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The Windy City has long been a favorite spot for gays and lesbian vacations, and many call Chicago home. Part of the reason is sheer size: Chicago is a large city and therefore has a larger gay community. The plethora of entertainment, sports and arts options, fabulous restaurants and bars, and plenty of career options also make Chicago attractive to students, professionals and families.

If you do plan your next vacation in Chicago, you’ll find that there are two main gay areas: Boystown and Andersonville. Boystown actually refers to the East Lakeview area. As the name suggests, Boystown caters to the gay dudes, and Halsted St. and Broadway are the core of the neighbourhood. Broadway has tons of shops to browse, while Halsted has around 30 gay and lesbian clubs, bars and restaurants.

Andersonville stretches from Winnemac St. to Peterson Ave., and is definitely lesbian Chicago. Here, you’ll find an eclectic mix of lesbians and gay families. Andersonville is packed with charming boutiques, gay clubs and bars, cafes and restaurants for the gay traveler.

Chicago has several gay friendly and gay events that attract big crowds:

May: International Mr. Leather Weekend
June: Chicago Gay Pride
September: AIDS Walk Chicago
November: Chicago Lesbian and Gay International Film Festival

For great resources on gay and lesbian Chicago, visit Gay Cities.

Provincetown Women’s Week usually begins on the Columbus Day Weekend, and is an exciting week of films, musical performances, comedy acts and parties. This year’s Provincetown Women’s Week is the 25th anniversary of the event.

Sponsored by the Provincetown Arts Council and Women’s Innkeepers, there is a long list of events and performers Last year’s performers included Julie Clark, Kate Clinton, Alix Olsen, Paula Poundstone, pop star Jimmy James, singer/songwriter Pamela Means, and many more.

For more info on Provincetown Women’s Week, visit the Women Innkeeper’s site.

I just read that anti-gay activists in Maine have collected enough signatures to bring up the issue of gay marriage before voters this November. Maine is one of the top visited gay and lesbian destinations in the US, and I wonder what the future will hole for this seaside state if the decision is overturned.

Ogunquit, Maine, is on the coast of Maine near Boston, and has been a favourite spot for gay and lesbian travelers for a long time now. Ogunquit has miles of gorgeous sandy beaches, and a number of gay and lesbian hotels, bars, lounges and restaurants. If you visit gay Maine in the summer, you’ll find it energetic and packed with tourists. Go there in the winter, and it’s an idyllic, peaceful place away from the hectic pace of everyday life.

Ogunquit means “beautiful place by the sea” in the language of Algonquin Indian. We’ve heard good reviews for the gay friendly Moon Over Maine (22 Berwick Road, Ogunquit), which is right in the centre of town, so you’ve close to all the shopping, restaurants, clubs and the beach. The roomy Cape-style house was built in 1839, but decorated with modern decor and comfy beds and linens. Features at Moon Over Maine include several private balcony rooms, an outdoor hot tub, and a light breakfast.

Find gay Ogunquit bars and pubs here.

I’m planning a trip to Vegas sometime in the next few months, like I’ve mentioned before, it’s one of my favourite places to visit. One thing I actually haven’t done is take in a show – between the buffets, lounging by the pool, gambling and catching up with friends, it just wasn’t a priority. But, this time, I plan on checking out at least one Las Vegas show. I talked before about Elton John wrapping up his Vegas shows next year. Here are some of the performers taking the stage in Vegas in 2009 that I think are worth checking out: Continue Reading »

Womenfest Key West has been around for 20 years now, and this year it will be from September 8-13. There are tons of activities planned for Womenfest 2009: dance parties, clothing optional pool parties, film, live music, comedy, and even competitive bull riding. Also, let’s not forget that it’s in Key West, which means access to beautiful beaches and gay clubs (see my post on Key West).

On Tues., Sept. 8, Womenfest Keywest kicks off with a pool party with live entertainment, dancing, and an open bar. Most of the Womenfest activities centre around the water: jet skiing, Wind & Wine Sunset sails, snorkeling and dolphin watching. Make a love connection with speed dating on Pearl’s Patio, or take part in a group commitment ceremony champagne brunch. There are literally dozens of events and activities to take part in, whether you’re looking for adventure, tranquility or partying! Also, on the guest list this year are: comedian Dana Goldberg, Top Gun actress Kelly McGillis, and actress Sharon Gless (Cagney & Lacey, Switch).

For a full listing of events, visit Womenfest.