WITH CLASS ON THE EAST AST, SASS ON THE WEST ” WHERE ELSE CAN YOU DISCOVER endless miles of pristine ete ome emer C hin einen ea atecre nt eruel eC coy or find yourself deep in the heart of Skull Island (courtesy of Universal Studios)? It’s no wonder that more than 14 million people call Florida home, never mind that a handful of them go by the last name of Bush — we still love the Sunshine State. 10S] cL OW Cole) Soe MeL EL on OMe Uy NTH Lt (oS) and discovers a few unexpected finds that will have you catch- ing a southbound flight faster than Fort Lauderdale drag star Misty Eyez can tear off her wig and lashes. Pack light, boys and girls, because things are going to be heating up real quick.u TREASURES AWAIT IN TAMPA BAY Go west! Let's give all of Florida some love and head to the Gulf Coast. Whether you want to catch a quick one-hour flight from Miami or plan a road trip (car rentals are inexpensive, and it’s just over four hours on |-75), Tampa Bay is a fantastic addition to your east coast itinerary. Better yet, ease on down the west coast to discover St. Petersburg, St. Fete Beach and Sarasota too, Tampa Bay's self-proclaimed GaYBOR — a collective of more than 200 LGBT-friendly busi- nesses in historic Ybor City — is a great launching pad to discover shopping and restaurants as well as the city’s thriving nightlife at clubs like the Honey Pot and Liquid Tampa. Strut your stuff at Liquid’s monthly strip contest, the Cut, and snag a cash prize as well as some local bookings if you want to stick around and fund your travels! Even those who want to keep their clothes on can find plenty to embrace in Tampa's thriving scene. Here's our down and dirty guide for things to do, where to stay, and places to eat: Hop on the TECO Line ~ The first electric streetcars appeared in Tampa in 1892 but stopped running in 1946, What's ald is new again, and it's a picturesque way to trav: el from Ybor City to downtown, eee) Shop ‘Til You Drop, Then Shop Some More ~ Inte’ nal Plaza and many retail- hat you might want bringing an empty suitcase to stock up on b Fly (where you'll find awes: Those thinking about nods at Restoration Hardin a four-story, 60, stations and a rooftop pa Sue cae eee) Settle In — Tampa Bay offers 16 TAG Approved hotels ‘These are properties that have earned a special rating based on thair “employment policies, services, and sup: port returned to the LGBT community.” Two great options ndy and conveniently located Aloft Tampa wntown or the Epicurean Hotel, a food-focused AAA y-diamond property loaded with culinary experiences e EDGE Social Drink and top-notch mixology including rooftop bar. (| Pret eee rtsVIDEO: Florida's Most Culinary Treasures 1g ® 20F1 a ELEVAGE Three Big Bites — Tampa 26 {0 UE n impeccably th a gay flair, ti nan Hamburger Mary's Tampa ne and € ight offers such friendly entertainmen' sand Ma Bee ead fe TAP A LINK ian SUL uct eee Mark Your Calendar While any weekend in Tampa Bay can be packed with adventure and antics, sync your travel schedule with one of the city’s signature LGBT events for extra wow factor: Tampa Pride Parade (March 26, 2016) ~ Celebrate Tampa Pride, a parade down Seventh Avenue in Ybor City, a festival on Eighth Avenue, and an auto show. tampapride org Pride & Passion (April 23, 2016) — Held at the Tampa Museum of Art, this celebra- tion gathers more than 800 guests for an LGBT event that raises funds for the museum's education programs and exhibitions. tampamuseum.org| ue DISCOVERING ST. PETE/CLEARWATER jecea.? Enjoy the Gulf Coast even more by heading down the coast to explore St. Pete o and Clearwater. Get your bearings at the LGBT Welcome Center, where you can AOFM get personal recommendations for some of the area’s best attractions and enjoy a light bite and cup of locally roasted Kahwa Coffee. Or take our word and check out our ultimate five The Flamingo Resort ~ This gay-owned hotel and event venue claims to be Floride’s largest LGBT resort and offers six bars, a dance club and fay overnigh be sure to re s to all the action, including the Sunset Beach ~ No trip to Florida is c ty beach time, Suns ach is one of the t the southern tip of Treasure Island, Sundays are mos’ ded, and it's the place to see and be seen before heading to the amingo’s afte Drag Queen Bingo — You'll discover the trifecta of Kelly’s, the Chic arming town o Dunedin, just north of Clearwater. Co-owners Kathy Carlson and che rgel Kelly have created @ haven for LGBT-friendly entertainment and id. Pop by for Drag Queen Bingo on Tuesday nights, jazz or line danc- s on Saturdays. ing on Bee The Dali Museum ~ Squeeze in a bit of ¢ seum designed by Yann Weymouth that features the " stunning transparent shell comprising 900 glass triangles. Inside you'll discover more than 2,000 works of art, including eight of the artist’s Po) St. Pel Jednesdays and dancing until the wee hou ide, St. Pate wel annual celebration thal am: PrideFest — Boasting Florida's la pward of 175,000 attendees for t 2. Go deluxe and stands,” where you can enjoy prime viewing and easy access to stocked bars and private restrooms. (June 24-26, 2016) AeEWANDERLUST ty ° WANDERLUST 5 oF SOUTHERN EXPOSURE Head to the southernmost point in the United States, and you'll discover the ultimate des- tination to rest and revitalize. Average daytime winter temperatures hover in the mid 70s with cooler nights, creating the ideal environment for @ day at the beach, an afternoon at the bar and a night on the town. Ernest Hemingway was one of the island city’s most famous residents. His home has been converted into a museum and occasional writer's colony, where you can tap into your inner novelist... that is, if you can distract yourself from the boys and the beaches, Settle into one of our favorite spots as a home base for your Key West escape. Warning: you may never want to leave. Closer to Cuba than Miami, Key West is at the very end of an island chain and offers a journey that’s as picturesque as the destination. Referred to as "the magic carpet,” US. Route 1 traverses the Overseas Highway ~ 113 miles of roadway and 42 overseas bridges. On arrival? Paradise. Park your car, take off your watch and leave your phone behind, Walk or hop on a bike — and most important, forget having a schedule. You're on island time. land House Resort Comprising five historic buildings, Island House may very well be the epicenter of gay lifestyle in Key West. The property served various uses throughout the years, trom a cigar fac- tory to military housing. But in 1976 a gay resort was estab- lished, and now 40 years later the thriving resort continues to exemplify the free spirit of the Keys by welcoming gay men from around the globe. Jon Allen and Martin Kay purchased Island House in 1999 and did a complete overhaul, renovating a range of accom modations from economy rooms with shared bathrooms to full suites with kitchens and living rooms. This diverse set of options has intentionally created a diverse guest list, bring- ing together gay men of all ages to socialize in what Director of Marketing Jeffrey Smead calls a "body positive” environ- ment. Locals and tourists alike are fortunate that Island House is still going strong, Allen's longtime partner passed away in December 2013. As a reaction to this devastating loss, he put the resort on the market and planned to move on. But fate had something else in store as Allen came to realize that there would be no guarantee that island House would stay gay. He decided to hold strong, keep the property and estab- lish an agreement that secures Island House's gay-only policy for generations to come. ® "In recent years there has been a growing ac- ptance (and courting) of LGBT travelers, but Island House maintains its unique identity be- cause of its location and high attention to ser- vice and details “t's a very different vibe compared to the mainland,” says Smead. "It's Bohemian and laid-back, Think flip-flops and margaritas. In Key West, huge five-star resorts aren’t our specialty — that is not the real experience that this community sells. Instead you'll find family-owned restaurants, an epicurean para- dise and free-flowing liquor. And being naked is the norm, Island House has maintained its clothing-optional status. We welcome every time of gay man, This isn’t a place to fear that everyone will have chiseled abs and a model's, face. You'll find men of all generations, and we've had success bringing them together.” That success has led to a banner year for Is- land House even though many larger hotel brands are actively targeting gay clientele “Since [the LGBT community] has become so assimilated, a lot of businesses could be successful just because of a rainbow sticker on the door,” says Smead. “But there is an authenticity and expectation in Key West. At Island House you'll find the most luxurious products possible: heavenly beds, Italian sheets and, best of all, no resort fees.” Bec: wuse Island House is gay-only and cloth optional, this welcoming environment is pro~ tected by a gated entrance, and you can be sure that people are clamoring to get in, especially with some of the weekly promotions that draw hundreds of attendees, Guests can enjoy 24/7 room service, complimentary (yes, free!) poolside happy hour (5 pam. to 6:30 pm, Wednesdays un- til 8 pm) including top-shelf liquors (2-for-1, if you're staying elsewhere). Special draws include the Hot Naked Sundays Poo! Party and Hot Na ked Hump Day Pool Party (Wednesdays). Once a year Island House opens its doors for the lacies, and that’s the kickoff for Key West Pride (June 8, 2016). Other annual events include the White Party and Fantasy Fest (October 2016) ~ a black light underwear party that coincides with one of Key West's wildest weekon Whether you opt for a party-filled w frolic and debauchery or a relaxed getaway with leisurely days by the pool, Island House is a Ca ribbean dream come true. No passport required. eu em Ly) ee mac) ete cet)a uestho ‘rical charm joyfully collides with contemporary design at Alexander's Guesthouse, a lovely collection of hree conchrstyle houses built be- tween 1902 and 1904. Featuring origi- nal pine floors and bright windows to allow all that Florida sunshine to in, Alexander's is listed in the National Historic Register and located in Key West's Old Town. Co-owners Raul Diaz and Dr. Orlando Torres oversee this la bor of love and were some of the first guests to appreciate the unique prop ty more than 30 years ago. When it the market in 2003, they jumped at the chance to purchase and put their personal stamp on the historic landmark. The LGBT, adult-only property has a particular aesthetic that you won't find anywhere else, and that’s thanks to Diaz, an award-winning graduate from the Parsons School of Design. A recent ‘enovation includes new air-condition- ing units in all the rooms (no central A/C due to its historic preservation) as well as new decking in the public spaces, a new main kitchen and a re- freshed lobby area, where quests are greeted with a complimentary cocktail or refreshing iced tea on arrival. On the rare occasion that rain rolls into Key West, the lobby also features an impressive 52-inch flat-screen televi- sion for flm screenin General Manager Laura Zequeira has been with Alexander's for more than a Jecade and oversees a dedicated and friendly staff committed to creating memorable experiences for all. This in- cludes complimentary breakfast each morning, featuring a freshly prepared entrée as well as a selection of fruit, juice, and coffee. After a day exploring ib it my ‘il CM Ui nat)‘own or on the beach, guests return to a daily poolside happy hour boasting a wide range of wine selections af tropical cock- tails befitting the environment. For LGBT travelers and their friends, Al exander’s provides an idyllic backdrop for an adult-only Key West getaway. "This is a place where everybody feels welcome — family and friends of cur LGBT guests have been staying with us for years,” says Zequeira. “We have guests of all ages, some who have been coming here since it opened in 1982! Guests mingle during the daily happy hour, and it has often led to lifelong friendships, Alexander's is also part of the tight-knit fabric of Key West's LGBT community. As members of the Key West Business the resort has been instrumental in porting local LGBT community and fur raising events, including Key West Wom- enfest (September 2016), Tropical Heat Key West (August 11-14, 2016) and Pride. Hosted parties for these events help raise awareness and much-needed resources for organizations that include AIDS Help, a leading nonprofit in the Keys that has been raising funds for people living with HIV/ AIDS since 1986. Another longtime partner has been Womankind, a medical center dedicated to providing high-quality family planning and primary health care to people of all income levels, with an emphasis on educating women and their families within the full scope of health and weliness. While many vacationers may consider Key We: winter destination to escape the brutal winters blan- keting much of the country, one of its hidden secrets is an annual yoga retreat hosted each August by longtime guests Rob Dorgan and Steve Bolia. The three-night itinerary includes yoga, guided medi- tation, cooking workshops, featured speakers and plenty of time to relax on-site and enjoy the ameni- ties Whether you're headed to Key West for an action- Packed weekend of beach time and barhopping or would rather unplug with a good book and tropical cocktail, Alexa from home leave. 1s Guesthouse is your home away and one that you may not want to eae Toe Se me) Pen ome kata)CNS ue 3} ISN'T IT GRAND? HITTING corn CULTURAL HIGH NOTES IN MIAMI Miami has been an LGBT hub for sun-filled mega parties dating back more than 30 years. The White Party each fall benefits Care Resource — a merger of the Health Crisis Network and the Community Research Initiative. And while that event and sister fes- tivals, like the Winter Party Festival (March 2-7, 2016), draw many to the Miami-Fort Lauderdale area, the state’s eastern shores also boast a culturally rich heritage that beckons a visit any time ot year, For those who love opera’s soaring melodies and dra: matic gravitas, look no further than the Florida Grand Opera, now in its 22nd year Florida Grand Opera VIDEO: Florida Grand Opera’s 2015-16 Season GO's roots date back to the Preview Video 1940s and combines the forces of two previous companies: the Greater Miami Opera and the Op era Guild Inc. of Fort Lauderdale Today it represents one of th state’s oldest performing arts or- ganizations and produces a stan dard repertoire as well as lesse known works, commissions and nevi operas. Strong community engagement connects FGO with jore than 20,000 students an- nually as well its Young Artist Program. Susan T, Danis serves as FGO's general director and CEG.It is her vibrant leadership and passion that anchors a dedicated staff of artists, administrators and fundraisers to keep opera alive in Florida and with good reason. “Opera is an essential part of life. It is the ultimate expression of the human condition, of all that we feel, fear and love. Opera has such a powerful and amazing way to make the most cynical human feel elated,” says Danis. “Opera tell the stories that help us to understand what it is to be human, The combination of music, singing and drama creates a full experience with an unparalleled power to move ~ especially because of the range and vulnerability of the human voice. This makes opera the art form that can truly express pure emotion more than any other. At its best it is truly exhilarating. It can create feelings of higher aspiration, greater compassion or more profound insight It helps us remember what it is to be human.” FGO's current 75th anniversary season includes Norma (by Vincenzo Bellini) through February 13, followed by The Passenger (by Mieczystaw Weinberg, April 2-9), a powerful work that explores the atrocities of the Holocaust on board an ocean liner en route to Brazil. Weinberg, who escaped deathutd remiered at the Bregenz Festiva as part of its Made f f the man e comm th Florida, compleme of informative, though king presentations associatex with the The season's fina roduction is Gaeteano Donizetti's on Pasquale (May 7-14), a hilari Italian comic opera set in Rome in the Swinging Sixt Renee eae ecco my nd FGO-recommended experiences and destinations: = Music lovers will appreciate this oe Cece Remar SUM eM Rue Mee a ee ee os em ee Se Toei POMC A ie DCCC i aaa TUR ra aC en eta deem a eo eee eens oe MRM re eee eee men Ree nT cu oe meus tea ecient var Ye ee lo out mySpa, a relaxed and sophisticated!spa environment fo melt aWay your day. er) eR ge ee Be ee aR Rel ac oePeay VUE Seas Visit St. Petersburg/Clearwater Cay rr UR ae Coad Greece ke tact tite Pres Pay Ae Ae RS SAB VV SW Sa UR TR 20 GRU we OR Ra URVAUR RIOD ho URC URUK aa TOM VEN WV Vay Canny Se Re