20 GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE SEPTEMBER 26, 1997
TRAVEL AND LEISURE
Gay and lesbian influence helps make Key West a wonder
by Patti Harris
The long, almost claustrophobic drive down Florida's A1A highway merely adds to the anticipation of the wonder that is Key West, the most southern tip of the United States.
Home to a sizable number of gay and lesbian residents, Key West rivals Massachusetts's Provincetown as one of the most desirable vacation spots for the gay traveler. Stephen Smith, marketing manager for the Key West Business Guild, a predominately gay association, attributes Key West's desirability to "the wonderful mix of people" residing and vacationing in Key West. Approximately 30% of the 25,000 year-round residents are gay or lesbian "and we're enjoying about 650,000 gay tourists per year," Smith added.
Ideal Florida weather certainly plays a role in the attraction, as warm sunny days prevail year-round with the occasional rain shower passing through to give the town a quick rinse. Frequent cool ocean breezes help make the hottest days of summer pleasantly bearable.
Favorite events that draw a large gay and lesbian audience include the Annual Fantasy Fest celebration, held in October. The event is often compared to New Orleans's Mardi Gras without the crime and suffocating crowds, and
$
Men line up for the Mr. Firecracker contest in Key West.
is kicked off by the Masked Madness and Headdress Ball.
WomenFest, an annual lesbian festival, is credited with increasing the popularity of Key West among a much smaller but cherished group of lesbian travelers. Featuring a women's film festival, tea dances, comedy and fashion shows—as well as snorkeling, beach bashes
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and boat tours--the festival raises awareness and funds for the Breast Cancer Support Group and the Sisters for Brothers Blood Drive.
Other popular events throughout the year include such diverse events as the Hog Breath's 5K Run, April Foolishness Bed Races, Conch Shell Blowing Contest, Goombay Street Fair and the Christmas Lighted Boat Parade, as well as various jazz and art festivals, yacht racing, and fishing tournaments.
Visitors to Key West will also discover a town rich in historical significance from various influences, including Cuban, Caribbean, Bahamian and Latino origins, along with old forts, museums, ample shopping, pristine beaches and stunningly gorgeous sunsets. The ocean surrounding Key West is home to the largest living coral reef in the Northern Hemisphere.
Beautifully restored homes have been converted to guest quarters while preserving the unique and varied architectural influences brought to the Keys by well-traveled sea captains. Much of the ongoing restoration of the town is largely attributable to the gay community.
Freelance travel writer Dennis Bell notes the significant influence the gay community has had on the very flavor and uniqueness that is Key West.
"Gays and lesbians have staked a significant claim on Key West, and the rest of the town is quite tolerant," Bell writes. "We are responsible for much of the sophistication and outrageousness of Key West, as well as money which keeps the town bubbling along.”
For more information on Key West, contact the Key West Business Guild at 305-294-4603 or 800-535-7797.
Compiled by Patti Harris
Atlantic resorts are less crowded in fall and spring
by Lincoln Pettaway
Rehoboth Beach is tucked away on the tip of Delaware, right at the mouth of Delaware Bay. The name of this beach town is borrowed from the book of Genesis, when Abraham's son Isaac was forced to relocate a number of times because of some rather troublesome Philistines. When he finally found a place where they would not bother him, he called this place Rehoboth. Isaac believed that "the Lord made room for us and we shall be fruitful in this land."
Isaac's premonition has proved correct for the modern-day Rehoboth, as it certainly has become a "fruitful" place for gay and lesbian travelers. About an eight-hour drive from Ohio, Rehoboth is a perfect get-away for a long weekend. Driving is the preferred way to travel to Rehoboth, since the airports, train station and bus terminals are quite some distance away from town.
High tourist season is between the months of June and August. Traveling to these spots during the off season, however, tends to have its advantages. The shoulder months of April and May or September and October is a great time to visit because most of the shops are still open, the weather is moderate, and the town is not crowded.
Before leaving for Rehoboth it would be wise to call ahead to book a room. Accommodations in Rehoboth are not always plentiful. One spot not to be missed is the Renegade, a full-scale gay resort located just on the outskirts of town.
To some the Renegade might seem pricey, and for those people there are a number of guest houses available to choose from. Traveling anytime other than high season can save one a considerable amount on accommodations.
Many of the guest houses on and around the beach area do not classify their establishments as gay per se, but most establishments are gayfriendly due to the large gay population.
The Rehoboth area has been a discreet gay gathering ground since the second world war. Its suburban middle class appearance has lured much of Washington's gay community over the years (especially during the McCarthy years.)
Provincetown, at the tip of Cape Cod, Massachsetts, is a well-known gay resort about a 12-day (15-hour) drive from Ohio. It
is easier to get to by air: Cape Air has flights from Boston.
With over sixty gay-owned bed and breakfasts and inns, one should never have a problem finding shelter. Buyer beware: Many of
TOTO TOURS
The "widow strainer" at the bow provides a unique perspective during a sailing adventure.
the guest house have a minimum stay of four nights, with seven being the standard during peak season. The summer months seem to be packed with a younger, male crowd than the winter months.
Everything in Provincetown is within walking distance. Most of the gay clubs and hangouts are in the west end. The town has a wealth of choices: leather bars, historical bars (like the Atlantic House where Eugene O'Neill and Tennessee Williams once stayed) and one of the best women's lounges in the country, the Pied Piper Lounge.
Do not be surprised by the large youthful population hanging out around the city. Provictown is home to some of the best art colleges in the country, and has proven to be a fertile ground for hopeful artistic, literary and social expression.
For more information, call the Provincetown Business Guild at 800637-8696 and the Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce at 800441-1329.