.m. For the ladies, Lesbomonde features all night partying, from the 7 p.m. Cocktail hour at Suco Lounge featuring DJ and vocalist Sandy Duperval, to the club night at Musée Juste pour rire. This features DJs Betti Forde, circuit fave Alyson Calagna, and JD Samson from Le Tigre (yet another New York visitor).
The numerous pride events begin officially on August 13, but the parties begin Friday with the loungy Bring Your Own Lesbian POP Fiesta. Saturday is all about the BBCM party in Altitude 737, a restaurant-club on top of Place Ville-Marie—these experts de la fête have brougth the kickoff to one of the city's biggest skyscrapers. Beginning at 1 p.m., the all-day event includes beautiful panoramic views and DJ Alain Jackinsky, Stéfane Lippé, and Patrick Guay. Those looking for free events can easily hit up Place Émilie-Gamelin, including the Café des Arts presentation of Per7eption and the work of Yvon Goulet and Kat Coric, who will perform live painting.
The parade itself begins on Sunday at 1 p.m., at Lorimier Avenue and René-Lévesque Boulevard East. The westward procession of leather and feathers will finish at Saint-Hubert Street, and celebrations continue at Parc
Émilie-Gamelin (for a T-dance featuring, DJ Mark Anthony, Mexican sensation Oscar Belazquez and more Stéfane Lippé) and also Sainte-Catherine St. between
Saint-Hubert and Papineau.
We could all use a few relaxing days in Montréal's very agréable summer climate and laid back culture—alors, allez-y directement, especially now that the U.S. dollar is worth $1.15 Canadian again—enfin! (finally!)
Story and photos by Nif Leder; bench overlooking 10th Ave and 17th St facing north.
Pay a visit to the newest park in town. Along the lines that freight trains once traced above 10th Avenue now lie blooms, benches and a place better known as The High Line, Manhattan's newest urban oasis. This unique park allows for unobstructed views of the city at three stories above street level, customizable seating arrangements, and even a spot to wade barefoot on your break.
Part one of this planned three-part construction project is now open for your viewing pleasure. Locals are flocking here, but hurry before it finds itself on all the tourist maps. The first section runs along the gay-friendliest neighborhoods of the borough. From The West Village at Washington and Gansevoort St (where it is suggested to enter to get the full south to north experience), to Chelsea at 20th and Tenth Ave. All this in time for New York Gay Pride on June 28. (Left: two of he many colorful flowers and plants along the High Line's path. Ecological tours starting soon. Check their website.)
(Enjoy amphitheater seating above 10th Ave and watch cars zoom out from beneath your feet.) Open from 7AM to 10PM, you can have your morning cup of coffee here, enjoy an elevated lunch, or unwind here in the evening to catch a great view of the sunset over the Hudson. Don’t try to hop the fence and come in after dark, because cameras have been installed all over to ensure the protection of the West Side’s newest addition. There's an elevator entrance at 16th and 10th Avenue. (Right: this sign serves to protect the fledgling flora.)
On July 12 look out for a free street fair to mark the 75th anniversary of the High Line. This shindig will feature everything from swing and salsa bands to inflatable sculptures. Enjoy our pictorial presentation but by all means plan a visit soon.
(A man walks under the passage through the Chelsea Market. The first of many public art displays serves as the background, “The River That Flows Both Ways” by Spencer Finch. Go see it up close to check out his 700 stained glass tiles that color map the Hudson River.)
Regular Out Traveler columnistDennis Hensley just got back from EuroPride 2009 in Zurich and sent us two typically hilarious -- yet very informative! -- video postcards from his trip.
Some 50,000 reportedly attended this weekend's Europride festival in "the little big city" of Zurich,
Switzerland. OutTraveler's Dennis Hensley and his handy Flipvideo
camera were there among the throng. In part one of his two-part video
postcard, he meets Zurich's openly lesbian mayor, Corine Mauch, learns the difference between Mr. Switzerland and Mr. Gay Switzerland and chats up U.S. porn stud Johnny Hazzard on the "best night of his life."
Don't rain on our Europride parade!
In Part 2 of his video postcard from Zurich,
Dennis Hensley pokes around the float prepping area, discovers his
inner Showgirl, and floats a provocative theory about Euro-boys and
their "nifty black jacket" obsession.
Photos Courtesy of Denver Gay Pride Story by Joseph Alexiou
If there was ever a sleeping gay giant in the United States, you would find him (or her...or hir!) at the Denver PrideFest, which takes place on the weekend of June 27-28. The 34th annual celebration will see an attendence of over 250,000 people, which includes the estimated 100,000 parade attendees—now that's nothing to turn your nose up at.
Although the week leading up to PrideFest has a few events, Saturday will kick off (spike off?) bright and early with an all-day volleyball tournament. Organized by the Colorada Gay Volleyball Association, the first game starts at 8 a.m. Other speciality events include the Denver Dyke March, taking place for the first time ever! Starting at 3 p.m. at Charlies, the march down Colfax will finish off with "women-focused entertainment" on two stages at Civic Center Park. The all-day stage lineup includes the Denver Women's Chorus, the Drag Kingz of Transcend, singer/songwriter Jill Brzezicki, the Shelvis & Dancehall Girlz Show, and more.
Saturday's celebrations also includes the Latino stage located at the corner of Colfax and Banno, with dance instruction, performances by Ballet Folklorico and haunting Mariachi music by Antonio Reyna. A day for family celebration, the Civic Center Park will have all sorts of entertainment for all ages, food and beverage stands, retail and commercial booths, and even a Dogs in Drag Parade (seriously!). For the main stage, SIRIUS radio personality Romain Paterson emcees,
However Sunday's parade, which expects up to 100,000 attendees, will begin at 10 a.m. at Cheesman Park and heads towards a second day of festivities at the Civic Center Park. The theme is "Worldwide Pride...Connect the Dots," which spreads awareness of pride events all over the globe: Denver's links up with Phillipino city Baguio. The after party, which has hosted big acts like Tiffany and Martha Wash in the past, will feature Cleopatra Jones, RuPaul's Drag Race finalist Nina Flowers, and several stage events featuring gay icon Matthew Rush.
If you're itching to see Colorado during the hot season, Denver Pride recommends three properties to rest your head: the Curtis Hotel and the Magnolia Hotel both offer special $99 a night rates for the events, just ask for the special PrideFest rate. There's also a Residence Inn that offers a special rate. Wake the sleeping giant, cause he (she? zee?) will want to party with the massive crowd at one of the United States' top ten Pride Celebrations!
Out Traveler G.P.S offers dispatches from the ever-expanding field of gay and lesbian travel -- as soon as we know, you know. Check back frequently for updates, insider information, advice, and offers brought to you by our ever-roving band of gay travel experts and by readers just like you.
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