WHAT TO DO

Mr. Lincoln’s neighborhood (aka Lincoln Home National Historic Site) is a National Park Service run tribute to the late President. The pedestrian only area highlights the famous homes of Mr. Lincoln and others. NPS also runs a film on the history of President Lincoln. You will find it at 426 S. 7th Avenue. There is no admission charge. Try and schedule a free tour if you can. Check out the National Park Service brochure for more information.

Other things to do:

·       Tour the beautiful Illinois State Capitol.

·       Visit the Lincoln Presidential Museum and the Lincoln grave site known as Lincoln’s Tomb.

·       Enjoy the wildflowers and trails just south of downtown along Lake Springfield.

·       The Illinois State Museum (502 S. Spring Street) is free and showcase’s the state.

NIGHTLIFE

The Clique Bar downtown is your LGBTQ+ bar. They have a great happy hour and a friendly crowd of locals. Check their Facebook page for events. You will find them at 411 East Washington right downtown.

PRIDEFEST IS MAY 18

Mark your calendars. Springfield’s Pridefest will be May 18. It features the 11th Annual Club LaCage Drag Show as well as Drag Queen Bingo. Details at springfieldpridefest.com.

GETTING THERE

Springfield is served by rail from both Chicago and St. Louis as well as a train that goes south to Texas on the Texas Eagle which features a dome car. The trains in Illinois now operate at 100 mph + and service is frequent. The station is right downtown. Book your trip at www.amtrak.com.

Springfield is just 2-3 hours south of Chicago and just ninety miles north of St. Louis.

Flying is an option right into Springfield or you can fly to St. Louis and drive up.

WHERE TO STAY

I stayed at the Carpenter Street Hotel (525 N. 6th Street) Inn just north of downtown. It’s basic and affordable and walkable to the attractions. They even offered me a lower rate than the one I booked at when I checked in – unheard of in the industry. It’s near a nice locally owned grocery store, County Market (210 E. Carpenter),  which has food to go and a great salad bar. Work out at the nearby new YMCA that sells day passes until 4 p.m. Check your bill, though. They charged me 3 nights instead of 2 and also charged the incorrect rate the second night. (Yes, I got it corrected.) Also, they charge the full amount at check in (not at check out like most hotels).

Other options are available but check the Trip Advisor reviews of them before booking. Especially the Wyndham (the white circular high rise downtown) as well as the property across the street which both get dubious reviews. The only other hotel I recommend downtown is the State House Inn. There are other hotels east of downtown along the freeway. I have stayed at the Crowne Point but get a room not facing the freeway (I-55).

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Illinois Times is your weekly with local events and happenings and capitalcityvisitor.com has details on all of the above attractions. Rich in history, and a fun gay bar. Springfield, Illinois is worth a visit

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The historic Third Ward and nearby Walkers Point have many LGBTQ venues to chose from. The stunning architecture of the Milwaukee Art Museum’s Quadracci Pavilion (designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava) alone makes the city worth a visit. Indeed, the “Cream City” is named for its many buildings of that color. Few U.S. cities have preserved their historic buildings (and repurposed them) as well as Milwaukee has.

WHAT TO DO

Make your first stop the Milwaukee Art Museum if only to gaze at the stunning building which hangs like a giant ship over Lake Michigan. The recent Darrell Ellis: Regeneration exhibit chronicles the many talents of the young New York City artist who died at 33 from complications from AIDS. New exhibits for 2024 include: Larry Bell’s Iceberg–Exhibition, and Idris Khan: Repeat After Me. 

Take the Hop Streetcar around town. Shop til you drop and enjoy the many restaurants in the historic Third Ward just south of downtown. Eat Wisconsin’s foodie specialties like brats at the Milwaukee Public Market. Or have a fresh squeezed carrot juice and garden salad at the Green Kitchen in the Market. Enjoy wine or a local micro brew or have a micro brewed coffee. And pick up some Wisconsin cheese to take home.

Work out at the Wisconsin Athletic Club. Visit the Harley Davidson Museum to learn about the history of this client-driven company and the culture it created. They also have a nice restaurant. Try one of the twenty food vendors at the nearby 3rd Street Market Hall. I love food halls. Enjoy a Lakeshore Brewery Hazy IPA at one of the many bars. Visit the Milwaukee County Historical Society Museum to learn about the beer culture in the city where beer made Milwaukee famous.

Nightlife

Wisconsinites love their liquor whether it be beer, an Old Fashion, or the like. So like the rest of the state and city, there are a lot of LGBTQ+ bars in Milwaukee. The new POP video bar (124 W. National) is the first new bar in the city since 2010 and is a fun, airy place. It also features a full-service restaurant. Try the pizza. Other nearby bars (all in Walkers Point) include Woodys and LaCage Nite club. Kruz is where you will find the leather crowd. Woodys has two for one special on Thursdays and features a friendly crowd.

Stop by the Pint bar, one of only twenty-five lesbian bars left in the U.S. The Harbor Room is nearby and is also fun. You can take the Green Line Express bus to the bars in Walkers Point from downtown or the Third Ward.

Stay

I stayed at the historic Homewood Suites just north of the Milwaukee Public Market. It’s in the historic Button Block Building made of red sandstone from the Apostle Islands in Lake Superior. The repurposed building features lofty ceilings, the original wood floors, and more. Did I mention the free laundry machines? Built in 1892, the building’s sandstone is over one million years old. Check TripAdvisor for other hotel recommendations. There are tons of hotels in the Public Market area.

Travel Tips

Milwaukee has its own lingo you may not be familiar with including:

Bubbler: Milwaukee speak for a water fountain

Kringle: A large round pastry made in Racine

Brats (pronounced Brawts): A spicy pork sausage on a bun

Cheese curds: Rubbery tasting bits of cheese shaped into a small ball. They can be fried or fresh and now come in many flavors.

Drumlins-A long oval hill created by glaciers. They are found west and north of the City.

Make sure to say, M’waukee, as the locals don’t pronounce the l’s.

And they are from WES-KAHN-SIN (pronounced with a very nasal accent). Also called Sconnies. 

Getting There

Amtrak has seven trains each way from Chicago which take 90 minutes and makes three stops. There is also one (soon to be two) trains to St. Paul, Minnesota. The inter city buses and trains all use the sleek Multi-Modal terminal which also features Bubblr shared bikes, Milwaukee Public Transit buses, the Badger Bus to Madison, Amtrak, Greyhound, MegaBus, and the Hop Street Car. Why more cities don’t have such a facility is beyond me. The terminal is clean, bright, features restrooms, and even sells tickets and has a snack bar.

General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) is the city’s international airport (and also has an Amtrak station). It’s an under-used, uncrowded airport and a great option even for those in northern Illinois. They feature a “decombulation area” after TSA to regroup, the only one in the country. Don’t miss the aviation history museum. Old timers will remember Northwest Orient, North Central, Midwest Express, and Ozark Airlines. Did someone say chocolate chip cookie? (It was a highlight of the Midwest Airlines flight.)

There are few cities left that have such a unique character and identity. Milwaukee is one of them and is worth a visit.

More Information

Shepherds Express is the weekly which features a LGBTQ section. Our Lives is the state’s LGBTQ publication. VISIT Milwaukee has several tips including a separate LGBTQ section.and Visitor Guide.

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WHAT TO DO

Visit the new Agua Caliente Cultural Museum in downtown to learn about the history and culture of the Agua Caliente band of the Cahuilla Native Americans. Learn about their history where each canyon had their own separate group. Learn about the Sec He, the mineral springs that the museum sits on top of. Learn about basketry. A 12-minute animated film describes how the Agua Caliente settled in the Coachella Valley. It celebrates their heritage with a gathering place and oasis trail along a stream with native plants. Their new Spa at Sec He is also a hit where you can get a private bath and luxury treatment in the hot mineral spring, All are part of the Agua Caliente Hotel and Resort and Casino complex.

Visit Indian Canyons for a hike in an oasis with native palm trees.

Walk with the Front Runners and Walkers. They meet near the Mizel Center for a three mile walk every day except Sunday at 8:00 a.m. It’s a fantastic way to meet folks. They meet in the parking lot at 480 S. Sunrise.

 Enjoy the LGBT stars on the Palm Springs Walk of the Stars downtown. Truman Capote, Rock Hudson, and other stars used Palm Springs as a retreat from Hollywood. Palm Springs has been a LGBTQ destination since the 1920s.

Take in VillageFest Thursday night downtown including visiting the Palm Springs Art Museum which is free at that time. The VillageFest has food vendors and stuff for sale including art. Pick up some dates. The Art Museum has food and music on the outdoor patio.

Swim at the Palm Springs Swim Center. The Olympic size pool has a stunning view of the mountains. You will find them at Pavilion Way.

Work out at the Steel Gym (formerly the World Gym). It’s extremely popular.

Hike on the Lykken Trail just west of downtown off Ramon Road. Enjoy the barrel cacti and other desert plants and the view of Palm Springs.

WHERE TO STAY

The Descanso Resort (288 E. Camino Monte Vista) is just north of downtown in the Uptown/Arts and Design District. The resort features free bikes, a pool and spa, continental breakfast, and a complimentary poolside lunch. Happy hour runs from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends. Staff is very attentive. Guests enjoy a salt water pool and spa, a mist-cooling system, and outdoor shower. Every spot in Descanso’s courtyard boasts views of Coachella Valley’s San Jacinto mountains which rise straight up to 11,000 feet from the Valley floor. Other amenities include a 24-hour snack cantina. This was my second stay there and I loved it. 

Another alternative is the new Twin Palms Resort at 1930 S. Camino Real. They have rooms facing a pool and hot tub plus free use of bikes (and helmets). Enjoy the made to order continental breakfast and lunch delivered at 12:30 p.m. Under the gaze of the San Jacinto mountains, twenty guest rooms and suites open to a swimming pool, spa, and patio space. Take the bike over to the Smoke Tree Plaza to dine out at one of the restaurants like Native Foods or pick up some to go foods at Ralph’s or Jensen’s food stores. Continue on the many bike trails and bike lanes to explore the iconic Twin Palms neighborhood (the original Modernist style of homes are found here) nearby including a ride up to Indian Canyon. Details at TwinPalmsResort.com

Several other inns for men can be found in the Warm Springs neighborhood. Traditional hotels include the Ace Hotel, a hipster hangout which is also in the Twin Palms neighborhood. The new Kimpton Rowan Hotel is also an upscale choice downtown. The Best Western La Brisas is also very handy. I have also stayed at the Saguaro Hotel, this year’s host of the White Party. Always check for resort fees when comparing hotel room prices.

NIGHTLIFE

Most of the bars are on Arenas Road downtown, a one block strip between Indian Canyon and Encilia. Hunters has a fun happy hour and outdoor patio with great drink specials. It’s my favorite (and of the same owners as the one in Wilton Manors, Florida). Streetbar (224 E. Arenas) always has something going on. Go shopping at GayMart (305 E. Arenas). Other fun bars on Arenas Road include Blackbook, Chill Bar, and Dick’s. All feature outdoor seating. Close by is the new hot novel dance bar, Reforma. They have large video screens as well.

Down the road in the Sunny Dunes area, you will find The Tool Shed (600 E. Sunny Dunes) has a fun leather crowd. Food available like tacos. They have a huge outdoor patio in the back and dancers inside. Nearby is the Club 541 which I hear is fun. You can also shop at Q Trading or Gear and have breakfast at a local favorite in this strip.

Over in Cat City (aka Cathedral City, another LGBTQ friendly city in the Coachella Valley) are several fun bars. The Barracks is known for its Sunday beer busts and Wednesday underwear night. The One11 is good for talking and they also have drag and bingo crowds.

WHAT AND WHERE TO EAT

The Coachella Valley is known for its dates, olives, and oranges, and grapefruit. Try a date shake. The Nature’s Health Food and Café features fresh juices and healthy options. Try the fresh squeezed carrot juice and order the quesadillas. You will find them at 555 S. Sunrise.Trio is an excellent choice at 707 N. Palm Canyon. The nearby 849 is particularly good. Both are in Uptown just north of downtown which features trendy shops like Shag.

Always remember you are in California and things are different here. You are not in Kansas anymore. The “traditional potato salad” at the LaQuinta Resort lunch buffet was purple. And delicious.

GETTING THERE/GETTING AROUND

I took Southwest Airlines through Denver each way without incident. Get a window seat for the flight into Palm Springs and you will see the Rockies and the Grand Canyon. Southwest now allows you to take an earlier flight for free. A user friendly airline despite their recent woes.

Once in Palm Springs, UBER and LYFT can get you around. However, both feature annoying surprise junk fee surcharges for this and that. LYFT went to surge pricing twice, so I took UBER instead. So shop around. You can walk outside the airport and catch your UBER across the street (at City Hall) to avoid the airport surcharge.

Or better yet take the #4 Sunline bus for $1 just west of City Hall (across the street from the airport). The #4 takes you right downtown (which is just two miles west of the airport). 

You do not need a rental car and they also feature junk surcharges. My friend waited 90 minutes at the counter to get one. If you absolutely must have one, get it for a few days at an off airport location to avoid the fees and the crowds.

And if you stay downtown or close to it as I did, you can walk or bike everywhere in the perfect weather of this desert oasis. But beware—you are in Southern California and the car is king. While Palm Springs has put in many new bike lanes and trails, they still have work to do despite having a perfect biking environment (flat with perfect weather).

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

January 15-24, 2024: International Film Festival

February 15-25 Modernism Week—Celebrates the midcentury architecture of the region. (Midcentury means homes from the 50s and 60s. Catch the butterfly style.)

March 29-31 White Party (this is the annual circuit party that needs to change its name)

FOR MORE INFORMATION

GED Magazine is your source for up to date information and happenings in Palm Springs. The Coachella Valley Independent is the free monthly. KGAY 106.5 is your radio station. The KGAY Gay Desert Guide has all you need to know about visiting the Coachella Valley. Rage Magazine out of San Diego is also distributed here and covers the Palm Springs Gay Scene.

I visit Palm Springs once or twice a year. It makes for a perfect winter getaway for the LGBTQ+ traveler. There is always something new to check out or revisit. And their cute little airport makes it so handy.

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WHAT TO DO

The Uptown (downtown) is very walkable. Enjoy the modern high rise architecture of the many new high rises which all coordinate their night time colors. The Bank of America building is my favorite. It’s by famed architect Phillip Johnson who also did many similar high rises in Houston.

All the museums are in Uptown and close to each other:

·       See the “My Presence is Present: Interpretations of afro surrealism from the American South” at the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts+Culture.

·       Enjoy the new exhibit, “The Art of Seating: 200 years of American Design” at the Mint Museum Uptown.

·       Take in the Levine Museum of the New South to learn about the problems with incarceration.

·       Also d’on’t miss the Beechler Museum of Modern Art and NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Enjoy the stunning architecture of the Uptown high rises which are color coordinated at night. My favorite is the Bank of America Building designed by Phillip Johnson. The new Duke Energy building is also a stunner. Charlotte rivals Houston in high rise architecture.

NIGHTLIFE

Argon is a video bar for a later crowd with stage and dancing, with a drag queen spinning the tunes. Next door you will find Sidelines, a sports bar with a lot of cuties who gather early to shoot pool or watch a game. Scorpio and Woodshed are also fun.

GETTING THERE

American Airlines, my new favorite (sorry Southwest), has a huge hub there with non-stops from across the world to CLT. The terminal is brand new. Don’t miss the new Queen of Charlotte statute. Try the Carolina BBQ for lunch or dinner. The brisket is to die for.

GETTING AROUND

Take the #5 Sprinter bus to uptown (Charlotte speak for downtown) from the #4 waiting area outside the terminal to get to and from the airport to Uptown. Once in town, you can take the Blue Line Lynx light rail, Gold Line street car, or the new mini cabs to anywhere you want.

Take the Blue Line to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte Botanical Gardens which is just a short walk above the campus, where you can have lunch at the Student Union. Take the new Gold Line street car to the historic district. Stop by the White Rabbit LGBTQ shop at 920 Central Avenue in this unique neighborhood.

WHERE TO STAY

I stayed the City Center Marriott in Uptown. Close to all the attractions, its newly remodeled and they even service your room every day without begging. And no annoying resort fee. Next door is the new Monarch Food Hall with every type of food you would want. Or walk up the Harris Teeter grocery store (6hth/Pine) for a salad.

WHAT AND WHERE TO EAT

Tupelo Honey at 101 S. Tyron has great southern food. I had brunch there.

Monarch Food Court has twenty food place and is next to the Marriott City Center. You will find the Monarch Market at 101 N. Tryon Street. The outdoor bar is genuinely nice.

Church and Union at 127 N. Tryon has a great fried chicken with salad and a nice wine selection and great Old Fashioned.

Harris Teeter is your neighborhood market at 325 W. Sixth and has a great salad bar.

MORE INFORMATION

Charlotte Tourism. Q Notes is the LGBTQ publication that’s both online and in print. Queen City Nerve is the weekly with lots of current events. 

You are going to love the Queen City. I did!

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I was in town for the 40th Anniversary Convention of IGLTA, n along with almost seven hundred other travel professionals. Among the many panels, one discussed how to make the other Caribbean islands as welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community in Puerto Rico. Details at iglta.org.

WHERE TO STAY

I stayed at the Coqui Del Mar Guest House in Ocean Beach (2218 Calle General Del Valle). The lodge features a great cooked to order breakfast with a side of fresh local fruit (and fresh tropical juices),as well as Puerto Rican coffee which is quite strong.

A pool and hot tub, free use of several bicycles also makes for a great visit. On weekends they serve brunch which was home made paella the Saturday I was there  They offer tours of Old Town as well as of the Yonqui rain forest  You can walk or bike to nearby Ocean Beach. Details at coquidelmar.com. The property also has VRBO rentals nearby.

Other lodging options include the chain hotels in the Condado district including the LGBTQ friendly Tryst Hotel which sits right on the beach. The Miramar neighborhood includes the Dan Rafa Boutique Hotel (601 Avenida Miramar) which has a nice bar in the lobby and is in a cute neighborhood with a lot of shops. The Fairmont in Isle Verde near the airport also features a casino, several pools, and a fun bar. Be sure and be on the lookout for about resort fees and other sneaky junk charges (aka destination fees, property fees, etc.). They vary widely but many hotels now have them and not just here.

WHAT TO DO

San Juan is a city of historic, interesting, and colorful safe neighborhoods and I explored many of them. The Condado neighborhood is right on the beach and has interesting shops and many higher end hotels. The beach is beautiful and features a gay section (Atlantic Beach). You can rent chairs right on the beach. Plan on a day at the beach.

The nearby Santurce neighborhood is up and coming. Stoll down Calle Loiza for the most popular cafes, galleries, and murals. The Santurce Mercardo is a farmer’s market in this up and coming arts district of Santtucre which is known for a lot of murals. Buy a Puerto Rican hat at the hat store.

Old San Juan is the highlight of my entire trip and focuses on this area founded in 1508 by Ponce de Leon. I took a walking tour of the gay monuments of Puerto Rico Gay Tours (www.PuertoRicoGayTours.com) which focused on historic Old San Juan.

You will also want to visit Fort Morro (Castillo San Felipe del Morro) in Old San Juan now run by the National Park Service. Built in 1539 by the Spaniards to fortify San Juan, they needed the Island for supplies for ships en route to the America’s from Europe and Africa. El Morro was built to protect San Juan Bay’s deep harbor from attack by the sea and sits at the end of the city which also had a wall built around it. The Spaniards ruled until 1898 when Puerto Rico became a U.S. Territory.

The Distrito T Mobile near the Convention Center is the new entertainment and dining destination. They had La Bamba dancers at the opening night of ILGLTA when I was there. (LaBamba is a dance native to Puerto Rico.)

Rio Piedras is another neighborhood to visit. I took the Tren Urbano (metro or subway) to the Rio Piedras neighborhood for lunch at the Plaza del Mercardo (farmers market) and had a fresh juice smoothie (papaya, guava, pineapple, coconut) and a meat roll from the Dominican Republic. A local band played while a dancer accompanied them at the Plaza.

Nearby is the beautiful University of Puerto Rico campus which features Spanish architecture and lots of tropical trees. The Spanish architecture reminded me of the Stanford University Campus in California.

I then took the Train (Tren Urbano) out to the last station, Bayamon, and walked around this historic suburban city which is over 250 years old. Have something to eat or drink at the food trucks which are parked in shipping containers. There are two small museums in the small suburban village which is very walkable. The train system is safe, modern and graffiti free. Take an Uber to the Sagrado Corazon station to catch it as it does not run into the popular neighborhoods nor the airport, convention center, nor Old Town. Day passes are just $5. It is a perfect way to explore the area.

NIGHTLIFE

San Juan has the best nightlife in the Caribbean. Tia Maria’s in the Santurce neighborhood is a lot of fun and features a friendly local crowd. Oasis is close to the gay beach in the Condado neighborhood right on the beach. Head to La Placita, the Santruce fruit market by days but is packed on weekends. The Circo Bar is popular as is Kweens Klub with its huge dance floor.

WHERE AND WHAT TO EAT

Lots of food options with interesting dishes define this city The food uses lots of local spices.

For a splurge, Marmalade Restaurant in Old San Juan features fourteen course meals . The beef tenderloin was excellent. Nearby I also had a rum cocktail at La Factoria (148 Calle San Sebastian).

While in Puerto Rico, enjoy the local fruits (mango, papaya, pineapple, coconut). The bread is particularly good. Rice and beans are a staple. Many restaurants also feature paella (the Spanish rice dish with seafood and vegetables). Expect alof of Island spices including cilantro in many dishes.

Bacardi makes rum right on the Island and the Pina Collada was invented here. Rum is produced from sugar cane which is produced on the island.

For a snack, try the local candies like the coconut ginger bar.

TRAVEL TIPS

This is a Spanish speaking island although most people also know English. Street signs are in Spanish. They use the metric system (gas is $1.00 a liter) but the speed limits are in miles per hour.

Skip the rent a car and take Uber. It’s fast and cheap.

Although it sometimes does not feel like it, you are in the U.S. Which is why I liked to ‘Live Boricua” (live Puerto Rican) referring to the spirit, flavor, and rhythm you will feel in every part of the island. The locals are a proud and happy people living on a wonderful island. This was my first visit to the commonwealth, but it won’t be my last. This is an easy to visit,LGBTQ+ welcoming tropical paradise that has not been over-run with tourists like Puerto Vallarta and other destinations have.

The Discover Puerto Rico website features a LGBTQ section full of travel tips including nightlife ideas.You owe it to yourself to visit, especially given you don’t need a passport and the airfares are so cheap. Live Boricua!

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WHAT TO DO

Take a walk or run along the Town Lake Trail along the river downtown. Watch the bats fly out of the Congress Avenue Bridge nightly at sunset. Take a tour of the beautiful state capitol building with its red granite known as Texas Sunset Granite. Have a taco in the Capitol Café. The Texas State Capitol is the largest in the country. Learn about the identity that shapes the Lone Star state. The Capitol Grounds features a display of the trees of Texas.

Make the Bullock Texas State History Museum your next stop and learn about this interesting state which was under Spanish Rule from 1519 to 1821. The state then was part of Mexico but after a revolution became its own Republic. After that, Texas became the 28th state before withdrawing during the Civil War to become part of the Confederacy. Did you know? The French also settled Texas for a time. Across the street is the Blanton Art Museum (blantonmuseum.org). It includes art of the American West, Modern American Art, and European Art and Art of the Spanish Americas.

Walk through the beautiful University of Texas campus. Stop by the Harry Ransom Center for interesting exhibits.Then hop on over to the Lyndon Johnson Presidential Library. (lbjlibrary.org). President Johnson’s legacy goes beyond Vietnam and includes Medicare, Medicaid, and the Great Society as well as the Civil Rights and Voting Acts. His wife, first lady Bird Johnson, was an avid environmentalist but also had other roles. Indeed, a new exhibit, Lady Bird Johnson: Beyond The Wildflowers highlights her many other achievements.

WHERE TO EAT

Lots of Tex Mex and BBQ. Sweetgreen on Second Avenue is a healthy option. Antones has great drinks and barbeque.Lamberts is another Austin staple for barbeque and a fun bar. Coopers Old Time Pit Barbeque is excellent and has a nice bar. Torchys Tacos is a local chain favorite.

NIGHTLIFE

You will find the bar scene in the Warehouse District on 4th Street off Congress downtown. Oilcan Harry’s features drag shows every night. Rain on 4th fourth does too and has dancing and an outdoor patio. Sip drinks on the outdoor rooftop patio at Coconut Club. The Highland Lounge is also a lot of fun. Details at visitaustin.org/lgbtq.

GETTING THERE

Upon arrival, hop on the #20 bus for $1.25 for a quick trip downtown. It runs every 15 minutes. Skip Uber or Lyft.

WHERE TO STAY

I highly recommend JW Marriott. You can’t beat the service and great amenities including a huge fitness center and outdoor pool. The service is top notch, and they clean your room every day. Get a quiet room facing the pool (west). It’s right downtown and walkable to all the attractions. Plus no annoying resort fees. The historic Driskell Hotel is another option.

MORE INFORMATION

The Austin Chronicle, the city’s alternative weekly, has a queer news and events section  Do512 is another option for events. Also check out the official Austin Tourism site and their LGBTQ+ microsite. There’s also this handy Travel Guide.

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WHAT TO DO

Don’t miss the Farmers Market Sundays in Hillcrest Sundays from 9 am to 2pm. Enjoy the Southern California strawberries and dates. I had salmon for lunch. Lots of local vendors. You will find them on Normal Avenue between Lincoln and University Avenue near the Rainbow flag. On Saturdays, the city’s other large farmers market in Little Italy is also very popular. Little Italy is a cute neighborhood near downtown with lots of trendy restaurants and shops. (Details at littleitalysd.com).

Hike up Maple Canyon and enjoy the native vegetation on Bankers Hill. See the rarest pine in the world, the Torrey Pine, and enjoy the wildflowers and views from bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean at the Torrey Pine Natural Reserve just north of La Jolla. You will also see the beaver tail prickly pear cacti, yuccas, cholla cactus, manzanitas, and native wildflowers. To get there without a car (and to avoid the $25 parking charge), take the Blue Line MTS trolley (light rail) to La Jolla (Noble Drive Station) and then catch the 110 North County Coaster bus to Torrey Pines Beach. The bus ride goes through the UCSD campus and is interesting. (See SDMTS.com)

Once at the beach, walk up the hill going south into the preserve and enjoy the Guy Fleming loop trail which features stunning views of the ocean and the rare and unusual Torrey pines which are found only here and on Catalina Island. These rare and endangered pines are found nowhere else on earth except these two small locations. Plan your trip at torreypines.org. Then enjoy the Torrey Pines or Blacks beaches. Then catch the 101 bus back to La Jolla and enjoy fish tacos at Rubio’s Coastal Grill (Nobel and La Jolla Drive) and a fresh carrot juice at the Nektre Juice Bar (8855 Villa La Jolla Drive).

Walk along the bay at the trails on Harbor Island near the Sheraton. It’s just over a mile to the Liberty Public Market, a new food hall which had been a Navy Mess Hall at the former Navy training facility. It also features museums and an Arts District. Try the craft beer at Bottlecraft or craft cocktails at Mess Hall. Local clothing soap, and jewelry vendors as well. Pick up some homemade soap at the Old Town Soap Company. You will find Liberty Station at 2820 Historic Decatur Road (libertypublicmarketsd.com). They are celebrating one hundred years. On the way back, stop at Spanish Landing, the site where California was discovered in the 1500s by Cabrillo, a Spanish explorer.  

Visit the North Park neighborhood. Take in a drag and dinner show at Lips on El Cajon Boulevard. Stop by the Eagle Bar. Balboa Park includes museums as well the San Diego Zoo.It is a must for first time visitors. For more ideas, visit www.sdmts.com/escapes (the Metropolitan Transit System website). Enjoy a car free, carefree stay.

NIGHTLIFE

You cannot beat the selection of bars, restaurants, and shops in Hillcrest, one of the best gayborhoods in the world. I stumbled on a fun Saturday night show featuring drag, strippers, and burlesque at Urban Mos in Hillcrest. The strippers and bottomless Mimosas on Sunday were a hit. They also have great food. I loved the fries. Richs is always fun as is Flicks, the latter of which has an all-day happy hour on Tuesday. Number One has a DJ on Sunday afternoons. You can dance on the patio. The Loft is a fun neighborhood bar.

WHERE TO STAY

This was my second stay at the Sheraton Hotel and Suites on the marina near the airport on Harbor Island. It’s a quick Uber to Hillcrest or take the 922 MTS Bus downtown, Union Station, and the attractions. Get a room in the main tower facing downtown and the bay. Check Trip Advisor for other hotel ideas. However, there are few lodging options in the Hillcrest.

GETTING THERE AND AROUND

You don’t need a rental car as San Diego has great transit. MTS runs the trolley system (aka light rail). Plus you can walk everywhere in this fairly compact city if you stay around Hillcrest, Downtown, Old Town, and the Gas light District.

USEFUL TRAVEL TIPS

Visit San Diego listed all the new attractions, hotels, and happenings for Summer in San Diego. You can find that release here. You can find more info on Liberty Station here. As for Hillcrest, San Diego will be celebrating with the San Diego Pride Parade , one of the largest in the country, with over 300,000 attendees.

OTHER INFORMATION

There are four publications you can find at the bars or on line to help you plan your trip:

·     LGBTQ San Diego County News (LGBTQSD.news) is a newspaper covering the community.

·     RAGE Monthly covers all of San Diego. (rage.lgbtq)

·     GedMag.com (GED Magazine) is a Palm Springs magazine distributed in San Diego.

·     Metro Magazine is a New York publication which publishes a Los Angeles edition.

You cannot beat a trip to San Diego, with a perfect climate and set on mesas above canyons. There is always something new to do, and it has something for everyone!

The post Discover San Diego’s Torrey Pines Reserve, Liberty Station Public Market, Hillcrest LGBTQ+ Village, and so much more  appeared first on PinkPlayMags.

WHAT TO DO

Enjoy a hike on the new Presidio Tunnel Tops and visit the new visitor center that features stunning views of the Marin Headlands and the Golden Gate Bridge. The Presidio is located in the northwest corner of the city, and is now an official National Park. A free shuttle provides service from the Embarcadero BART station downtown.

Take a hike with the San Francisco Hiking Club (which I founded). The LGBTQ hiking club features mainly weekend hikes as does the Gay Lesbian Sierrans (GLS) now known as the Rainbow Sierrans. Both hike the many parks throughout the region. From February through April, the Bay Area hills are ablaze with native wildflowers including California poppies. Work out at SF Fitness at Market and Noe Streets (2301 Market). Day passes available. Catch a film or show at the historic Castro Theater (just south of Market and Castro). Enjoy Golden Gate Park which includes the DeYoung Museum. Don’t miss Ramses the Great and the Gold of the Pharaohs. Visit the LGBTQ History Museum on 18th Street near Divisadero.

WHERE TO EAT

The Santeria has great food and Margaritas. Alice’s in the Noe Valley has great Chinese food. Starbelly at 3582 16th Street has great comfort food, cocktails and brunch. La Mediterrannee at 288 Noe is very good. Orphan Andy’s at 3991 17th Street in the Castro has great breakfasts and dinner. It is a mainstay.

WHERE TO STAY

I always stay in the Castro at the Beck’s Motor Lodge (2222 Market Street), owned and managed by Brittany Beck. The family run motel has been around for 50 years and includes free parking (although you will not need a car.) Peets Coffee is across the Street as is the gay sports bar, High Tops. Nearby Rosenburg Deli (276 Noe) has everything you need including an It’s It. a San Francisco treat which is ice cream covered by two graham crackers and smothered in chocolate).

NIGHTLIFE

The Castro features many bars. My favorites including the Midnight Sun which has great (strong) drink specials and more. They feature Boogie Wonderland, a disco dance club party and beer bust every Sunday. The 4440 Castro had $3 beer the night I was there and was packed. Toad Hall nearby has Karaoke while Harvey’s (on the corner of Castro and 18th Street) had drag queens the night I was there. It also features great food. Beaux had Latin Night on Wednesday including “go gos”. Friday features a DJ and the Beaux-torious GoGo Beasts. See their calendar at BeauxSF.com. You will find the popular club at 2344 Market. 

High Tops is the sports bar which also has food. It’s a fun crowd. The Lookout at Market and Noe features a large balcony where you can peruse the crowds. The Twin Peaks tavern (Market  and Castro) is where you can also scope out the Castro scene. It was the first openly gay bar in San Francisco. The famous bar was a hit because it was one of the few that had big windows when those on the street could see who was in a gay bar. Scandalous at the time! Now recognized as official San Francisco Landmark #264, it attracts an older demographic (I wouldn’t  go there once upon a time). Moby Dick with its huge aquarium is also very popular. You will find them on 18th Street.

TRAVEL TIPS

Grab a Clipper Card to enjoy easy one tap admission to all the transit in the Bay Area, including the historic streetcars, the Muni Metro, BART, the cable cars, Caltrain, and other agencies. Muni is your intown subway while BART goes all over the Bay Area.

Read the Thursday weekly BAR (The Bay Area Reporter)  for local events and more. The SF Bay Times is the monthly LGBTQ periodical and also features a calendar. Gloss Magazine also is a good source of nightlife information.

*Bill Malcolm lived in the Castro in San Francisco for 12 years and graduated from UC Santa Cruz. He founded the San Francisco Hiking Club which is still offering weekend hikes today.

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The Evergreen State is full of well, evergreens (douglas firs, cedars, and hemlocks) which gives Seattle and the region it’s unique feel. You can’t beat a city that features view of the Olympic Mountains to the West, the Cascades to the east, Mt. Baker to the north, and Mt. Rainer to the southwest. Seattle itself is nestled between Puget Sound and Lake Washington. This beautiful city is like none other in the U.S. 

WHAT TO DO

Take the ferry ($9 round trip) to Bainbridge Island to enjoy the great views of downtown, Mt. Baker, the Cascades, and to enjoy Puget Sound. Then stop by the nearby Aquarium to see the native fish and marine life. Get up close to a sea urchin. Stop by the amazing City Library on 4th Street which is an architectural wonder. Explore the city’s many neighborhoods including Ballard , the University District (and the UW campus), and more. Walk or run with the Frontrunners Saturday mornings at Green Lake Park .

NIGHTLIFE

Who says gay bars are dead? Wildrose at 1021 E. Pike is one of the country’s longest-running lesbian clubs. The new Union, at 1009 East Union on Capitol Hill also serves food. It’s obviously the place to be. Pony is close by. It has a patio and is a throwback to the bars of the Castro in San Francisco. Dance the night away at Neighbours night club which is still growing strong. Cuff’s  is a lot of fun (1533 13th Street). Dragster is yet another new bar in the Fremont neighborhood.

WHERE TO EAT

Try the red curry with salmon at the Bai Tong Thais Street Café (1121 East Pike). It’s the best Thai around. The H Mart at 1601 2nd Avenue has great food to go, including the salmon steak dinner for just $10.99. Seating available in the store. Pick up some Tom’s Potato Chips at Bartell Drugs, a regional favorite.

WHERE TO STAY

I always stay at the Baroness Hotel on First Hill (1005 Spring Street. This art deco treasure is a short walk up from the University Street light rail and close to Capitol Hill as well as the other attractions. You get a complete apartment including utensils, a living room, and bedroom. Plus it’s quiet and a bargain compared to the downtown hotels. Its sister hotel, the Inn at Virginia Mason, is across the street and also very nice and has a great breakfast. Rates for it too are reasonable. Also nearby is the historic Sorrento Hotel at 900 Madison. The landmark resembles a Spanish castle. Try the happy hour in the bar (the truffle fires go well with the Prosecco)  or enjoy a meal at Stellas. Both hotels are close to the restaurants and shops of Madison Street and just a mile to Pike Place market and 1.5 miles to the Space Needle. Or walk to the Monorail (.7 miles) to take it to the Space Needle and Seattle Center. 

AIRPORT INFO

Take the Sound Light rail from the airport to the University Street Station in Seattle to get downtown.

TRAVEL TIPS

Get a Seattle CityPASS and save nearly 50% percent on admission prices at various attractions. One simple purchase gives you admission to the Space Needle and Seattle Aquarium plus three more attractions to choose from,  including the Museum of Pop Culture, the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum, the Woodland Park Zoo, or the Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour. It’s valid for nine days from when you first use. Buy an Orca card for use on the light rail from the airport as well as King County Metro (and the ferry).

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WHAT TO DO

·Enjoy the Botanical Gardens, The Holocaust Museum, and the many art deco buildings in Miami Beach. The 12th Street Beach is fun.  In Fort Lauderdale, it’s the Sebastian Beach near the Ritz Carlton that’s known for being the gay area. Explore Holiday Park and meet up with the Fort Lauderdale Frontrunners Wednesday at 7 p.m. for a run or walk. Work out at BRXV Fitness in Wilton Manors. A 2- hour pass is $15 which allows for workouts for two days. Then go shopping for new clothes next door at the Pride Factory and have lunch at Rosie’s is also in order. Enjoy the Sunny Side Up Farmers) Market in Flagler Village at 820 NE 4 Ave in Fort Lauderdale. For other farmer’s markets in the area, click here. Walk along the Riverwalk and have lunch on Las Olas Avenue in downtown Fort Lauderdale.

NIGHTLIFE

All the bars are close together in Wilton Manors. I like Hunters Night Club for happy hour. Georgie’s Alibi is a lot of fun and has events. You will find dancers nearby at Johnsons which has a great happy hour as well.  The Eagle and the Village Pub are popular bars. The Gym is actually a sports bar and is also worth a visit. All are steps from each other.  In Miami Beach, the Palace is your go to drag show bar and restaurant. The Gaythering has a nice bar and Twist is the main stay.

WHERE TO EAT

In Wilton Manors, Rosie’s is the local’s favorite to see and be seen and has good food. Sistrunk Marketplace is the first food hall in Fort Lauderdale and now has 13 vendors. For the latest roundup of what’s new in Fort Lauderdale, click here. AIDA also recently opened and serves upscale Mexican food. Grab some take out and Florida strawberries (the sweetest I have ever tasted) at Publix Market (Florida’s grocery store chain) including the Wilton Manors store at 2633 N. Dixie Highway.

WHERE TO STAY

The Axel Beach Miami in South Beach is the only North American outlet of this popular European “hetero friendly” hotel chain. The pool scene is fun, as is the bar which had trivia night when I was there. Their rooftop bar is a must on the weekends. The Gaythering Hotel is another option in Miami Beach complete with sauna locals can use. Bargain hunters might like The James which is handy and does not charge a resort fee. In Fort Lauderdale/Wilton Manors, try the Home2Suites by Hilton in Flagler Village. You get a complete apartment. Men will like the Calypso Inn in Wilton Manors which is handy to the bars, shops, and restaurants. You can stumble home from the bars. The Key West suite features its own private patio and garden.Wilton River Suites rents you a full apartment. This new option is at 611 NW 29th Street.

GETTING AROUND

The Brightline train takes you from Miami to Fort Lauderdale in just 30 minutes. Take the #50 bus to Wilton Manors from the nearby Transit Center. The new Circuit shared taxi takes you everywhere in Wilton Manors for just $2. It is free in Fort Lauderdale. Download their app. You don’t need a car in either Wilton Manors or Miami Beach. Both are very walk able and have excellent public transportation. Whether flying into MIA or FLL. both airports have excellent public transit to and from the airport: Take the #150 Bus from MIA to Miami Beach. It runs every 20 minutes. From MIA to FLL or downtown Fort Lauderdale, take TriRail. The #1 Broward County Bus serves FLL to downtown Fort Lauderdale where you can hop on the #50 to go to Wilton Manors.

TRAVEL TIPS

HOTSpots! Florida is your go to magazine of what to do and where to go in Wilton Manors/Fort Lauderdale, as well as Miami Beach and Key West. OUTClique Magazine is the monthly magazine in print and online..Congratulations to Jason Parsley, the new editor of South Florida Gay News in print and online. The new quarterly in Florida, Embrace Magazine is also available in print and online. It’s great to be in an area with 4+ thriving publications.  

MORE INFORMATION

Plan your trip at visitlauderdale.com. Special thanks to Ivonne MacMillan and Richard Gray of Visit Lauderdale for their helpful tips.

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