The 24.5 acre paradise within the Loop community area is home to a riveting piece of beauty, a bandshell designed by Canada’s own, Frank Gehry, though to call it a “bandshell” doesn’t feel like it does the spectacular creation any justice (see video below) and home to to Cloud Gate the famous “bean” sculpture by Anish Kapoor that draws millions to see it.

 

Random moment: Back to the lovely denizens of Chicago. While I didn’t make fast friends with this waitress, I almost proposed:

This visit, I found my favourite hotel in Chicago of all the times I’ve stayed here: Steamworks.

Kidding! The Blackstone Hotel is what I call hotel porn. (Not the Tommy Lee / Pamela Anderson rental type of porn, which, actually, I did watch once… in Chicago.) Hotel porn is when design and beauty intersect. When it has its own personality and point of view and is unlike any other “template” design found at many chains. When a hotel lobby (full transparency: I have a hotel lobby fetish) is so aesthetically pleasing and feels so joyful that you’d be happy to sleep right there (never mind with the actual room, whatever it may look like) on the animal print by the reception desk, head resting on a marabou pillow; when the space has an actual point of view, when risk is taken in the decor and humour is given permission to exist and when it (as is the case at The Blackstone Hotel) melds so beautiful with preserved aspects of a former glory, you get hotel porn.

The Blackstone is conveniently located on South Michigan Avenue, and their extraordinarily spacious rooms are chic and understated but luxurious at the same time, with views of Lake Michigan and Grant Park. When I stayed there, the rooms ran approximately $259.00 USD per night.

Notably, the staff err on the side of superbly courteous and authentically engaged. My first name is typically misspelled and my surname often unpronounceable to many, so I appreciated when Eric, who checked me in, took time to check the spelling and ask the pronunciation and proceeded to remember it and say it in greeting me whenever I saw him, which was often during the five days I was there. It’s the little things and I like it when forward-facing professionals are so good at what they do you remember them – and their name – months after.

So taken was I by The Blackstone Hotel, that I spoke with General Manager about its unique history (a dozen US presidents have stayed there,) the time a family returned an item they’d taken when visiting the hotel, and how it got to be so gorgeous, for a recent episode of my SiriusXM chat show after I was back home:

A Few Of My Chicagonian Things

Big And Baby Bites: Chicago has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to dining out, be it casual or a meal to remember. This time, I discovered a couple of fun ways to experience their infamous food scene, and if you’re in Chicago, there’s a rule you must follow at least once each visit.

Revival Food Hall – A collective of all-local restaurants under one roof covering 24,000 square feet, Revival allows you to sample either to-go or to eat-in in a communal setting some of the city’s acclaimed culinary scene. I chose Danke, and sampled the rustic fare found at their full-on restaurant, Table, Donkey and Stick (have you known a … more unique … name for a restaurant? Me neither.) I love this concept and the ability it gives you to try before you invest in a meal out – every city should do this. Or do a few of them!

Latinicity – Sort of like Revival but more focused. World-renowned Chef Richard Sandoval brings together 8 innovative kitchens, a full Mexican restaurant, cafe, bar and lounge, all under one roof to give you his tasty interpretation of Latin street food. It’s located in Block 37, a development located in the Loop community area of downtown Chicago.

And now, rule time: Lou Manalti’s – You are not visiting Chicago without having their famed deep-dish pizza – it’s a rule, I made it up a long time ago. Gosh I was so hungry the night I sat down and GORGED on a GORGEOUS deep-dish pizza with a side of excellent service. Damn, it was satisfying. Lord I love Chicago deep dish. Go to Lou’s. Order the deep-dish. This rule is not meant to break.

Side-trip: To use Toronto as comparison point again, the Chicago district of Andersonville reminded me of Leslieville, the  neighbourhood in TO gentrified greatly, as is often the case (just ask Richard Florida,) by LGBTQ+ people, who seem to instinctively (and probably annoyingly) know when an seemingly undesirable ‘hood is actually teeming with potential, set up residence (as I did back in Leslieville in 1999 – the house I bought then for $250k and later sold was recently listed for $1.1 million!) This then attracts businesses and restaurants to serve them, most with just the right amount of chic and edge required to make a good impression on a gaybourhood now alive and thriving. This then makes said neighbourhood a hotspot; the mainstream follows, as is their wont.

That is pretty much lovely Andersonville, know for it’s diversity, queer-friendliness, women-owned businesses and spirit of community.

I was impressed by the W&CF bookstore, which stocks books by and about women, children’s books for all ages, and the best LGBTQ fiction and non-fiction (they’ll order a book for your outside their mandate, too.) The rainbow flags fly everywhere in Andersonville and if you spot me in a ball cap that reads “You’re Beautiful” (which you are) – that’s from the acclaimed artistic efforts of Matthew Hoffman, who began his art campaign with just 100 stickers in 2002; today there are multiple versions of the message even in sign form throughout the region  – I got the chapeau in Andersonville. There’s a great men’s shop there too, Cowboy’s and Astronauts, carrying everything from sexy witty greeting cards to menswear, candles, and beautiful hand crafted jewellery. Boystown, the aforementioned Belmont & Halstead, is within walking distance and Andersonville itself just a 20 minute Uber from my hotel .

A Gay Must: The Legacy Walk, in Chicago’s “Boystown” is an outdoor public display celebrating LGBTQ+ contributions to world history and culture. Billed as “the world’s only outdoor museum walk and youth education program dedicated to combating anti-gay bullying by celebrating LGBT contributions to history.”

It is the world’s largest collection of bronze biographical memorials (35 presently) defining the nexus of Chicago’s queer community. Here, the lives and works of LGBTQ+ people, whose achievements changed the world but whose sexual orientation or gender were overlooked by history, are on proud display. New plaques are added each National Coming Out Day. Jane Adamms, Alvin Ailey, Josephine Baker, Leonard Bernstein, Keith Haring, Christine Jorgensen, Alfred Kinsey, Walt Whitman, and events like the Stonewall Riots and symbols such as the pink triangle make up this moving and fascinating wonderful idea. Every major city should have something like this.

Getting Around: Of course there’s Uber and taxi service but Windy City Limo is a great way to arrive in Chicago and get to where you want to be in style; ditto when it’s time to (sadly) leave.

Save On Seeing: A Chicago cityPASS is a great way to see five of the city’s major attractions – packaged together so you save significantly: 50%. It’s good for 9-days, has line bypass or expedited entry in many cases, and has mobile and paper options. Currently, a cityPASS is $150 CDN and allows you into Shedd Aquarium, Skydeck Chicago, Field Museum, Adler Planetarium, and the Museum of Science and Industry.

Classic Chicago: For the first time, despite many visits, I found myself front and centre at the world renowned Second City.

The cast of Algorithm Nation was so talented (their show which took aim at MAGA rallies, morning TV, white guilt, Black Twitter, modern sex, gun violence, and everything we can’t seem to escape from – including escape rooms – the women of the cast performing an improv’d pop song about astrological signs using those of audience members chosen as the song unfurled was a tour de force that left me gobsmacked), So good were these Second City-ers I embedded each of them in my mind because I know one day, at least one of these next-gen comics, will surely be LIVE… FROM NEW YORK CITY! IT’S SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE!

If you’ve not been to Chicago, don’t hesitate. If it’s been a while, you know it’s worth a reunion. Chicago has never let me down in two decades. It’s a city full of genuine, sophisticated people, who have a thirst for art and the new, and who are interested in you, too.

To compare it to another big city option, for me, New York City is great, but overrated. I liken NYC to a guy who describes himself online as a “hot sexy stud” but who ends up starfishing the whole time, marinating in its own gorgeous juices, while you pray a mate calls and interrupts your shag with the news that “something terrible has happened.”

Chicago on the other hand, is that hook-up who under-promised but so over-delivered that you don’t let them out the door without getting their number, a smile on your face long after your time together is over, however long the dalliance lasts, your phone turned off the whole time.

• Shaun Proulx, Publisher / Founder TheGayGuideNetwork.com

I first discovered the glory that is the city of Chicago, Illinois, almost two decades ago. I worked for a finance company in Naperville, about 34 miles outside Chicago, and, being no fool, never did business without adding on a couple of nights in Chicago for pleasure, before returning home, to Toronto.

Chicago, in fact, reminded me of home, and, having visited again this spring, still does. Like The Six, Chicago is a city on a lake; certain times and places alongside it you’d think you were in Toronto; like two pretty sisters who are hard to tell apart – fitting, given the two are actually sister cities. 

Located in the mid-West, Chicago’s citizenry are more often than not, noticeably friendly. Almost – but not quite – Canadian nice. And while it’s officially part of America’s Bible Belt, I’ve never once, in all my visits there, felt undue or unwanted evangelicalism (I had to go to Naperville for that.)

Chicago and Toronto often experience the same weather conditions, too, just a day or two apart, typically. Like Toronto,  Chicago (unlike many other US hubs) has an actual LGBTQ+ village with a concentrated queer community; Belmont and Halstead are to Chicago what Church and Wellesley are to Toronto, Rue Ste Catherine and St. Hubert are to Montreal, and so on.

And while there’s no place like home, upon closer inspection Toronto might be the “brainy” sister; despite our pretty, Chicago is supermodel gorgeous. Home to some of the most heart-quickening, stunning architecture in the world, the examples that makeup along what is known as the Magnificent Mile (think: Bloor Street) is particularly astonishing. From Art-Deco to Neo-Classical to Gothic towers and modern skyscrapers and bridges, Chicago architecture (the Wrigley building alone!) makes me swoon, every time.

But because incredible architecture abounds, the best way to take it all in and from a truly unique point of view is on a boat tour, and the gold standard is Chicago’s First Lady Cruises. This is the first visit to Chicago where I didn’t actually take the boat tour – but if it’s your first time you must.

This trip I treated myself to an architectural wonder just outside the city that, for all my visits, I had never taken in. (But next time I’m back in Chicago, I’ll take another ride on the First Lady, and make sure it’s one of their Sunday morning yoga cruise.) Taking in the stunning sights while in downward-dog was a new way of seeing the sumptuous surroundings even I’ve never tried.

Back to my side-adventure. A funny thing happened and this video does the explaining.

How I find my way out of my own home some days is beyond me. Onwards… One of the best things about travel: unexpected new friends. It doesn’t happen every time I go away, but when I make a connection, it sticks and I am always delighted at a sudden gift of fate like that.

This trip, I was gifted again. Allen Schwartz is a fabulous Chicago greeter and I could not have been blessed with a more fun, engaging, funny, knowledgeable guide – we’ve stayed in touch since and he owes me lunch. Allen took me to Millennium Park, a $475 million gift to the city by the city that opened in 2004.

The 24.5 acre paradise within the Loop community area is home to a riveting piece of beauty, a bandshell designed by Canada’s own, Frank Gehry, though to call it a “bandshell” doesn’t feel like it does the spectacular creation any justice (see video below) and home to to Cloud Gate the famous “bean” sculpture by Anish Kapoor that draws millions to see it.

 

Random moment: Back to the lovely denizens of Chicago. While I didn’t make fast friends with this waitress, I almost proposed:

This visit, I found my favourite hotel in Chicago of all the times I’ve stayed here: Steamworks.

Kidding! The Blackstone Hotel is what I call hotel porn. (Not the Tommy Lee / Pamela Anderson rental type of porn, which, actually, I did watch once… in Chicago.) Hotel porn is when design and beauty intersect. When it has its own personality and point of view and is unlike any other “template” design found at many chains. When a hotel lobby (full transparency: I have a hotel lobby fetish) is so aesthetically pleasing and feels so joyful that you’d be happy to sleep right there (never mind with the actual room, whatever it may look like) on the animal print by the reception desk, head resting on a marabou pillow; when the space has an actual point of view, when risk is taken in the decor and humour is given permission to exist and when it (as is the case at The Blackstone Hotel) melds so beautiful with preserved aspects of a former glory, you get hotel porn.

The Blackstone is conveniently located on South Michigan Avenue, and their extraordinarily spacious rooms are chic and understated but luxurious at the same time, with views of Lake Michigan and Grant Park. When I stayed there, the rooms ran approximately $259.00 USD per night.

Notably, the staff err on the side of superbly courteous and authentically engaged. My first name is typically misspelled and my surname often unpronounceable to many, so I appreciated when Eric, who checked me in, took time to check the spelling and ask the pronunciation and proceeded to remember it and say it in greeting me whenever I saw him, which was often during the five days I was there. It’s the little things and I like it when forward-facing professionals are so good at what they do you remember them – and their name – months after.

So taken was I by The Blackstone Hotel, that I spoke with General Manager about its unique history (a dozen US presidents have stayed there,) the time a family returned an item they’d taken when visiting the hotel, and how it got to be so gorgeous, for a recent episode of my SiriusXM chat show after I was back home:

A Few Of My Chicagonian Things

Big And Baby Bites: Chicago has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to dining out, be it casual or a meal to remember. This time, I discovered a couple of fun ways to experience their infamous food scene, and if you’re in Chicago, there’s a rule you must follow at least once each visit.

Revival Food Hall – A collective of all-local restaurants under one roof covering 24,000 square feet, Revival allows you to sample either to-go or to eat-in in a communal setting some of the city’s acclaimed culinary scene. I chose Danke, and sampled the rustic fare found at their full-on restaurant, Table, Donkey and Stick (have you known a … more unique … name for a restaurant? Me neither.) I love this concept and the ability it gives you to try before you invest in a meal out – every city should do this. Or do a few of them!

Latinicity – Sort of like Revival but more focused. World-renowned Chef Richard Sandoval brings together 8 innovative kitchens, a full Mexican restaurant, cafe, bar and lounge, all under one roof to give you his tasty interpretation of Latin street food. It’s located in Block 37, a development located in the Loop community area of downtown Chicago.

And now, rule time: Lou Manalti’s – You are not visiting Chicago without having their famed deep-dish pizza – it’s a rule, I made it up a long time ago. Gosh I was so hungry the night I sat down and GORGED on a GORGEOUS deep-dish pizza with a side of excellent service. Damn, it was satisfying. Lord I love Chicago deep dish. Go to Lou’s. Order the deep-dish. This rule is not meant to break.

Side-trip: To use Toronto as comparison point again, the Chicago district of Andersonville reminded me of Leslieville, the  neighbourhood in TO gentrified greatly, as is often the case (just ask Richard Florida,) by LGBTQ+ people, who seem to instinctively (and probably annoyingly) know when an seemingly undesirable ‘hood is actually teeming with potential, set up residence (as I did back in Leslieville in 1999 – the house I bought then for $250k and later sold was recently listed for $1.1 million!) This then attracts businesses and restaurants to serve them, most with just the right amount of chic and edge required to make a good impression on a gaybourhood now alive and thriving. This then makes said neighbourhood a hotspot; the mainstream follows, as is their wont.

That is pretty much lovely Andersonville, know for it’s diversity, queer-friendliness, women-owned businesses and spirit of community.

I was impressed by the W&CF bookstore, which stocks books by and about women, children’s books for all ages, and the best LGBTQ fiction and non-fiction (they’ll order a book for your outside their mandate, too.) The rainbow flags fly everywhere in Andersonville and if you spot me in a ball cap that reads “You’re Beautiful” (which you are) – that’s from the acclaimed artistic efforts of Matthew Hoffman, who began his art campaign with just 100 stickers in 2002; today there are multiple versions of the message even in sign form throughout the region  – I got the chapeau in Andersonville. There’s a great men’s shop there too, Cowboy’s and Astronauts, carrying everything from sexy witty greeting cards to menswear, candles, and beautiful hand crafted jewellery. Boystown, the aforementioned Belmont & Halstead, is within walking distance and Andersonville itself just a 20 minute Uber from my hotel .

A Gay Must: The Legacy Walk, in Chicago’s “Boystown” is an outdoor public display celebrating LGBTQ+ contributions to world history and culture. Billed as “the world’s only outdoor museum walk and youth education program dedicated to combating anti-gay bullying by celebrating LGBT contributions to history.”

It is the world’s largest collection of bronze biographical memorials (35 presently) defining the nexus of Chicago’s queer community. Here, the lives and works of LGBTQ+ people, whose achievements changed the world but whose sexual orientation or gender were overlooked by history, are on proud display. New plaques are added each National Coming Out Day. Jane Adamms, Alvin Ailey, Josephine Baker, Leonard Bernstein, Keith Haring, Christine Jorgensen, Alfred Kinsey, Walt Whitman, and events like the Stonewall Riots and symbols such as the pink triangle make up this moving and fascinating wonderful idea. Every major city should have something like this.

Getting Around: Of course there’s Uber and taxi service but Windy City Limo is a great way to arrive in Chicago and get to where you want to be in style; ditto when it’s time to (sadly) leave.

Save On Seeing: A Chicago cityPASS is a great way to see five of the city’s major attractions – packaged together so you save significantly: 50%. It’s good for 9-days, has line bypass or expedited entry in many cases, and has mobile and paper options. Currently, a cityPASS is $150 CDN and allows you into Shedd Aquarium, Skydeck Chicago, Field Museum, Adler Planetarium, and the Museum of Science and Industry.

Classic Chicago: For the first time, despite many visits, I found myself front and centre at the world renowned Second City.

The cast of Algorithm Nation was so talented (their show which took aim at MAGA rallies, morning TV, white guilt, Black Twitter, modern sex, gun violence, and everything we can’t seem to escape from – including escape rooms – the women of the cast performing an improv’d pop song about astrological signs using those of audience members chosen as the song unfurled was a tour de force that left me gobsmacked), So good were these Second City-ers I embedded each of them in my mind because I know one day, at least one of these next-gen comics, will surely be LIVE… FROM NEW YORK CITY! IT’S SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE!

If you’ve not been to Chicago, don’t hesitate. If it’s been a while, you know it’s worth a reunion. Chicago has never let me down in two decades. It’s a city full of genuine, sophisticated people, who have a thirst for art and the new, and who are interested in you, too.

To compare it to another big city option, for me, New York City is great, but overrated. I liken NYC to a guy who describes himself online as a “hot sexy stud” but who ends up starfishing the whole time, marinating in its own gorgeous juices, while you pray a mate calls and interrupts your shag with the news that “something terrible has happened.”

Chicago on the other hand, is that hook-up who under-promised but so over-delivered that you don’t let them out the door without getting their number, a smile on your face long after your time together is over, however long the dalliance lasts, your phone turned off the whole time.

• Shaun Proulx, Publisher / Founder TheGayGuideNetwork.com

The post S.TRAVEL :: Like A FWB, Chicago Is Always Worth A Repeat appeared first on TheGayGuideNetwork.com.

Videographer Samantha Lauzon asked a few lovely attendees at the Festival grounds (Parc des Faubourgs), what Pride means to them.

Video: Samantha Lauzon
Twitter: twitter.com/samanthalauzon
YouTube: youtube.com/user/SamanthaLauzon/

The post What Does Pride Mean to You? appeared first on TheGayGuideNetwork.com.

LIVING BY DESIGN

Known as the Nomadic Boys, gay couple Stefan and Sebastien first met in 2009 in London, England and have been together since. After many years of planning and saving, in June 2014 they quit their jobs and left their lives in London behind to see the world together.

Their blog, Nomadic Boys, is a platform to record their romantic adventures, write about the different gay scenes and of course, their culinary discoveries.

Here are 5 things they learned from their travels:

#1 – Grindr is a godsend

Grindr is seen more as a sex tool back home in London so we’ve never needed to use it. But travelling in countries in Asia like India, Malaysia and Sri Lanka where gay laws are still in the Medieval ages, Grindr is used more as an extension of the gay scene in the absence of places to go to meet.

Meeting locals is the best way to discover the local gay scene, the country’s culture and the best foods. We have learnt that whether you are looking for sex or not (we’re not, for the record!), Grindr is one of the most effective ways we have met locals in each new country we’ve visited. 

#2 – Your body adapts to spicy food quick!

Thai, Indian and Sri Lankan foods are notorious for being the spiciest. But after a while you adapt to those spicy Indian curries, Sri Lankan devilled prawns or Thai Som Tam spicy papaya salads. After a certain point you actually start to request a bit of spice to add a bit of kick to your food.

#3 – Travel slowly

We travel slowly and ideally stay in certain places for long periods of time. This not only spreads out the budget, making it cheaper, but you learn much more about the location than if you were just passing through. The longer you stay somewhere, the more likely you are to develop a sort of lifestyle, routine, and group of friends.

#4 – Book accommodations in person

We contact hotels directly to get the best deals. When you book via online agents, the hotel has to pay a commission, which is added to the price of the room. Turning up and booking in person directly also gives you the opportunity to negotiate a better deal.

#5 – Keeping fit is possible

Keeping fit is a constant struggle for long-term travellers. but it does not need to be. Local gyms are usually cheap and easy to find, and are a great way to meet locals who are also into fitness.

Working out in a local park in the morning is a great way to see a new place, particularly in countries like China and Vietnam where sports in public parks is popular, fun to watch and even participate in. Also, going for a run when you first arrive is great cardiovascular activity to keep fit, but you get to see your new destination.

Follow Nomadic Boys on their travels

• Nomadic Boys Website
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• YouTube

The post NOMADIC BOYS :: 5 Things We Learned Travelling Through Asia appeared first on TheGayGuideNetwork.com.

By Sabrina Pirillo

We all travel for the same reason: to discover what the world has to offer outside our comfort zone. Sometimes it’s to escape and take part in dreams of where we want to go, and knock things off the proverbial bucket list. 

I was lucky enough this past fall to take London, England off my bucket list. To my surprise (which travellers love), I fell madly in love with a little place in England called Brighton. Brighton is filled with cobblestone streets, little cafés and shops, and most importantly a splendid rocky beach with a pier.

Top Things To Do In Brighton

Where to Stay

The Old Ship, a four-star Georgian Hotel, overlooks the seafront and is a short walk to all things Brighton, including the remarkable Brighton Pavilion, Brighton Pier, and the Lanes Shopping Centre. The hotel, dating over 450 years old, is rich in history and Royal connections. The signature rooms emulate the seafront with the light blue pastel colours and a comfortable room setting. Serenity, slow-paced and beautiful, The Old Ship hotel offers the perfect stay just a short tube ride from London.

Where to Eat

I’m not vegetarian, but Terre a Terre came very close to converting me. This vegetarian restaurant has been in business over 23 years and offers fantastic, colourful local foods. From their hallumi, made to resemble fish and chips, to their KFC (Korean Fried Cauliflower), your palette will not be disappointed. To top off your meal add their local Blackdown Silverbirch Gin, distilled seven times over, to add to your experience.

Being of Italian decent, I’m always picky when eating Italian food outside of my family’s home. Edendum lived up to grandma’s Italian culinary experience. Located in The Lanes, this café uses local and organic ingredients offering breakfast, lunch, pizza, pasta, focaccia, sandwiches, panini, pastries and cakes. Don’t forget to end your meal with a fresh tiramisu.

Click Here to Watch Shaun Proulx’s Guide to Brighton.

What To Do

In 1822, gay living started in Brighton when George Wilson got arrested for inviting a man to his room. By 1988, a local newspaper deemed Brighton the gay capital of Britain.

For a detailed history of Brighton, Only in Brighton Piers & Queers walking tour will take you through this rich history, including where Vesta Tilly performed as a man in drag from 1864-1952, and where singer Dusty Springfield – the most popular performer of her era – came out as the first British Queer in 1970 just before David Bowie. In August 1964, Dusty performed alongside another band on the bill, High Numbers, who changed their name two weeks later to The Who, celebrating drummer, Keith Moon’s 17^th birthday!

Landmarks

A trip to Brighton wouldn’t be complete without seeing the newest attraction, British Airways i360, a pod that goes straight up 162 metres above sea level with a stunning aerial view of Brighton. The best part? The bar comes up with you!

The Lanes Shopping Centre is located in the city’s historic quarter in a maze of twisted alleyways. Featuring many independent shops, boutiques, and cafés all fabulously surrounded by cobblestone streets. These shops used to be fisherman’s cottages located away from the English Channel – fisherman didn’t want to have a sea-view once they were finished work for the day.

The Royal Pavillion is where King George IV, also known as Prince Regent, built this spectacular seaside pleasure palace to get away from his wife and meet his mistress.

For all things Brighton & Hove, visit www.visitbrighton.com.

What To Do In London

Where to Stay

Staying in London for a couple of days? Z SOHO is perfectly situated to get around London and close to café’s, bars, and of course, shopping. Featuring a lovely central outdoor courtyard, complimentary wine and cheese from 5-8 pm, and lavish bath products. Rooms are quaint with chic and modern amenities.

What To Do

The obvious answers to someone who’s never been to London are: The London Eye, Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, Tower of London, and of course, Buckingham Palace.

Three of the best-kept secrets that I was glad to explore.

1) The Berkeley: Serving in Knightsbridge since the 1970s, The Berkeley is known for their legendary afternoon tea with changing delicacies every six months to follow the latest fashion trends. A posh and chic vibe with a plethora of tea and sandwiches to choose from.

My personal favourite is the desert tower that resembled different eras of fashion.

Watch Shaun’s Top Things To See In London

2) WICKED at The Apollo Theatre: For year’s I’ve been dying to see WICKED! I missed it twice in Toronto, New York, and few other cities. But I guess that was the universe’s way of telling me I was destined to see it in London at The Apollo Theatre and it did not disappoint. An incredible experience about the untold story about the Land of Oz, what it’s like to be a green girl, and two different paths taken, two different stories told.

3) The Making of Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour: A must see for any Harry Potter Fan! Only 40 minutes from London in Watford Junction, you’ll be whisked away in a HP Bus and your journey begins! The Making of Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour is where all eight Harry Potter films were made. You’ll see every prop, set, and costume design from the films, which are all housed in this studio. You’ll make your grand entrance into The Great Hall, see Dumbledore’s Office, and even stop and buy some Butter Beer! You’ll feel like you’re part of the set.

For more information go to www.visitbritain.com

Follow VisitBritain on social media

@VisitBritain, @LoveGreatBritain #LoveGreatBritain

The post S.Travel :: London Bridge and Brighton Piers appeared first on TheGayGuideNetwork.com.

S.TRAVEL :: Travel is a beautiful thing. To be able to go beyond what you know, what you’ve been taught, your traditions, your way of doing things. To see the world through the eyes of another. To leave your comfort zone and learn something new. To admire the simplicity of nature, the beauty it’s always offered but missed because we were buried in our phones or too busy working or anything outside of allowing our minds to stop and our eyes to open.

To let curiosity take over and make our inhibitions extinct. To rent a car and just drive, explore, discover. To make a connection with people you meet. People who have left an impression and whom you speak of every time you talk about ‘that one time in…’

Germany gives us the opportunity to experience all of this, and below are four of my favourite cities in which to do so:

Koblenz, Germany:

Koblenz means where the river meets and the most important river, the Rhine (which runs thru Switzerland and is 1320km long) and Mosel (being one of thirteen German wine regions) intersect at the world-famous German Corner. The Rhine has been a vital waterway carrying trade and goods deep inland during the Roman Empire and where emperors, kings and princes’ built their residences.

Koblenz visions for landscapes are extraordinary, as you go by castles lining the River where you’ll find 40 of those castles in just 60 short km, such as the Cochem, Eltz and Rheinfels Castle.

The scenery is spectacular and indescribable, with vineyards lining the River and where Riesling and Pinot Noir are the most popular wines. Growers encourage visitors to walk through their vineyards to take it all in before savoring their wines.

In addition to Koblenz being known for its wine, fascinating history and picturesque scenery, it’s also known for shopping! Taking a stroll along the romantic narrow streets and scenic courtyards is where you’ll find fashion, jewelry and locally grown items.

Built in 2013 in Koblenz’s central square, the Forum Confluentes is six levels high offering art collections, a library, and an interactive tourist centre.

Established in 1817 and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Fortress Ehrenbreitstein is Europe’s second largest preserved fortress and offers a fascinating exploration of this fortification. A must do is to take a cable car ride 118 m above the River offering a spectacular view of the River Rhine and Moselle.

The Electoral Palace was erected in 1777 and was home to the Prussian military governor and today is open to the public and used as a conference and event venue, with a landscaped back yard of tranquility leading down to the Rhine.

At the foot of Fortress Ehrenbreitstein, you’ll find the scenically hidden and beautiful Weingut Gohlen Winery. Established in 1921 and harvesting 15-20000 litres per year, you can enjoy a delectable tasting of wines along side German delights such as liver sausage, blood sausage and of course, potato salad.

On your way to Trier, stop in for a spectacular vineyard view at Vinothek and of course to sample some more wine and German feasts (you are, in Germany after all, it would be rude not to).

Trier, Germany:

Two words: Karl Marx. The city of Trier will be celebrating this 19^th-century philosopher, economist, historian, political, journalists’ 200 years with a Life. Works. Time. exhibition running from May 5^th-October 21^st, 2018.

Trier takes the traveller back to a historical period which began in Roman times. Some highlights not to be missed are:

The Porta Negra (Black Gate) is Trier’s landmark, The Romans built it in the 2^nd Century AD from huge sandstone blocks and held together by iron clamps. Take the walk to the top for a stunning view of the city.

The Basilika was the throne room of Emperor Constantine and is the largest single room to survive ancient times not supported by columns. Trier delivers miles of Roman history, and has even brought UNESCO in the process of excavation and discoveries onsite, hiring architects to see what’s really Roman and what was refurbished in the 1900 century.

Prince Bishop’s Palace is a beautifully designed gold home. Out front of the palace you’ll see 4 angels representing all seasons and up top in the middle is Venus and Roman god, Apollo.

Trier’s Cathedral is a must see with intriguing history of its own. The gown (known as tunica) of the Lord Jesus Christ is kept away and only revealed every 50 years, with the last time in 2012 and 750,000 visitors fled to the cathedral.

Not only is Trier boasting with Roman history, but it also houses the 9th UNESCO world heritage site for fashion, offering an array of shopping which leads through one of the most exciting pedestrian zones in Germany, including 2000 years of wine making and culinary delights, like dining at Trier’s Oldest Restaurant, Wirtshaus zur Glocke.

For an authentic Roman experience, be sure to lay your head to rest at the Ibis Styles Trier. It’s almost like you’re sleeping with roman gods, as you’ll find Roman inspired rooms, stylish décor, high ceilings and even Cicero offers some inspiring quotes for a restful stay.

Saarbrucken, Germany:

Saarbrucken is a city that’s very inviting, featuring black and white houses with a very French influence, fascinating churches, historical museums and graffiti and pop art lining the city.

A stop and see would be the Baroque Palace, built between 1728-48 for Prince Wilhelm Heinrich von Nassau-Usingen (second in line for the German Throne) and a great place for sitting outside al fresco for an espresso. Head down to the market place for some fascinating finds, tons of bars and restaurants, including my choice, Zum Stiefel. Here you’ll find local traditional foods like potato dumplings and meat liver sausage to beer cooked foods, ending with a scoop of raspberry sorbet floating in a martini glass of prosecco!

A good nights rest can be found at the lavishly beautiful 4-star Victor’s Residenz Hotel Saarbrucken. Offering elegant rooms and suites overlooking a beautiful sunrise and park with a lake plus Parisian-style dining at Chez Victor’s.

Munich, Germany:

Where does one even begin to explain Munich? Known to many as the home of Octoberfest in the fall and a beer drinking city, I loved exploring Muenchen outside of this period. Deemed the safest city in all of Europe and where people are flooding to with an increase of 300,000 residents in 20 years, Munich is the 3rd largest German city behind Berlin and Hamburg.

First off, prime location: The Deutsche Eiche Hotel (meaning German Oak) couldn’t have been built in a better spot. Click here to listen to my interview with General Manager, Roger Batra, as he explains the history of the hotel, Hitler’s visits and of course, the four-story bathhouse.

Shopping:

With shops ranging from local German designers to Prada and everything in between, Munich soars with high shopping options to suit anyone’s tastes.

Glauchenbach quarter is the life of the LGBT community where you’ll find boutique stores, bars and shops and a river where you can sit outside and enjoy your favourite beer. In addition to the Glauchenbach, you’ll find history and memorandums lining the ground, for example what used to be the oldest gay bar in Munich, Schwarzfischer, observes a colored floor monument as a gay memorandum for the brothers and sisters who was persecuted. You’ll also be fascinated to know that a woman founded the first ever leather bar, and during Pride’s Christopher street parade the street lights change to reflect two males on green and two females on red.

Maximilianstrausse is the most exclusive area in Munich planned out by King Ludwig I. Maximilian II was the father of Ludwig and you can see him perched in the centre of Maximilianstrausse. Ludwig II, often referred to as the Swan King or the Mad King, was the most important king of Bavaria. Because at that time homosexuality was persecuted, his death is still the biggest mystery as he officially died by drowning but the kingdom declared him to be ill.

Kaufingertor is situated between two large fronts of houses with a blue light beam that passes between the neighbouring buildings to direct your gaze inward leading to delicatesens, fashion and boutique shops.

Landmarks:

Munich is architecturally stunning amongst other things. If you’re looking for a fantastic tour guide not only of Munich’s history, but for a recounting of the LGBT moments that took place and still are prominent in this beautiful city, then do yourself a favour, book a tour guide with Alexander Kardaschenko. His fascinating and robust knowledge of the city will leave you wanting more.

Within walking distance of the Deutsche Eiche, is the buoyant and bustling Viktualienmarkt where you’ll find everything from fresh baked goods and espresso to schnitzel, brautwurst, potato salad and you guessed it, beer! Along side fresh fruits and vegetables, ingredients from all over the world and housing one of the best biergarden’s, it’s a great place to hang out with family & friends.

Germans like to celebrate life outside and will always find a way to take in the fresh air. Even in the winter months, coffee houses offer blankets for patrons to sit outside, even if it’s just for a few minutes.

The Heart of Munich and the most important square can be found at Marienplatz, Munich’s stunning square filled with shopping and detailing intricate architecture. Standing in the middle of the square I closed my eyes and felt joy right down to my toes. It’s hard to explain the feeling I got just standing there. It’s the moment people remember when they travel, that feeling of just being in it.

With 500,000 people crossing it every day, it’s hard to miss the neo-gothic styled New Town Hall (Rathaus) which was reconstructed in 1950 with the most famous glaucenspiel in the centre of it and can be seen going off daily at 11a, 12p, and 5p.

Hofbrauhaus is a staple for beer and wiener lovers. Since 1589, it was nearly completely destroyed and reconstructed in the 1900’s. Even Hilter held his meetings here with the Nazi party.

The signature Crown in the logo means ‘dukal court’ and was founded by the duke of Bavaria in the 16th century then turned into a kingdom. Guests can dine and visit everything from the Schwemme (where beer was brewed) to the Festival Hall and my personal favourite, The Beer Garden.

After the 2nd world war up to 80% of Munich’s centre was destroyed. The oldest church, St. Peter, was completely leveled. 8^th century Monks would stay close to the church and it later became an important development with the name Munchen deriving from it. Although it’s the oldest church in Munich, the most important landmark is the Cathedral of Our Dear Lady, featuring its Twin Towers serving as the cathedral for the Archdiocese of Munich and seat of its Archbishop. It’s a landmark and a symbol of the Bavarian Capital City.

The International Michael Jackson Memorial is a sight to see where even 8 years after his death, he is still honored and remembered. His memorial can be found in front of the same hotel he hung his son over the balcony in Berlin, Hotel Adlon.

A great way to explore Munich outside of the city centre is with Greyline Bus Tours where you can visit incredible landmarks such as Nymphenburg Palace, located in the west part of Munich and the summer residence of the Bavarian Monarch’s, featuring an impressive banquet hall and stunning garden. The BMW Museum & World Exhibition Hall, which for it’s showcase alone is worth the stop in, Olympic Park, where you could ride up the tower and get an overview of the Olympic Soccer Stadium, The English Garden, one of the largest urban parks in the world filled with lush greens, plenty of places to picnic and for the curious and free spirited, a nude park to sunbathe in.

My personal favourite stop is The Eisbach Wave, where for over 35 years the churning of the water in the city centre has local and international surfers rushing to take on this wave, which is both feared and loved and can only be mastered by the best.

People always ask me why I feel so connected to Germany. My answer is simple. They, just like people, have been through destruction and devastation, but instead of hiding their scars they found a way to build around it and make it beautiful.

Sabrina Pirillo is the Editor for S.Travel.

The post S.TRAVEL :: Four German Cities Not-To-Be-Missed appeared first on TheGayGuideNetwork.com.

Follow Your Travel Dreams :: Travel! We all dream of it! Some people are lucky enough to travel several times a year and fulfill their travel dreams, others not so much. What holds us back? Time? Money? Fear?

Travelling can be an amazing trip of self-understanding, as foreign lands can be truly awesome to see and experience. People who visit places outside their normal orbit cannot help but broaden their horizons, and come back with enhanced self-awareness and confidence because they pushed themselves (a little or a lot) and got past their fears, hang-ups, pre-conceived notions, or whatever other negativity that held them back from stepping outside their comfort zone.

The well-travelled are some of the most open people on earth because they are accepting of other people, other places, and other possibilities.

We noticed something: Less than 50% of Americans have their passport (and we’re being generous – some stats are alarming low) while Canadians hover around 60%. That’s a lot of you who don’t travel even as far as next door! We know you’ve got travel dreams!

GGN Publisher Shaun Proulx had S.Travel editor, Sabrina Pirillo on his weekly SiriusXM chat fest to encourage you to travel more this year, which you can hear below. “In this day and age we’ve got so much strife in the world and so much misunderstanding of each other, with leaders… fanning the flames of hatred. I think the best thing we can all do is get out and travel and see how other people live,” noted Proulx. “And understand that other people have a reality and an existence and way of living that is as clear and valid as the one we do.”

Then, in an interview within an interview Pirillo, a travel dream person if ever there was one, discusses travel dreams with GGN contributor, Marcy Rogers, who recently fulfilled her travel dream: China. Together they talk about other travel dream destinations, experiences, changes; what they brought back home with them, and – of course – what they ate (think: live scorpion!).

Hear the full travel dreams conversation with Pirillo and Rogers:

RELATED :: Marcy Rogers: How I Became The Superhero Of My Own Life

The post S.TRAVEL :: Follow Your Travel Dreams appeared first on TheGayGuideNetwork.com.

S.Travel editor, Sabrina Pirillo, shares her experience about what it was like to visit the Men’s Sauna at the Deutsche Eiche Hotel in Munich, Germany, featuring four floors and almost 4,600 square feet of wellness and fun! Listen on The Shaun Proulx Show on SiriusXM Canada Talks Channel 167:

Sabrina Pirillo, sits down one-on-one with the General Manager of the Deutsche Eiche, Roger Barta, as he talks about the bathhouse scene, the speculations that Hitler spent time there, and details about the LGBT community surrounding Munich:

For more on the City of Munich, click here.

For more on the Deutsche Eiche Hotel, click here.

The post We Send Our Fave Straight Woman To A German Bathhouse appeared first on TheGayGuideNetwork.com.

After almost 20 years of hatred and violence towards gays attending drag costume balls at Halloween in Toronto, gay journal, Body Politic, published an editorial in 1980 that put its well-heeled foot down to stop the insanity:

The events of October 31 are a civic disgrace, and should be a source of shame to every citizen of the city. Every citizen, every elected official should share every gay person’s dismay at having to face, each year, a night of humiliation and hate. A night that is passed over in silence, that has drawn no criticism, no condemnation, that has not moved one single elected official to say ‘This is appalling and disgraceful. This must be stopped.’

In the 1960s and 70s, Yonge Street, on the blocks between College and Wellesley Streets, was home to two gay bars, the Parkside Tavern and the St. Charles Tavern. On Halloween night, the only socially permissible night of the year where gays could openly express themselves in costume, these queer bars drew two very different groups: drag queens and large, hostile crowds  armed with eggs and ink, fists on the ready.

“Halloween is on its way to becoming a confrontation between a large gay subculture and a city that pretends it doesn’t exist,” wrote Hugh Brewster, a Body Politic contributor at the time.

A Torontoist article by Jamie Bradburn explains that outside of Halloween back in the day, “it wasn’t unusual for men in drag to be hauled by police down to Cherry Beach and beaten up”, and this, he writes, “gave rise to costume balls on October 31 which allowed participants to publicly display their sexuality. The parties could be lavish affairs—during Halloween 1969, the August Club at 530 Yonge offered a ball with prizes, buffet, and champagne for $12.50 a head.”

Mark Henderson, an actor/model who experienced the Yonge Street scenes first-hand, explains that “back in the late 70s, it was illegal for men to be out on the streets in drag, and they were arrested. At Halloween, it was a blood bath.”

Bradburn notes that by the late 1970s, the spectacular balls continued to draw angry crowds on the streets, described by one police superintendent as “a sad-looking bunch” that stood around and threw eggs at each other, while the 300 drag queens at the St. Charles ball “were inside having a great time”.

According to BlogTO, during the 1970s, “the epicentre of the [gay] community shifted to Church [Street], as businesses found more affordable spaces on this street. During this time, more businesses became gay-owned”, and the one-block gay migration from Yonge to Church Street began. Gays and lesbians now had apartments to live in (the City Park complex was built just off of Church in the mid-1950s), and the community was finding its way in the new neighbourhood.

Then AIDS hit.

Henderson believes that it was the rise of HIV/AIDS that moved the gay community into what would become Toronto’s  gay village – now gays were feared and further marginalized by “the gay disease”. Gays tried not to be seen and kept to themselves. “There was a 20′ radius around drag queens, because presumably, they were all infected,” he says. “People felt that they could still throw things at the queens, but they wouldn’t touch them.”

He remembers the hatred, the jeering, the hurled objects, and the violence toward drag queens and gays at the time, and recalls that by the early 1990s, the spectacle of Halloween for adults was but dry tinder waiting for a spark to ignite it.

Wildfire

At least in Toronto in the very early 1990s, people didn’t go out in costume at Halloween. Henderson remembers that the thought of grown men in costumes was “creepy”. Sometimes it was okay for women to wear [sexy sexist] costumes, but for men costumes were “frowned down upon”.

One year, he, with his friend Cheyenne Lee who hatched the plan, decided one year to defy convention and go out and enjoy themselves in full Halloween disguises. Halloween was on a weekend that year and they went out three nights in a row as Dracula (Henderson) and his dead showgirl girlfriend (Lee). They went to neighbourhood haunts like the Artful Dodger pub on Isabella and ended up at Woody’s, a popular gay bar at Church and Wellesley Streets, but not much was happening there.

Out on the street, they looked across to Crews, another bar, and decided to go over. As Torontonians do, they J-walked across the road, and as they did, an oncoming car flashed its lights at them so their costumes could be better seen. The car approached slowly then stopped just in time for Lee and Henderson to lay on the hood and make scary faces into the wind shield.

“People loved it!” Henderson remembers. “A car coming south also wanted to be a part of it, so we laid on the hood and gave that car the same treatment. Cheyenne was whipping up the street. Drag queens started to notice and came out onto the street. The police were there but they didn’t shut it down. It was the perfect storm.”

The following year, the 519 Community Centre got a permit and paid for a street party and closed off several blocks for the costume parades, and it’s never been the same since. Last year, 30,000 people came out to see the spectacle of Church Street at Halloween.

“Something got unlocked and it didn’t stop,” Henderson explains. “The costume businesses on Yonge Street would never have survived if it hadn’t been for us. We all woke up when it was really dark – the colours came back.”

But the bonfire of the Church Street Halloween spirit could not have been ignited without a spark. Henderson says that Lee lived and died Halloween (indeed, she named her son, Spider), she had the ability to make things fun and clean things up.

“It wasn’t popular to have gay friends in the 80s,” Henderson says of his late friend. “She was the Kathy Griffin of the day. She got the jokes in life, she lit the fire. Cheyenne was the spark that lit the flame of the Halloween tinder.”

By Leah Morrigan, GGN Editor

The post HALLOWEEN HISTORY :: Eggings, Intolerance, Acceptance appeared first on TheGayGuideNetwork.com.

Tourisme Laval’s tag line is 20 Attractions in 20 km and they’re not kidding! Located only 15-20 minutes by Metro ride from Montreal’s Berri station (or 40 minutes driving),  Laval is the place to visit for adventure, dining, and shopping. With these two cities being so close, it’s easy to explore both in one visit – and if you’re like me and you’ve been to Montreal many times (especially in the summer months for festivals such as FIERTE) then make sure to spend a few days in Laval, the balance of both city and country.

Getting Around

360 Bus Line is a free bus service that takes you to the nearest tourist attractions and hotels, and gets you right into the middle of all the action. 360 does a full loop from Montmorency Metro Station to the Hilton Laval, Centropolis, CF Carrefour, Cosmodome,  Maeva Surf, and more!

Where to Stay

Hilton Laval

Location, location, location! The luxurious Hilton Laval is close to  many attractions and features 148 fully-renovated spacious rooms and 42 suites (equipped with a full-size kitchen, a  large work space, pull-out sofa, separate bedroom, and for guest staying on the first floor, a relaxing terrace).  For an additional nominal fee,  enjoy their Corporate Club which includes deluxe breakfast, all-day snacks, happy hour from 5- 7 p.m., and work stations for those who want a change of scenery. Staying longer? There’s a laundry facility on site.

Plus, you’ll have access to a swimming pool, modern fitness centre, dining room, and an onsite shop featuring local products…what more could you ask for?

Lots to Do!

SkyVenture

When I found out I was going to do indoor skydiving, I wondered how to say are you out of your damn mind in French? I expected that it would feel like dropping altitude while flying (I’m the girl who clenches the seat for dear life when this happens), and I didn’t like the idea of falling. However, there is classroom training for the skydiving experience, and this made me feel more stable.

At one point during the Skydiving lesson (you need to learn the sign signals, hand placement, etc.),  I said to myself, screw it! I’m diving into this head first! And…well…I couldn’t get enough of it! The experience could be described as the most extreme gliding feeling of a free-fall parachute jump inside a 45-foot tube. It was so freeing and incredible, even with almost 200 km winds blowing at your face!

Trust. Let go. That’s what I told myself and I was a pro by the end of it – watch this video to find out more.

Indoor skydiving is so close to becoming a national Olympic sport and SkyVenture has been chosen to host The World Indoor Skydiving Championships October 18^th-23^rd, 2017. Featuring over 200 athletes, 24 nations and over 15,000 spectators online!

Maeva Surf

The word Maeva derives from the original home of surfing in French Polynesia, meaning my house is your house, all are welcome. Since watching the movie Blue Crush at age 14, I’ve wanted to learn how to surf; at Maeva Surf, my time had come and let me tell you, it’s much harder than it looks! I tumbled and got tossed around, shot back, and got right back up and tried again. Body surfing was just as fun and I learned all kinds of tricks like flipping over my board, and the yo-yo, where I let go of the board from under me and flew like Superman – watch the proof here!

Once you’ve finished your lesson, be sure to take a seat at the tables and booths inside in for a bite (trust me you’ll work up quite the appetite) and maybe a fish bowl of sangria!

Cosmodome

Laval houses the only museum in Canada entirely dedicated  to space sciences. I was lucky enough to be in town to watch the eclipse that took place from the Cosmodome. Inside, you can take part in one of three space missions, virtual animations and interactive games. A must see for any age.

Aerosim Experience

Ever wonder what it feels like to sit in a cockpit and experience driving via simulator a real 737 Boeing plane? With Aerosim Experience you can take control as an experienced flight instructor accompanies you as your co-pilot. Once you’ve landed safely, you can take a shot at enemies by sitting in a Fighting Falcon F16 jet fighter simulator.

Immersia

Although I’m 0 for 4 when it comes to escape games, Immersia, the escape game experience of fully immersive, original scenarios, has some interesting themes and concepts like the Piccadilly Cabaret and Weekend at The Shack game. They even have single player challenges where you play against a computer with three games of 20-minute sets.

The computer beat me. Time for a drink at Centropolis.

 Les Enfants Terrible

Oh, the terrible children! The real story behind this restaurant’s name comes from the owner, Francine Brule, who was in Mexico with her three sons who didn’t return home until 4 a.m. one night. She told them that she’d name her restaurant Les Enfants Terrible and was going to put up photos of all three of them all over the restaurant to remind her of better days when the children were good – and you thought your parents were embarrassing?

Francine wanted her restaurant to be place where fine dining meets casual family dining. Inside, you’ll find beautiful wooden barn panels and huge black and white photographs and murals that give a warm, rustic feel.  Bravo Francine!

La Belle et le Boeuf

Beauty and The Beef brands itself as a burger bar and brings to life a variety of poutines to satisfy any craving. A must try: their deep fried pickles dipped in Kool aid!

They are known for their special burgers, one’s that foster names like The Heart Attack, Epic Burger and my personal favourite, Spank Me Burger, where you must finish and not share the 10″ tall burger that olds 5lbs of beef. If you can’t finish, you get spanked.

I fail to see the punishment here.

Centropolis

A world all on its own filled with gastronomy, entertainment, shopping, and events. Centropolis is a great meeting place for family and friends, featuring 30 restaurants and 30 incredible terraces with a stunning water fountain in the middle of it all. You can take a yoga class in the morning when the fountain is turned off and you can find your zen before the hustle and bustle of the lunch and after work crowd. In the summertime, movie nights take place in the circle, and in the winter, slide onto the refrigerated, outdoor skating rink.

CF Carrefour Laval

Carrefour, with its 300 boutiques, super stores, restaurants,  and beautifully renovated garden (which changes by season) is the largest shopping centre in Laval, and part of the Cadillac Fairview family. Customer-friendly features include a limo service that runs throughout the mall for when you get tired or have too many bags to carry, as well as a text service you can use in case you want to know where to find a specific item, linking you directly to guest services.

Ce’ tres magnifique!

AmeriSpa Sheraton Laval

I couldn’t think of a better way to end an extreme couple of days than getting a massage. AmeriSpa offers a tranquil oasis, which you can feel as soon as you walk in the door. You’ll be taken to change into a robe and then head downstairs to relax before being taken in for a Relaxation Massage. Finish your experience with a dip in the hot water pool Jacuzzi or sauna.

By Sabrina Pirillo, Editor of S. Travel

The post S.TRAVEL :: Laval’s Hidden Treasures and Adventures appeared first on TheGayGuideNetwork.com.

William Penn imagined a clean, green country town that was easy to get around and founded Philadelphia in 1852.  As the second largest city on the east coast, the City of Brotherly Love features miles of beautiful green space. Mr. Penn would be proud.

What I love most about Philly is its history, culture, and miles of green space.  There is so much to explore, you won’t even know where to begin—there is no way to cover everything in one visit.

To help you narrow it down, I’ve compiled a list of where you should stay, dine, and play as a guide to this beautiful city.

Where to Stay: Kimpton Hotel Monaco

Located in Philadelphia’s Historic District, this sophisticated hotel took over the City Office Building of Lafayette, circa 1906, and is kitty-corner to Philadelphia’s famous historical landmarks, The Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. You’ll also find near by serenity with The Secret Gardens of Independence Park, beautiful garden spaces hidden within 55 acres that make up Independence National Historical Park, created in 1948.

Sign up for Kimpton Karma rewards: free WiFi, credit towards the mini bar, exclusive nights, and more.

Hotel Monaco (Image Credit: Hotel Monaco)

Where to Eat:

Talula’s Garden: This rustic space offers tranquil outdoor patio dining with twinkling lights or an indoor space with a quote by Alice Waters that reads, A garden brings life and beauty to the table, and that is exactly right, Alice. Fresh, fresh, fresh!

24 Restaurant: This Italian gives 24 two thumbs up! Owner and Iron Chef, Jose Garces, specializes in wood-grilled Italian fare. Eat delicious Italian food and enjoy the stunning view of the Schuylkill River.

Schuykill River: Image by S. Travel

Han Dynasty University City: CNN named Han Dynasty one of the Top 50 Chinese restaurants in the United States.  Located in Philly’s Upper West Side, you’ll find everything from spicy Szechuan dishes to authentic noodles and dumplings in chili oil.

Terrain and Styer’s Garden Café: Located 45 minutes from Philly, Styer’s Garden takes the concept of garden store meets fresh dining. This chic greenhouse eatery brings together the best of local flavours.

Reading Terminal: The oldest indoor farmers market in the US. The incredible Reading (pronounced “redding”) Terminal Market opened in 1893 and is still going strong – over 100,000 Philadelphians and visitors pass through the terminal every week! Cool Fact: You know the game Monopoly? Well next time you play pay attention to Reading Railroad. That’s where it was named after the town of Reading in Philadelphia.

Reading is where I popped my Philadelphia Cheesesteak cherry with a traditional cheesesteak from Spataro’s (huge line up, so you know it’s good) with sharp provolone and sautéed onions, mmmmm!

Cool Fact: Reading Railroad in Monopoly was named after the town of Reading in Philadelphia.

What to See and Do:

City Hall: Philly’s massive and impressive municipal government structure by city planner William Penn.

Liberty Bell  & Independence Hall: Pick up your free tickets at the Independence Visitors Centre and then explore these two historic landmarks. The US Constitution was adopted in Independence Hall, and right across the street is the iconic Liberty Bell, a symbol for freedom-seekers.

Philadelphia City Hall: Image by S. Travel

Fun Fact: There is tax-free shopping in Philadelphia! But something they do tax is soda fountain drinks to deter people from drinking soda. It’s called a sugar tax.

The Must See:

The Rocky Steps lead up to the Philadelphia Museum of Art.  Run up the steps like Rocky to see the spectacular views from the top. To the right of the steps is the iconic Rocky Statue used in the Rocky III movie. Once filming was completed, Stallone donated it to the city.

Image by S. Travel

Logan Square: One of the five original planned squares laid out on the city grid, Logan Square is an open-space park in Center City Philadelphia’s northwest quadrant.

Benjamin Franklin Boulevard: This scenic boulevard runs through the cultural heart of Philadelphia. It was made to resemble the Champs-Élysées in Paris. It starts at Philadelphia City Hall, curves around Logan Circle, and ends before the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Celebrating 100 years of art, culture, and community September 8 – November 19, 2018.

Spruce Street Harbor Park: Currently in its fourth year, the Delaware Waterfront destination is a stunning green space attracting crowds to play bocce, and tree-slung hammocks to rest in; colorful lights, floating barges, and a beer garden.

Shofuso Japanese House & Garden: Located inside Fairmont Park and seeing over 30,000 visitors/year, Shofuso is a traditional-style Japanese house and nationally ranked garden and reflects the history of Japanese culture in Philly from 1876 to present day. The property features a beautiful garden with waterfalls and koi fish and a traditional tea-house where you can take part in a traditional tea ceremony.

Image by S. Travel

The Art Lovers Corner:

Philadelphia Museum of Art: One of the largest art museums in America housing the world’s greatest collection of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and modern works.

Benjamin Franklin Museum: This museum houses artifacts, animations, and interactive stations that explore the life of Philadelphia’s Founding Father.

Rodin Museum:  Housing one of the largest collections of Rodin’s sculptures and drawings outside of Paris including the world-famous The Thinker and The Gates of Hell.

Image by S. Travel

 The Outskirts:

Brandywine River Museum: Housing works by three generations of the Wyeth family, Andrew Wyeth celebrates his centennial this year with Andrew Wyeth: In Retrospect, until September 17^th, 2017.

Painting by Jaimie Wyeth, son of Andrew, a friend of Andy Warhol – image by S. Travel

Galer Estate Vineyard and Winery: Producing award-winning wines (recipient of over 100 national medals) Galer ferments, packages, and grows everything on site. Located just behind Longwood Gardens and featuring an Airbnb cottage you can stay in.

Longwood Gardens: One of the largest gardens in North America, founded by Pierre DuPont, heir to the DuPont empire. Natural woodlands, majestic gardens, exquisite flowers, and dazzling fountains sees 1.3 million visitors per year. Pop into The 1906 for lunch afterward named after the year that DuPont acquired the Gardens. Watch the nighttime fountain show here!

Elfreth’s Alley is the oldest residential street in America.

Ben Franklin Bridge connects Philadelphia into New Jersey. Takes an hour and a half to get to NJ.

Philly is the mural capital of the world.  The stunning mural that lines the gaybourhood (as Philly calls it) was designed by Meg Saligman in 1999.

In the summer time, Pop Up Beer Gardens are all the rage. No one was doing anything with any of the empty lots and with permission from the realty contractors; these vacant spaces were transformed into beautiful green spaces with fresh gardens and flowers, raising healthy food for the community members who need it most. The Purpose of a pop up garden is the idea is to transform an unused spot into an urban oasis. My personal favourite is by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Centre Pop-Up Garden at uCity Square.

-Sabrina Pirillo is the Editor of S.Travel

The post S. TRAVEL :: Miles of Green – Phabulous Philly appeared first on TheGayGuideNetwork.com.

If you’re like me and other travellers preparing for a cruise, you likely make the decision to head into a departure city early to avoid delays and panic, though you only have a limited time to play and you want to get in as much as you can. I was leaving for a Majestic Alaska cruise and wanted to see as much of the beautiful city of Seattle as I could, so I compiled a short list of things to do in twenty-four hours:

Seattle, Washington, home of the very first Starbucks built in 1971, and where Costco, Microsoft, Amazon. and Nordstrom (along with many others) have their headquarters.

Seattle, known as the Emerald City, is very green and stays green year round (hence the name). Like the Wizard of Oz’s Emerald City, Seattle’s skyline appears like magic coming up over the highway. What you don’t expect to see if you’re a first timer is Mount Rainer – there’s the skyline with beautiful blue water and tons of forestry and then boom – a mountain! Emerald City indeed!

The Space Needle is a tourist must when visiting Seattle and it’s the best way to take in a 360-degree panoramic view of the entire city. Its grand opening was April 21^st 1962. The needle stands at 184m (520 feet) and the ride up only takes 41 seconds. Dreamers Meet Doers Visions of an Eiffel Tower for the Space Age is one of the slogans you’ll see as you enter the Needle with tons of old photographs and history details about the structure.

Tip: Go early in the morning to avoid the lineups.

Image credit: S.Travel

Here, take in breath-taking views of Mt. Rainier – trust me when I tell you to just admire its beauty, as no picture could ever capture it properly. Seattle is stunning with its mountainous backdrop, surprisingly diverse wildlife (everything from orcas to bald eagles) and skyscrapers filling out the downtown core.

Once you’ve done the full lap, head down to Skycity Restaurant and take in more fresh views alongside delicious fare.

And on your way out, directly below the Needle, be sure to visit the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit.

 Image credit: S.Travel

At 110 years old, Pike Place Market is filled with tons of vendors lining the waterfront including hand-crafted jewelry, fresh cut flowers, and art. You’ll also find tons of restaurants, fresh crab rolls, fish, and bakeries from all over the world. Then you can spend the day basking in the sun and taking in the views.

Make sure to stop by and visit the original Starbucks built in 1971. You’ll know where it is when you see the line up of people trying to get in and catch a glimpse, grab a coffee, and take home souvenir mugs and tumblers from this historic place.

Image credit: S.Travel

Travel tip: Want to get around town without paying for a taxi or an Uber every time you have to get somewhere? Use the Light Rail to get into the city or take Rapid Ride, where $2.50 can get you around the city for 2 hours.

Underground tour of Seattle, takes you beneath the sidewalks that were built after the Great Fire of 1889. Take in the history of this city that was rebuilt on top of stairs and uneven surfaces outlining where the city once stood. Looking for something a little more spooky? The same company leads an Underground Paranormal Experience tour.

Take a stroll along 1^st Avenue, lined with restaurants featuring Mexican and Asian cuisine along with bars and outdoor patio settings to grab a drink with friends. Villa Escondida  is a great place to stop in for some authentic Mexican food, where you can sit back and relax with a margarita. I chose to pair mine with the SHRIMP QUESADILLA: grilled lime marinated shrimp with diced tomatoes, onions, and mozzarella cheese on a flour tortilla. Served with sour cream, guacamole, and pico de gallo. And of course, a visit to a Mexican restaurant wouldn’t be complete without an order of churros to finish off the meal. Gracias!

Image credit: S.Travel

Head over to Capitol Hill, for a colorful urban scene and the historical hub of LGBTQ culture. And if Pride is happening while you’re in town (usually in June), then you’re in for a treat! Merchants line their stores with pride flags and balloons and the city celebrates diversity, with the parade happening across 4^th Street on the Sunday.

All are welcome!

By Sabrina Pirillo, S. Travel editor

The post S. TRAVEL :: 24 Hours in Seattle, Washington appeared first on TheGayGuideNetwork.com.

Pick an adjective: magnificent, grand, awe-inspiring, breath-taking, spectacular, unbelievable, majestic. That’s Alaska. Where words cannot express its beauty and photographs will never do this magical place justice.

Alaska is all about taking your surroundings in (spoiler alert) like in the movie, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, when Ben Stiller finds Sean Penn on top of the Himalayan Mountains. He’s been waiting there to capture the perfect photograph of a snow leopard. When it appears, Penn just stares at it outside of the camera lens and Stiller asks him when he’s going to take it, and Penn replies, “Sometimes I don’t. If I like a moment, I mean me, personally, I don’t like to have the distraction of the camera. I just want to stay in it”.

Sometimes we’re so busy trying to capture the moment in our camera that we forget to live in the moment. Your eyes can’t help but weep in awe of being in the presence of sheer beauty, impossible to hold back as you take in this once in a lifetime experience. To see this with your eyes instead of through a lens, which we are all guilty of doing. Trying to capture these moments to last us a lifetime instead of letting it etch into our souls in gratitude of being able to experience this moment.  Even of no one ever sees it, no one ever understands what we saw, it is the only one that matters. We saw it. That is the moment we remember, THAT is the one that lasts forever.

Summer time in Alaska is just about anyone’s dream, getting about 18 hours of daylight but the catch is in winter, when it’s reversed. There’s something about Alaska that allows you to let go and not stress and sweat the small stuff. One morning I couldn’t connect to WiFi to check my e-mails and I couldn’t find where the steward put my room service book (I didn’t want to eat at the buffet as I was feeling sea sick and resorted to eating green apples and crackers, and stayed away from alcohol which seemed to help). I was so frustrated at these stupid, mundane little things that I just went on my balcony to cool down and happened to look at the ocean to see a dolphin jump out! I gasped from the unexpectedness of it. Then two more popped up and swam in tandem. Suddenly, the WiFi and my queasy stomach didn’t matter anymore – I was staring at something beautiful, something nature delivered that not a lot of people get to experience.

In that moment, gratitude and joy melted away all the unnecessary crap I was focusing on. This is the gift that Alaska gave me. This is the gift that I will forever be grateful for and one that will bring a shine to my eyes whenever someone asks me about it. The gratitude also ties into not only my first cruise ever, but my first experience with Olivia Travel (read about my experiences with this travel company here).

Juneau

The Holland America Oosterdam embarked from sunny and warm Seattle, and I began my adventure at sea. We were on board for almost two days before we approached in Alaska’s capital of Juneau.

In the late 19^th century, a mining engineer by the name of George Pilz, offered a reward to anyone who could lead him to gold. His first chief’s attempt was unsuccessful but his second, which included Richard Harris and Joe Juneau, struck gold! That discovery not only changed the course of history but that of Alaska as well. On October 4, 1880, Harris and Juneau laid claim to the land which they named Gold Creek, and in 1881, gold miners voted to rename it Juneau.

The state capitol is nestled between Mount Juneau and Mount Roberts and filled with glaciers and mountains as far as the eye can see; the wildlife is endless – keep your eyes open for bald Eagles, mountain goats, beavers, and black bears (oh my!).

The only way into Juneau is by plane or boat, and Juneau’s only fast food restaurant is McDonalds which was built in 1982, sold 17,000 hamburgers on opening day, and then closed for three days until more supplies could be brought in.

Mendenhall Glacier, bordered between Mount McGinnis and Bullard Mountain, is Alaska’s most popular glacier that has been retreating since 1929. This breath-taking glacier is around Mendenhall Lake from Nugget Falls and its cascading waterfalls, discovered in 1974.

Red Dog Saloon, founded in the mid-20^th century with real sawdust on the floor. You’ll feel like you’re sitting in an old country and western bar, where you can order the Duck Fart (Bailey’s, Kahlua, and Crown Royal poured over a Mendocino cherry).

Other great landmarks and excursions in Juneau include a ride up Mount Roberts Tramway to get a scenic view of the area, the Juneau-Douglas City Museum, take a helicopter to the top of the glacier, and even go dog-sledding when you get to the top!

Hubbard Glacier: The amazing, rare blue ice of Hubbard Glacier is formed from the compression of pure snow which then develops into glacial ice. The magnitude of this magnificent beauty is awe-inspiring at 1,350 square miles. It rumbles with thunder when ice breaks off of the glacier (called “calving”) and splashes heavily into the cold Alaskan waters.

Sitka

Sitka, the original capital of Alaska, has a 14-mile-long highway and the McDonald’s is located directly across from the Emergency Room. Sitka is a quaint city, with more wildlife than you can shake a stick at.

This year marks a special anniversary for Sitka. As Canada celebrates our 150^th, Sitka celebrates the 150^th anniversary of the transfer of Alaska from Russia to the United States. This anniversary year is also a time that Sitka celebrates the rich Native culture, in place long before the Russians arrived, which is still alive and well as part of the community.

Sea Otter and Wildlife Quest has been an award-winning cruise for several years and I can understand why. Sea otters frolic in the water and swim on their backs, paired together holding hands. A bald eagle* sits atop a tree guarding its nest, strong and powerful. Sea lions, harbor lions, otters, bald eagles, and with a little luck, a family of humpback whales will show up and say hello.

Humpback whales jump out of the air by pumping their tails.  During the cruise, an enormous whale pumped its tail three times and in all its glory, made an extraordinary leap into the air and then crashed back into the water. I was awe-struck; this was something that my eyes could never un-see.

A hundred yards from the boat, the whale pod approached and I looked directly into the mouth of a humpback as it opened his giant muscle for air.  The whales dove back into the water, backs arched, then waved their tails to us, leaving us with jaw-dropping memories.

*Fact: Eagles are monogamous and mate for life, and return year-after-year to the same nest.

Other major visitor sites in Sitka include Castle Hill with stunning views of Sitka, St. Michael’s Cathedral, Sitka National Historical Park and Fortress of the Bear.

Ketchikan

Ketchikan was established in 1887 when a salmon cannery was built at the mouth of Ketchikan Creek. Today, fisherman and loggers still contribute to the cafes and bars surrounding the waterfront. Ketchikan is filled with wildlife and has the largest national rainforest in the United States, the Tongass National Forest, gateway to Misty Fjords National Monument, a spectacular wilderness area sculpted by glaciers.

While you’re there, be sure to take a stroll through Creek St Historic District, which once housed Alaska’s most notorious red-light district from 1902-1954; catch the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, find a local shop to purchase genuine stones crafted by authentic Alaskan jewellers, or grab some fresh fish tacos and Alaskan beers by the harbor. My best advice: just walk around and admire this beautiful city.

Victoria, BC

A special treat was being back on home soil when Canada celebrated its 150^th Birthday this past July, and the elegant and vibrant city of Victoria was just the place to do it! The celebrations were incredible with a free concert in front of the Parliament building and fireworks ending the special evening; The Fairmont Empress Hotel (famous for its traditional high tea) stood tall and overlooked the harbor that was covered in Canadian flags. It was good to be home.

This unique B.C. port offers visitors lots to explore including Chinatown (home to Canada’s smallest road, ‘Fan Tan Alley’), painter Emily Carr’s House, and the stunning Butchart Gardens that houses over 700 varieties of flowers, illuminated with thousands of lights at night!

Words can barely express why this unbelievable state should be at the top of your bucket list; photos and videos don’t do the incredible voyage justice but here is a video showing just the tip of this incredible iceberg.

~Sabrina Pirillo is the Editor of S.Travel

The post S. TRAVEL :: Majestic Alaska appeared first on TheGayGuideNetwork.com.

Coming on board for this Majestic Alaska cruise was beyond extraordinary. The views were stunning, magnificent, incredible, and utterly breath-taking. The mountains disappear into the clouds, snow covered peaks disintegrate into mountain and forest. The tour of Alaska’s Inside Passage, the three cities of Juneau, Sitka, and Ketchikan, is amazing, and Alaskans generally are laid-back and appreciate the beauty that surrounds them.

Your first cruise can be very overwhelming. So many activities and parts of the ship to explore, mandatory safety meetings, and wondering if you should leave breadcrumbs to figure out how to get back to your room.

Not only was this my first cruise, it was my first cruise with Oliva Travel, the lesbian travel company who will be celebrating their 45th Anniversary next year! Their tagline is We bring women together… on vacation!

Whether you want to enjoy the relaxed vibe of an all-inclusive resort, sail the seven seas on a cruise with hundreds of lesbians, or immerse yourself in the culture of a new destination, Olivia has a vacation that’s sure to fit your style. The Olivia Experience is about women having fun together, making friends – and maybe even finding that special someone. With our world-class, just-for-you, entertainment; fabulous singles activities; incredible touring excursions; or even a touching commitment ceremony, you can be sure you’ll have a vacation experience you’ll never forget.

And that’s exactly what they delivered.

Being the straight girl on board, I was asked several times if I felt uncomfortable being on a cruise with almost 2000 lesbians. No, I couldn’t care less. I’m not used to being around that much female energy but I was excited! As a travel writer, Alaska has been on my bucket list for as far back as I could remember, so when the opportunity came up to explore this incredible place (that you forget is the 49^th state of the United States), it didn’t matter who I was sharing a cruise ship with.

I’ve been involved in the LGBT community for a decade now and this was one trip I wasn’t going to miss out on. Yes, I was hit on a few times, I was flattered (who wouldn’t be?), but not once did I feel uncomfortable or unwelcome. I met some incredible ladies that I still keep in touch with.

I engaged in everything from intellectual, meaningful, and even LOL conversations (most of those came with Happy Hour), and had a hoot at the evening shows right up to the White Party dance party. I met some of the most amazing, strong, beautiful women on the cruise who were on the ship so they could be themselves and share this experience with the love of their life, or to look for that special connection. I listened to their stories, their triumphs, to their heartbreaks, and losses of loved ones. I watched them smile and support each other and love and exude strength and humility, and even after finding out I was straight (we had some affectionate fun at my expense, but I always felt accepted). Humility and love and kindness are a universal language.

Helpful Cruise Points

Seeing as though it was my first cruise, I was lucky enough to have my dear friend, Richard Ryder, who has cruised before, give me some helpful tips:

• A good time to explore the ship is while most people are off doing excursions;
• Pay attention to the carpet in the elevators, they will remind you what day it is – two days in, you’ll have no clue what day, time or time zone you’re in;
• Attend the jewelry sale on board where you’ll not only get beautiful pieces at great prices, but pay no tax;
• Hang your clothes up to save space;
• Use a hair clip to keep the curtains closed in your room;
• Beverage packages are important;
• Bring an empty water bottle so you can refill it all week-long without a cost.

Pay attention to key events with on-board perks – e.g. attending a jewelry sale where they offer complimentary sparkling wine or attend a mixology martini sampling for $4. Find out when Happy Hour is where you can purchase your second drink for only $2. If you aren’t buying a beverage package but enjoy a glass of wine (or two) with dinner, purchase a bottle instead of individual glasses.

Food

Hello, diet, exercise? We’re going to have to break up for about a week. It’s not you it’s me, but I think we need a break.

Eating eventually becomes glutinous, well beyond survival purposes. I blame the endless and delicious options from the buffet: giant bowls of salad and pasta; meats, sandwiches, tacos, and burgers; and main dinner delights of fresh fish, venison, escargot, and German schnitzel!

Cruising Life

Every morning the captain greeted us with “Good morning Ladies of Olivia!” The very helpful and accommodating women and volunteers of Olivia spent the week ensuring we are taken care of, along with the folks of Holland America’s Oosterdam (Holland America (HA) originates in Amsterdam, and the ships are named after streets of that city, so Oosterdam means east dam).

There are so many activities planned that there’s something for everyone. People can do as few or as many as they like: play bingo in the morning, take dance lessons in the afternoon, watch a movie in the theatre, play some Wet & Wacky pool games, attend a workshop, meet your fellow passengers at a mixer, and the list (that they leave in your mailbox every evening) goes on!

Coming on board on your own? Well, they’ve created a SOLO schedule specifically for ladies who may come on board single, but not necessarily docking with the same status. Olivia created meet-and-greets, special SOLO breakfasts, activities, and even an area for dining.

A new addition on board was the Literary Adventures at Sea, which featured programming by Sapphire Books Publishing and Curve Magazine; tea and poetry readings by literary legends Dorothy Allison, Jennifer Fulton, Karin Kallmaker, and Lee Lynch. Erika Feinman was the recipient of Olivia’s 2017 Scholartrip program, designed by Olivia to inspire, motivate, and empower the next generation of LBGTQ leaders.

The extraordinary women entertainers featured the likes of comedians Karen Williams and Suzanne Westenhoefer, SUEDE, the smooth singer and one-time opener for Joan Rivers, and the talented Broadway veteran, Natalie Toro. Plus, we danced the nights away with sly DJ’s Wildfire and Lisa Pittman, whose music really saw the ladies let loose – and let me tell you these ladies know how to bust a move!

Choose to Cruise with Olivia

Alaskan cruises happen every other year so make sure to book your spot in 2019. In the mean time, NEXT YEAR IS Olivia’s 45^th Anniversary and you can celebrate with their Caribbean trip happening April 2-9, 2018, plus choose from so many other trips including Mystical Norwegian Fjords, 45^th Anniversary Hard Rock Vallarta and New LGBT Club Med Sandpiper.

The best part about Olivia is that you can set up a more comfortable payment plan for your trip, so you don’t have to pay in one lump sum.  This is a personal travel company that works with you to bring memories of a lifetime on your schedule. And if you book while on board, the savings are greater!

The reason that Ladies of Olivia Travel together is because though they could spend money on a resort to holiday with families and silent strangers, with Olivia, they know who they’re travelling with. Ladies of Olivia can be themselves, enjoy time with family and old and new friends, and know that their money is well spent.

I heard about why these ladies were here, some veterans who have been travelling with Olivia for over 20 years, and some newbies soon to become veterans. It’s like being part of a family, an extended family, who you travel and make memories with. Olivia is its own community and takes the travel industry to a whole new level.

Gratitude

There was so much love and support aboard the Oosterdam.  My fantastic shipmates exuded the definition of be who you are and have, in a way, rubbed off on me to allow myself to accept who I am; my beauty both inside and out. We’re all so hard on ourselves sometimes but these extraordinary, strong, beautiful women are who they are and accept not only the women around them, but themselves. I think sometimes in life we struggle with that. Trying to fit in and hide our true identity for fear of being teased or bullied.

The gratitude from this trip not only comes from the beauty of Alaska that my eyes witnessed, but what my heart got to experience both on and off the ship.  Thank you ladies of Olivia, for giving me the gift of appreciating myself just a little bit more than I did before I left the shore.

By Sabrina Pirillo, editor of S. Travel

The post Majestic Alaska :: Straight Girl, Lesbian Cruising appeared first on TheGayGuideNetwork.com.

Where to Stay:

The magnificent pinnacle of Quebec City (QC) accommodation is the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac. It’s like staring at a castle right out of a fairy tale book! This 4.5-star hotel offers everything a European destination would in the heart of Old Quebec City. This iconic structure offers spectacular views of the St Lawrence River and incredible architecture.

The Fairmont Le Château Frontenac has been graced by many powers including King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, Ronald Reagan, Lady Sarah Ferguson, and Alfred Hitchcock. In 1944, the hotel became the centre of the Quebec Conferences of World War II, which involved U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, and Canadian Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King.

The hotel’s 611 rooms and suites are beautifully furnished with deluxe city or river views. This castle looks incredibly beautiful from any angle, and when you step inside, you’ll feel the need to explore every inch of it. I highly recommend the guided tour of the hotel.

TIP: Fairmont President’s Club is an exclusive complimentary membership that allows you tons of perks like a separate VIP check in, special events and opportunities, free Wifi, and more!

As Canada celebrates its 150^th Anniversary this year, next year, the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac will celebrate its 125^th Anniversary and recognize its contribution to our great nation as one of the first hotels built along the Canadian Pacific Railway.

Where to Eat:

Breakfast: Café Bistro L’Omelette: About a five-minute walk from the hotel, this quaint restaurant has everything you’ll need for breakfast, including Caesars and mimosas! The service is friendly and the menu extensive, so your taste buds are covered whether you’re in the mood for traditional breakfast fare or something a little heavier before you take off to sight see.

Lunch: Restaurant Parmesan: Ciao from Quebec! Parmesan features traditional Italian dishes, in a rustic setting featuring Ferrari memorabilia and over 4,000 bottles (all shapes and sizes from all continents) placed around the restaurant. Awarded in Rome by the President the Emilio Romano Prize which is given to the 75 Top Authentic Italian Restaurants Around The World…and you won’t have to go that far to experience it!

The staff will take the best care of you, just like you were in a real Italian household being served everything from fresh pasta dishes, to veal parmesan, to seafood, and one of the first refrigerated and covered dessert trolleys (as published in National Geographic!).

Dinner: L’Atelier is a chic yet casual gastro pub that features five levels of drinking and dining. Their vast list of cocktails range from classic, to tributes to the father of mixology Professor Jerry Thomas; wines from around the globe, beer in barrel or bottle and even cocktails in a carafe for sharing!

Their drink menu pairs well with the dinner options from menu of the day, tapas, Tartar and Shooter of Oysters like the Vodkaler a Shot (vodka belvedere, Clamato, bitter celery, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, saucisson in deco)!

After Dinner Drinks: Les Voutes Napoleon. Located a few doors down from L’Atelier in a subterranean underground watering hole in a historic building is Napoleon. A relaxed atmosphere to hang out with friends offering live music (shout out to Frankie) and drinks that you can order by the glass or by the pot (e.g, pot of margarita).

After Drinks: Chez Ashton. A trip to Quebec City would not be complete without having poutine! Once you’re done your evening of dining and dancing, head over to Chez Ashton where you can enjoy traditional poutine or venture out and add hotdog and onions to your order. The choice is yours.

What to Do:

Dufferin Terrace: Take a beautiful walk along the Dufferin Terrace, which sits just above the St. Lawrence River and is one of the most popular areas for both visitors and public entertainers. It stretches from the foot of the Citadel to the base of the Chateau Frontenac.

The Citadel: Make sure to visit one of the most popular attractions in QC, Quebec’s Citadel. Built in Canada under British rule, the Citadel sits atop the historic site of Cap-aux-Diamants, and it offers a unique way to learn about the military history of Quebec City.

Plains of Abraham: This massive park has a lot to offer including museums, tours, walks, children’s activities, gardens and much more.

Montmorency Falls: Only ten minutes from downtown, this extraordinary waterfall is 83m high and is a marvel to look at or can be zip-lined across.

Boat Cruise: Take a cruise along the St. Lawrence River aboard the Louis Jolliet with Croisieres AML. The only boat that offers only onboard-prepared meals, a glassed dining room, panoramic views, a dance floor, and a boutique all on board as your cruise! It’s a spectacular way to make your way around the city hitting tons of landmarks like Montmorency Falls, Cap Diamant, and The Pierre Laporte Bridge, the longest main suspension bridge in Canada.

An extraordinary vision not to be missed is the Chapelle Musee de L’Amerique francophone, Its mission is for the development and promotion of French culture in North America. It’s a spectacular venue to visit and host any event like a banquet, wedding, gala, or even Christmas Eve.

Whether your interests are culture, history or just remarkable beauty in both the landscape and architecture, visiting Quebec City offers joie de vivre in getting away without leaving your own backyard.

For a complete Quebec City experience and to find out more click here.

By Sabrina Pirillo, Editor of S.Travel.

The post TRAVEL :: Quebec City: Vive l’europe appeared first on TheGayGuideNetwork.com.

S.TRAVEL :: The year was 1967, the sounds of Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie, The Mama’s & Papa’s, & The Grateful Dead (just to name a few) filled the air (along with pharmaceuticals….) in Panhandle Park. More than 100,000 sons and daughters united in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood in San Francisco to stand up to authority, to represent freedom, love and the new revolution. It was a time when music, art, expression and hope flourished; young hippies transformed this movement to create what is now known as The Summer of Love.

This year, San Francisco celebrates the 50^th Anniversary of The Summer of Love with many happenings in the city, including events, exhibits and activities to take you back to where it all started, in the Haight-Ashbury neighbourhood where The Summer of Love was born.

-In addition to this milestone, there are so many more reasons to LOVE San Francisco: 

In the heart of Downtown San Francisco beats Union Square, a vibrant, lifestyle mecca surrounded by art, history, and of course, shopping. Here you’ll find the streets lined with shops like Saks 5^th Avenue, Tiffany’s, Barney’s and Macy’s. On each corner of the square sits a beautifully painted heart, including Tony Bennett’s. He sang about leaving his heart in San Francisco, what he really meant was he left it in Union Square for all to admire.

Photo credit: S.Travel

If this area sounds like it’s calling your name, here’s a couple of places I recommend to lay your head while visions of shimmering jewelry and handbags dance in your head:

King George

Only one block from Union Square and The Powell St Cable Cars sits the European inspired, picturesque boutique hotel, The King George. Whether on business or for pleasure, enjoy these newly renovated superior, deluxe or suite rooms complete with sophisticated décor, modern amenities and some unique offerings including their pet-friendly accommodations, complimentary wifi and 24 hour room service. The King George is also a TAG-approved LGBT friendly hotel.

Make sure to stop by Winston’s Bar & Lounge for a drink (or two) before exploring downtown San Francisco. Happy hour runs from 4p-7p offering a great selection of wine, beer and spirits. Guess that’s why they call it happy hour.

Surrounded by art galleries, shops and restaurants you’ll be glad to rest your head and unwind after a pleasurable day in this charming hotel. King George would have enjoyed staying here himself.

Photo credit: King George

Hilton San Francisco Union Square

If friendly service, spectacular views and luxurious rooms are on your radar, may I introduce to you the Hilton San Francisco Union Square. Located in the theatre district and steps from cable cars, shopping and dining the Hilton Union Square commits to a unique and enjoyable stay. I even had a fellow Canadian, Abdullah, check me in and was very courteous and truly oversaw that I had a memorable stay.

This three-tower hotel offers comfortable and stylish rooms equipped with Peter Thomas Roth bath products, mini-fridge, and internet access. My personal favourite feature, without comparison, is the San Francisco skyline or Bay views from the Skyline View rooms.

Photo credit: Hilton San Francisco Union Square

The hotel also features a 2800 square foot health club, Pool Deck on the 16^th floor, extensive dining options including Herb N Kitchen, The Lobby Bar and Urban Tavern Dinner & Bar. However, if a 360 degree visual of the stunning city of San Francisco is more your scene, then head up to the 46^th floor to experience CityScape Lounge.

Sexy and stylish décor offer a welcoming step into the lounge while the comfortable seats and sofas are where you try a signature cocktail paired with fresh options from the small plate menu. Be prepared to spend some time up here, for the views are breathtakingly beautiful, the perfect way to end the day.

Photo credit: S.Travel

Where to eat:

–Palm House Restaurant

With the second oldest palm tree in San Francisco located behind them, the Palm House resides in the original 1854 dairy farm house where the original name of Cow Hollow (land that was used for cow grazing) derives from. Offering an island inspired menu from places like Puerto Rico, Brazil and the Caribbean, pull up a chair on their street-side patio and grab yourself a Palm House Slushy or a Chipotle Mango Margarita (or both) a pacific salad featuring local cod and finish with their signature beignets (donuts) with coconut cream & peach jam.

Photo credit: S.Travel

S.Travel Tip: Since Palm House is located a short distance from Lombard St., the most crooked street in the world, be sure to check it out whilst in the neighbourhood. An even better tip, be sure to check out Lombard St. BEFORE having lunch. The street is very steep to get up (if you are so inclined to walk it) but the view is a memorable one.

Ciao bella! North Beach is an area in San Francisco known as ‘Little Italy’, home to a large population of Italian-American’s. You’ll know where you are based on all Italian flags painted on the light posts on the street. Also in the neighbourhood sits Saint Peter’s and Paul’s Church where Yankee baseball legend Joe DiMaggio and stunning actress/model Marilyn Monroe were denied entrance into the church to be married (due to his marriage to Dorothy Arnold in 1939 and not having annulled the marriage he couldn’t be married in the catholic church), so instead they took pictures on the front steps and got legally married at City Hall.

–Piazza Pellegrini 

Piazza Pellegrini is inspired and authentic Italian everything. Their warm atmosphere, exceptional service (ask for Domenico, he’ll give you the genuine Italian experience) and fresh food menu will have you creating your own Eat Pray Love moment. Opting to sit street-side once again, I felt like Julia Roberts as she was sitting in the piazza in Rome enjoying a generous bowl of spaghetti. The only difference is I had the hand made gnocchi and paired it with a glass of Alicats, a 2011 local red wine made by an Italian in California. And let’s not forget about dessert! Finish off with a traditional canolo Siciliano (chocolate crusted canolo filled with ricotta cheese and candid fruit). It’s a good thing the streets in San Francisco offer a post-dinner workout.

Photo credit: S.Travel

–Fog Harbor Fish House 

Fisherman’s Wharf & Pier 39: Fisherman’s Wharf is a historic neighbourhood that encompasses most of the northern waterfront area. A popular tourist destination as part of the wharf is Pier 39 who turns 39 this year and it’s one outstanding waterfront offering a wide variety of dining, attractions, and shopping. From the two levels of unique shops and restaurants to the hundreds of Sea Lions that line the K-Dock, to the sensational views of the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges, Alcatraz and the San Francisco Skyline, Pier 39 you will surely spend some time exploring.

And after all that, you’ll work up quite an appetite. Head on over to Fog Harbor Fish House offering a classic waterfront experience with the freshest seafood heightened with incredible views. It’s also the first restaurant in Fisherman’s Wharf to serve a 100% sustainable seafood menu that has been approved and met by the standards of Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch Program. Every night, Fog Harbor chefs get word about what seafood is coming in fresh and then craft the menu for the next day.

Their courteous staff and extensive menu will have your mouth watering and stomach smiling. But, without a doubt, one must try the Perfect Hibiscus Margarita, voted SF Weekly’s Best Margarita, containing EL Charro Reposado, patron citronge, agave and wait for it…egg white!

And of course, a trip to the pier would not be complete without a bowl of clam chowder in a fresh sourdough bread bowl.

Fog Harbor Fish House truly exemplifies the statement ‘sit back and enjoy the view!’

 Photo credit: S.Travel

Dining & Entertainment Rolled into One Fabulous Experience:

–AsiaSF

Welcome to the beautiful world of AsiaSF! You’ll feel like and be treated as a VIP as soon as you walk through the velvet curtains, then have a seat and begin your experience. The stunning world famous transgender “Ladies of AsiaSF” will serve you your 3 star CalAsian Fusion selections for dinner before hopping on the red dragon runway bar. Being a San Francisco icon since 1998, over 750,000 guests have taken the AsiaSF adventure with packages that range from Ménage à Trois to the Diamond Package. Sit back and enjoy the delectable cuisine while the beautiful ladies entertain you every hour.

On Friday and Saturday nights your dinner package includes entrance into the nightclub downstairs where DJ’s will have you dancing the night away until 2am.

A truly diverse and enjoyable experience of entertainment, inclusion and delight!

Photo credit: S.Travel

–Hornblower Cruises

What better way to cruise the San Francisco Bay than on a stunning 183-foot yacht, the California Hornblower. Choose your package: brunch, lunch or dinner then sail away from the pier and begin your escapade into the bay.

Choosing the Champagne brunch cruise they had me at free-flowing mimosas! Your 2-hour cruise includes traditional American breakfast dishes, seasonal lunch entrees and let’s not forget about dessert! Did I mention free-flowing bubbly and mimosas? Once you’re done grab a drink and head up to the deck where you’ll get up close and personal with San Francisco’s famous landmarks including right under the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges, and admire the spectacular SF Skyline. With breathtaking views, on board entertainment and a delicious and wide selection of fare, you won’t want to begin your weekend any other way.

Photo credit: S.Travel

What To Do:

It’s impossible to list all of the many neighbourhoods, landmarks and stories that surround San Francisco and the Bay area. With many famous markers already listed in this article, it’s a sightseers dream to explore all SF has to offer and I could not only list a few. Instead, you’ll find helpful recommendations on how to see (almost) everything during your visit:

–Big Bus Tours is your key to location, location, location! It’s a great way to explore San Francisco as it takes you through 20 stops where you can get on and off to do your own investigating. You can also just stay on the bus where the run will take you 2.5 hours to complete from Fisherman’s Wharf /Pier 39 to over the Golden Gate Bridge and buses come every 15-20 minutes should you decide to get off. The friendly staff are friendly and knowledgeable and will provide you with some key historical facts as you ride. Some of the famous landmarks you’ll cover are:

-City Hall, which was rebuilt in 1915 and now stands a couple of blocks from the original structure which was destroyed in the 1906 earthquake. Its dome stands 42 feet higher than the United States Capitol lined in gold and is where former county supervisor Harvey Milk, was assassinated when the building unveiled on May 22nd, 2008.

Photo credit: S.Travel

-Ferry Building, located at the centre of the city’s financial, banking and transportation district, Market Street, where on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays you can shop the Farmer’s Market featuring fresh farm products and prepared foods. Opened in 1898, it was the transportation hub for anyone arriving into the city.

-Golden Gate Park’s 1,017 acres was built on reclaimed sand dunes covering a larger area than Central Park! Be sure to leave plently of time to explore this grand oasis which features the Academy of Sciences, Botanical gardens, Japanese Tea Garden and The National AIDS Memorial Grove, commemorating 25 years of remembrance, healing and hope, you’ll find the ‘Circle Of Friends’ inside the Grove engraved with over 2400 names of people who have been touched by AIDS.

Photo credit: S.Travel

-Just a short walk over from Golden Gate Park is The Haight Ashbury neighbourhood, where the Summer of Love is as lively as it was in 1967 and where you’ll find Amoeba Music, transformed from an old bowling ally it now houses over hundreds of thousands of music and movie titles from every genre you can imagine.

-Alamo Square, where Full House fans can see the opening of the show’s beautifully painted houses referred to as ‘the painted ladies’, and you can walk a few blocks to find the actual house, like I did:

Photo credit: S.Travel

-Be sure to get off and check out the oldest Chinatown in North America.

-The Tenderloin district is located between Union Square and the Civic Centre and may look familiar to anyone who’s seen the movie The Persuit of Happiness starring Will Smith, where several scenes feature this neighbourhood consisting mainly of housing almost entirely of single-room-occupancy hotel rooms, studio and one bedroom apartments. It’s name comes from a lot of different stories but the most popular reference is a New York City’s Police captain was assigned to this area and he could only afford to eat chuck steak on the salary he was earning, but after he was transferred to this neighborhood he was making so much money on the side soliciting bribes that now he could eat tenderloin instead.

-Another great way to see the city is by using the San Francisco CityPass booklet, valid nine days from the start of your use and allows you access to several explorations including the Exploratorium, Legion of Honor Museum which is currently running a Monet-The Early Years exhibit until May 29th, Aquarium of The Bay, and my personal favourite feature the three-day unlimited use of the Cable Car transportation system, the world’s last manually operated cable car system. Because when in San Fran you kinda have to.

-A trip to San Francisco would not be complete without a visit to the infamous Alcatraz Island, one of the most notorious federal penitentiaries in US history. This 25-acre island was designed in 1933 and was a maximum security prison who once housed the most famous inmates like Al Capone, Machine Gun Kelly and The Birdman of Alcatraz. Your tour includes round trip aboard the ferry with spectacular San Francisco bay and Skyline views, access inside Alcatraz prison, The Alcatraz Cellhouse Audio Tour,” featuring actual correctional officers and prisoners who lived and worked on the Island, stunning gardens and wildlife. I recommend beginning your tour with a National Park Ranger who will fill you in on all the attempted escapes, both successful and unsuccessful, plus you’ll get to experience what a daily routine was like for the inmates and even step inside a cell to see what it was like. For those who want a complete exploration of Alcatraz, check out the night time tour, if you dare.

S.Travel Tip: Be sure to purchase tickets as far in advance as possible and these tours fill up fast!

Photo credit: S.Travel

-The Castro District, commonly known as The Castro, was one of the first gay neighborhoods in the United States. It was transformed from a working-class neighborhood in the 1960s and 1970s and remains one of the most prominent symbols of LGBT activism and events in the world. The most famous resident of The Castro was Harvey Milk, who opened Castro Camera in 1973 and began political involvement as a gay activist, further contributing to the notion of the Castro as a gay destination. His store was used as his campaign headquarters and remains a tourist destination to date.

-Twin Peaks: For one of San Francisco’s best views, make sure to hike your way up Twin Peaks. This natural attraction rises over 920 feet and offer panoramic views of the city, the bay and anything else as far as the eye can see.

– Sabrina Pirillo is the Editor of S.Travel.

–  S.Travel Approved*

* S.Travel is our coveted publishing stamp of approval on travel destinations, accommodations, bars, restaurants, adventures and experiences. Look to S.Travel for the very best LGBT travel the world has to offer. Join us on Twitter, Facebook  and Instagram for the latest in travel ideas, tips and fun, and sign up to receive our free S.Travel Newsletter.

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BE A MATCH TO WHAT YOU WANT :: Holidays are not about driving for hours or days to see relatives in Canadian cities. This I can safely conclude having ever only done so. Holidays are about going to a destination completely outside of our usual daily lives (preferably in a warmer climate if it’s winter) than what we’re used to. I’ve never been on a proper holiday and until recently, could not even image myself going on one.

This is a story about a lesson I have learned: Be a match to what you want. Stick with me and see what happened when I did just that.

As a small business owner who has done some very cool things but has struggled financially for a decade, I am absolutely over the moon that the opportunity to take a proper holiday knocked upon my door this summer. This year has the best year in my business ever, and during my best July ever, my friend (and GGN publisher) Shaun Proulx told me about his 2015 party plane excursion to the Dominican Republic, including the excellent rate for the all-inclusive January get-away.

“You have to come,” he said over martinis on a sunny neighbourhood patio.

At the time, money was good and I felt confident that I could actually pull off the spend. I started to look into it.

By the time August rolled around, business tapered off some. I decided that a holiday was too extravagant. I would have to put a trip off until another more resource-rich time.

In September Shaun mentioned the holiday price actually dropped. But I  told him no, I just wasn’t comfortable spending that much money; I was freaked out about making a commitment like that to my credit card company.

Time passed. Shaun and I saw each other in October and he teased me about not coming. But by this time, business had picked up. A holiday looked feasible once more. I spoke to the potential roommate about going on the beach holiday. He told me that a week on an island in paradise with nothing to do but to have fun truly forces you to relax.

Relax? This was a foreign concept to me but I liked the sound of it.

Holy snow dump #Toronto! Who’s up for 7 nights in paradise? https://t.co/WDCokAcRkh

— Shaun Proulx (@ShaunProulx) December 11, 2014

As I listened to what this veteran holiday-taker had to say about spending time in the Caribbean. I looked online at pictures of the Dominican Republic and the resort we’d stay at.

I was overwhelmed; tears came to my eyes.

“Yes, I’m going,” I finally said.

Once I made that decision, it was as though the Universe heard, “Okay, she’s committed, let’s make this happen”.

Since then business has been reliably steady. There is enough money coming in that I can pay off the trip before I even get there, and there is no stress associated with my decision. It still doesn’t feel real, but it is a wonderful goal to reach for. Instead of living in financial fear, I am focused on this amazing January trip that is sure to take my breath away and give my brain a long-needed rest.

Now that I’ve said yes, I’ve watched things change in my favour. To say yes makes the wheels turn and sets good intentions in motion. To say yes has put me and my well-being in the spotlight. To say yes is to close your eyes and run toward a glimmering light that promises only good things.

I can’t wait. I am so lucky to be able to do this that I can’t believe it’s happening. Now that the passport is being processed, the only thing I have to worry about is finding the perfect swim suit.

– Leah Morrigan is a men’s image consultant who has written on the subject of moobs for GGN in the past.

– This post was originally published in 2014.

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TRAVEL :: Ladies, let’s not even front. I know you think Olivia Travel is for silver foxes (shagable women over 50), and yes, you’ll definitely see them on board. But, if you think that’s all Olivia is, I’m here to change your mind. Here are 7 reasons why an Olivia cruise or resort should be your next holiday.

1. Not your mum’s holiday (unless she enjoys tipping the velvet). You’re unlikely to find any semblance of a stale, hetero holiday on an Olivia cruise or resort. Olivia brings on awesome entertainment, like Sarah McLachlan and Mouths of Babes, and has the hottest DJs spinning at the nightclub. Pool games, Olivia “O”lympics, dance lessons, rockstar karaoke, you name it, and Olivia will make it happen.

2. Make new friends from around the world without backpacking through it. People from all over the world travel with Olivia, whether they are traveling with friends or on their own. The best part about that is they have solos coordinators! Literally, there are people to help you make new friends if you are traveling alone. And if you’re traveling with your girl, you’re in luck – everyone is friendly

3. It’s a rite of passage. If you’ve been on an Olivia holiday, you know you’re part of the lucky few who share a very special experience together. Women from all walks of life go on Olivia holidays, from those who have been on dozens of trips and others who save up for years to be able to go on their first one. It’s the one place you can really let yourself go and come back knowing you’ve made relationships (and memories) that will last a lifetime – or at least for the month after.

4. Stay up late for the unofficial parties. That’s right, the later you stay up, the more intimate things get. You may find yourself in a pool on the lido deck of a Holland America ship fully clothed on White Night or still hanging out on the deck at sunrise. I’ve found myself on the observation deck at 3am looking at the stars with a group of women, one of whom was professing her feelings for another, laughing and playing games. I’ve also found myself skinny-dipping in the pool at the beach in Punta Cana…’nuff said.

5. Gen O keeps it fresh. If you’re Gen Y, a millennial, or even at the tail end of Gen X, then you’re most definitely part of Gen O. This is the bread and butter for the under-40 crowd: tequila tastings, volleyball, beer & bocce, lunches, snorkeling, dancing, and probably a bunch of other things that I don’t even know about yet. I do know, though, that Gen O is where it’s at.

6. Get a crash course in lesbian history. Here’s the part where the silver foxes come in…if it weren’t for them, Olivia wouldn’t exist for us. Olivia started as a record label in 1973 and created music BY women FOR women (check out artists like Meg Christian and Cris Williamson if you’re interested in the early years). There are all kinds of cool talks about Olivia’s place in lesbian history on board. If you’re a history geek like me, you’ll be into it.

7. It’s a holiday created by women, for women. Seriously, folks, this is the real reason to go on an Olivia trip. There is no better feeling than walking into a space where everyone says hi to each other, no one judges each other, and everyone feels the power we ladies create when we take over a ship or resort together. I’m not kidding when I say you really won’t know until you go.

So c’mon, ladies. Your next Olivia holiday is waiting for you. Lez go!

For more information about Olivia,  call toll free (800) 631-6277  or  visit olivia.com.

Advertorial by Stephanie Papadakis

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MONTREAL :: Fierté Montréal holds a special space in my heart – we have celebrated most of my husband’s birthdays over the last decade there, and it is run by some of the most passionate and effective Pride organizers I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. So it’s little surprise that we made sure we were there to help the Fierté Montréal team celebrate their 10th anniversary.

It’s often surprising how many people still think that there are two Pride events in Montréal (there aren’t – Montréal’s original LGBTQ festival, Divers/Cité, folded in 2015) or think that Fierté Montréal and Divers/Cité are one and the same. In fact, Divers/Cite’s decision in 2006 to “drop its Pride mandate” , is the genesis of Fierté Montréal, which is now one of the biggest Pride festivals in Canada, and the largest francophone LGBT gathering in the world.

Fierté Montréal has been a great success – welcoming over 515,000 festival-goers in 2016. It was also selected by Fierté Canada Pride to host the first ever Canada Pride event in 2017. There are many variables that contribute to these remarkable accomplishments. Largely out of the organization’s control are the context and culture of Montreal, and Quebec. Much more within its control are the structure of the organization and its approach to planning Pride. Other Prides can learn from this successful planning approach.

Here are my top 5 reasons why Fierté Montreal Pride is one of the best Pride events in the world:

1. They keep it simple. Key to this is using one space that serves as the hub of the event. Of course there are dozens of events that make up the official week-long Pride program but, in the end, most everyone makes their way to Place Émilie-Gamelin to celebrate together – a beautiful conglomeration of LGBTQ people, all showing their Pride in the same space. Think a big Pride like Pride Toronto couldn’t do this? Think again – Place Émilie-Gamelin can hold up to 18,000 people, just about the same as all the Pride Toronto beer gardens (including The 519) combined!

2.  They put a serious focus on the quality of the Pride program. If you’ve ever seen any of the shows from the stage (that Saturday night drag show, tho’!) you know that they have a well-deserved reputation for being top notch. From art exhibits to workshops and seminars – the Montreal Pride program is unmatched.

3. They treat their (current and former) staff, volunteers and partners like gold. Pride, no matter where in the world it takes place, can be a challenging event to organize. Especially in cities like Toronto and Vancouver, we see frequent and significant turnover of these groups. This often comes with burnt bridges and poor relationships between the organization and its former partners and leaders. The core team in Montreal has been in place for a decade, with both staff and volunteers returning on a regular basis. Even those who are no longer part of the organization are welcomed back to the event.

4. They know how to run a VIP space. Call me bougie, but this is an important part of the festival experience for many sponsors, partners, dignitaries, honoured guests, and former staff and volunteers. Professional and outgoing staff, a well-stocked (open!) bar and good food options are important part of their winning formula.

5. They take every opportunity to speak from their stages/podiums. Sharing information about their organization, speaking passionately about their commitment and dedication to the cause, and introducing members of the organization. In doing so they put a heart and a face to Pride, and build a stronger relationship with the communities they serve.

There you have it. These are obviously just the opinions of one person and I’d be happy to hear supporting and dissenting opinions.

Mark Singh is the former Co-Chair of Pride Toronto, and initiator and Chair of the WorldPride 2014 Bid Committee. He also served as the President of Fierte Canada Pride – the Canadian association of Pride organizers – and on the board of InterPride – the International association of Pride organizers. Follow him on Twitter  and Instagram 

Graphic and video: Polo Izquierdo. Images: Fierte Montreal Pride, used with permission.

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MYRTLE BEACH :: Sometimes being in the right place and the right time come together at the moment when you need it the most.

I had a voucher for a flight aboard Porter Airlines and could go anywhere I wanted to go. As I searched the website for destinations I had never visited, I stumbled upon Myrtle Beach, South Carolina as an interesting destination that caught my attention.

What I didn’t realize at the time is that I didn’t choose it, it chose me.

Talk about southern hospitality. From the cab drivers, to the restaurant staff, to the locals, smiles and how y’all doing’s flooded every inch of my adventure with TheGayGuideNetwork’s Shaun Proulx.

And the timing couldn’t be better! The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce will be helping Canadians “make up” the difference in light of the Canadian exchange rate disparity by offering at least 30 percent discounts – and in some cases up to 65 percent discounts – at select hotels and attractions January 1st through until April 30^th, 2016 for travellers with a valid Canadian passport:

Although Myrtle Beach is known to house some of the best golfing courses in the world, it’s also home to 100 km of beach, sun, sand, surf, shopping (which is a treat when your dollar is being matched), fishing, and dining.

Here are some of S.Travel‘s Top Picks for the best of what Myrtle Beach has to offer:

SEE:: Myrtle Beach SkyWheel: Nothing like a late night stroll along the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk & Promenade after a delicious meal. Situated as the centrepiece of the 1.2 mile long oceanfront & promenade is The SkyWheel.

S.Travel Tip: A night-time ride offers a stunning view from above. Boardwalk lights behind you, crashing ocean waves in front of you and beside you an uncertain rider riding high:

Brookgreen Gardens: Located 45 minutes outside of Myrtle Beach in Murrell’s Inlet, Brookgreen Gardens is home to spectacular gardens, beautiful sculptures, zoo animals and loads of history. Admission is valid for 7 days as there is so much to explore and discover.

Over 5,000 acres of land once belonging to the Alston family and known as The Oaks Plantation, you can take a history boat tour and nature walk along the grounds, visiting the location of the plantation house, grounds of the slave village, and other archaeological sites.  You’ll stumble upon incredible garden beds that will have you gasping at every corner. I even found myself at Brookgreen Garden’s where I discovered a sculpture named Sabrina.

EAT:: Southern cooking goes hand in hand with South Carolina’s hospitality.

Thoroughbred Chophouse and Seafood Grille: Known as one of the local’s most-liked fine-dining restaurants in Myrtle Beach, Thoroughbred’s warm color pallet and staple fireplace offer a warm and cozy atmosphere. And there is no shortage of things to try on the menu. I think what impressed me the most was the recommended added touch for my filet mignon-getting it coffee encrusted, where the process includes dipping your selected meat in coffee grounds, sea salt and peppercorn resulting in a nutty flavour. Yum!

Croissants Bistro and Bakery: Croissants Bistro and Bakery blends culinary traditions of European cuisine and southern home cooking. Pastries and wedding cakes and cookies fill the entry way, while their extensive all day breakfast menu, sandwich specials and sampler dessert of 3 full sizes pieces of cake fill the dining room!

The best part? You can take Croissants home with you as owner Heidi Vukov’s cook book Bonjour Y’all, includes recipes you can find in her restaurant. I think I’ll try the recipe for coconut custard cake first.

The Chemist-Craft Cocktails & Modern Cuisine:  Located by the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, The Chemist is a hip new joint that opened in September 2015. It’s a chemist’s dream environment where waiters wear lab coats, drinks are served in beaker glasses, tables feature periodic elements as do the light up coasters. My personal favourite element had to be The Sixth Element, (strongest on the periodic table) which was served with Silver, Cointreau, fresh sour mix, orange juice, fresh jalapeno and cucumber slices, Validated with with a Grand Marnier floater. Their scampi (large prawn over capellini with citrus butter sauce foam) was heaven, and for the ultimate explosion, finish with the mango buttermilk panna cotta.

If only this was how they would have taught chemistry in high school.

 (The Absinthe Fountain. Photo provided by The Chemist.)

Art Burger ‘N Sushi: That’s exactly what you’ll find on the menu: art, burgers and sushi. Constant changing art instillations surround the restaurant as diners choose from delicious menu items such as appetizing firecracker shrimp with chilli thai sauce, the traditional Rockwell All-American burger, or for the more adventurous, the Monet (slow-roasted pork shoulder, BBQ sauce, fried onion, and kale slaw). Make sure to sit on the patio for the best view in the house while enjoying a refreshing cucumber martini.

(Photo Provided by Art Burger N’ Sushi)

Wicked Tuna: Located 45 minutes from Myrtle Beach on Murrells Inlet’s Marsh Walk, Wicked Tuna offers waterfront dining with the freshest fish, so fresh they call it a hook to plate concept. Their fish house lives right under the restaurant, and some days you can watch the boat pull into the inlet bringing in the week’s haul. My mouthwatering grouper was served to me less than 48 hours from the catch. Topped with lobster and crab on a bed of cauliflower puree, zucchini and peppers, it’s a seafood lovers paradise.

Wicked Tuna is also 1 of 500 places in the US that’s licensed for the catch of unlimited snapper and grouper. And fresh fish isn’t the only thing on the menu as there are 2 kitchens, one for fish and one for sushi.

The Dragon Egg (and no I’m not making a Game of Throne’s reference about Khaleesi, The Mother of Dragons) features a halved avocado stuffed with: cream cheese, smoke salmon, blue crab, king crab, spicy crab, served on a bed of stringy tempura sweet potato, served with spicy mayo, sweet glaze and so much goodness.

STAY: Myrtle Beach Marriott Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes:  Nestled within a 2,200-acre Grande Dunes residential community, Myrtle Beach Marriott offers superb service and amenities such as championship golf, tennis, a tropical beachfront pool, hammocks, a luxury spa, an indoor pool, and white sandy beaches.  Accommodations at this 4-star luxury and stylish hotel include deluxe bedding, The Body Shop amenities, high-speed Internet access, and my personal favourite, beautiful views of the resort, or of the Myrtle Beach oceanfront. Now that’s a view I can wake up to!

S.Travel Tip: For the ultimate in relaxation, plan to visit the Hibiscus Spa  located on the lower level of the Marriott hotel. Might I suggest the Tranquility package which begins with a light dry brush exfoliation of your skin followed by a mineral rich clay applied to you entire body to nourish and detoxify your skin. After a refreshing splash of the Vichy shower, the treatment leaves your skin deeply cleansed and detoxified while the benefits of all the ingredients nourish the skin, soothing away tension and stress. Your package ends with a full Sweetish Massage resulting in relaxation, rest and tranquility.

– Sabrina Pirillo is the Editor of S.Travel.

–  S.Travel Approved*

* S.Travel is our coveted publishing stamp of approval on travel destinations, accommodations, bars, restaurants, adventures and experiences. Look to S.Travel for the very best LGBT travel the world has to offer. Join us on Twitter, Facebook  and Instagram for the latest in travel ideas, tips and fun, and sign up to receive our free S.Travel Newsletter.

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OLIVIA TRAVEL – THE NEXT BIG LESBIAN THING :: What’s hot right now? Lesbians. And where do lesbians like to travel? Everywhere.

You’re probably asking yourselves where the lesbians are every time you go on a trip. I know I do. I’m constantly researching the best night clubs (if any exist in the country I’m going to) and looking for lesbian groups to hang out with while I’m there. Most of the time I don’t find anything, unless I’m going to a big city or a really gay-friendly country.

This led me to wonder what it would be like to go on a trip where everyone was a lesbian, where everyone could be free to be themselves for the duration of the trip. Is there a company out there that exists solely for this purpose?

Enter Olivia Travel.

When I first found out about Olivia Travel, it blew my mind.

Olivia has taken over 200,000 lesbians on cruise, resort, luxury and adventure vacations all over the world. Did you read that correctly? 200,000 lesbians. Olivia also charters the entire ship or buys out the whole resort for an entire week and fills it with women. Can someone please sign me up?

I went on my first Olivia trip to the Caribbean in 2013 and it blew. my. mind. It was for Olivia’s 40th Anniversary celebration, the largest cruise to date, with 2,100 lesbians and over 20-plus entertainers, including Billie Jean King, Karen Williams, Marga Gomez, Gina Yashere, Michelle Balan and so many more, for eight days and seven nights. Even the excursions in our ports of call – Half Moon Cay, Bahamas; Willemstad, Curacao; and Oranjestad, Aruba – were all filled with women. It was as if the skies opened and lesbians came pouring out instead of rain.

It was a week-long slice of heaven.

RELATED :: Win A Trip For Two Aboard Olivia’s Caribbean Festival at Sea in February 2017!

Since 1973, Olivia has been serving the lesbian community, both as a groundbreaking independent women’s label and as the travel company for lesbians. Its staff works very hard to maintain a one-of-a-kind vacation environment where lesbians can be themselves anywhere in the world. “There is nothing more rewarding than relaxing and being able to feel free while on vacation knowing that this vacation was made just for me,” says longtime traveler and Olivia ambassador, Jana Leal.

There’s always something for everyone on an Olivia trip. Solos coordinators help facilitate friendships for those who are a little shy and single travelers can meet up at onboard mixers, dances and in-port excursions. For women of colour, Olivia also provides the Sisters at Sea (on cruises) and Sisters at Play (at resorts) programs to bring women together to mingle and participate in special activities.

For those looking to travel for less, Olivia’s Group Program allows groups of friends to travel together at a discounted price. Because Olivia wants every lesbian to experience an Olivia vacation, they offer monthly payment plans, so when you book your trip far enough in advance, the payments feel easier to manage. Olivia also partners with Air Canada, along with Delta Airlines and Alaska Airlines, to offer discounts on flights to and from specific Olivia trips.

This May, Olivia will be in Cancún, Mexico at the Club Med Resort, set between a large beach and a beautiful lagoon. This is an all-inclusive resort, which means your food, drinks, accommodations, sporting activities and entertainment are all included for eight days and seven nights!

In September, Olivia’s Pacific Coastal Cruise will be docking in the most LGBT-friendly cities on the Pacific Coast, including Vancouver, Seattle, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, and San Diego, with 1,400 women. Wilson Philips will be headlining, and Chef Elizabeth Faulkner (of Top Chef Masters fame) will be heading up the culinary component.

You can also take advantage of that payment plan, and escape the cold Canadian winter, on Olivia’s Caribbean Festival at Sea in February 2017. It’s going to be the festival of all festivals, taking place under the warm Caribbean sun, with 2,100 lesbians on board Holland America’s ms Eurodam. You’ll also visit Half Moon Cay, Grand Cayman, Cozumel, and Key West – islands with clear, turquoise waters, snorkeling galore, and beaches that stretch for miles.

See ladies? There are options out there for you.

– Stephanie Papadakis

For more information, visit www.olivia.com.

– Advertorial –

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