Cover Story

Gay Mecca of the Aegean – Mykonos

Not only is it the most famous island of the Cyclades in Greece, it is also the most gay-friendly. Playing about this international hot spot that’s fully idyllic, romantic and very beautiful (with its whitewashed homes and aqua-blue-domed doors and roofs), you can’t help but feel as though you have found your perfect playground.
Only a 20-minute flight from Athens (or 4 hour ferry ride), Mykonos attracts more than 100,000 visitors during peak season and it’s very likely you’ve seen the island as a backdrop in a magazine’s photo spread. With a population of approximately 6,000—the island itself is 85 square kms—locals are sincerely happy to accommodate, even if they practically survive on the tourism industry.
For more than 40 years now, LGBT’ers have enjoyed memorable
holidays on the fun, gay mecca island of Mykonos. Mykonos gay: the beautiful scenery, special light and cooling breezes, the fine sand and often nudist beaches, the crazy nightlife, and great cosmopolitan people-mix - not forgetting the friendly, open-minded Mykonians – have provided gays and lesbians an unbeatable feeling of ease, pleasure and freedom that makes Mykonos Island one of the world's most pleasurable holiday locations. The parties, nightlife, sports and action attract both the young and young at heart. In summertime, May till October, Mykonos has the effervescent beach by day and party by night feel; many visitors return every year to meet or make friends. Whether it's first class restaurants, late nightclubs, private or public parties or yacht chartering and gay safaris/cruises...Mykonos delivers.

Fast Facts:
• As the gay oasis of Greece, Homos can't resist Mykonos for its hopping bars, white beaches, mountainous landscape, piercing blue waters and, naturally, the acceptance of full nudity.
• Beach rule of thumb is heteros to the left, homos to the right. But no one really cares where you sit!
• The outdoor bars and cafes get cheaper as you go toward the windmills.
• There is no such thing as a free sandwich... or beach chair.
• Mykonos is way more “LGBT’ers Gone Wild” than an after school special; plan accordingly.
• Info: gaymykonos.eu/

Mediterranean Madness – Ibiza

For the ultimate party vacation, look no further than the scenic Balearic Islands of Ibiza and Majorca. Situated just off the Eastern coast Spain, sheer heaven on Earth can be found in the luscious hills and white sandy beaches of what is known as the jewel of the Mediterranean. Littered with resorts, historical fortresses, and some of the largest and most well known nightclubs on the planet, the islands boast a huge variety of activities to fill
If you are travelling to Ibiza for their gay-friendly atmosphere, great food, and fun atmosphere then you are on the right path. It must be said however that you have no idea what you are in for until you actually arrive on the island.
Infamous for its boisterous atmosphere, friendly people, and acceptance for open gayness your Ibiza holiday is unlike any trip you will ever take in your life. If you are at a loss for what to do, what to see, and where to enjoy yourself when you get to Ibiza we have got you covered. Be prepared for the fact that you may want to extend your stay—a long weekend is just not enough time for a person to enjoy everything this island has to offer!
Being the club capital of the world, and with every big-name DJ setting up shop there for the entire summer, Ibiza caters to those who like to party until dawn in the most diverse and up-for-it atmospheres. Most venues are mixed and open minded, and the island therefore tends to avoid gay-only establishments. Everyone just blends with each other with sexual orientation becoming irrelevant.
If nightclubs really aren't your thing but you still want to have a drink, Ibiza is home to more bars that you would think possible for such a small island. Take a walk down the streets of this small island and you will find more bars than you ever wanted to see in your life. For a tiny island stretching no more than twenty miles in either direction, Ibiza has a lot going on. From bars to nightclubs and gay friendly (or exclusive) hotels, there is nothing quite like it. Find out for yourself why this is the number one destination for gay people in the world!

Fast Facts:
• Stick to Ibiza Town and the Figueretes suburb, which together form the gay hubs.
• Ibiza and Majorca are summer-time islands. In August, temperatures average at 29 Celsius (84 Fahrenheit) and it can get very humid. It's still warm until October, with hotel and flight prices decreasing rapidly out of high season, although you may find yourself having to dodge some pretty unruly rain showers.
• Being party islands, drugs are rife, especially in nightclubs. Here, as with most places, recreational substances are illegal, and therefore best avoided.
• Info: gayibiza.net

The Pacific, Mardi Gras, & Men – Sydney

The Opera House. The Harbour Bridge. Shirtless, buff men gyrating at Mardi Gras. It’s hard to say which best represents Sydney. You’ll even get some debate among locals.
In the popular imagination Australia is blond bodies frolicking on white beaches under blue skies stretching as far as the eye can see. Nicole Kidman and the late, great Heath Ledger spring immediately to mind. The reality is much different of course – and far more intriguing. Sydney, in particular, has emerged as thriving gay metropolis, with huge Asian and Latino immigrant populations making it one of the most multicultural in the world. While there are venues throughout the sprawling city of more than four million, gay social life is centered on and around Oxford Street in the Darlinghurst neighborhood in the Eastern 'burbs. It is lined with thriving clubs, restaurants and pubs. It is the main drag for the annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade in February, which draws visitors from around the globe for a week of nonstop celebration. Party-break destinations include heavily gay Bondi Beach, where the volleyball is more Speedo modeling than sports competition, panoramic Harbour Bridge, colonial history of The Rocks, and the world renowned Sydney opera.
Sydney’s main gay strip is on Oxford Street, just southeast of the CBD and clustered around the Darlinghurst and Surry Hills neighborhoods. The Paddington and Potts Point neighborhoods north and east are seeing an influx of gay and lesbian residents. A short train ride away from the CBD, Newtown (see sights) is another heavily LGBT neighborhood, more organic but no less worthy.
Attitudes toward gay and lesbian travelers are progressive to say the least. Mardi Gras may be gay-operated, but it’s very much a civic event, drawing visitors from all over and televised nationally. As the locals say, “Off you go, then!”

Fast Facts:
• Sydney's main gay strip is on Oxford Street, just southeast of the CBD and clustered around the Darlinghurst and Surry Hills neighborhoods.
• Residents of Sydney are called "Sydneysiders."
• Local Lingo The Australian equivalent of "How you doing?" is "How you going?"
• Food Facts In this city of foodies, the Good Food Guide published annually by the Sydney Morning Herald is the bible visit at smh.com.au.
• Don't Drive. You don't need - or probably want - to rent a car in Sydney. If you're staying in the city center, you're within about 30 minutes' walk of everything, taxis are reasonably priced, or a system of buses, trains and ferries will take you anywhere you want to go.
• Info: sydney.gaycities.com or mardigras.org.au

The Atlantic LGBT Paradise  – Provincetown

Ever since Native American tribes first canoed their way to the spiraling tip of Cape Cod, Provincetown has been a place of magic and escape. Here, at the end of the world, life is lived on the edge. Provincetown’s spirit still calls to the young and the young at heart.
While these days the rest of the country might seem increasingly unwelcome to gay men and lesbians, here in Provincetown you’ll find a warm embrace. Gay life is everywhere.
Provincetown has always been many things to many people. A charming New England fishing village, with piers jutting out into the harbor. A bustling art colony of revelry and romance. Here individualism has long been prized. Provincetown has always danced to its own rhythm, and today its music is louder and prouder than ever before.
Here you’ll find young sweethearts discovering love for the first time and more seasoned couples marking thirty, forty or fifty years. Two moms or two dads might push by with their strollers. Leathermen, bears, dykes on bikes, transgendered folk, and lots of shirtless hunky boys—you’ll spy them all moving easily in the mix. No matter what scene you’re looking for, you can find it.
Lie in the sun on awesome beaches. Bike or hike along exquisite nature trails. Shop 'til you drop at lively boutiques. Buy art or catch a play. Dance to music spun by DJs from New York, Miami, and beyond. Make new friends. Chances are if you come to Provincetown single, you won’t go home that way.
At night, Provincetown really shines. Top-flight performers fill the town’s numerous stages. Dozens of restaurants cater to every taste and budget. Bars and clubs offer something for men and women of any age. And if you thought the people watching on Commercial Street was exhilarating during the day, just check it out at night:

Fast Facts:
• All of Provincetown is a bustling, rainbow and taffy-filled gay neighborhood. If Disney's Main Street USA turned queer, it'd look like Commercial Street.
• If you're looking for more privacy, or you'd prefer a place with a kitchen, forget the hotels and guesthouses and rent someone's apartment or house instead. Check out Harborside Realty at 800.838.4005.
• Planning to hit tea dance every day at The Boatslip? Buy a weekly or monthly pass and you'll save on the cover charge.
• Looking for some carry out lunch to take to the beach? Duck into the General Store at 147 Commercial Street. They're open early in the morning, and their deli sandwiches and baked goods can't be beat.
• If you're walking to the beach at Herring Cove, or parking your bike by the bike stand, check the daily tide charts in the local paper. At high tide, you'll be walking through tidal pools that are sometimes waist-deep to get to the beach; at low tide, it's an easier walk over dry sand.
• Info: gayprovincetown.com

Cosmopolitan & Picturesque – Vancouver

Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the mountains, Vancouver is a vibrant city of majestic sights, clear skies and a kaleidoscope of people. Located in lovely British Columbia on Canada's west coast, Vancouver is home to two of Canada's most active gay communities.
The first of these is Davie Village, where visitors will find a myriad of gay-friendly bars, accommodations and a thriving nightlife. Davie Village is also a short distance away from many of city's tourist attractions, such as the breathtaking Stanley Park. Vancouver's other gay-friendly community, Commercial Drive (known locally as "The Drive,") is the hub of the city's lesbian community. The Drive is located in the city's east end, and features a variety of affordable ethnic dining options, cozy bed & breakfasts and unique shopping opportunities.
Residents take full advantage of the stunning location to hike, bike, kayak, sail, ski and snowboard. It’s a city where many people’s idea of a great first date is to tackle the grueling two-hour Grouse Grind hike together. Locals are enormously proud of having these activities on offer in their backyard, so you’re sure to be asked where else could you ski in the morning and sail in the afternoon, and you’ll probably hear this question more than once.
A flotilla of thrilling chefs also gets the best from the seasons. Tuck into fresh oysters, alder-grilled salmon or 200 Mile Sablefish fresh off the boat and as Vancouver tugs at your heart and taste buds, you’ll be won over.

Fast Facts:
• The gay scene is concentrated on rainbow flag adorned Davie Street, the heart of the residential West End, where an estimated 35% of the population is gay or lesbian.
• The pint-sized ferries that chug back and forth across False Creek are an enjoyable way to get from the West End or Yaletown to Granville Island or Main Street. They might not seem like the fastest option, but they save tackling bridge traffic or worse - trying to find parking on Granville Island. The blue False Creek Ferries have more boats and more stops, but it's always tempting to hop aboard a rainbow striped Aquabus.
• The main concentration of shopping, socializing and sights are close to downtown, so you can easily get most places without a car. When the weather is obliging, Vancouver is a fun city to walk about. Taxis are plentiful and the Skytrain monorail will drop you off at Broadway/Commercial if you want to explore the East Side's main social strip. Gay bars are within ambling distance of pretty much all downtown hotels.
Info: tourismvancouver.com/gay

Florida Fabulous – Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is tropical paradise for gay city dwellers. The city offers gay beaches, naked beaches, sultry swimming pools at exclusively gay resorts, and gay bars and clubs that cater to everyone from bears to softball players to singles looking for a quiet lounge atmosphere for a date.
Taking a break from pool and beach? The Riverwalk arts and entertainment district in downtown Fort Lauderdale is a must-see. The Riverwalk is also called Florida's most beautiful mile. If you are so inclined there is golf, performing arts, a 3D IMAX theater and museums on offer as well as nature centers and Butterfly World. Shopping is a popular pastime for gay visitors. The hottest spots include Las Olas Boulevard with its unique shops and cafes and the diverse and fun Festival Flea Market. With so many great options to choose from, Fort Lauderdale will be a very memorable experience indeed.

Fast Facts:
• Rainbow flags are as ubiquitous as palm trees in Ft. Lauderdale. Scores of gay bars, inns and businesses thrive all over town.
• Feeling adventurous? For the hardcore scuba divers, Fort Lauderdale delivers a three-tiered coral reef system and multiple wreck sites. Scary, huh?
Shop much? Fort Lauderdale has an upscale mall called The Galleria with stores such as Saks and Neiman Marcus. Ka-ching!
• Nice Packet Fort Lauderdale's gay offerings are never-ending. Request a free Rainbow Vacation Planner at sunny.org/rainbow.
• Taxi? Sticking to the gay resorts, beaches and clubs? You'll be fine on foot and inside cabs. Looking to venture out of town or to the Everglades? Rent a car.
• Info: gayftlauderdale.com

California Drivin’ & Dreamin’
By George Zander

Lassen Volcanic Park
Cool, Quiet and Crystal Clean

Come witness a brief moment in the ancient battle between the earth shaping forces of creation and destruction. Nestled within Lassen's peaceful mountain forests you will find that hissing fumaroles and boiling mud pots still shape and change the land.
You can fly from Palm Springs to Redding via San Francisco and access the park very quickly. If you drive you have a two-day haul, mostly on the I-5. Your second overnight will be at Red Bluff, which is the best place for supplies, and that overnight. The Lassen Volcanic National Park Main Park Road can open as early as May 10 and as late as mid-July depending on how much snow falls during the winter. Park officials are expecting the road to be cleared by mid-June this year.
Just past the Visitors’ Center is Sulphur Works, the most accessible thermal center in the park. You will definitely want to follow the short trail that will lead you past mud pots, hot springs, and fumaroles. A ring of peaks surrounds the Sulphur Works- Brokeoff Mt., Mt. Diller, Pilot Pinnacle, Mt. Conrad and Mt. Lassen itself.
Highway 89 continues around Diamond Peak and the next stop is Bumpass Hell. It is the park’s largest Thermal area. Like Sulphur Works, it requires a short hike to see it. Lake Helen, a small, beautiful glacial lake, lies near the Bumpass Hell parking lot. The Lassen Peak trailhead is reached after another mile. This is a strenuous, 2.5-mile trail with a rewarding view at the end (Approximately four hours round trip.)
Just past the parking lot for Hat Lake, the drive enters the Devastated Area, the destruction from the 1915 eruption of Mt. Lassen. Then the drive follows the Nobles Emigrant Trail, which is an old pioneer tr4ail from the 1850s. Landmarks along the way include Hot Rock, which is a huge granite boulder carried down the mountain in the eruption of 1915.

Fast Facts:
• There are over 150 miles of hiking trails within the park which range in difficulty from a strenuous 5 mile round-trip hike up Lassen Peak to a gentle 1.85 mile stroll around Manzanita Lake. 
• The Main Park Road provides incredible views of the Cascades and High Sierras, as well as access to mountain lakes and active hydrothermal areas.
• There are eight campgrounds within Lassen Volcanic National Park, and a large part of Lassen's wilderness is available for wilderness camping with a free permit. 
• Info: nps.gov/lavo

The Russian River

This retro LGBT playground and four-season vacation escape is, ironically and just as their brochure states, 69 miles north of San Francisco.
As many of you know, this area has been an LGBT tourism destination since before the ’70s. It developed, not unlike the Castro, as LGBT folk escaped the closet. In the 1800s the area became a vacation Mecca for folks from the city. The demise of train service in the ’30s killed the vacation business and the little cottages became home to poor farm families and a rather testy drug culture. With the beginning of less expensive air travel, the little resorts and area fell on hard times.
The gay and lesbian community, centered largely in San Francisco in the 1970s, needed a place to party on the weekends and gay Russian River was born with a flurry and a renaissance.
The best is the outdoors wilderness, including ocean beach walks, mountain hiking and biking, bird watching, canoeing and kayaking, fishing, golfing and horseback riding. Accommodations range from the practical to the luxurious.
You can go biking, hiking and wine tasting during the day, and every evening there is something happening at the bars & clubs. Or you can decide to nothing at all and relax after dinner to the sound of the wind in the redwoods. Boasting over 250 of the world's most award-winning wineries, 76 miles of scenic coastline, pristine beaches, the mystical Russian River and majestic redwoods, Sonoma County is uniquely experienced with the Russian River as your home base.
The River offers all types of gay and gay-friendly accommodations from resorts and inns to camping under a canopy of brilliant stars. Local restaurants range from simple taquerias and burger joints to four-star restaurants. Special weekends feature jazz, wine, women, leather and bears. Guerneville is the focus of the area's gay nightlife - one of the few resort towns in the country where you can proudly walk down Main Street day or night.
Just north of Jenner on US 101 is Fort Ross State Park. The fort was the furthest southern penetration of the Russian fur trade. The Russian-American Company established it in the early 1800s, which controlled all the trade and exploration in the North Pacific area. The restored, reconstructed buildings and museum are fun to explore.

Fast Facts:
• Gay friendly for over 25 years.
• Guerneville (pop. 5000) has the second highest concentration of same-sex households of U.S. towns & cities (Gay Atlas); population of lower River area is about 10,000.
• Unsurpassed outdoor activities include canoeing, kayaking, hiking, bicycling and more.
• Info: gayrussianriver.com

Paso Robles  – The Relaxed Napa

Sitting halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco in the lovely oak tree-laced rolling hills and valley of central California, Paso Robles has become a leader in California wine county. Over 170 wineries are in the area, making it a great place for an escape during our toasty summer in the desert. It is coming, you know.
Many folks are discovering this area, which is giving a run to such longtime tourist destinations as Morro Bay, Cambria, Pismo Beach, and other well-known glamour spots of the coast. The town was founded around some now defunct hot springs and christened Hot Springs in the 1700s by Franciscan padres. It was named Paso Robles – Oaks Pass – in 1899.
The area is beyond lovely with fresh air, clean water, bucolic ranches, picturesque orchards and vineyards, and thousands of stately oaks (natch!). In the town, first-rate inns, restaurants, shops and wine tasting facilities have sprung up.
Your first adventure should be in Atascadero. This lovely little town has tree-lined streets and neat little neighborhoods. The public buildings are a treasure; they are Italian Renaissance and stand in a beautiful park and garden.
Heading north on the 101, you will soon arrive in Paso Robles. The countryside is breathtaking. You will immediately fall for the delightful downtown. It is totally walkable, busy and is centered on a small plaza. Three days a week, from March through October, there are certified farmers markets with crafts and art, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday.
And, of course, there is the wine. It is the raison d’etre for your escape. Paso Robles has a long, rich history of growing grapes and making wine. Back in the late 1700s, those pesky padres were growing grapes. European immigrants found the soil and the climate perfect for several varieties. And kaboom. There are now dozens of wineries and tasting rooms.
The Villa Toscana is an Italian style inn at the Martin and Wetricvh Winery. It offers lovely huge rooms, hardwood floors and posh trappings. The best part is that it sits in the middle of a winery! Check it out at myvillatoscana.com.
The grand dame of the place is the Paso Robles Inn. Built in the late 1890s, the well-manicured, tree-shaded grounds are a delight. It sits in the middle of downtown, and there are still 10 rooms left in a building built in 1890. Without doubt, food and wine will be a major part of your day here.
The central California coast is an amazing place to visit. Make Paso Robles your headquarters and visit this area’s amazing wine country, along with beaches, a peaceful bed and breakfast, fabulous restaurants, and even perhaps a visit to the men’s resort – Temptation Ranch. It promises to be a perfect escape from our toasty desert this summer.

Fast Facts:
• The dominant feature of Paso Robles wine country is the flourishing wine industry of more than 170 AVA Paso Robles CA wineries and 250 vineyards.
• The very popular Mid-State fair is held in late July – early August every year. Big-name entertainment, Carnival, show livestock and much more.
• Paso Robles is the gateway to nearby Lake Nacimiento – a water sports enthusiast's dream, which is a quick 20-minute drive west of the city.
• Info: sanluisobispocounty.com