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February, 2009 - Volume 11, Issue 2
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Special thanks to San Francisco's "Shopping: The Musical" for providing five pairs of tickets for us to give away during the rally! For more information on this and other equality events, check out the Equality Action Now events page here. This Month's Travel Articles This month, we're bringing you the deets on our adopted hometown, Sacramento. We've lived in the Sacramento area for almost six years now, and the region has kinda grown on us, especially the midtown area, and we've found a surprisingly gay friendly town with many hidden gems, all of which we'll share with you for the first time this month. We also have six really great columns - two from the gay travel guys on St. Petersburg, Florida and on a great gay-owned business. One on the Eastern Smokey Mountains of North and South Carolina from Jimmy at Foxfire Mountain Cabins. One on Sedona, Arizona from RJ at the Lodge at Sedona. One on Brandon, Vermont from Kevin at Trevin Farms. One on Winnsboro, Texas from Tim at Thee Hubbell House. Thanks to all our great contributors! Innkeepers - write us an article about your area, and we'll include it in a future issue of this newsletter with credit and links to your website and email addresses. Contact wheretostay@purpleroofs.com for more details. Special Offer Accommodation Notices As always, we also have our Late Availability & Special Offer notices (213 offers in 19 countries/regions) all at http://www.purpleroofs.com/lateavailability.html, or just check your favorite destination page - these notices are also right there on the regular listings. Travelers - Try a Home Trade Membership for Just $75 for 5 Years... ...and stay for free with other gay, lesbian, and gay friendly travelers around the world. More details on our Mi Casa Su Casa site at: http://www.gayhometrade.com. Read Our Gay Marriage Blog on PurpleUnions.com... ...where we'll bring you news and views about the fight for gay marriage - we're tracking worldwide events weekly, plus commenting periodically on things as we see them. See it at: http://www.purpleunions.com/blog and join the mailing list for new postings by emailing your request to info@purpleunions.com We've redesigned our mainstream accommodations directory - Altraverse.com Now with over 3,800 accommodations listed worldwide - see it at: Visit our new site, Gayapolis.com Several months ago, we took over the management of a new site, Gayapolis.com. We've been reworking the site, and still have a lot to do, but already, you'll find personals, daily news, and a great reworked gay and lesbian directory, all at: That's it for this issue - see you next time! :) Mark & Scott, PURPLE ROOFS |
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Sacramento's Going Gay We've lived here now for almost six years, so it's about time to tell you about the things we love best about Sacramento, and how the city has become more gay friendly and a hot-spot of gay marriage activisim over the last few years.
Although it's the Capitol of the state of California, Sacramento has always lagged behind Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego in population, culture, and recreational opportunities. But after a decade of Bay Area influx, the character of the area is shifting, even as the drop-off of the real estate market has closed off the spigot.
The newer arrivals, accustomed to the culture of the San Francisco Bay Area, have brought some of it with them, including some fantastic restaurants and local entertainment, and also bringing demand for some of the finer things. The Midtown area, basically a square bounded by the railyard on the north, the Sacramento River and Highway 5 on the west, Highway 80/Highway 50 on the south, and Business Highway 80 on the east. In the map below (thanks, Google!), the big green area in the middle is the Capitol Building and grounds. The green space in the lower left corner of Midtown is Southside Park, where the annual pride parade ends, and where you'll find The Inn at Parkside, one of the few gay friendly properties in Sacrmento covered later in this article.
Sacramento also has its share of great architecture - we've shared a few favorites here:
Sacramento also has its share of public art, much of it in murals and wall art, scattered throughout the Midtown core:
The Grid (as Midtown is called by the local merchants) is easy to navigate, despite all the one-way streets near its middle - the streets running east to west start at B and end at W, and the streets going north to south start at 2nd and end at 29th within Midtown. North and South, the main thoroughfares are 15th (southbound) and 16th (northbound) - getting off Highway 80/50 at 16th gives you a direct shot up into the heart of Midtown. East/West, P and Q St. serve the same purpose, though we don't use them much because the area is mostly residential and there are few attractions there. But J Street, the city's retail center, and L Street provide easy to use eats west access.
Be careful driving in Midtown, though - there are a number of 2 way stops, so be sure the other guy has a stop before proceeding (we made the mistake of not checking once, with "accidental" results). There are also a number of small roundabouts in the residential neighborhoods - remember, if there are no stops, enter directly but carefully - traffic already in the roundabout has the right of way. If you have a stop, again the other direction may not, so check carefully. Sacramento has also recently began adopting the same parking meter system as Portland - removing individual meters and replacing them with one meter per block. Like Portland's system, these meters are solar powered, and you pay for a sticker that you affic to the inside of your street-side window. Also like Portland, if you have time left, just leave the sticker on the window and park in another metered location - the stickers are portable within the time frame you purchased. Parking in Sacramento has worsended in the last five years, especially in the area around Zocalo, but it's still easy, relative to most other big cities. And there's often free street parking just a block or two away from major thoroughfares in the residential neighborhoods - just check carefully for any time or date limitations on posted signs when you park. What to Do When we first moved to the Sacramento area in 2003, all we saw was a cultural and culinary wasteland. In fact, during one earlier visit, we criss-crossed the southern part of Midtown looking for someplace, any place to eat, and found NOTHING. Of course, we've since learned that the southern part of Midtown is almost exclusively residential. In Sacramento, it's all about knowing where to look. Theater Sacramento has a great theater scene - although it's smaller than San Francisco's, it still offers a wide array of choices, from gay theater to quality small theater to full scale traveling productions. B Street Theater Our favorite area theater, hands down, is the B Street Theater. See the little square park in the upper right side of Midtown in the map above? B Street runs just north of that park, and that's where the B Street Theater is. Cofounded by Buck and Timothy Busfield (you may remember Timothy as Danny, the journalist who romanced CJ on The West Wing), the B Street Theater offers top-notch productions, and its quality acting troupe includes a number of TV and film veterans, including Elizabeth Nunziato and Stephanie McVay (who appeared in both True Blood on HBO and in Another Gay Movie). The B Street Theater has three series - the Main Stage, the Family Series, and the B3 Series, where you'll find the most adult themed content. The main stage plays are often musicals or comedies, while the B3 series tends to focus more on layered dramas. Although it's not a gay theater, it does feature gay-themed content, most recently in Doubt (in theaters last fall with Meryl Streep) and The Little Dog Laughed, a play about a gay actor struggling with coming out of the closet, complete with full frontal male nudity (not done to shock, but in service to the story). If you're in town and looking for some entertainment, we can't recommend the B Street Theater highly enough, and ticket prices are very affordable. Lambda Players Theater For gay theater, Sacramento only has one choice - the Lambda Players Theater. The production values are not as high as at B Street, and the gay acting pool in Sacramento is much smaller than in San Francisco, but they do their best, and it's great having the community represented in the theater here. So check out their now playing section if you're in town - also very reasonably priced. On the map above, they're in that big secton in the lower left side of Midtown, between 5th and 15th and Q Street abd Hyw 80/50.
The Music Circus is famous in gay circles for being the place where Scott Eckern, the artistic director, was outed as a monetary supporter of Prop 8 a few months ago and promptly resigned amongst anger from the GLBT community and much consternation on the right. On the map, the Music Circus is the round, white dot in the upper center part of Midtown, right next to the Highway 160 marker. The Sacramento Convention Center (photo at right) also hosts a number of different types of entertainment, including the opera, ballet, speakers and commedians, and plays. Upcoming events include Avenue Q, Menopause the Musical, and The Lion King. Nightlife
There's also Headhunters (picture at left) with both a bar and restaurant, Sunday brunch, and lesbian nights on Sundays, too. Then there's The Depot (below center), with music but no dance floors (though one is planned). The Depot also has pool tables and theme nights. And finally there's Badlands (below right), with a large dance floor and weekly events.
Wandering The Capitol Grounds (basically a city park) is a great place to wander through, if you have a little time to kill. The grounds have several war memorials (below left), a reproduction of the Liberty Bell (below right), statues, surprising details (see the hearts below). trees from around the Golden State, enchanting ponds, and a virtual army of cute squirrels (below center right) who aren't at all afraid of people.
There's also the stunning Capitol Building itself, which is best viewed from 10th Street.
Which leads us into...
Because Sacramento is home to both the state legislature and the Capitol Building, it's become a focus in the fight over Prop 8 and Gay Marriage. We've attended a number of rallies here over the last five years, ranging from a few dozen protesters (several years ago) to 10,000 for a post election rally in November, 2008. Here are some pics form the November 22nd rally, when Margaret Cho, Selene Luna, and several other celebrities and some of the stars of the Marriage Equality movement fired up the crowd on the Capitol steps, followed by a march around the Capitol Grounds chanting "What do we want? Equality! When do we want it? Now!":
If you live in California or are coming here, and want to get involved, check out the Equality Action Now website, and sign up for our gay marriage blog at http://www.purpleunions.com/blog. Where to Shop We have a few favorites in Midtown, including three that are gay owned:
Just a block east and a block south of the bars, Etc. (at right) is a friendly, gay owned gift shop with a fantsatic selection of gay themed and gay friendly gifts, ornaments, and other sundries. This is where we found our cake toppers for our wedding last November - thanks, guys! They also have a nice Adult DVD section, and much more. You can't miss this store - just look for the svelte silver mannequin on the sidewalk outside the front door. Make time when you're in town to stop by and pick up a little something - and tell the guys Scott and Mark from Purple Roofs sent you!
Something Fabulous (at right), in the basement of the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center, is a great way to support the gay community - it's a gift shop with an emphasis on gay and gay appropriate gifts. We found some great ornaments here just before Christmas. The store is run on a shoestring, so if you stop by and the doors are closed, just run upstairs to the Center, and they'll come down and open the doors - they'll be thrilled to have your business.
A gay-owned home decorations and furnishings store, full of elegance and quirky home decor. It's on J Street - on the map, about halfway between 21st St. and Business 80. Photo at right courtesy of Haus.
There are also Starbucks (2), an art supplies store, several little furniture stores, a great used bookstore (just off J) and much more. For more gay businesses, you can pick up the Valley Rainbow Pages (at right), Sacramento's free guide to gay and lesbian owned and friendly businesses, at Etc., Something Fabulous, any of the gay bars, and at a number of other venues in Midtown, or visit their website at http://www.vrp.info. For more shopping ideas, check out the Midtown Grid site, or click on the map they've provided below for a larger version.
Second Saturday If you're in town on the second saturday of each month, you need to know about Second Saturday, Sacramento's monthly Art Walk. With 34 participating galleries in Midtown (and an additional 5 galleries on Del Paso Blvd, 5 minutes north by car), this is a big deal. On a warm summer night, it can draw thousands and thousands of people, so even if you don't participate, it'll impact you if you're in Midtown. Make any restaurant reservations early, and be aware that traffic may get snarled, especially on J Street and around Zocalo/Capitol/18th Street area, which seems to be a hub for the event. It is an enjoyable night, but we recommend starting early - have dinner at five or wait and have a late dinner (with reservations) around 8, and in the meantime, walk the grid and see some of the great local art galleries. Our favorite is the Sacramento Art Complex, on K between 21st and 22nd, just a block from the bars - it's an office building recently converted to an artist incubator, where you can find the work of dozens of artists, including some of the nicest local work we've seen. A word of warning - the later it gets, the rowdier Second Saturday gets, as some of the visitors get into their second and third beers, so go early. We also recommend parking off the street - there's a state garage in 17th between L and Capitol that's opened to the public specifically for Second Saturday - the rates are reasonable, and your car (if you have one with you) is safe from the crowds. You can find more info at http://2nd-sat.com/, and a larger version of the map below by cliciking on the image, or by going to http://midtowngrid.com/storage/onthegrid/ArtWalkMap.pdf. or this alternate map http://2nd-sat.com/2nd-saturday-map-February.pdf.
Where to Eat Sacramento's Midtown has some outstanding restaurants, and here are a few of our most favorite:
The owners are HUGELY gay friendly, hosting a number of gay-supportive events during the year, including the VIP party next week for the huge No on 8 Rally being held in Sacramento on 2/16. The restaurant also has the distinction (depending on how you look at it) of being one of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's favorite restaurants in Sacramento, so you may catch a glimpse of him there. Formely a museum, Lucca's exposed brick walls and comfortable booth seating contribute to the warm, welcoming ambiance of the place, but the patio is the true star here. Open year-round, with heaters in the winter and a great backdrop of green bushes and trickling fountains, it's the perfect place to enjoy lunch or dinner al fresco. Our favorites include the gnocchi (made with ricotta in a delicious red sauce - ask for basil instead of spinach) and the Chicken Saltimbocca. For dessert, the creme de brulet is fantastic - three small dishes with different flavors (try the hazelnut!) but everything is fantastic. Ask for Jorge ("George") and tell him Mark and Scott sent you - you can't go wrong here. Lucca is just a couple small blocks from the Convention Center, and just six small blocks from the Capitol Building on J Street - on the map, just a little to the right and above the Capitol grounds.
Zocalo
Located in an old car dealership from the 1920's, Zocalo has a modern, upbeat feeling, with huge indoor palm trees, comfortable booths, and an innovative decor.
Like Lucca, Zocalo has an outdoor eating area, although it's not usable in really cool or rainy weather. Still, when the weather is nice, this is a great place to enjoy lunch and people watch. Zocalo becomes a nightclub late at night after the diners clear out, and although it;s not a gay spot, per se, it is a very friendly place, and has a young crowd late at night. At 16th and Capitol, it's just two blocks from the edge of the Capitol grounds, and just three blocks from the convention center. Zocalo's in the heart of a booming area of downtown, and is credited with helping jump-start the revitalization of this area. On the map, it's just to the right of the Capitol grounds. Main picture courtesy of the Zocalo website. Other favorites include Aioli (below left), just up the street on 18th on the same block as Zocalo, a cute Tapas place that's usually crazy-busy at night, and serves a wonderful selection of small-plate dishes to share with your friends for an unusual meal. Paesano's Pizzeria (below right), across the street from Zocalo, is also usually fairly good, and it has a warm, friendly, inviting atmosphere to go with its simple Italian dishes.
And for something sweet, try Ginger Elizabeth (below middle), a desert spot just around the corner from Zocalo that sells divine chocolates, all created by the former dessert chef from Masque, a wonderful 5 star restaurant in our own town of El Dorado Hills that was recently forced to close by the bad economy and increased competition. Try the Giuanduja (chocolate and raspberry cake) for a taste of Masque's former glory.
Where to Stay
The Inn at Parkside is a beautiful bed and breakfast inn in the southwestern corner of Midtown. Formerly gay owned, the inn changed hands in June of 2008, and the new owners, Daniel and Diane, are also very gay friendly. The Inn has two buildings - the older structure, The Historic Fong Mansion, was built in 1936, and has a more traditional bed and breakfast/antique feel, especially in the common rooms. The newer structure was built in the last couple years, and is much more modern feeling. But regardless of feel, both buildings have beautifully furnished and decorated rooms, including warm, soothing colors and some really cool beds, jetted bath tubs, and showers (ask for the room with the double shower head and three body-blasting jets; or for the voyeurs out there, the room with the shower in the bedroom). The Inn at Parkside also features a full spa (and yes, long-time readers will know we asked, there is a shower). The enture basement floor of the Fing Mansion houses the spa, with a serene waiting room, multiple massage rooms, and even one with tabels for two and a soothing hot tub bath. If you like the bed and breakfast atmosphere, complete with dining room, common sitting room with fireplace (Sacramento bans fireplace fires on certain days for air quality reasons, FYI), and an older, more settled feel, The Fong Mansion side is for you. If, OTOH, you prefer more of a self-catering, boutique hotel feel, request a room in the newer building (but don't worry, you'll still get breakfast!). The location is ideal for the annual pride parade, literally just across the street from Southside Park where the parade ends. And while you're not right in the heart of midtown, you're in a quiet neighborhood just a few short blocks from the Capitol Building and the rest of the reviving areas of the city center. Note, there are two freeways a few blocks away, but the windows are double paned, and you don't hear the road noise at all inside. If your travel plans are bringing you to Sacramento and you want to stay in a well-run, comfortable, beautiful B&B, the Inn at Parkside is perfect for you.
Whatever brings you to Sacramento - business, pleasure, just passing through - you're likely to be pleasantly surprised. This former Cow Town is growing up, and although there are some growing pains, Sacramento is rapidly maturing into a gay friendly cultural, retail, and epicurean center for the Central Valley and Northern California.
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Traveling in Our Fabulous World Click here to see the Purple Roofs Central West Coast Section
The remarkable weather combined with shopping and fine dining makes the city a popular tourist destination all year long. With so much happening in south Florida, this is a great alternative where you will feel right at home.
Their beds are some of the softest and most comfortable we have ever slept in. Owner, Brian Longstreth opened his home as a B and B about a year ago and has already built a loyal following that returns again and again. The B and B is clothing optional and has a hot tub next to the large pool. There are a lot of tropical palms and flowers all tastefully decorated on the grounds.
The Grand Central District is full of gay-owned business including restaurants, antique shops, designer shops and gift shops. Be sure and stop by Doc’s Place at 2646 Central Avenue and visit with Doc or Bill. They have a huge selection of fine antiques, collectibles and gifts. For lunch, we had some of the finest Italian food we have ever had at the Roman Gardens Ristorante at 2462 Central Ave. Owner/chef Paege is tremendous. Everything is made from scratch. She opened the restaurant about 2 years ago and it has since become extremely popular with everybody.
There is plenty of nightlife in the city including, Georgies Alibi, Detour, a Taste of Wine Bar, Oar House, Partners and Lucky Star among others. Our favorite bartender was Brent who works at a wonderful restaurant and bar, The Moon Under Water which is located right on the Bay.
The Old Vinoy Hotel (at right) has been completely restored to it’s original splendor and what a sight to see! Stop by and have lunch, dinner or just an after-dinner drink at their fabulous bar.
Other museums to visit are the Florida Holocaust Museum, Museum of Fine Arts and the Vladimir’s Collection of old-world Russian folk art and soviet-era relics. The city of Tampa is located across the bay about 27 miles but just stay in St. Petersburg during your stay and enjoy everything there. St. Petersburg is really one of our favorite cities in the country.
We have never met two nicer gentlemen in our travels. Besides being nice, they are also fun, funny, entertaining and enjoyable to be with. They are GRAND hosts! which is something lacking with so many people. Before going to St. Petersburg, check out www.gaystpete.com which will give you full details on the bars and gay businesses and links to other places to visit and see. More cities should have websites like this for gay visitors coming to their city. Also check out www.stpetepride.com and www.floridasbeach.com
Always remember to have fun when traveling, meet new people and talk to everyone! TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS WORLD is written by Donald Pile and Ray Williams, Award-winning Celebrity travel columnists who write for gay publications from Coast to Coast. You can email them at: gaytravelers@aol.com or visit their webpage at: http://gaytravelersataol.blogspot.com/.
Each park is built around some unusual nature feature such as Caesars Head State Park and its 426 foot tall waterfall and Table Rock State Park and its beautiful fishing lake and enormous granite mountain which is about the 5th tallest in South Carolina.
Just down the road is Dupont State Forrest in NC, noted for its 5 major waterfalls, mountain biking trails, horse back riding trails, and is so beautiful that movies have been filmed there such as "Last of the Mohicans" . Adjacent to Dupont is Holmes Educational State Forrest which has a "talking tree trail" which informs you about the trees and forrest when you push the button.
Just 45 minutes away in Asheville NC is the famous Biltmore House which is America's largest home with more than 60 rooms you can visit and more than 250 acres of gardens. Allow at least a day for Biltmore. Visit the Victoria Valley Vineyards near Table Rock State Park and then on to Brevard, NC which is one of the most popular places to retire to in the us. antique store galore, 22 restaurants, a very quaint downtown shopping district and a thriving art & craft district; close to 20 art,pottery, or metal studios.
Right in the midst of all this is Foxfire Mountain Cabins, a secluded couples get-a-way that is the highest elevation lodging in the state. See www.foxfiremtcabins.com for pictures of the cabins and much more data on the area. There is one unusual thing about this area and that is that there are 42 summer camps for kids in the general area holding 16,000 kids so this is an area for miles around where in the summer months, you need to book well ahead. Most of the camp sessions are for a week, so there are lots and lots of parents picking up or dropping off kids all summer.
In addition to its unique and startling natural beauty, the vibrant city with a residential population of 16,000 has become nationally recognized as a creative and spiritual center, attracting artists, writers and visitors from around the world, highlighted by over 40 art galleries and significant cultural facilities.
Home to many "adult oriented" annual events and festivals, Sedona is typically "sold out" during many weeks of every year.
ACTIVITIES IN SEDONA
Golf and world-class tennis at the area’s #1 PGA rated Oak Creek Country Club and championship Sedona Golf Resort, open year round
Dine and wine at over 20 fine dining and/or view restaurants including northern Italian, continental, southwest, sushi, steak, and seafood. Dance to live music at nearby saloons, clubs, and five star resorts
Bi-plane and balloon tours of the Sedona red rocks and mesas are less than 5 minutes away
Take a day trip north by the Grand Canyon Railroad and fly or glide through the "world wonder" Grand Canyon after hiking or horseback. Visit the IMAX theater or continue to the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest
Visit mountainside Jerome, an historic gold rush town 45 minutes southwest; explore the grounds of Montezuma's Castle and Tuzigoot National Monument along the way Luxuriate with a massage by the Lodge’s in house body-work therapists-cranio sacral, myofascial release, Swedish, and deep tissue massage among others The Sedona Chamber of Commerce recognizes Sedona as a powerful and evolving destination market. Tourism development efforts have successfully targeted the “high-end,” extended stay visitor. The majority of these visitors seek out smaller, intimate luxury Bed and Breakfast Inn accommodations.
Enjoy spectacular red rock views, sculpture gardens, private paths, bubbling fountains and a magical labyrinth. Artful king suites with fireplaces, jetted tubs, private decks, stereo TV, DVD, CD. "The Lodge at Sedona is one of the most romantic spots in Arizona" --AZ Foothills Magazine. Hike the LODGE'S three wooded acres of trails and viewpoints. Walk Sedona’s largest private meditative labyrinth and marvel at several on-site sculpture.
Recreation can be found out the front door no matter where you are. Experience Moosalamoo, one of Vermont's best-kept secrets for all who enjoy quality outdoor adventures.
The Robert Frost Interpretative Trail is perfect for those wishing to meander in the woods. Visitors to Lake Dunmore enjoy swimming, camping, boating, kayaking, and sandy-beached Branbury State Park. Winter activities include snowshoeing (you can do it anywhere), downhill skiing at nearby Killington and Pico Resort, or Sugarbush, Mad River Glen ("Ski it if you Can"), or Middlebury College's Snow Bowl, and cross-country skiing just up the road at Blueberry Hill Ski Center. Foodies will delight in our selection of restaurants as well as farm fresh goodies from Wood's Market Garden.
Check out our Arts and Antiques page for a full list and description of the area's Galleries and Antique Shops. Visit the Brandon Artists Guild for a look at the work of a dynamic, vibrant, and varied collection of their 50-plus artists members. Visiting in the winter, don't miss Art In The Snow, a Vermont Chamber of Commerce Top Ten Winter Event for 2008-2009. Music events are held throughout the year at venues such as the Watershed Tavern and Restaurant, Ball and Chain Cafe, and Gallery-in-the-Field. In summer, make sure you stop by Farmer's Market for the freshest produce, breads, jams, honey, and crafts, held each Friday from May 23 through October 10 from 9 am - 2 pm in Brandon's Central Park. You also won't want to miss the shows in our free Summer Concert Series or Basin Bluegrass Festival.
Brandon is a study in early American architecture and Vermot history. The Chamber of Commerce and friends are working on rejuvenating the historic Stephen A. Douglas Birthplace. Generous grants have been received and work is in progress with a goal of opening the building as a Visitor's Center, Historic Museum, and municipal bathroom by spring of 2009. When you are out driving or biking, see if you can find the area's four covered bridges! Nearby, visit Shelburne Museum, Fort Ticonderoga, the New England Maple Museum, and the Vermont Marble Museum Exhibit. There is no better place to hold your special Celebration than in Brandon, Vermont. Not only are brides and grooms discovering Brandon for their special day at Blueberry Hill Inn, Brandon Inn, Café Provence, or The Lilac Inn but more and more families are holding reunions, civil union ceremonies, and special anniversary parties in the area.
Brandon also has an excellent inventory of available real estate, residential and commercial, historic and modern. Learn more about moving to Brandon, starting a new business, or moving your existing one. Trevin Farms, a unique Vermont Bed and Breakfast Farmstay is pleased to welcome you to Brandon, Vermont. Visit us often, either virtually or in-person. This website is dedicated to bringing you information on the area, whether you are a visitor, you live here, or just looking to learn more. If we can be of further assistance, please let us know!
There are 10 lakes, several golf courses, and the old growth hardwood trees in the area present such beautiful foliage, in the Fall, that the entire month of October is dedicated to Autumn Trails. This year was the 50th anniversary of the annual event. This event has hosted the largest trail ride (over 10,000 horses), and the largest antique car rally in the State of Texas (a State well known for "everything being bigger & better"), the Chicken Run Rally (motorcycles), and swap meet at city park. A queen is selected the first weekend to oversee the months festivities. She is selected for this honor, and is awarded a scholarship, from among the outstanding, local, high school young ladies. This pageant is a qualifying pageant for Miss Texas, and therefore, for the Miss America scholarship pageant. She is present at all the parades and pageantry throughout the month.
Winnsboro has no Wal-Mart, so there remains a viable downtown Main Street City which is remarkably gay friendly. There is an Arts District, which caters to a broad spectrum of art. From visual arts, to national writing conferences, to plays, to dance and music. Some very nice restaurants, offering various tastes from Double C Steakhouse & Saloon to upscale Mediterranean cuisine. A world class day spa offering tops in pampering. There is live music every weekend and usually in more than one spot. Winnsboro's downtown also offers the usual collection of antique and specialty shops, including one called The Redneck Ranch, which would just have to be seen to be believed. Another is Ladles To Linens which offers the usual items the name implies as well as the wine from our locally "family" owned winery, Lou Viney's.
If you like flea markets, Canton is about 40 minutes away, and thousands of people from near and far come to Canton's First Monday. The weekend before each month's "first Monday" is dedicated to, arguably, the nation's largest flea market. I am telling you, everything is bigger & better in Texas! If you want it, you can get it at this weekend event. Just wear comfortable walking shoes because it takes up the entire town and surrounding area. You can find everything from live animals to the finest antiques, new and used items, and wonderful food to enjoy while looking. Expect to spend at least an entire day or two. Winnsboro is the type of small town where people still leave their doors and cars unlocked and you feel totally safe walking around. It is not unusual to see a car with the keys in the ignition (possibly still running) parked at a local convenience or grocery store. For the more adventurous & athletic there are several walking and biking trails in the area. Many biking groups make their annual biking treks through the area. Most opting to stop and spend a weekend for relaxation and rejuvenation.
There is an in ground pool surrounded by a total privacy fence and wireless internet throughout the estate. They have hosted several same-sex commitment ceremonies as well as providing romantic getaways to the GLBT community. As an added bonus, they offer great discounts when you tell them you found them on Purple Roofs. Pictures courtesy of the Winnsboro Chamber of Commerce.
Dining In and Out With Don & Ray
They have owned “That’s a Nice” in Los Angeles for several years and you can purchase their Italian products at specialty stores from coast to coast and also on line thru www.thatsanice.com. They are a food manufacturer and their mission is to provide original specialty gourmet southern Italian foods and products of the finest quality. Their goal is to serve their customers globally by attending to them in the most courteous, informative and professional manner. Their commitment is to make each customer feel right at home like a family member, introducing them to new and interesting gourmet food products and gifts. They have built their company’s foundation with the original recipes that were introduced over a half century ago. For the new era, they have added a contemporary cachet that blends modern with traditional flavors. If you go to their website, they provide all kinds of information as well as Sicilian recipes and you can order directly from them and they offer free shipping on orders over $75.00. We have tried their foods and they are wonderfully tasty! They are certainly not like your regular grocery store brands. They have been featured on many television shows including the Food Network and have been featured in several magazines. We highly suggest to all our readers to try them. Check out their website at: www.thatsanice.com.
Always remember to have fun when traveling, meet new people and talk to everyone! TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS WORLD is written by Donald Pile and Ray Williams, Award-winning Celebrity travel columnists who write for gay publications from Coast to Coast. You can email them at: gaytravelers@aol.com or visit their webpage at: http://gaytravelersataol.blogspot.com/. |
St. Petersburg really is one of the best kept secrets around. So much to see and do and so many people to meet. Actually St. Petersburg is comprised of the city itself and then the beaches which is Treasure Island, St. Pete Beach and Madeira Beach. Drive over causeways to get to them.
It is located between Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico and about 25 miles west of Tampa. With an average of some 360 days of sunshine each year, St. Petersburg is nicknamed “the Sunshine City.”
We started by checking into the Gay St. Pete’s Bed and Breakfast (pictured at left), 
Head off to the beautiful beaches in the area which is just a ten minute drive and you can get a wonderful tan daily or lay poolside if that is your choice. Brian at the B and B can tell you exactly which beach to go to have fun. He is an extremely hospitable host.
A couple of doors down the street is Café Dolce where we had lunch the next day and everything was so good including the desserts. 
Start one day at the BayWalk (at left) which is downtown right on the bay and is the one-stop destination for dining, shopping and entertainment center in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg. Nightlife is full of excitement. 
The Salvador Dali Museum (at left) is the Major museum to visit in St. Petersburg as it is the largest collection of Dali’s artwork, paintings, drawings, graphics, sculptures and object d’ art.
A very special THANKS to our good friends, Ed Hayes and John Dunne in St. Petersburg for their gracious hospitality during our stay and for the dinner party they had for us. We first met them while staying at the Grand Resort in Ft. Lauderdale.
We get asked so often in our travels from resorts and B and B’s how to attract the gay audience and we always tell them to get on purpleroofs. It is just that simple! We will continue using purpleroofs forever!
There is a unique area on the Eastern Side of the Smokey Mountains centered around Brevard, North Carolina called the "Land of Waterfalls"; the county claims to have at least 256 over 25 feet tall. Both the tallest and second tallest waterfalls on the east side of the Mississippi River are in this area.
Both North Carolina and South Carolina claim part of this wonderful land which includes 5 state parks on the South Carolina side and 4 on the North Carolina side, plus the huge Pisgah National Forrest. Some of the parks adjoin so you can hike out of one right into another and keep going.
Jones Gap State Park adjoins and comprises a valley about 5 miles long and 2500 feet deep with some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the Smokies and it has Pretty Place Wedding Chapel overlooking the entire valley. 
Pisgah National Forrest has over one million acres and includes hiking trails, fishing, horseback riding, biking, rock climbing, and has two great side trips for learning. The Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education and the Forrest Discovery Center are just a few minutes apart and offer many sights and learning experiences.
You can do side trips from Brevard that include biking, hiking, (350 miles of trails at least), horseback riding, canoeing,rafting, famous fly fishing, rock climbing, and more quiet scenic spots than you can imagine.
Sedona, Arizona, 2 hours drive north from burgeoning Phoenix and 90 miles south of the Grand Canyon, lies amidst an ancient forest of juniper and pine, surrounded by the celebrated sculptured pinnacles and mystical vortexes of Arizona Red Rock Country.
One of America's premier tourism, recreation, arts, and cultural centers, Sedona enjoys a moderate elevation of 4,500 ft., escaping the desert heat of southern Arizona and mountain snows to the north, with either just a short drive away. Four delightfully mild seasons' with average annual daily temperatures of 74 and 46 degrees, and total annual precipitation of only 17 inches makes for an ideal getaway destination year round.
Tourism, in concert with the arts, plus varied e-businesses and outdoor sporting activities form Sedona's solid economic base with the US Forest Service estimating annual visitation at an astounding 4,000,000. There is a definite season to the Sedona market, which corresponds to the periods of milder temperatures. The spring months of late February to June together with the colorful fall months of September through November are peak visitation periods.
World-renowned natural wonders of the area and its favorable climate coupled with super-clean air and water have made Sedona a sought after Mecca for visitors. Sightseeing, hiking, championship golf and tennis are almost year round activities. Visitors can take a Jeep ride deep into the exciting back country or view red rock monoliths from horseback, biplanes, and hot air balloons. Sedona Red Rock Country has been the setting of many major motion pictures and continues to be a favorite location for all forms of film making.
Sedona is the hub of choice for "high end" visitors to northern Arizona. After enjoying all Sedona offers, including Red Rock and Slide Rock State Parks, several popular visitor sites such as the Grand Canyon, the historic mining town of Jerome, Meteor Crater, Sunset Crater, Indian ruins and Native American Hopi and Navajo settlements are easy day trips.
The highly desirable 15 square miles of breath taking Sedona offers a variety of popular activities, quality services and relevant attractions for discriminating travelers:
Tour Airport Mesa, Red Rock Crossing, Boynton Canyon, Slide Rock, Palatki Ruins, Oak Creek and Schnebly Hill for vortexes, hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking or off-road Jeep excursions
Shop and browse at 40 nearby independent art galleries and +60 boutiques, fine clothing stores, and major brand factory outlets
Stroll Tlaquepaque, a nearby popular Mexican style village with quality galleries, markets and cultural festivals along picturesque Oak Creek
Ski or take the Skyride at Snowbowl, just 25 minutes northeast of Flagstaff. Visit the world class Museum of Northern Arizona and the Lowell Observatory while exploring Flagstaff - only 40 scenic minutes north of Sedona
Come visit The LODGE at SEDONA: "Romance and intrigue, comfort and luxury, beauty and character, escape and adventure - the Lodge at Sedona has it all” --AZ Daily News. Intimately elegant, renovated Mission/Arts & Craft estate set on 3 acres of grand seclusion in the heart of Sedona. Awarded Top 10 Inns in USA by Forbes.com (2002) and # 1 Arizona B & B (2001) by Ranking AZ Recommended by Bon Appetite, Travel & Leisure, Frommer’s.
Brandon, Vermont offers great recreational opportunities year-round.
The 20,000 acre Moosalamoo Region including the Moosalamoo National Recreation Area is located in the heart of the 400,000 acre Green Mountain National Forest, stretching from the western slopes of the Green Mountains to Lake Dunmore, and from Scenic Route 125 to Route 73. 
The Arts are everywhere in our area, which lead the Governor to call Brandon the "Art and Soul" of Vermont. Stop by and view the art of world famous Warren Kimble, which is now being sold at the Liza Myers Gallery. Famed American folk artist Warren Kimble lives and paints in Brandon. 
History surrounds us in Brandon. Since 1761, Brandon has been a destination town. Downtown is a great place to begin a self-guided historic walking tour and a way to see many of the 243 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. 
We have the chefs, activities, and lodging to make everyone on your guest list happy! Join townspeople for Brandon's terrific special events. Vermont's largest Independence Day Parade is right here in Brandon. The Great Brandon Auction, Yard Sale Day, and Make Your Own Leafperson Day are other favorites.
Winnsboro, Texas, is a small, quaint town of 3600 people surrounded by lakes and forests in the beautiful northeast area of the state. Located 90 miles from Dallas, Shreveport and Texarkana, 45 miles north of Tyler, makes it an ideal distance for a weekend getaway from the big city.
Winnsboro is also host to the annual Woodstock festival the first weekend in May, sponsored by the Winnsboro Area Merchants Association. The entire weekend is dedicated to music, music, and more music. Bands playing at various places on the streets, arts and crafts vendors, and food are some of the things to expect. The entire atmosphere is magically alive for one and all. We are also home to the annual Northeast Texas Music Festival the first weekend in June. The area is becoming known as the music capital of northeast Texas.
If fishing appeals to you, Winnsboro is just 15 minutes from the #1 bass fishing lake in the entire state: Lake Fork. Seven of Texas's top ten bass have been caught at this lake. It has also hosted the Million Dollar Toyota Bass tournament the past two years. The top prizes of any tournament on an international level.
A short stroll from the downtown area is the gay owned and operated bed & breakfast called Thee Hubbell House B&B Resort. A beautiful 12 room, southern colonial plantation estate, which maintains its historical ambiance while providing the modern conveniences you have come to expect. 
First of all, Anthony and Joseph are two of the nicest gentlemen that you would ever want to meet. We first met them 3 years ago when we were visiting Palm Springs.