The sector’s informal boundaries are generally considered to be Addison Street on the north, Lake Shore Drive on the east, Belmont Avenue on the south, and Clark Street on the west. These streets correspond to the Chicago grid between blocks 3200 and 3600 North and to the east of 1100 West, which places Boystown approximately 6 km (4 miles) north-northwest of the Chicago Loop. More generally situated west of Belmont Harbor, encompassing the Lake View East commercial district, and just south of the Chicago Cubs’ home base in the unofficially named Wrigleyville neighborhood, Boystown has carved a niche all its own within the urban fabric of Chicago proper.

Famous among day-trippers throughout the Midwest for its colorful nightlife and inviting atmosphere, Boystown is host to a true “round-the-clock” urban experience. It is within walking distance of trendy fashion outlets, Chicago’s “Off-Loop” theater district, spectacular architecture, and many wine boutiques, specialty restaurants, and one-of-a-kind shops. Two major train stops fall within Boystown’s boundaries, as well as numerous bus lines along routes plentiful with taxicabs, making the full Chicago experience accessible within minutes via mass transit.

North Halsted Street, also known as “Northalsted”, is the central hub of this bustling district. It sports Chicago’s highest concentration of LGBT-friendly establishments—-an eclectic mix of bars, coffeehouses, and restaurants in accord with the equally eclectic population of local hipsters and open-minded progressives. City planners have designated Northalsted an official pedestrian and bike route following a 1998 community project that resulted in the erection of 11 pairs of rainbow-colored abstract Art Deco pylons along the strip. Coupled with the ever-present rainbow flag that is posted upon nearly every entrance encountered on the Northalsted strip, these pillars also denote the many respectable gay-owned and operated venues that have become hotspots for weekenders throughout the city as well as residents of Boystown.

With Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley’s agreeing to endorse and host the 2006 Gay Games in Chicago, the city government’s general acceptance of the LGBT community is as vibrant as ever, especially in the 44th Ward that includes Boystown. Chicago’s only openly gay alderman—Thomas M. Tunney—represents the area on the Chicago City Council.

Boystown, the commonly accepted nickname for the East Lakeview neighborhood in Chicago, is bordered by Lake Michigan on the east and Clark Street on the west, Irving Park Road to the north and Diversey Avenue to the south. Boystown gets its name because it caters to gay men.

The two main (north-south) avenues of Halsted St. and Broadway dominate the heart of this area. Broadway primarily offers many different themed shops stretching throughout the neighborhood while Halsted caters to the nightlife with more than 30 different gay and lesbian bars, nightclubs and restaurants.

Boystown is the traditional center of Chicago gaydom. The up-and-coming area is Andersonville, just to the north. Chicago is a town that for all practical purposes has two Prides. The first is actual Pride, occurring in June. The second is Northalsted Market Days, August 7-8, 2004.

Chicago is famous for many things: Michael Jordan, deep-dish pizza, the first Ferris wheel, the worlds largest public library and busiest airport, and now, being one of the most active, friendly and growing gay and lesbian communities in the world.

In 2006, Chicago was host to the Gay Games with Mayor Richard Daley reinforcing in his speech at the opening ceremonies Chicago�s commitment to inclusion and the GLBT community. This accepting attitude really makes Chicago a great place to live if you’re gay.

Aside from the friendly atmosphere, with its breathtaking lakeside skyline and twenty-mile lakefront park, its celebrated scientific and cultural communities, its myriad of shopping, dining and recreational opportunities, Chicago is unquestionably a spectacular destination.

A world-class centers of culture, commerce, education, architecture, dining, and shopping, Chicago is America’s largest city after New York and Los Angeles, and it has a visible, active gay and lesbian community that you’d expect of such a place. You could easily travel here, spending all your time downtown at a conference or taking in the major attractions, and never see gay Chicago, which is centered around the Lakeview and Andersonville neighborhoods, about 5 to 7 miles northwest of downtown, but easily accessible via mass transit. This is a city of neighborhoods, so plan to venture outside the city core.

The Seasons:
Chicago’s a great year-round destination, although winters can see spells of intensely cold weather, and summers sometimes bring sultry heatwaves. Fall and spring are when the odds favor moderate temperatures and pleasant days. Chicago has a number of festivals and events from spring through fall, and it’s a big convention city year-round – hotel rates can soar when meetings are in town.

Average high-low temps are 32F/18F in Jan., 59F/42F in Apr., 84F/66F in July, and 64F/46F in Oct. Precipitation averages 2 to 4 inches/mo. year-round, with sometimes very heavy snowfall in winter.

The Location:
It may be in the Midwest, many miles from the nearest ocean, but Chicago is most definitely one of the nation’s great waterfront destination, as it sits directly on rippling Lake Michigan – it’s more than 50 miles across the lake to the state of Michigan. Chicago is in northeastern Illinois and surrounded mostly by flat suburbs and prairies, so apart from the lake, the setting is rather prosaic. The Chicago River cuts through downtown and is crossed by several scenic bridges. The city is a major interstate crossroads, traversed by such major roads as I-90, I-80, and I-94.

Flying to Chicago:
Chicago is served by two major airports. O’Hare, the larger one with scads of domestic and international flights (it’s a hub for American and United), and Midway Airport, which is a bit smaller and a hub for the discount airline, Southwest. Although it’s 90 minutes north, another option is General Mitchell International Airport, in Milwaukee, which is a clean, first-rate, beautiful facility that’s much more pleasant than either Chicago airport. There’s bus service from Milwaukee’s airport to Chicago, and extensive ground transportation from the Chicago airports into the city, from hotel shuttles to train.

Taking a Train or Bus to Chicago:
It’s very easy to get to Chicago by train or bus, and also easy to get around the city via public transporation via the various Chicago Transit Authority (CTA modes, including elevated rail (“the L”), bus, and train. You don’t need a car to see Chicago, and most hotels charge sky-high prices to garage them, so stick with mass transit if at all possible (and the occasional cab as needed – these are plentiful). The city is easily reached via Amtrak train service and Greyhound Bus from such major Midwest cities as Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, and St. Louis

Gay-Popular Events and Festivals:
Mid-May: International Mr. Leather Weekend.
June through August: Grant Park Music Festival (Wed.-Sat. nights all summer).
Mid-June.: Andersonville Midsommarfest.
Late June: Chicago Gay Pride.
Late June to early July: Taste of Chicago.
Late July.: Wicker Parkfest.
Mid-August: Northalsted Market Days (festive street party along main drag of gay Lakeview neighborhood).
Early Sept.: Lakeview East Fine Art Festival.
Mid-Sept.: AIDS Walk Chicago.
Late Sept.: Oktoberfest Chicago.
Early Oct.: Chicago International Film Festival.
Mid-Nov.: Chicago Lesbian and Gay International Film Festival.

Top Gay-Popular Chicago Neighborhoods:
Lakeview (aka “Boystown”): Lakeview, about 5 miles northwest of downtown, runs between the lakefront and Ashland Avenue, north of Belmont Avenue up to Irving Park Road. Within this neighborhood is a small triangle east of Belmont Avenue called Boystown. Over the years the neighborhood has become a mix of artsy types; working-class families; young, not-yet-rolling-in-dough professionals; and gays (with a considerably more male than female preseence). More recently, real estate values here have risen, and Lakeview has become increasingly more upscale, and more mixed gay/straight.

In the heart of Lakeview is Wrigley Field, home of baseball’s Chicago Cubs. The vintage stadium draws thousands of fans on game days. Clark Street, which runs diagonally north-south, is Lakeview’s major commercial thoroughfare, with a diverse collection of businesses, from spiffy bistros, ethnic restaurants, and simple fast-food joints to storefront theaters to sports-memorabilia shops and vintage clothing boutiques. Halsted Street, parallel to Clark just one block east, has the bulk of Lakeview’s gay businesses, including dozens of boutiques, restaurants, and bars. You’ll find still more gay-popular businesses along Broadway, which also runs parallel to Halsted and is a few blocks east, not far from Lake Shore Drive and the Lake Michigan waterfront.

Andersonville: One of several distinct communities within the northside of Chicago’s diverse Uptown area, Andersonville was originally settled by the Swedes, then increasing numbers of Middle Easterners. But since the 1990s, it’s become Chicago’s most lesbian-identified neighborhood, and also a popular area to live and play among many gay men. The main commercial strip is Clark Street, has a great mix of ethnic restaurants, gay and lesbian bars and cafes, and prosaic workaday shopfronts. It’s not as flashy or upscale as Lakeview, 2 miles south, and its adherents like the truly varied mix of residents and streetlife.

Wicker Park and Bucktown: West of Lincoln Park are the revitalized neighborhoods of Wicker Park and Bucktown. Originally home to immigrant Poles, Ukrainians, and other Eastern Europeans, then later to Puerto Ricans, these areas are a hodgepodge of ethnicities and lifestyles. The blocks around the threeway intersection of North, Damen, and Milwaukee avenues contain a bevy of hipster bars and restaurants, second-hand clothiers, galleries, and cutting-edge design shops. It’s arguably Chicago’s coolest neighborhood.

Ardmore House Bed and Breakfast Chicago

Website: http://ardmorehousebb.com/index.html
Address: 1248 W. Ardmore Ave., Chicago, IL 60660
Phone: 773-728-5414
E-mail: info@ardmorehousebb.com

This 109 year old restored Victorian Home is located four short blocks from Lake Shore Drive and Chicago’s Hollywood Beach, and offers all the comforts of home. North of Boystown and east of the nightlife on North Clark, the Ardmore House is the destination of choice for travelers from all over the world.

We are just a ten minute “L” or cab ride to the Gay district on Halsted (Boystown), walking distance to the gay nightlife on North Clark and easy access to Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, the Museum of Science & Industry, the Field Museum, the Art Institute, the Shedd Aquarium, McCormick Place Convention Center and the downtown Loop. This north Lake Shore area of the city is known for its beautiful beach, great restaurants and exhilarating nightlife. So, if you’re in town to attend a convention, to shop, to take in one of the many gay sponsored events, or just to get away for the weekend, we at The Ardmore House are here to make your visit to the Windy City memorable.

Originally known as Pecan Street (when east-west streets were named after trees — north-south streets are still named after Texas rivers), E. 6th Street is the heart of the Austin entertainment district. Many bars, clubs, and music venues are located on E. 6th Street between Congress Avenue and Interstate 35 and many offer live music at one time or another during the week.

E. 6th Street plays host to a wide variety of events each year, ranging from music and film festivals (such as South by Southwest) to biker rallies (such as The Republic of Texas Biker Rally) and the Pecan Street Festival.

Traffic is generally blocked on E. 6th Street and most crossroads from I-35 to Brazos Street on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings (depending on pedestrian traffic), as well as holidays and special events to allow the crowds to walk unfettered to the many venues that line the street. On New Year’s Eve, Mardi Gras, and Halloween nights tens of thousands of revelers can walk only one way depending on the side of the street they are on.

The area of 6th Street roughly bounded by 5th Street, 7th Street, Lavaca Street, Rooster Teeth Studios, and Interstate 35 is known as the 6th Street Historic District and was listed in the National Register of Historic Places on December 30, 1975.

Likely Texas’ best known street, the seven block’s of 6th Street between Congress and IH 35 are certainly Austin’s entertainment center. With a little help from it’s many like-minded sister streets, 6th Street is the heart of Austin’s live entertainment scene and the capital of third coast music.

Sixth Street (formerly known as Pecan Street) is lined with many historical houses and commercial buildings dating from the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. The storied old buildings now house numerous bars, a host of live entertainment venues, tattoo parlors, art galleries, casual cafes, upscale restaurants, and the elegant Driskill Hotel. Live music of every genre abounds. From jazz, blues, and country to rock, hip-hop, beat, progressive, metal, punk and derivations of these, there’s something to whet everyone’s musical pallete. Great food is a staple on Sixth Street, featuring such regional staples as chili, ribs, and Tex-Mex plus steak, seafood, cajun-cooking, and deli.

Sixth Street draws an eclectic bunch including endless streams of mostly single UT students, the YUP’s, the burb’s, some interesting street folk,and lot’s of out of town visitors. It’s not uncommon to spy some celebrity type taking in the sights on 6th. From film folk to politicians, to music men and women, Sixth Street rubs elbows well. Dress code, yeah right. You’ll see cowboys and punks, surfers and suits. On Halloween anything goes, and during Mardi Gras, everything goes !

Going West from the entertainment area, West Sixth Street offers another suprise with antique stores, art galleries, hair salons, restaurants, and lot’s of eclectic shops.

Sixth Street is Austin’s entertainment showpiece, and deservedly so. Great events like the Austin Mardi Gras celebration, SXSW, The Republic of Texas Bikers Rally, the Pecan Street Festival and Sixth’s Street infamous Haloween celebration all make for great times with great people.

Austin hosts an eclectic array of entertainment hotspots for its alternative community. Austin is also home to GLBT organizations like the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC), Aids Services of Austin (ASA), The United Court of Austin, the Texas Gay Rodeo Association (TGRA), The Capital City Queens, the Heart of Texas Bears, the Central Texas Transgender Society, Team and Row Team Austin and Circuit Party Austin. Each of these organizations, along with many others, comprises the heart of the Gay, Lesbian, Transgender, and BI Community. Additional information on each organization may be found below.

Over 1,003,100 people live today in the metropolitan hill country area of Austin – the capital of Texas and the hub of the state. From the internationally Famous 6th Street, to Hippie Hollow at Lake Travis to the famed and honored University of Texas, to the Congress Ave St. Bridge and the Mexican Free-Tailed Urban Bat Colony, Austin is the place. Founded by the Father of Texas, Stephen F. Austin, the capital city was developed in 1839 for the Republic of Texas. Austin has grown tremendously with the expansion of computer hardware and software manufacturers and is known as the Silicon Hills of the Southwest. In addition, Austin also bills itself as the Live Music Capital of the World by hosting South by Southwest (SXSW) yearly and broadcasting the Austin City Limits show nationally. Live music performances are found throughout the year from blues, country/western, reggae, jazz, Tejano, swing and rock.

Entering Austin City Limits
Known for its casual and playful nature, Austin is the playground of Texas. Situated at the center of the Lone Star State, it stands as the gateway to the Texas Hill Country and the Highland Lakes. As the state capital and home to the University of Texas, the city supports a politically charged and culturally rich environment. It’s hip, trendy, and high-tech. A large creative population-primarily musicians and artists-enhance its eclectic nature.

Natural Appeal
Blessed with a temperate year-round climate and 300 days of sunshine a year, Austin lives for the outdoors. Nature trails, parks and wilderness preserves create an oasis in the heart of the city. Town Lake bisects the center of downtown and is bordered by 10 miles of hike-and-bike trails where devoted joggers, walkers and cyclists flock every hour of the day.

From April through October, 1.5 million Mexican free-tail bats live under the Congress Avenue Bridge that spans Town Lake. Onlookers flock to the shores nightly to watch the nocturnal creatures emerging from beneath the bridge.

Historical View
Originally a buffalo hunting ground favored by Tonkawa Indians, Austin was permanently settled in 1838 as a trading post. Now, more than a million people live in the city named for Stephen F. Austin, who colonized Texas.

The Texas State Capitol, an imposing pink granite structure, commands a stately presence in downtown. Actually 14 feet taller than the nation’s capitol, the Texas Statehouse is the largest domed statehouse in the country.

Texas’ larger-than-life history comes together under one roof at the new Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, which features intriguing artifacts, interactive exhibits, multi-media shows, and an IMAX Theatre.

Musical Talent
In the city where the music never stops, live music plays at more than 100 venues on any given evening. A little blues, a little country, the beat of rock and roll, and even a few jazz licks puts Austin music into a distinctive music genre that’s difficult to label. The largest concentration of music venues is found downtown in the Warehouse District and along Sixth Street, a six-block stretch of bars and restaurants.

Now in its 28th season, Austin City Limits continues to be the best show in town. The long-running PBS series showcases American music and Texas music in particular. For ticket information, call the ticket hotline at 471-4811.

Cultural Scene
Austin is one of only a few U.S. cities with professional ballet, symphony, opera, and theater companies. With 20 museums, dozens of galleries, and as many as 35 theater companies, the city is experiencing a cultural renaissance.

Many of the city’s cultural resources are found on the campus of the University of Texas, where the Blanton Museum of Art opens a new facility in 2005.

The Lyndon B. Johnson Library and Museum, also located on campus, remains the most visited of the nation’s presidential libraries. A scale replica of the Oval Office, artifacts from Air Force One, and volumes of official papers chronicle the rise of a young man who would be president from Central Texas.

Park Lane Guest House – Stay in the heart of Austin

Phone Numbers: TEL: 512.447.7460 | TOLL FREE: 800.492-8827
Address: 221 Park Ln Austin, TX 78704 USA
Email Address: parklanebandb@earthlink.net
Website: http://www.parklaneguesthouse.com

Experience what is uniquely Austin. Park Lane Guest House offers private, elegantly appointed cottages. Relax and swim in our natural pool under the ancient Live Oaks and enjoy our organic vegetarian breakfast on the pool deck.

Walk along the streets and see how the old and new converge. Visit the eclectic shops on South Congress, stop in to one of the many cafes and listen to live music under the stars.We are conveniently located within walking distance to downtown Austin, the Texas State Capital, the Austin Convention Center, Town Lake Hike and Bike Trails and within 2 miles from the University of Texas and Zilker Park. Come for the weekend, an exclusive getaway or an extended stay. Experience one of the best kept secrets in Austin.

Park Lane Guest House…more than just a place to sleep…
a place to rest your soul

WHAT IS A GREEN HOTEL?
“Green Hotels” are environmentally friendly properties whose owners are interested in doing their part to create a better planet . Please help us by recycling all paper, glass, and plastic. (member of the Green Hotels association since 2000)

• 100% SMOKE FREE
• SERVING ONLY ORGANIC FAIR TRADE COFFEE
• NO CLEANING CHEMICALS OR FRAGRANCE USED
• E.O. SMALL PLANET, ORGANIC PERSONAL PRODUCTS
• ALL 100% COTTON LINENS AND ORGANIC COTTON ROBES
• BREAKFAST INCLUDES MANY ORGANIC FOODS

Local Attractions: There’s plenty to see and lots of interesting, educational, and fun things to do in Austin and Central Texas. Find Austin attractions for children and adults, guided and self-guided tours, train rides, boat rides, museums and lots of outdoors activities. These are some of the key or must-see Austin attractions for visitors and residents alike.

Free Parking Options in Downtown Austin
Free parking is available primarily after business hours and on weekends and holidays in certain locations throughout downtown. Find out where and when to park for free when visiting the Texas state capitol and other downtown Austin attractions.

6th Street Clubs, Bars, Historic Buildings
Sixth Street in downtown Austin is perhaps the city’s best known street outside of Texas. Seven blocks of East 6th from Congress Avenue to Interstate 35 is Austin’s entertainment district. Encompassing E. 5th and 7th Streets as well as various cross-streets, it is home to numerous clubs and bars and the heart of our live music scene.

Barsana Dham
Take a photo tour of this beautiful Hindu Temple just south of Austin.

Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
Located at the corner of Congress Avenue and Martin Luther King Blvd., the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum is an easy walk from the State Capitol to the south and the UT campus to the north.

Fort Tumbleweed Old West Town
Located at the original site of Liberty Hill, it features 16 acres of historic buildings and relics of Texas history. Browse the gift shops and museum store, stroll through the grounds. 15850 West HW29 near Liberty Hill, Texas.

Jourdan-Bachman Pioneer Farm
The past comes alive through this “living museum” where costumed interpreters demonstrate the use of historically correct farm animals, crops, furnishings, food, and more. Experience rural life in 19th century Central Texas.

LBJ Library and Museum
Texan Lyndon Baines Johnson was the 36th President of the United States. His library, largest of the presidential libraries, sits on the University of Texas campus at 2313 Red River, just a few blocks north of the Frank Erwin Center.

Paramount Theatre
Dating back to before World War I, the Paramount Theatre at 713 Congress Avenue is just down the street from the State Capitol.

Texas Governor’s Mansion
Right near the State Capitol at 1010 Colorado is the building that has been home to every Texas Governor since Governor Pease in 1856.

Texas State Archives & Library
Located on San Jacinto Street, the visitor’s entrance is on the side facing the Capitol (Brazos Street). The building houses a massive collection of Texana as well as superb resources for genealogy research.

Texas State Capitol Complex
Taller than the US Capitol, the Texas State Capitol and Capitol Grounds are one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city and a favorite spot for the locals as well.

Texas State Capitol | Basement Level
Most visitors to the Texas State Capitol never venture to the floor below the main level. There is a modern underground portion, the Capitol Extension on the north side of the building, but there is also the basement beneath the main building that holds its own special treats.

UT Tower
Built in 1936, as the first phase in the replacement of the Old Main Building, the tower is the centerpiece of the University of Texas campus in the heart of Austin.

Top Texas Attractions
From the Alamo to the USS Lexington, Guide Danno Wise lists his picks for the top things to see across the Lone Star State, including our State Capitol and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum here in Austin.

Must-See Things to Do in Downtown Austin
If you’re coming to Austin for just a few days, there are a few must-see stops that should be part of your itinerary. Every Texan should see the State Capitol and State History Museum (and non-Texans will find it enjoyable as well). Plus there are some great historical, architecturally significant, and just plain ‘gotta see’ downtown attractions too.

Three Popular Lakes in the Austin Area:
Lady Bird Lake (formerly Town Lake),
Lake Austin
Lake Travis

Austin City Limits
For over 33 years, Austin City Limits has presented live music to audiences across the world. The award-winning series spotlights artists of every musical genre; from rhythm and blues to rock, jazz, and alternative music.

Austin Duck Adventures
Tours in the unique Austin Duck vehicles.

Austin Galleries
One of Austin’s finest art galleries.

Austin Ghost Tours
Walking tours in downtown Ausin on Friday and Saturday nights.

Austin Museum of Art
Check out their many annual events.

Austin’s Park
Mini golf, bumper boats, go-karts, rock climbing, kiddie play area, laser tag, batting cages, game pavillion and more on 22 acres of outdoor fun and more than 50,000 square feet of indoor fun..

Austin Segway Tours by Gliding Revolution
Ride Segway Human Transporters on your Downtown Austin Glide or Barton Creek Resort Glide. A very interesting way to see the sights.

Austin Steam Train
The Austin Steam Train offers you a year-round choice of excursions. The trains are operated by the dedicated staff and volunteer crews of the Austin Steam Train Association, a community-based non-profit organization.

Austin Zoo
Austin Zoo is a rescue zoo and provides sanctuary to displaced animals from a variety of unfortunate and often neglectful situations.

The Bats at the Congress Avenue Bridge
Watch thousands of bats leaving the bridge and soaring in the sky.

Bear Creek Stables
Horseback riding lessons, hay rides, guided rides, parties, horse camp, BBQs and more.

Blanton Museum of Art
The Blanton’s permanent collection is composed of over 17,000 works of art from Europe, the United States, and Latin America. The museum also features a dynamic changing exhibition schedule that allows visitors to experience a broad range of artistic expression and history.

Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
This is a Texas museum that also has an IMAX Theatre and Spirit Theatre.

Cabela’s – Buda, Texas
Retail Store is located just off I-35 between Austin and San Antonio. In addition to offering quality outdoor merchandise, the 185,000 sq. ft. showroom is an educational and entertainment attraction, featuring a décor of museum-quality animal displays, huge aquariums and trophy animals interacting in realistic re-creations of their natural habitats.

Capital Cruises
Boat tours of Lady Bird Lake (formerly Town Lake) in Austin, lunch and dinner cruises, boat rentals, bat excursions, group outings, special events and entertainment.

Chaparral Ice Centers
Ice skating, hockey program, skating classes, figure skating, summer camps and more.

Clean Air Limo
They offer limo service in luxury hybrid cars: airport pickups, city to city, winery tours and more.

The Dinosaur Park
An educational and fun place for everyone to learn about the majestic animals that ruled our earth for over 150 million years.

ExperienceAustin.com
A delightful web page full of information about Austin.

Free Tours of the Texas Capitol
Take a self-guided tour of the State Capitol building in Austin. It is a replica of the U.S. capitol building in Washington, D.C. but is a few inches taller. Tours are in several foreign languages, too.

Highland Lakes
Stay in a lake rental cabin or a lake house on one of these lakes and enjoy boating, swimming, waterskiing, jet skiing, fishing and more.

Inner Space Cavern
Just 24 miles north of Austin, Texas, a natural cavern formed millions of years ago.

J & M Aviaries
More than 60 species of exotic birds and other animals at 8467 U.S. 290. Phone 512-288-2199

Jourdan-Bachman Pioneer Farm
Return to a time gone by. Featuring classes in harvesting, quilting, blacksmithing, woodworking, fiber arts, cooking, rope making and many more. Hay rides, trailblaser campouts, and things for Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts to earn merit badges with.

Kiddie Acres
An amusement park for children 10 years old and younger with rides and miniature golf. Lots of rides for the children. A great place for birthday parties, too. Free parking, no admission charge.

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
The Wildflower Center’s Native Plant Information Network allows you to search for native plant info by plant traits or names, browse through their collection of 17,000 native plant images, and pose your plant question to their resident horticulturalist. Located at 4801 La Crosse Avenue in Austin.

Lady Bird Lake (formerly Town Lake)
Use the hike and bike trails along the lake and the park.

Lonestar Riverboat
This true, old-fashioned, paddle-wheeler on Lady Bird Lake is sure to charm you with nostalgia and Austin’s gorgeous city skyline; experience the exhilaration of the outdoors, the abundant waterfowl, and beauty that is Austin.

Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum
The Lyndon Baines Johnson Library holds more than 45 million pages of manuscripts, an extensive audiovisual collection, and oral history interviews with than 1,000 individuals. Located at 2313 Red River Street in Austin

Mount Bonnell
Have a picnic with great views of Lake Austin from this 785 foot limestone hill at 3800 Mount Bonnell Road.

Main Event
Laser tag, bowling alley, wall climbing, billiards, giant arcade, a restaurant and more in over 75,000 sq ft.

Millinium Youth Entertainment Complex
Experience a state-of-the-art entertainment complex. bowl, roller skate, see a movie, play arcade games, enjoy the children’s Soft Play area and eat in the Millennium Cafe! Have a birthday party, a 70’s Theme Corporate Fun Day, a wedding or a quincenera!

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch
Visit Africa – in the picturesque Texas Hill Country. Home to over 50 species of animals from all over the world, Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch allows you to explore the wilds of many continents a little closer to home. Take a safari drive thru Texas style. Located west of New Braunfels, Texas.

Natural Bridge Caverns
View more than 10,000 different formations in underground chambers. Texas’ largest natural attraction, U.S. Natural Landmark, tours daily. Adventure tour, mining sluice, gift shop, snack bar, picnic areas, group rates. IH-35 near San Antonio.

Austin Parks and Recreation
The Austin Parks and Recreation Department oversees more than 16,682 acres of land containing 206 parks, 12 preserves (sanctuaries for native plants, native animals and unique natural features), and 26 greenbelts (parkland on creeks and canyons). Parks are open for public use each day from 5am – to 10pm unless otherwise posted.

The Performing Arts Center at the University of Texas
Go to their web page to see the schedule of events.

The Paramount Theatre and State Theatre Company
Schedule of the theatre and information about the theatre.

Rowing Dock
Rent your kayaks and paddle boats from the Rowing Dock on Lady Bird Lake (formerly Town Lake).

Schlitterbahn
Waterpark resort located in New Braunfels, Texas.

Sunshine Machine Boat Tours
They run a charter boat service on Lake Austin near City Park, that takes 1 to 30 passengers on scenic cruises up a beautiful part of the lake. The Sunshine Machine multi-level party boat is great for office parties, entertaining out-of-town guests, birthdays, team building, and other special occasions.

Texas Natural Science Center
The Texas Natural Science Center is the home of the Texas Memorial Museum, the Vertebrate Paleontology Laboratory, the Non-vertebrate Paleontology Laboratory and the Texas Natural History Collections.

Texas Roller Derby
Austin roller derby at its finest. The first of the banked track leagues in the nation.

Texas Hill Country Vineyards
Many of these wineries on this web site offer wine tasting and tours of the wineries. Many are within a 90 minute drive of Austin.

Texpert Tours
Tours in Austin and Central Texas

Tours of the Tower at the University of Texas
The 307-foot tall UT Austin Tower offers a spectacular view of the UT Campus and the Austin area in all directions. It is a famous landmark in Austin.

Travis County Parks
The parks of Travis County are great for softball and soccer, family picnics, hiking, nature study, or just leaning back to view a spectacular Hill Country sunset.

Volente Beach and Waterpark
Water rides and beach on Lake Travis

Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve
224 acre sanctuary for birds, animals and native plants. Three miles of hiking trails through woodland, grassland, and streamside habitats. Wild Basin also hosts a variety of family events, concerts, adult workshops, children’s and school programs.

Wonder World
Texas’ most visited cave. Petting zoo, train ride, anti gravity house and more in San Marcos, Texas.

Zilker Botanical Garden
31 acre botanical garden with themed gardens, a butterfly trail and prehistoric villages.

Zilker Park Boat Rentals
Canoe and kayak rentals on Lady Bird Lake in Austin at Zilker Park.

Nearby Cities: Barton Creek, Lost Creek, Rollingwood, Sunset Valley, West Lake Hills

Panoramic Hotel Iguazu

The Panoramic Hotel is located high on top of a hill overlooking the Parana and Iguazu Rivers which create the borders of Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. The view from the Hotel is spectacular, particularly by the pool at sunset. The tropical gardens are the perfect setting for a relaxing holiday. It is ideal for a romantic escape, special celebration, or stress-free vacation. With great dining, shopping, and entertainment, the town of Puerto Iguazu is just a five minute walk from the hotel. The magnificent Falls in the National Parks are a ten minute drive or bus ride. Many of the very gay-friendly staff are English speaking and all are extremely helpful. Plus the restaurants offer great food at reasonable prices. The rooms are large and comfortable and there are several different options available for all travel budgets.

Phone Numbers: Business: (54-3757) 498133 FAX: (54 3757) 498135

Address: Paraguay 372, N3370FKB, Puerto Iguazu, Missiones, Argentina

Email Address: reservaciones@panoramic-hoteliguazu.com

Website: http://www.panoramic-hoteliguazu.com

This post was submitted by Roy Heale.

Iguazu Grand Resort Spa and Casino

The Iguazu Grand Resort Spa and Casino at the Iguazu Falls in Argentina is the perfect gay vacation playground. The hotel offers three outdoor plus one indoor swimming pools, tennis courts, tropical gardens, complete spa, childcare services, and much more. The staff speak English and are extremely gay-friendly and helpful. Excellent restaurants and gourmet dining is available at the hotel. The rooms or suites are large and luxurious for a perfect vacation while you are enjoying the magnificent scenery and National Parks at the Falls. This is the perfect place for a vacation, romantic escape, or special celebration.

Phone Numbers: Business: (54 3757) 49850

Address: Ruta 12Km. 1640, Puerto Iguazu, N3370AWT, Missiones, Argentina

Email Address: Iguazu Grand Resort Spa and Casino

Website: http://www.iguazugrand.com

This post was submitted by Roy Heale.

Luxury Guest House one Guanabara Bay Rio de Janeiro

Phone Numbers: ++55.21.3796.1104 ++55.21.8268.9185

Address: Praia de Botafogo 148 22250-40 Botafogo Rio de Janeiro Brasil

Email Address: mcs@atlanticlounge.com.br

Nearby Cities: Buzios, Parati, Rio de Janeiro Ipanema,Santa Teresa

This post was submitted by mike Schadrack.

Mendoza - Argentina's Wine Capital

By Roy Heale

Nestled in the foothills of the Andes, about 1000 meters above sea level, is the charming city of Mendoza. Known largely for being the capital of Argentina’s wine making industry—-especially the renowned Malbecs—Mendoza is also the center for skiing in the higher Andes peaks during July, August, and September. Plus the year-round natural hot springs just a short drive from town along with the beautiful parks and lakes in the city are fashioning Mendoza as a popular new vacation destination especially for budget-conscious travelers.

The city is the perfect place to call home while taking short excursions, day trips, or even overnight journeys to explore the numerous different vacation activities in this diverse region. Filled with tree-lined avenues, beautiful plazas, historic architecture, and artisan markets Mendoza offers a relaxed pace of life in a bustling urban environment. The heart of the city pulses in the main square called Plaza Independencia, while the Parque San Martin offers a multitude of relaxing outdoor activities in a lush green environment, and the Area Fundacional is a trip back in time to the city’s early settlement days. And of course the annual “la Fiesta de la Vendimia” in March is the wine festival for which Mendoza is now renowned worldwide.

Finding accommodations in Mendoza can be challenging with a multitude of options and price ranges being available. Every style and size of hotel is available from major brand name chains to small independent pensionnes with everything in between. But the gay-owned and operated Deptosmendoza offers two alternatives for suite rentals in the heart of the city at reasonable rates with a variety of styles and sizes to match with every holiday budget. The Modigliani Art and Design Suites are eleven modern contemporary, comfortable, spacious apartments with complete facilities and a Galeria de Arte on the top floor. Coupled with the Dot Suites—a boutique resort, with only five unique units, minimalist design, with an emphasis on architecture, art, design and lighting—any vacation requirements and budgets can be accommodated by Deptosmendoza. The English speaking staff are extremely friendly and knowledgeable about the whole region and can assist with all holiday plans for time in the city or excursions around the region. A surprisingly “big-city” gay welcome and experience awaits the smart gay traveler in this cozy mountain retreat.

The dry desert-like climate almost guarantees hot sunny days for enjoying outdoor activities coupled with warm nights where outdoor dining is the perfect end to a high-altitude day.

A sophisticated local culture blends with a simpler, unhurried lifestyle for a perfectly relaxing vacation. Great sights and experiences by day plus restaurants, bars, and cafes offer a multitude of nightlife entertainment options including gay and gay-friendly establishments. Late at night the Aristides Villanueva is the street for dining out and of course the action starts at about 10PM as with all Argentine dinners. Here you will find a festive atmosphere with large patios full of locals and tourists indulging themselves at restaurants offering every International culinary delight imaginable plus, of course, the renowned Argentine Parillas, where beef is a heavenly delight especially when accompanied by a local Mendoza vintage red wine. All at prices lower than almost any other major vacation destination in the world today!

After dinner a leisurely stroll, perhaps some refreshingly cool Crema Helada—ice cream—and a visit to a local gay bar will be the perfect end to a fun-filled day. Either Queen or La Reserva Pub—the major LGBT bars in town—located in the heart of downtown Mendoza will be open and waiting to entertain you until dawn, or perhaps even later. On the weekends the city is very much alive at sunrise and as some people end their day almost as many vacationers are making an early start to theirs!

It’s easy to understand why so many smart gay travelers are including a visit to Mendoza on their South American holiday adventures. Suddenly it’s being recognized for much more than just the annual wine festival in March.

For More Information Visit: www.deptosmendoza.com.ar  or www.welcometomendoza.com.

This post was submitted by Roy Heale.

A Romantic Getaway

Wake up to another time and place at the historic Mile High Inn. In the heart of Jerome, Arizona.

Affordable accommodations with newly remodeled rooms, full breakfasts included, friendly staff, shared and private baths, $85-$195, ask about our events!

Feel like you’re a part of historic Jerome, in our off-site venue, “The Apartment” with the same comforts of your home-away-from-home. “The Apartment” has family-style accommodations and the ability to sleep up to four adults with one queen-size bed and a pull-out sofa sleeper. With its own kitchen, private bath, T.V. with satellite and DVD player. Stay for a night, or for a week!

An eclectic blend of southwestern meets continental. All rooms include a full breakfast at the Mile High Inn, except during the Winter Season for Guests staying on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday nights.

Holidays that fall on a weekend or the weekend before or after a holiday require a 2 night minimum stay with a 1 night pre-paid non-refundable deposit at time of reservation. No exceptions.

Phone Numbers: 928-634-5094

Address: 309 Main Street, Jerome, AZ 86331, USA

Email Address: milehighinn@yahoo.com

Website: http://www.jeromemilehighinn.com

Local Attractions: Tuzigoot National Monument, Verde Valley Train, Jerome Chamber of Commerce, Spook Hall, more than 30 galleries and shops.

Nearby Cities: Driving distance to Phoenix, Flagstaff, Sedona and Prescott.

This post was submitted by Angie Guerra.

Settimo Cielo B&B

Settimo Cielo is located in the heart of the city’s historic centre, in a beautiful epoch house at walking distance from St. Mark’s Square.

The rooms differ from one another in decoration and style; all of them offer full comfort to make your stay absolutely unique. The elegant atmosphere of the breakfast room, with its amazing view on the Gothic façade of the St. Stefano’s Church, make Settimo Cielo the perfect place to stay for those who are looking for the discreet charm of a historic house.

All rooms have bathroom with shower or bathtub and hair dryer, air conditioning, lcd-sat tv, telephone, safe, minibar.

Services offered: free Wi-Fi Internet, reservations for tours, events, concerts, restaurants, 24 h reception.

Phone Numbers: 0039 3495866001

Address: Campiello Santo Stefano, San Marco, 3470, 30124 Venice, Italy

Email Address: info@settimocielo-venice.com

Website: http://www.settimocielo-venice.com

Local Attractions:

Accademia Art Gallery
St. Mark’s Square
Rialto Bridge
Grand Canal
Designer stores district

Nearby Cities: Padua, Vicenza, Verona, Treviso

This post was submitted by Paolo Battistetti.