Head west to see the Sistine Chapel

Story by Aefa Mulholland, photo by Berglind Hafsteinsdottir

Don’t have the time or the budget to get to Rome? Head west instead. This week Seattle Art Museum opens a Michelangelo exhibit, Drawings from the Sistine Chapel -- the only place it’s showing in the U.S.

The nearby Alexis Hotel is offering an Art of Michelangelo package including deluxe accommodations, two VIP tickets to the Michelangelo Exhibit: Public & Private-Drawings for the Sistine Chapel and other Treasures from the Casa Buonarroti, a $10 gift certificate to the Seattle Art Museum Gift Shop, two Painters Delight cocktails at the Bookstore Bar, and Complimentary Valet Parking.

The package is available from October 15, 2009 through February 1, 2010, with rates starting at $219 a night. For a few dollars more guests can request to stay in the Seattle Art Museum suite.

For more information, see www.alexishotel.com and seattleartmuseum.org.

Value Watch: Stonehurst Place, Atlanta

Photos courtesy of Stonehurst Place and Allison Shirreffs
Story by Olga Bas

When looking for a gay-, eco- and/or pet-friendly stay in Atlanta, consider the small but luxurious Stonehurst Place. The bed and breakfast is running a Three Nights for the Price of Two promotion on all stays at least three days through December 22, 2009. Book your stay directly with Stonehurst Place; rates vary based on room choice and period of booking ($139-429). The offer may not be combined with any other offer.

The B&B, located in a mansion originally built in 1896, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was renovated last year to include many green additions. Without sacrificing style and its period appeal, the hotel has been outfitted with solar panels to heat water and harvests and purifies rainwater for the house.

Besides the eco-friendliness of the hotel, each room guarantees luxury 1000 thread count Egyptian cotton bed linens, natural hygiene products and museum-quality art. Some of the larger suites, such as the Hinman and Gables, also offer marble vanities and floors, spa tubs and heated bathroom floors.

Upon arrival to Stonehurst, expect a welcome beverage as well as complimentary refreshments and gourmet breakfast throughout the length of your stay. In-room massage service is also available to guest with 24-hour notice.

Ed Salvato on Sirius/XM Radio

 

Photo: courtesy Derek and Romaine, Sirius/XM OutQ

Our editor, Ed Salvato (below right), was a guest of Derek and Romaine on their eponymous show on Sirius OutQ (Sirius 109; XM 98).

It was a lively 45 minutes with lots of calls from listeners. They discussed a wide range of travel topics from an assortment of Sirius OutQ listeners: gay men, lesbians, singles and couples  Here are a few topics they touched upon:

• Travel to India and Sri Lanka
• Washington, D.C. hotels
• San Juan, Puerto Rico gay scene
• Gay-friendly Istanbul
• Punta del Este, Uruguay for an older lesbian
• Best getaway for New Year's, where to go for Thanksgiving and much more!

Click here to listen to the show. (It's in four parts)

Download 01 Track 01

Download 02 Track 02

Download 03 Track 03

Download 04 Track 04

RSVP's Alaskan Adventure: Days 5 - 7

Story and video by Michael Anthony; Photos in order: Michael Anthony (3); Getty (1)

If the ship is a-rockin'…get those anti-nausea pills ready!

Yes, on the 5th official day of RSVP's Alaskan cruise (from which I've been reporting) we awoke to hurricane force winds. Standing on our balcony, holding on for near-dear life, we watched as the captain tried to tender in (or pull into harbor, in landlubber-language). Literally 4 attempts ensued before the commander made an announcement: "I regret to inform you that we will not be docking in Sitka. Instead, you will be enjoying another day at sea."

On one hand, this was disappointing. Sitka is a cultural city that my world traveler friends have told me is definitely worth seeing; it's a rural yet refined collective with heavy native and Russian influences. But, at 60-knots, docking was out of the question. So enjoy the boat, we did!

Even five days in, it's shocking how many things were yet to be discovered on this 12-story ship. Aunt Ros spent the entire day in the "Crow's Nest" library, grilling the on-staff Alaskan expert about everything and anything wilderness-related. Helen and the Uncles took to the ship's culinary school -- culinary school! David, as he usually does, ran off to the gym and spa for some mind, body and soul respite. I jumped in on my first-ever slots tournament. (Second place ain’t bad for an amateur, now is it?)

At night, the cruise ship party scene commenced. Unlike other gay cruise lines, RSVP has those gay good-time vibes rather than that "party atmosphere" that many LGBTQ travelers would prefer to avoid when relaxing. There are parties nightly (like Day Five’s "leather-themed bonanza"), but this Alaskan Adventure boasted all of the fun with none of the attitude; even the great-aunts took to the dance floor and had a blast.

Day Six brought us to Ketchikan, a small Alaskan port town. While the uncles took an historic nature walk and Helen went off to perform in a Native tribe dancing ritual, David and I sated our inner-adventure

seekers and spent the afternoon zip-lining through the city’s rainforest (the second biggest in the world, only second to the Amazon). What can I say about taking a 400 foot nosedive through the misty woodland with nothing more than a mere rope harness as your savior? Priceless!

The evening of Day Seven dropped us off in the heart of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. We arrived by bus to the world-famous Butchart Gardens just in time for a fireworks spectacular for which clearly no expense was spared.

We also got a quick tour of the Gardens themselves before being bustled back to the Westerdam. Now I’m not a big "flower and fountain guy," but something about outdoor floral design done right really makes a man appreciate the world around him; it was absolutely stunning, whether you’re a "stop and smell the roses" kind of traveler or not.

Of course, David and I rocked out the night as hard as we could; refusing to admit that our vaca-y had come to an end. The verdict? From 28-to-70-some-years-old, each and every one of us enjoyed a five-star time. It's hard not to enjoy any openly-gay cruise, but when it’s done in a setting as beautiful as the picturesque Alaskan coastline, it's truly memorable. An expensive memory, yes, but worth every pretty penny.

Writer Michael Anthony, contributing from aboard RSVP's Alaskan cruise

RSVP's Alaskan Adventure: Days 3 + 4

Story and video by Michael Anthony. Images in order: Getty; Michael Anthony; Getty

Although Day Three of RSVP's Alaskan Adventure cruise was technically a "day at sea," we sailed through the indescribably beautiful Glacier Bay and tendered for a bit.

Here, we saw our first glacier of the trip (and of my entire life!), a family of passing whales (who followed alongside our ship and surfaced no less than a dozen times) and miles of gorgeous, untouched-by-man shoreline.

Aunt Ros and Uncle Bill had a field day, snapping picture after picture. Seeing sights like this in movies, on nature flip calendars and in National Geographic specials can be desensitizing, but actually beholding beauty like this in real life is in its own category entirely.

On this cruise, which I’ve never experienced on any other cruise before, they tugboat in resident experts and naturalists to discuss the culture and lay of the land as we pass it. Today’s speaker was Alaska’s one and only gay park ranger; Aunt Helen twisted my arm into attending the lecture, and I’m so glad that I tagged along.

Not only did he give the standard "that’s a glacier, over there is a mountain goat" speech, but he discussed the trials and tribulations of finding success and happiness in such a (stereotypically) hetero-centric environment. It was pretty moving and definitely inspiring.

Day Four took us to Juneau, Alaska's capital (interesting fact: the city is only accessible via passenger plane and boat; not a single road is paved in or out). We spent the first half of the day shopping at the local port: trinkets, furs, Russian cultural items (surprisingly frequent here) and jewelry native to the area.

But the best part of our capital visit (and of the trip to date!) was the one-hour helicopter flight that the 'family' and I took through the local wilderness. (See the clip above for a taste of the majestic beauty that we encountered.) Bears, flora and fauna abounded, as well as glaciers (one which is near the size of Rhode Island at times of the year).

Our pilot, a rough and tumble yet strikingly beautiful local woman, even maneuvered a touch-down on a remote glacier; for nearly 20 minutes, we got to hike and trek around the area, harsh and uninhabitable yet entrancing. The tour cost us well over $500 for four, but was well, well worth it.

Tomorrow, onto the city of Sitka, with a slew of other RSVP-promised surprises in store.

Writer Michael Anthony, contributing from aboard RSVP's Alaskan cruise

RSVP's Alaskan Adventure: Days 1 + 2

Story and media by Michael Anthony

Planning the perfect 'family' getaway is tricky. Everyone wants to escape, but no two can agree on how to do it: beaching in Tahiti? Bar-hopping in San Francisco? Hiking the Appalachian Trail?

Sticking the whole gay 'family' on RSVP's cruise to Alaska, then, begs some questions.

Perhaps it’s just my ever-growing “bear-ness” -- the desire to literally let the hair on my chest grow and actually keep my shirt on for an entire vaca-y -- or the need for a respite that’s a little less party enthused and a lot more R&R. L.A. (my home) isn’t great for R&R, but there are few more relaxing and spectacularly beautiful places than Alaska.

RSVP's Alaskan Adventure is also surprisingly all-too fitting for my 28-through-79-year-old ragtag collective -- my boyfriend and I, together for 6 years and gay as the day is long; my Uncle Bill and his partner of 24 years, Steve; and "Aunt Ros" and the love of her life, Helen, happily partnered for 40 “wonderful, just wonderful” years. With a 2,000-ish person capacity, the cruise offers something for everyone and it's decidedly lions, tigers, bears, oh-my guests was a welcome change from the West Hollywood twink set.

Days One and Two at sea gave the fam and I time to explore; and explore, we did! While my partner and I sauntered about with the "been-there, cruised-this, enjoyed-that" ease of cruise veterans, our accompanying gaggle of first-timers stumbled about with awe in their eyes. The Westerdam (part of the Holland America fleet) may not be the largest ship on the sea -- a 2,000 capacity is still plenty -- but it has everything a traveler needs.

There’s a full gym with free weights, cardio machines, spin classes and even free lectures. The award-winning spa is on hand -- which I tried within a few hours of boarding -- has a hot stone massage to rival any treatments I’ve experienced in LA.

There are also two pools (indoor and out), a casino, art gallery, live-stage theatre (shows every night) and (of course, my favorite haunt) a buffet! Every amenity is well-staffed and top-notch.

On this afternoon’s agenda? Culinary school begins in 20-minutes, my acupuncture awaits afterward, and the pool deck BBQ starts at five. It's only been two days, but we’ve all already taken to the Westerdam, eager for each new event and excited for our first soon-to-see visual tomorrow afternoon: the Glacier Bay shoreline.

Writer Michael Anthony, contributing from aboard RSVP's Alaskan cruise

Margaret Cho Does the Desert Proud

Story by Aefa Mulholland. Photo courtesy Visit Tucson.

Rainbow flags will be unfurled in the desert next month at Tucson’s 32nd Pride on Parade and Pride in the Desert (October 9-10).

Pride on Parade will kick off the festivities with a parade at 6:00 p.m. on Friday October 9th at the corner of 4^th avenue and 2^nd street, ending at the Eon Youth Lounge where there will be a free block party. This year‘s Grand Marshals are award-winning comedian and LGBT advocate Margaret Cho and Tucson's very own LGBT Chorus, Desert Voices. 

Pride in the Desert will take place from 10am -8pm on October 10^th at Reid Park around the DeMeester Outdoor Auditorium. This year‘s main stage headliners include: Jonny McGovern & Team Pimp, Ari Gold, Adam Joseph, and God-des and She.

For more information on this year’s events, performers, or to purchase discount tickets, visit http://www.tucsonpride.org/.

Postcard from Toronto

Story and photo by Aefa Mulholland

This summer I didn't stack up the usual slew of air miles. I didn't have jet lag. I didn't lug the Samsonite out of the basement. This summer my travels were contained within a much smaller area. This summer I didn't leave Toronto. 

Instead of traipsing about the world like most summers for the last ten years, I stayed home and explored my relatively recently adopted hometown, discovered beaches I'd never lounged on, caught all the festivals I usually miss because I'm out of town, and fell a little harder for Canada's largest city.

South Beach workout SEP 25-27: Fitness from A to Z

Photo courtesy Z Ocean Hotel

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.  

Value Watch: INNdulge, Palm Springs

Photos courtesy of INNdulge
Story by Olga Bas

As if a 24-hour, heated, clothing-optional pool wasn't enough, gay resort INNdulge of Palm Springs is running two specials to further entice visitors. The modern resort is offering a 2-for-1 summer deal that gives guests a free night for every paid weeknight through Sept. 30 (valid Sunday through Thursday; rates start at $145). A year-round, holiday-inclusive Seventh Night Free special is also in effect, if you'd like to soak in the sun after the September deadline.

The 24 rooms and suites flank the pool -- a cool 86 degrees for summer to combat the desert highs -- and the 24-hour Jacuzzi fits 12 and affords a grand view of the San Jacinto Mountains. Rooms include a complimentary DVD library and king-size beds, while the suites have their own kitchens. Complimentary continental breakfast is served poolside; Wi-Fi and gym facilities are also available at no charge.

Travel tip: If shopping is your favorite travel pastime, consider mailing particularly large or hefty items home. Not only does it save space in your suitcase, but you also won't have to lug around heavy bags.