PAGE 16 HIGH GEAR⚫JUNE 1980

Report from Ft. Lauderdale

By Gregg Leach

thought processes have a tenHdency to become suspended

(a report on Ft. Lauderdale from a biased participant-observer)

I've given myself two weeks to try and re-adjust to life back North before tackling this story in order to try and get a little perspective on the experience. I'm not sure I've gained that required distance and objectivity, but I also realize that if I don't get something on paper now, I never will.

This was my second visit as a "liberated gay" male to the land of oranges, gorgeous naked men and Anita Bryant. I made a vow before-t-left that no major decisions would be made either in Florida or for a significant period of time after I returned.

Spring in Ft. Lauderdale for a gay man is somewhat like "Alice in Wonderland." All rational

HAIRCUTTING WAVING

1848 Coventry 371 1627

can call

vacation

by appointment

with the first breath of balmy sea air. Even as you realize that you are surrounded by unreality, you feel yourself becoming caught up in it. (One major bit of advice before I proceed: if you go to Lauderdale on vacation don't decide at the last minute to extend your stay. Like some modern siren song, the call of Lauderdale can be a fatal attraction.)

-

fast, frenzied, heavily drug oriented, structured to preclude the possibility of making friendships, sexually hyper-active, exhausting and unless considerable care is taken, demeaning. The society represented has two

factions: tourist and native. Each segment is beng on "doing" the other, and the natives always

win.

By some lucky quirk of fate, I was able to meet and talk with many natives and learned to see Gay life for the tourist (and through their eyes. But, even many, many of the natives). is though they were willing to talk

The Palm Beaches...

stands.

Tiny-Palm Beach is still the ultimate resort with palatial homes, fashionable restaurants, country clubs, polo fields, golf courses and exclusive shops along fabled Worth Avenue. But there is much, much more for everyone to enjoy along the forty seven miles of sunny beaches that comprise Palm Beach county, and embrace the adjoin

By Bob Damron World-renowned P al m Beach--the very name conjures up images of vast wealth...with American industrialists hob nobbing with European royalty. For over eighty years this Florida 'Gold Coast' resort has been the winter home and fashionable playground for the very rich. It began in the 1890's when Standard Oil tycoon Henry Flagler rec-ing ognized the natural potential, and extended his Florida East Coast Railway south to West Palm Beach. In Palm Beach he built the Royal Poinciana Hotel (then the world's largest allwood structure) soon followed by The Breakers...which still

communities of Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Riviera Beach and Palm Beach Shores. For most gay visitors the action centers around West Palm, Beach and Lake Worth, the two largest cities in the county.

West Palm Beach, originally established as a home for con-

GENESIS 1:29 RESTAURANT 12200 EUCLID AVE.

Tea Tavern with Jazz Fri. and Sat. 10-1

New Hours:

M.T.Th. Fr 12-10. Sat & Sun 2.10 Cleveland

(216) 421-9359

AT

BRAINARD TRAVEL

We have the places for you to go!

We think that gay people interested in travel

is to help them with their special travel needs.

verything with you in mind. To discuss your ravel plans, call Sandy or Harold.

ERAINARD

TRAVEL

29001 Cedar Rd. Brainard Place Building

Greater Cleveland's Largest Travel Agency.

473-0555

"Pick your spotwe'll get you there!”

2262 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 SC § 5 are welcome

Groups

period before moving on to the next staging area. The gay man

at extended lengths on our first meeting, it was very difficult to arrange subsequent dates. There in Lauderdale is like a kid with a is just too much going on too dime in a candy store so anxmany new "numbers" to be seenious and excited he can't make tomake a repeat engagement at up his mind, and in the end finds all necessary or even terribly himself with only ten pieces of worthwhile. penny candy and a belly-ache. For anyone seriously avoiding commitment (even as a friend), Ft. Lauderdale is the place to settle-down. For the average vacationer, it is the ideal setting for a series of promising introductions to new "fantasies". which give no second or third acts, no finales, no sad endings.

There are three major areas of. interaction in Lauderdale; the beach, the bar, and the tea dance. Each area is carefully designed for maximum exposure and minimal interaction; and the . time periods are set up to lend themselves toshort intense "rolls in the hay" with a brief recovery

struction workers and Flagler servants has now become a large, glamorous resort on it's own with nearly 100,000 inhabitants. This is the place to party, and you can party late as the bars are open until 5:00 a.m. The two big discos are located at opposite ends of town. The Kismet South is at 1412 Southern Blvd., just east of I-95 and the Citadel is at 59th and Broadway. Both can be popular, especially weekends. but some prefer the Citadel because of their new room, the Barracks, which has a small cruisy bar and pool table.

Man's Land at 508 25th Street is a very popular levi and leather cruise bar...and their outdoor patio is 'hot' on hot nights. Dude County at 520 Forest Hill Blvd., about one half mile east of I-95 is a promising looking new cruise bar. Both guys and gals frequent Lou's Pub and Ricky's Place. The Music Box at 629 Lake Ave. is a long-established conversation

Gold Coast Gays

By R. Woodward

These gods of yours, manufactured by those unversed in touching,

have no appetites,

the closest to a blessed boon for you, who've never learned giving nourishment.

Dead bolts secure

your freedom

to be

self-cloyed.

and cruise bar in Lake. Worth. Other bars in this quieter resort community, which close at 2:00 a.m. include Cathy's Place and the Greenery. The only gay/mixed hotel in the area is the Sea Grape, at 2618 Broadway, just around the corner from Man's Land in West Palm Beach:

There are no gay restaurants in the Palm Beaches, with the exception of Kismet which

serves lunches and snacks. For

elegant gourmet dining try Capriccio or Le Petite Marmite in Palm Beach, which also boasts two very good Italian restaurants, Testa's and Maurice's. Fredericks, in West Palm Beach is the place for steaks, while Peter Dinkel's and the Philadelphian serve super sandwiches and salads in a more casual atmosphere. I usually stay at the Holiday Inn or Howard Johnson's.

The Palm Beaches were so named when a Spanish ship, the Provendencia, sank off shore in 1878. It was carrying a cargo of 20,000 coconuts and 100 cases of wine. The local residents drank the wine and planted the coconuts, which were not until then indigenous to the area. While both the palm trees and beach towns have grown a lot since then, there still remains a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere...which is what a beach resort is all about! But if you do get bored. with sunning, swimming or watching the late, late TV show, you can always boogie the night away or look.for other adventure in the late, late bars.

Come In And Browse

Our Experts Offer Horticulture Advice. We Feature Unusual Gifts And Plants, Flower Arrangers, 'Cupboard Containers, Pin Holders, All Types Of Supplies

LOUISE TAYLOR'S FLORAL NICHE

Fowlers Mill Village 10700 Mayfield Rd. Chardon, (216) 286-6400