ANCHORAGE

ANCHORAGE

More than twice the size of Texas, there’s nothing quite as big as America’s 49th state: Alaska. From breathtaking glaciers to a fascinating array of wildlife, it’s difficult to describe Alaska’s terrain and scenery without resorting to trite superlatives. You must visit this land to comprehend it. Anchor your trip in the state’s largest city.

Culture and cod.

Although Anchorage is a relatively small city, it is surprisingly modern and has a diverse community. You’ll find excellent museums (like the Anchorage Museum at Rasmusin Center), restaurants (check out the Bear Tooth Theatrepub Café & Grill) and artistic venues (including the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts and Cyrano’s Off-Center Playhouse).

Arctic Pride.

Anchorage is also home to many gayowned and gay-friendly accommodations (Hotel Captain Cook is our favorite), as well as a couple of gay bars. Like most smaller cities, Anchorage’s gay bars tend to attract people of all ages, genders and affinities. One bar you can’t miss is the extremely fun and friendly dance club, Mad Myrna’s—considered one of the best gay bars in America. Each June, the Alaska Pridefest events bring the whole rainbow community together against the backdrop of the city’s majestic landscapes.

Terrific tundra.

Anchorage is known around the world for its legendary outdoor pursuits like exploring glaciers, whale watching and, most notably, the annual Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race each March. While Alaska is ideally suited for outdoorsy travelers, the numerous cruise ships and trains that routinely depart from Anchorage and venture into the vast interior make it easy to enjoy the state’s natural beauty from a comfy and controlled environment.

Sail away.

Several LGBT-oriented cruise ship operators—notably RSVP Vacations, Olivia and Atlantis—book all-gay charter trips on some of the major lines that ply Alaska waters, including Holland America, Princess, Carnival, Celebrity, Norwegian and Royal Caribbean. Another way to explore the state’s rugged and largely unspoiled interior is via the scenic Alaska Railroad. From Anchorage, you can take an amazing day trip to Denali National Park (home to North America’s highest peak, the 20,320-foot Mt. McKinley) or hop aboard the Glacier Discovery train to Grandview where you can, as the train’s name implies, discover magnificent glaciers.

Gentlemen, start your engines.

For a less structured adventure, rent a car in Anchorage and explore nearby wonders at your own pace. Don’t miss the quaint town of Talkeetna, the charming village of Girdwood, the popular fishing town of Homer and Whittier, where you can kayak on Prince William Sound and enjoy several stunning glaciers.

When seasoned travelers talk about “trips of a lifetime,” they’re often referring to adventures had in Alaska. Book your trip to Anchorage next summer!

Tips

To stay informed about the city’s goings on, check out The Anchorage Press, a local alternative weekly publication with listings, events, news and reviews.

When you come to Anchorage, give yourself at least seven days to enjoy the city and explore the surrounding majestic land.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen, one of the most gay-friendly cities in the world, has a special kind of charm. The identifiable emblem of the city, Edvard Ericksen’s whimsical 1913 sculpture “The Little Mermaid,” stands guard over the picturesque harbor.

The colorful 400-year-old buildings are on a bustling shopping street where cars are forbidden. Quiet parks where swans glide on placid lakes and busy city squares where people congregate to feed the birds provide fascinating vistas. On every side, you’ll find things that will delight all your senses. If you consider yourself an avid LGBTQ traveler, then you simply must visit

Copenhagen! “Love of freedom. Freedom to love.” That was the slogan during the World Out Games 2009 in Copenhagen. That slogan continues to ring true today in Copenhagen. Copenhageners are open-minded, relaxed and tolerant people, and the capital city has long been a playground for both gay Danes and tourists. Here you can be free, open and, most of all, yourself.

Be free, be safe and most of all, be yourself anywhere you go.

The LGBTQ Scene

Let it all go in this truly serene city.

The country’s National Association for Gays and Lesbians was founded in 1948 as the first of its kind. Forty years later, Denmark became the first country in the world to grant same-sex civil partnerships. Locals and tourists celebrate Copenhagen’s Gay Pride Festival in mid-August every year. It’s been held in Denmark’s capital since 1996. Across the Oresund Bridge in Malmo, Sweden is the Rainbow Festival, which takes place during the last week of September. Visit

Copenhagen, a tourism hub, maintains a list of annual gay events. When you visit Copenhagen, you will find that the gay scene is alive and thriving in this accepting city. Don’t be surprised to see same-sex couples walking down the street hand in hand. There are three gay beaches in the city: Amager Strandpark is a beautiful beach just south of Copenhagen; Bellevue Beach, Klampenborg is in the north; and, Tisvildeleje Beach is a gay nudist beach with a forest behind it.

The Berkshires

Located in the western parts of Massachusetts and Connecticut, about two hours from Boston, the Berkshires is both a specific highland geologic region and a broader associated cultural region.

Gay travelers visiting the Berkshires will feel like they just stepped into a Norman Rockwell painting. Idyllic creeks run alongside the road as you drive in past farmhouses from another era and picturesque scenery. If you’re a gay art lover, the Berkshires offer more culture per capita than anywhere else in the world. The Clark Art Institute has one of the premiere collections of Impressionist works and brings in travelling shows that rival its big city counterparts. The Williamstown Art Museum is in a building designed by renowned architect Charles Moore and features the famous floating “Ironic” columns in the courtyard below. Newer to the art scene is the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art in North Adams, which features a wide variety of contemporary works. Gay theatre lovers can’t miss the Williamstown Theatre Festival, which takes place every summer. Gay or straight, Hollywood comes to town for this one of a kind experience that celebrates the beauty of theatre.

In autumn, gay travelers are stunned by the magnificent fall foliage that bathes the surrounding hills creating a 360-degree kaleidoscope of color. If you visit the Berkshires during this season, we’re certain you’ll fall in love with this magical place. Athletic gay travelers will enjoy a variety of outdoor activities from golf to hiking to skiing. The Berkshires may be small, but they offer a high-impact gay travel experience for the artist and adventurer in all of us.

Ibiza, Spain

Sassy and cosmopolitan, Ibiza is one of the wildest, most scenic ports in the entire Mediterranean. The floodlighted battlements and colossal walls of the old town (Dalt Vila) provide a startlingly evocative and historic backdrop to the dynamic bar and club scene, with venues spread around a breathtaking bay.

Ibiza Scene

In the summer months the party scene revs into the red, then right off the scales! At times, it seems like all the world’s raving head-cases are rammed into one insane whitewashed little Spanish town. There is a lot for LGBTQ travelers to take in. From the glut of funky places to explore to countless cave-like drinking dens to the sumptuous splendor of überclubs, there is no shortage of things to do on this island! Ibiza’s appeal is immediate and addictive. On essential activity you must do on a balmy summer night is explore the warren of cobbled harbor-side streets, replete with oh-so-hip fashion boutiques and quirky market stalls.

Aside from the tide of party people that flow from bar to bar to down a vodka limón or a chupito shot, troops of costumed club-sponsored parades add diversion and fantasy to the Ibizan night. Grab a bar table and expect the unexpected, as near-naked dancers spray painted gold, fluffy pink bunnies, G-string-toting gays, bondage queens and leather kings flounce through the streets bearing club banners and dispensing promo flyers. The more ferocious the exhibitionism, the better the response. There can be few other places in the world where locals, LGBTQ travelers, holidaying families and party freaks congregate so amiably. Ibiza truly is a permissive paradise where the routine is derided and the excessive celebrated.

Ibiza Town and the Figueretes suburb are hotspots for the gay scene in this Spanish paradise. Chiringay in Es Cavallet is the gay nudist beach on the island and is a perfect place to jump into... things. Another, more secluded, gay beach is Los Molinos, halfway between Ibiza Town and Figueretes. Gay bars are less frequent than gay-friendly ones and the gay-friendly ones are everywhere! Heavyweight DJs spinning at local clubs give gay clubbers plenty of tasty options.

Charleston, South Carolina

Voted No. 1 on Travel + Leisure’s list of the top cities in the U.S. for the eighth year in a row, Charleston continues to garner gay fans with its rich history, well-preserved architecture and distinct Lowcountry cuisine. Its cobbled historic district, a National Historic Landmark, offers European flair mixed with Southern charm, where tropical plants and blooming flowers add bursts of color to rows of antebellum façades. Similar to New Orleans’ French Quarter, but devoid of the rough-around-theedges feel, Charleston woos gay travelers with its endlessly romantic vibes. Amble along the scenic waterfront park, or spend hours popping in and out of the antiques stores on the southern end of popular King Street. Come for a whirlwind weekend, a gay honeymoon or a seaside escape... but, be warned—one trip to Charleston is never enough!

Gay Scene in Charleston

As a diverse city attracting people from all walks of life, Charleston boasts a relaxed attitude, and most LGBTQ travelers will feel welcome. The South has a reputation as a deeply religious region, and Charleston, filled with churches, is no exception. However, you’ll find some gay-friendly churches among them, such as Circular Congregational Church. Pride is alive and well in Charleston, evidenced by the annual Charleston Pride event, going strong for the last decade.

When to Visit

The summer heat and humidity in the South is nothing to shake a stick at. To stay a bit cooler, come in spring or fall, but be prepared to shell out more for your hotel room, as you’ll be competing with other tourists for availability. In winter, Charleston’s off-season, you’ll experience mild weather, a calmer atmosphere and twinkling holiday lights.

Napa Valley, California

Every sophisticated LGBT traveler must experience a wine country getaway at least once! Napa Valley is the second most popular tourist destination in California, second only to Disneyland. There is so much to see in this beautiful wine country! The rolling hills dotted with vineyards are magnificent, and the area is cultured, quaint and serene.

The picturesque town of Napa is filled with historic Victorian homes, stunning contemporary architecture, world-famous wineries, exclusive restaurants and charming mom-and-pop stores. A vibrant and modern city, Napa is just perfect for a relaxing vacation away from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

The proximity of Napa to the Bay Area and San Francisco have made the region especially welcoming to the LGBTQ traveler. There are several gay specific things to do including Out in the Vineyard, a gay tour and event company which hosts the annual “Big Gay Train” train ride through the valley, along with gay wine weekends.

The LGBTQ Scene in Napa Valley

Napa Valley is an escape from city living. The area doesn’t have a gayborhood per se, but the entire region is inclusive and extremely gay-friendly. There are no LGBTQ specific nightclubs, but you certainly won’t have to worry about hiding who you are. Because there aren’t any LGBTQ bars in Napa, the community there has decided to make a local bar “Gay For A Day.” Every few weeks or so, the local community picks a different bar, pub or eatery and makes it fabulous for a day! The point? Have fun, spend time together and support the inclusive businesses in the beloved valley.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Right at the tip of the Baja California peninsula lies Cabo San Lucas, one of the most popular resort destinations in Mexico. Jimmy Buffet and Sammy Hagar, who espouse their love of Cabo in various forms, made Cabo famous: Buffet with “Margaritaville” and Hagar with “Cabo Wabo” Cantina and tequila.

Los Cabos, Mexico

The gay scene in Cabo San Lucas is low-key, but very friendly. In recent years, many gays traveling to Mexico have been drawn away from some of the more popular destinations nearby, like Cancun and Puerto Vallarta, in favor of Cabo San Lucas. The sophisticated beach resort culture and the diversity of activities have gradually come to accommodate gay travelers, ensuring that any LGBTQ visitor will feel right at home.

Thankfully, there is a whole lot more to Cabo than country stars shilling stereotypes. Cabo San Lucas distinguishes itself from many other Mexican destinations with a variety of top-notch activities, including

world-class dining, traditional eateries, lush golf courses, calm surf, epic sports fishing, every water sport imaginable and a wild-as-you-want-it nightlife. This unique travel destination pulls off a wonderful balance of contemporary luxury and local traditions. Cabo has become a favorite among travelers of all sorts, and it’s not hard to see why.

TIPS: If you don’t want to find empty or semi-empty venues don’t go out before 10:00 P.M. because clubs don’t generally get going before midnight. Here, you can eat late and go out even later! Los Cabos is also known for its water sports, deep sea fishing, whale watching, golf courses and restaurants.

Los Cabos, or San Jose del Cabo, is just 25 miles from Cabo San Lucas but totally differs in style and ambiance. Los Cabos is laid back, low-key and known for its amazing art galleries, restaurants and architecture. Like its neighbor, Los Cabos has beautiful beaches with breathtaking desert and ocean views. The climate here is delicious and makes for an indulgent vibe that is palpable in all parts of town. In between the two Cabos, there are plenty of resorts, spas, golf courses and villas all ready to explore!

Aspen, Colorado

Aspen will surprise anyone who thinks that it’s just a skiing destination. No matter the season, Aspen is the perfect destination for any LGBTQ traveler!

The Colorado peaks are purely picturesque and you’ll be awestruck by 360-degree views of 14,000-foot mountains. Nestled within these giant mountains, Aspen is a small, quaint and upscale town. Downtown is comprised of four blocks by three blocks of beautiful 19th-century buildings. Throughout the year, you’ll likely meet some gorgeous and down-to-earth (in that millionaire kind of way) locals, as well as tourists eager to frolic on the mountainous playground.

Aspen winter activities aren’t limited to skiing. But, lesbia-honest, skiing is the premier attraction. Aspen offers for world-class mountains and over 4,100 acres of terrain for every level of skier. Besides skiing, there is an ice-skating rink and plenty of frozen ponds for the tiny dancer in all of us. Also, you can discover miles of groomed cross-country trails, dog sledding, guided snowshoe tours, snowmobiling, snowboarding and even hot-air ballooning. Aspen’s summer activities include rafting down the Colorado River, fishing and golfing. The gondolas are open during the summer and winter, and you can use them for hiking, biking or just going

to the top of the mountain for lunch. A free bus also offers transportation during summer months.

If you’re planning a trip to Aspen, you should check out the Roaring Forks Gay & Lesbian Community Fund site, www.rfglcf.com. This organization is responsible for Aspen Gay Ski Week. Check out the other awesome events they have going on and consider making a donation to the group you can blame for all the fun you’ll be having!

The Gay Scene in Aspen

If you’re awestruck by the gorgeous scenery, you’ll be just as entranced by the people-watching. Both locals and visitors, alike, are tanned, toned, beautiful and pleasant. Aspen’s gay scene is lively and outgoing, as you would expect from an international ski resort town. Feel free to stroll hand-inhand with your loved one (or newfound “friend”) through the charming grid of neatly preserved 19th-century buildings downtown.

Palm Springs

Palm Springs is best known as the “playground of the stars,” a reputation earned during Hollywood’s Golden Age when the friendly desert oasis was both close enough away to attract the silver screen’s A-list. With an average of 332 days of annual sunshine and 360-degree mountain views, it’s easy to understand the appeal.

So gay! In recent years, Palm Springs has become, per capita, one of the gayest cities on earth, constituting an estimated 40-60% of the local population. The current Mayor, Robert Moon, is gay, as were the two previous mayors, along with most members of city council.

Resort casual. The quiet, relaxing ambiance of Palm Springs is best described as “resort casual.” This laid-back character compliments its many charming shops and unique specialty stores, especially in the Uptown Arts and Antique District. If you’re looking for a bigcity atmosphere with a booming club scene, look elsewhere. While there is a thriving nightlife, the city’s main appeal is sunshine, swimming pools, world-class golf courses and tennis courts, great restaurants and aweinspiring mountain vistas.

Food in the nude? The “playground of the stars” offers numerous gay-owned or gay-friendly businesses including pampering spas (e.g. – Ace Hotel & Swim Club) and first-class hotels (e.g. – East Canyon Hotel & Spa), as well as clothingoptional resorts and guest houses that cater to male clientele (e.g. – Hacienda Warm Sands). When it comes to food, our favorite restaurant is The King’s Highway. Located at

Ace Hotel, this retro-chic renovatedto-distress restaurant was formerly a Denny’s and serves redefined roadside dinner fare, Tex-Mex breakfasts, tequila-cured lox and has a life-saving “reviving” coffeehouse. From there, stroll to the Amigo Room (also in the Ace Hotel) where you can order artisanal cocktails and craft beers in a cool, cavernous space.

Hip happenings. This desert oasis has an exciting lineup of LGBTQ events throughout the year including the International Film Festival, Cinema Diverse (the gay and lesbian film festival), the Dinah Shore Weekend (the most popular gathering of lesbians in the world) and, of course, the infamous White Party (a gay men’s circuit party). The city’s annual Gay Pride Festival includes a fabulous parade followed by live entertainment, food and dancing, which continues long into the evening and especially at Arenas Street’s many gay bars. At Halloween, Arenas Street is converted into a huge gay block party, complete with a costume contest! Every Thursday night Palm Springs’ main street, Palm Canyon Drive, is closed to traffic and opened for an extensive street festival featuring food vendors, local artists and live entertainment.

Liberace had an 8,000 square-foot mansion in Palm Springs called Casa de la Cloisters. This was the favorite of his seven luxurious homes and where he spent his final days in 1987.

Iconic Hollywood movie stars like Rock Hudson, Greta Garbo and Joan Crawford flocked to Palm Springs from Los Angeles to escape prying eyes and “carry on” without fear of being outed.

Sydney, Australia

Sydney, Australia is famous for its magnificent beaches, topnotch tourist attractions, thriving gay community and two world-class landmark structures, the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Sydney is built around its huge harbor, where most of the main attractions and the city center are located at the southern shore. It’s a beautiful city where you’ll find no shortage of exciting activities, friendly locals and plenty of eye candy!

The Harbour Bridge The Harbour Bridge, which was built during the Great Depression, is the widest single span bridge in the world. Today, the Harbour Bridge is the major link between Sydney’s southern and northern suburbs. At the Pylon Lookout Museum, located at the bridge’s southeastern pylon, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the harbour and city from its viewing platform. Alternatively, you can book a 3.5-hour climb to the bridge summit and enjoy priceless views from the top of the bridge.

Sydney Aquarium Located at Darling Harbour, Sydney Aquarium presents a fascinating view of the underwater world which includes over 12,000 aquatic animals from 650 species, saltwater crocodiles and giant sea turtles. The aquarium showcases the world’s largest Great Barrier Reef exhibit and amazing underwater viewing tunnels with sharks and stingrays swimming above your head! If you have kids, they’ll love the touch pool and the marine mammal sanctuary. If you’re trying to find Nemo, this is the place to be!

Sydney Opera House The Sydney Opera House, which opened in 1973, is the city’s most famous (and most photographed) landmark. In 2007, it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, placing it alongside the Taj Mahal, the ancient Pyramids of Egypt and the Great Wall of China as one of the most outstanding places on Earth. Designed by Danish architect, JØrn Utzon, the construction of the opera house was so arduous and troubling that the building’s completion was considered nothing short of miraculous. Visitors can enjoy guided one-hour tours every day between 9am and 5pm. For a special treat, book a twohour backstage tour, which begins daily at 7am and includes breakfast.

The Rocks The Rocks is Sydney’s most historic district, the birthplace of modern Australia and is one of the city’s most popular destinations. Years ago, The Rocks served as Sydney’s main port with warehouses lining the waterfront, backed by hotels, banks, offices, merchant shops and brothels. Today, The Rocks has transformed into a hot spot of quaint boutiques, restaurants and cafés. This district gets really crowded on Saturday nights.

Sydney Tower The best way to enjoy breathtaking views of Sydney is to visit the top of Sydney Tower. This 1,000-foot golden turrettopped spike is Sydney’s tallest building and the view from its indoor observation deck covers the entire city. On clear days, you can see the Blue Mountains, which are more than 30 miles northwest of the city. There are two restaurants in the Sydney Tower’s turret, which boast delicious food and artisan cocktails.

Sydney’s Beaches There are more than 30 ocean beaches within Sydney, all with rolling surf and golden sand. If you prefer calmer waters, there are several more around the harbor. Of all the Sydney beaches, Bondi Beach is the most famous (and the most crowded) with surfers, sunbathers and bronzed muscle gods playing volleyball— actually, it’s more of a speedo modeling competition (not that I’m complaining). Coogee Beach is more relaxed with calmer waters, a grassy headland overlooking the beach and an excellent children’s playground. However, for a truly special beach experience that’s more popular with the locals, take a 30-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay to Manly Beach on the northern side of the harbour. Once there, stroll along The Corso (a

pedestrian-only street lined with bars, cafés and shops filled with indigenous art), enjoy killer surfing and take in unique sights along The Cabbage Tree Bay EcoSculpture Walk all the way to Shelly Beach (which offers incredible snorkeling).

Gay Sydney Sydney is a thriving gay metropolis. Its huge Asian and Latino immigrant populations make it one of the most multicultural cities in the world. In this city of 4 million people, gay life is centered around Oxford Street in the Darlinghurst neighborhood on the eastern side of town. This area is lined with pulsating clubs (like Arq), restaurants and pubs. Oxford Street is also the main drag for the annual, world-famous Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade in late February-early March. You won’t want to miss this the pageantry of this Pride celebration!

Portland

Portland’s incredible arts community, vibrant nightlife and progressive politics make it an accepting and welcoming destination for any traveler. It’s a laidback, big city that still has a small-town feel to it—and reasonable prices to match. Portland is known as a great place for lesbians… but don’t worry boys, there’s plenty for you here, as well!

Progressive. Portland was the first top-30 U.S. city to elect an openly gay mayor (Sam Adams, 2009-2012) and city commissioners recently decided to make two-thirds of city restrooms gender-neutral. In 2016, Oregon became the first state to elect an openly bisexual governor, Kate Brown. Culture. Portland is serious about art. The Center for the Performing Arts—a cluster of downtown theaters—stages a wide variety of shows year-round. The Native American art collection at the Portland Art Museum is second to none. The Northwest Film Center presents a year-round exhibition program of foreign, classic, experimental and independent cinema.

Avant-garde? Portland’s alternative performing arts venues stage some of the most incredible and unorthodox productions in the nation. Check out the Vagabond Opera for dark and ironic vaudeville; Star Theater for burlesque shows and eclectic musical performances; Darcelle XV for glitzy-glamorous drag shows; and, both Silverado and Stag for naked male dancers.

Hungry? For classic American fare with an innovative Pacific Northwest twist, grab a bite at Gracie’s Restaurant, located in the fabulous Hotel DeLuxe—a boutique, Art Deco hotel that is a fabulous

tribute to Hollywood’s Golden Era. Portland also has a ridiculous number of microbreweries, microdistilleries, international food carts, coffeehouses and bookstores.

The great outdoors. The Willamette River, which runs through the town’s mix of modern towers and renovated warehouses, provides ample opportunities for outdoor pursuits. Gay beaches with nude stretches can be found on the Columbia River at Sauvie Island to the west of town and at Rooster Rock State Park to the east. Pacific Ocean beaches, temperate rain forests and Mt. Hood (Oregon’s highest peak and one of the most prominent of the Cascades’ volcanoes) are all just a short drive from downtown.

Outlook hazy. Now that recreational-use marijuana is legal in Oregon, consider consuming cannabis-themed events in Portland like the Oregon Dope Cup and the Cannabis Classic (a statewide competition and award.)

Gayborhoods. The Hawthorne District in southeast has a long reputation as the center of the city’s lesbian scene, but it’s popular with anyone who has an alternative, progressive bent. Burnside Triangle (aka – “Pink Triangle”) contains a plethora of LGBTQ-friendly independent shops and restaurants.

Don’t miss a fabulous evening at the Tony Starlight Showroom, a Hollywood-inspired dinner theater that’s called “The Las Vegas of Portland.” Be sure to attend on a night when legendary piano player Bo Ayars is tickling the ivories. Ayars was Liberace’s long-time conductor and musical director and is the last living member of Liberace’s “inner circle.” He also toured with Elvis Presley, wrote music with Barbra Streisand and brought the D.C.-based musical political satire troupe, the “Capitol Steps,” to national fame. He’s very approachable, so say hello during a break… and tell him that Q Mid-Atlantic sent you.