By
Matt Mathrani
|
Click on the link for a handy PDF version of our December 2008 Florida travel feature!
|
Fabled Key West enjoys America's southernmost sun. Its Caribbean climate (warm day and night) reminds visitors they're at the edge of America. The gay attitude is woven into the fabric of Key West, and though it's an undeniable part of the draw, people of every sort visit here to experience the town's carefree attitude.
Originally conceived as a fundraiser for charity, Fantasy Fest
(Fantasyfest.net) is Key West's annual bacchanal, usually hosted late October, kicking off what is the start of the tourist season in the Keys.
Accommodations
You'll stay in one of Key West's historic mansions when you visit the Coral Tree Inn/Oasis Guesthouse/Coconut Grove Guesthouse
complex (822/823 Fleming Street; 800-362-7477). It's Key West's largest gay resort, and its clientele is sophisticated and international. The interconnecting Oasis and Coconut Grove guesthouses -- with manicured garden pathways and their famed balconies and sun decks -- are all about luxurious, secluded relaxation. Guests mingle around the hot tubs and pools, and there's an afternoon "social." Across the street, the Coral Tree Inn is even quieter. Its marbled floors and a quiet pool area in back add to the ambiance. And it's getting more beautiful: Coconut Grove has embarked on a $1.5 million renovation project.
Right across the street, Equator Resort
(818 Fleming; 800-278-4552) provides all-male, all-postmodern digs. Being clothing-optional, there's plenty of eye fest for the worldly crowd at hand. Think designer fabrics, feather pillows, Italian-tile whirlpool baths, phones with voicemail, free wi-fi, and you'll never want to leave the spacious rooms. A full continental breakfast may be savored by the pool. Equator proudly hosts themed parties during the season to keep guests entertained. G.I.R.L. keeps the energy coursing through the resort.
Parisian-owned Caribbean House
(226 Petronia Street; 877-296-0999), located a five-minute walk from Duval Street, is on a block that's gentrifying by leaps. This gay-friendly budget choice has ten no-frills rooms in store with all the amenities you'd want.
Farther out on Fleming Street you'll find Alexander's Guesthouse
(1118 Fleming; 800-654-9919), with upscale rooms filled with gay men and women. At the all-male, green-in-every-which-way Island House
(1129 Fleming; 800-890-6284), the sexual heat scorches as much as the Key West sun. Guests here enjoy access to the Island House gym, steam room and sauna and to the multitude of day-pass visitors. (Don't forget your ID if you plan to day-pass.)
The deluxe rooms of New Orleans House
(724 Duval; 888-293-9893) overlook Old Town's Duval Street, but the real action is in the expanded back court, where you'll find the Garden Bar, two pools, a large hot tub, what seems like an acre of sun deck and several stand-alone cottages. It's part of the Bourbon Street Pub Complex, where gay Key West parties.
Big Ruby's Guesthouse
(409 Appelrouth Lane; 800-477-7829), with super deluxe accommodations, draws some well-heeled gays and lesbians, too.
Nightlife
Duval Street is the city's main drag in more ways than one. Don't miss the Bourbon Street Pub complex, where the raucous Bourbon Street Pub
(724 Duval Street) anchors the scene. New Orleans House (mentioned earlier) is located upstairs. 801-Bourbon Bar
(801 Duval), with nightly drag shows, is kitty-corner to the Bourbon Street Pub, and One Saloon
(514 Petronia), with leather-Levi cruising, is next door to the 801.
Aqua
(711 Duval Street) is a dance club with frequent special entertainment. There's a mixed crowd of men and women, gay and straight, and this club's doors open directly onto Duval Street.
KWest
(705 Duval Street) is the city's go-go bar. In the early part of the evening folks come by for cocktails and a chat; then, at 9 pm the curtain is discreetly drawn and dancers tease.
Locals crowd Bobby's Monkey Bar
(900 Simonton Street). There's a friendly group of boys and girls, gay and straight, and frequent special events. Happy hour runs noon to 7 pm.
Mango's
(700 Duval Street) claims they're not just a fruit, but a lifestyle! This superb restaurant offers delicious meal choices. Upstairs at Mangoes, there's a nightclub open to people of all persuasions.
Shopping and more
Leather Master
(418 Appelrouth Lane), an edgy toy store for the adventurous, offers merchandise for adults of all sexual bents. Be it harnesses or vibrators, cock-and-ball toys, or masks, you'll find it all here. A sizable porn collection is at hand, too.
At Towels Of Key West
(806 Duval Street) you'll find towels and robes to treasure all your life.
For wheels, get to gay-friendly Moped Hospital
(601 Truman Avenue). There's no better way to get around town than on a scooter!
Skinny Dipper Cruises
offers "alternative pampered charters" that are clothing-optional. Up to six people are accommodated on their 27-foot yacht that is all gourmet food, libations and men.
Gay and Lesbian Trolley Tour
(305-294-4603) is an insight into the town's lay of the land, architecture, rich gay history and the official and unofficial hot spots. It's all packed into a fun-filled 70-minutes.
Pistol and Enema
features daily Key West gossip and essential insight. Their sister site Keywestcocks.com is not about roosters.
|
Advertise with us
Subscriptions
Contact us
Site map
Translate
