LIBRARY OF CONGRESS DISPLAYS HISTORIC LGBT DOCUMENTS

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This is definitely a first, as far as we know. And it gives you yet another reason to visit DC, in the era of a pro-LGBT oriented president.

Two original documents of major historical significance to the movement for lesbian and gay civil equality in the United States are now on public display in the Thomas Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.

Gay civil rights pioneer Frank Kameny’s Petition to the U.S. Supreme Court (1961), and a letter to The Mattachine Society of Washington, D.C. (1966) from U.S. Civil Service Chairman John W. Macy, Jr., have been added to the Library’s popular exhibition on the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, “Creating the United States.” “Creating the United States” has been seen by more than 1.5 million people since it was first opened in 2008, and according to the Library, the exhibition “demonstrates that the Declaration, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights are living instruments that are central to the evolution of the United States.”  The exhibit will be there through October 2011.For more information, visit: the website of the Kameny Papers.Originally published in GPS.OutTraveler.com.

SUITE DREAMS: OLD MONTEREY INN

 

OMIexteriorBy John O’Ceallaigh

Conditions weren’t ideal for our trip to theOld Monterey Inn B&B. The rain that day was so heavy it threatened to splinter the windscreen of our rental car, and we arrived weary, waned and later than expected.

The inn’s receptionist should consider a career in marketing though, because a few well-chosen words from her and all was well again.

The storm that raged outside meant we could cuddle up in front of the fire, she pointed out; and there was a double-size bath in our cottage, perfect for soaking in if the drive had left us stressed, she commented. They were good points, but it was the warm, respectful welcome that made the biggest impression on me. I have always favored hotels to B&Bs, partially because I had assumed some might be less receptive to gay couples, but at Old Monterey Inn we felt immediately at home.That’s partially because the property itself is a home, and we were to learn all about its history from an elderly lady also staying that night. Her grandparents built the gorgeous old country pile to resemble an English Tudor-style house, and it remains much the same as it was when she was a child. Our cozy little cottage was once a tool shed, it transpired, and even then the garden was a defining feature. Its focal points, now, are a huge old tree with low-slung branches, and vividly colored pockets of fragrant flowers. We met that lady again at breakfast.

Everyone dines together at one long table and we were lucky to have an engaging, quick-witted group. We debated and discussed as staff busied themselves serving that morning’s menu: peach and cherry cobbler with vanilla ice cream, and an asparagus and sun-dried tomato frittata. It was all delicious, of course, but it’s the interaction and homely, intimate atmosphere that I most remember. I’ve become a B&B convertee.

http://www.oldmontereyinn.com/

Originally published in GPS.OutTraveler.com.

SUITE DREAMS: THE LEVANTE PARLIAMENT HOUSE, VIENNA

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By Jeffrey James Keyes

The Levante Parliament is the perfect launching pad for a comfortable stay in Vienna.  The building, which dates back to 1908, has been decorated around the four elements of life: Air, Earth, Fire, and Water.  The hotel itself can be considered an art gallery, featuring stunning glasswork by Nemtoi and photography by Kurt Themessl.

Follow Themessl’s portraits of dancers to one of the 70 rooms to find comfortable beds, many of which overlook a quaint garden.  Venture outside to explore what Vienna has to offer.  Check out the Sisi Museum at the Hofburg Imperial Palace, Klimt’s legendary Beethoven Frieze at the Secession, and walk in the footsteps of the Hapsburgs at the Schoenbrunn Palace during the day.  After your disco nap, head to Bar Restaurant Café Willendorf for a quick bite or Motto for a fabulous spread before going bar & café hopping.

Originally published in GPS.OutTraveler.com.

DEAL OF THE WEEK: MILLENNIUM SHOWS ITS PRIDE

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Millennium Hotels and Resorts has created a PRIDE rate of 15% off to visit one of their hotels in gateway cities throughout the U.S. Whether for business or pleasure, it’s always nice to get a little price break. Millennium Hotels and Resorts is a long-tome supporter of LGBT travelers and travel organizations. Links to their individual properties follow after the break. Originally published in GPS.OutTraveler.com.

LONDON’S SUMMER HEATS UP WITH LOVEBOX

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By John O’Ceallaigh; above Lovebox 2010

After a gruelling winter it’s been a long time coming, but the Great British summer is finally here!

Unsurprisingly this is also when the English festival circuit kicks things off, but the prospect of washed-out weekends spent cowering under canopies still threatens to scupper festivalgoers’ plans. Except at London’sLovebox, which takes place from July 15-17, 2011.

Although held outdoors, the daytime festival’s East London location negates the need for tents and torches and instead attracts crowds for parties that last until around midnight. (There are plenty of afterhour parties that go on much later, at indoor venues throughout the city.) Snoop Dogg, Metronomy and Jessie J are among the acts playing on Friday and Saturday, but gay guys who want to pace themselves should wait for Sunday’s Out & Out Fierce program.Although not officially marketed at the gay community, you need only look at the line up to recognize who’ll be making up most of the crowd. Headliners this year are the Scissor Sisters, and they’re joined by Kelis, Robyn, Blondie and Beth Ditto. Support comes from stalwarts of the capital’s clubbing scene, not least the infamous Horse Meat Disco and club kids’ favourite This is… Circus.

It’s all rather impressive for an event that’s only eight years old, but possibly of more interest to out of towners is its location. Held on the sprawling Victoria Park, it’s wedged between the Olympic site and the creative enclave of Shoreditch and attracts far more locals than tourists. There’s something about the festival atmosphere that’s conductive to making friends so play your cards right and you may even end up with an invite to come back for 2012’s summer of frolics.

Originally published in GPS.OutTraveler.com.

Tour of the Week: China with Venture Out

Cormorant Some of you might have visited China’s classic destinations in the 1980s when the sheer majesty and newness (to foreigners) of this once-isolated giant were enthralling. T

hat newness just keeps on getting newer: China is perhaps the fastest-changing country in the world.

Even if you went when it first opened up to tourism, chances are a return visit here will be just as eye-popping. LGBT tour operator Venture Out’s Journey through China — which uses upscale accommodations throughout the program — begins with sojourns to the signature monuments of Beijing…

The awesome Great Wall, the history-saturated Forbidden City, and the stunning catapulting modern city itself.You head then to the traditional starting point of the Silk Road, Xi’an, where you’ll dally with the haunting Terracotta Warriors.  Then fly south to Guangxi Province for a lovely float on the Li River, meandering beneath the region’s delicately monumental karsts, some of the most astonishing scenery  on earth. Then it’s up to Longji for hikes among  the stunning Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces, an extraordinary example of extreme rice terracing and very visually captivating. You have the option to finish up with a few days’ extension in the  beehive megalopolis of Shanghai before returning home or wherever your travels take you.

  • Journey Through China
  • October 12-21, 2011 (main tour)
  • October 21-24, 2011 (Shanghai extension)
  • Venture-out.com

Originally published in GPS.OutTraveler.com.

Suite Dream: Dream Inn, Santa Cruz, Calif.

Picture 6 By Louise Rafkin

Attention surfer dudes and dudettes: want to check the waves from your private balcony?  Maybe even from the comfort of your luxury king bed?

And be the first on Santa Cruz’s morning swell?  Get yourself beachside to Santa Cruz’s Dream Inn.

Under the management of the Joie de Vivre hotels, all rooms at the Dream Inn sport views of the town, boardwalk, and, on clear days, clear across Monterey Bay.  Sure there’s the great surf outside, but inside, modern rooms with mid-century modern furniture, i-pod docking and high-end linens underscore the cool vibe.With an outdoor pool and a Jacuzzi steps from the sand, there’s not much reason to leave the grounds.  A swank poolside set-up, with comfy couches, towel and bar service with cool cocktails is as good as it gets. But a carnival-like Boardwalk, a downtown mall, and many restaurant choices are well within walking distance.  Too much effort? Room service fare is reasonably priced and tasty.Santa’s Cruz’s surrounding beauty provides venues for all flavors of biking, hiking, and sea kayaking. Wine aficionado’s can head to the hills for a less crowded and more laid-back Napa-lite experience.  And a meal that rivals any found in foodie San Francisco can be had at The Cellar Door at Bonny Doon Vineyard.

The Dream Inn is reasonably priced, with value both inside and out. A luxury hotel in a fabulous location is a fabulous combination.  Check the Internet for special package rates that include fun extras and free add-ons.

  • Santa Cruz Dream Inn
  • 175 West Cliff Drive
  • Santa Cruz, CA 95060
  • 831.426.4330
  • Reservations: 866.744 7735
  • Fax 831.427.2025
  • www.dreaminnsantacruz.com

Originally published in GPS.OutTraveler.com.

Deal of the Week: LGBT Package in Waikiki, Honolulu

Picture 5 The Waikiki area of Honolulu is a great place to start a vacation in Hawaii. In fact, it’s the only place you can really ‘get your gay on’ in the islands, meaning it’s here you’ll find the most gay infrastructure (gay bars, tours, a beach, etc.).

Marriott’s Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa has been reaching out to the LGBT market for the ast couple of years. Here’s a great deal from them just for us LGBT travelers.

Starting at $309 per room, per night, the Paradise in Hawaii Package includes oceanview deluxe room accommodations for two, daily breakfast at Kuhio Beach Grill, and a welcome tropical drink on arrival at the resort’s open-air Moana Terrace overlooking Kuhio Beach. The package is now available on the oceanfront resort’s new LGBT website – www.marriottwaikiki.com/glbt.Folks, it gets better: And those who book now can receive 10 percent off the regular package price.

Originally published in GPS.OutTraveler.com.

Amistead Maupin on Chelsea Pines Inn

Armistead-Maupin1 Marking a quarter century of continuous business — and located at the crossroads of Cheslea, the Meatpacking District, and the Village — Chelsea Pines Inn has certainly witnessed an awful lot of gay history in the making.

Its recently launched silver annivesary blog is chock full of great tidbits and terrific contributors, like Terrence McNally and Armistead Maupin (pictured, left).

Other noteworthy New Yorkers who’ve contributed to the blog include:

  • Tom Viola, Executive Director of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BC/EFA); and
  • Glennda Testone, Executive Director, The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center
  • Tom Kirdahy, on the Board of the LGBT Center among many other accomplishments.

Oh and yours truly! I was asked to submit a blog as a travel writer who has covered the inn for years.

Click here to view all these posts.

Memorial Day: Dennis Hensley Visits Pearl Harbor


Our very own intrepid correspondent recently visited Pearl Harbor and the USS Missouri in Hawaii. Here’s his video report.

Originally published in GPS.OutTraveler.com.