By Joey Amato

When a city boasts a neighborhood appropriately named “Boystown”, you know you are in for a treat.  Although it’s the 3^rd largest city in the country in terms of population, Chicago seems vastly different from Los Angeles and New York.  Maybe it’s the Midwestern mentality that generates passion and hospitality amongst the locals.  Or quite possibly its picturesque border along Lake Michigan is what makes the Windy City a truly magical place.

Getting around Chicago is simple.  Guests arriving at either O’Hare or Midway airports can board a train to downtown making transportation virtually painless and inexpensive.  Once downtown, visitors can stay at any one of dozens of large hotels or opt for smaller boutiques.  I chose to stay at the spectacular Radisson Blu.

The first of its kind in the United States, Radisson Blu, part of Aqua Tower, is a chic, 86-story towering oasis designed by Jeanne Gang near the border of Lake Michigan, which features luxurious guest rooms, state-of-the-art fitness center, conference space and Felini, an Italian-inspired restaurant and bar which was bustling with patrons almost every time I passed by.  The hotel is located a short 10-minute taxi ride from Boystown, the heart of the LGBT community.

This fall, the Art Institute of Chicago will present a tribute to Jeanne Gang, the developer of Radisson Blu and Aqua Tower.  The exhibition titled, Building: Inside Studio Gang Architects will be on display from September 24 until February 24, 2013 in the museum’s Architecture and Design Galleries.

The exhibit will feature over a dozen projects framed around four major issues facing contemporary architecture: its relationship to nature, questions of density, building community, and architecture as performance.

In addition to Aqua Tower, SGA has developed other awe-inspiring projects including the Hyderabad O2, a high-rise community in Hyderabad, India; an ecological revitalization project for Lincoln Park Zoo’s South Pond in Chicago; and Harbor Knot, a concert venue, maritime museum, and public park designed for Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

After an afternoon at the museum, head to Halsted Street, the heart of LGBT activity.  The street is lined with dozens of gay bars, shops and restaurants perfect for a gay-getaway.  The Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club is a premier destination venue for any occasion.  The restaurant offers an innovative martini and cocktail menu, contemporary cuisine, entertainment by the world famous Kit Kat Divas and sleek decor.

Entrees are given names of famous television and movie actors.  Standouts include Gregory Peck, wagyu beef meatballs served with whole wheat spaghetti in a tomato-basil sauce.  Another great selection is Bea Arthur, a delicious skirt steak accompanied by baby spinach, gorgonzola and bacon with a mustard vinaigrette.

For traditional American fare, visit Halsted’s Bar & Grill where diners can choose from a large selection of starters and entrees including the restaurant’s famous selection of burgers.  Some of my favorites included the Brie Mushroom Burger and Halsted’s Homemade Shrimp Burger made with fresh shrimp mixed with peppers, onions and topped with an avocado and herb aioli.

Boystown comes alive at sundown, where the streets are filled with revelers until the wee hours of the morning.  There are almost too many gay bars to visit on one trip, but bar hopping is encouraged so you can feel the vibe of this wonderful destination.  Start off at Sidetrack, the largest bar in the city, which features a great rooftop beer garden, and seven large rooms catering to nearly every musical taste and style.

Just a few doors down is Minibar Ultra Lounge, one of my favorite destinations in the city.  The cozy space is perfect for an evening cocktail with friends or a great opportunity to meet the locals in an intimate setting.  The bartenders here as extremely friendly and pour great drinks.

Roscoe’s is one of Chicago’s must-see venues and caters to a younger crowd. Food is served in the attached cafe next door and the outdoor patio gets packed in the summer. Check out the wet underwear contest the last Thursday of each month hosted by drag diva Frida Lay.

If partying isn’t your glass of vodka, catch a Cub’s game at Wrigley Field or during football season, head to Soldier Field and watch the Bears take on one of their NFC rivals for an experience not to be missed.

You can’t truly experience Chicago without a trip to Navy Pier. The 50-acre oasis of entertainment, museums, activities, restaurants, and shops is the perfect place for some fun time with your partner or friends.  The pier’s most eye-catching attraction is the 150-foot Ferris wheel, which offers great views of the city and Lake Michigan. Also check out the whimsical musical carousel, Wave Swinger lift-and-twirl ride, miniature golf course, and remote control boats.

Catch a movie on Chicago’s largest movie screen at the IMAX Theater. Or take a dynamic high-speed motion thrill ride to Antarctica on the Transporter FX.  Navy Pier is always a great place to spend the afternoon if this is your first time visiting the city.

Just a brisk walk from the hotel is Millennium Park, located in the heart of downtown Chicago. The park is an award-winning center for art, music, architecture and landscape design. The result of a unique partnership between the City of Chicago and the philanthropic community, the 24.5-acre park features the work of world-renowned architects, planners, artists and designers. Among Millennium Park’s prominent features are the Frank Gehry-designed Jay Pritzker Pavilion, the most sophisticated outdoor concert venue of its kind as well as the interactive Crown Fountain by Jaume Plensa and what locals refer to as “the bean.”

While in Chicago, don’t forget to pick up a copy of GRAB Magazine or the Windy City Times for local LGBT news and events.  Plan to stay a minimum of five days to truly experience all of the wonderful sites and attractions Chicago has to offer.

For more information, visit www.ExploreChicago.org

What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas…unless you’re a journalist and have to write about it! My first trip back to Sin City in over 12 years proved to be a memorable one.  Not only was I surprised by its enormity, but I was also shocked to see how upscale and chic the city has become.  40-story glass towers line the strip from Mandalay Bay to the Stratosphere.  New hotels are everywhere, from the gigantic City Center compound to my residence for the stay, THEhotel at Mandalay Bay.

Guests entering THEhotel are greeted by a modern, minimalistic lobby, quite uncommon when compared to the opulent Chihuly-lined ceiling of the Bellagio.  The all-suite property boasts large guest rooms with separate living spaces, relaxing soaking baths, walk-in showers and luxury linens throughout, not to mention sweeping views of the Las Vegas skyline.

One of the most majestic parts of THEhotel is miX.  The rooftop restaurant and ultra-lounge decorated with hundreds of Murano glass spheres is quite a site. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide the best view of the strip and a 15-foot glass cellar holds approximately 7,000 bottles of wine from around the world.

Diners can taste a variety of dishes including miX specialties: Spicy Crab Salad with guacamole, heart of palm & cilantro; Pepper Crusted Bison tenderloin with glazed vegetable and black pepper sauce; and Roasted Maine lobster “Au Curry” with coconut basmati rice.  miX was one of Michael Jackson’s favorite places to visit in the city and you will see why.

For a more ethnic meal, head to Border Grill, a delightful Mexican restaurant operated by Chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger of the Food Network’s “Too Hot Tamales.”  The two-story cantina offers some of the best Mexican-inspired flavors in Vegas.  I recommend sipping a few margaritas while enjoying Quinoa Fritters, Peruvian Ceviche and fresh Border Guacamole, which was some of the best I’ve ever tasted.

THEhotel is located within walking distance to Crystals at City Center, the magnificent indoor shopping mall where you will find everything from Bulgari and Christian Dior to Paul Smith and Versace.  Make sure you bring your American Express!

Directly across the street from City Center is the Cosmopolitan, one of the newest hotels to open in Vegas.  One of the highlights of my trip was a visit to The Chandelier, a breathtaking bar that is almost too majestic to describe in words.  The three-story venue, located in the center of the casino is one of the most beautifully designed spaces I have ever seen.

Las Vegas is all about entertainment and what better way to start the Vegas experience than with a visit to Le Rêve – The Dream at Wynn Las Vegas.  The Franco Dragone production is an aquatic spectacle featuring synchronized swimmers, aerialists and a multi-million dollar stage design.  Every seat in Le Rêve’s circular theatre is 40 feet or less from the stage as to provide guests with a wonderful visual experience.

Begin the next day with a hearty breakfast at Serendipity 3, located at Caesar’s Palace.  The New York-based restaurant offers supersized portions ranging from Crab Cakes Benedict, to The Hangover Omelet and Egg White Shrimp Frittata.  Try one of Serendipity’s Frrrozen Hot Chocolates or their popular Lookie Lookie Gimme Cookie Sundae, both are customer favorites.

Walk off breakfast inside The Forum Shops at Caesar’s Palace, a shopping, dining and entertainment mecca featuring over 160 boutiques, 13 restaurants and a menagerie of Roman fountains, sculptures and art.  Or if relaxation is desired, head to Qua Baths & Spa where guests can enjoy Roman baths, an herbal steam room and even an Arctic Ice room, where the 55˚ temperatures provide instant stress relief.  Massage treatments range from traditional Thai to Hot Stone with Aromatherapy and Hawaiian Lomi-Lomi, an experience based on Hawaiian concepts of working with the body, mind and spirit.

Those looking to catch some rays while gazing at the hottest eye candy on the strip should visit Temptation Sundays.  The weekly LGBT pool party at the Luxor is the place to see and be seen.  For a unique experience, rent a private cabana, located just steps away from the pool, where servers will be at your beck and call to provide you with delicious piña coladas, strawberry daiquiris or signature mixed cocktails.

For dinner, head to Gordon Ramsay Steak at Paris Las Vegas. One of the most unique items on the menu is the Kurobuta Pork Belly served with braised swiss chard, candied kumquat and cauliflower puree.  For a lighter starter, begin with the Shellfish Platter complete with tiger prawns, king crab, oysters, clams, and lobster served with champagne mignonette, citrus soy and cocktail sauces.

Of course the highlight of Steak is the prime beef, dry aged for a minimum of 28 days in a Himalayan salt room.  A Gordon Ramsey staple is Roasted Beef Wellington, a delicious selection accompanied by glazed root vegetables, potato puree, and red wine demi-glace.  For sides, try the Mushroom Tart with pearl onions, green beans and mushroom cream or the savory Mac & Cheese made with blue, cheddar and parmesan cheeses.

Finally, no visit to Las Vegas would be complete without experiencing Frank Marino’s Diva’s Las Vegas at the Imperial Palace.  Frank, who recently celebrated his 1,000^th Diva’s show, is the city’s longest running headliner.   Dressed as the wonderful and glamorous Joan Rivers, Frank leads the crowd through a divalicious performance by some of the world’s greatest female impersonators, not to mention about a dozen wardrobe changes.

Highlights of the show include the wonderful Tina Turner, Cher, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and of course, Madonna.  Frank and the ladies leave the crowd wanting more as the show draws to a close.  In true Las Vegas fashion, Frank generously takes the time to meet every audience member who attended the performance and donates a portion of merchandise proceeds to local charities.

As my fabulous Vegas vacation draws to a close, I am already planning my next visit as there is something about the glitz and glamour of the city that always draws me back.

For more information, visit www.lvcva.com

The most difficult part of your journey will be getting from Los Angeles International Airport to West Hollywood…the traffic in Los Angeles is legendary.  But once you arrive, all of your worries seem to fade away.  Check in at the newly renovated Le Montrose Suites, situated just blocks from Santa Monica Boulevard and minutes away from some of the most popular gay venues in the country.

The magnificent boutique hotel offers a full-service restaurant, beautifully appointed suites complete with full kitchen, living space, balcony, flat screen televisions and luxury linens.  Le Montrose also features a fitness center and rooftop pool overlooking the Los Angeles skyline, perfect for sun bathing or enjoying a late-night swim.

A car isn’t really necessary in West Hollywood, unless you would like to take a trip to Malibu, Santa Monica or nearby Pasadena.  Everything you need during your stay in WeHo is at your fingertips.  Stop in at one of many LGBT-owned retail shops lining Santa Monica Blvd. and check out the latest fashion trends from local designers.

For a delightful dining experience amongst the West Hollywood “It” crowd, head to Eveleigh, located on the famous Sunset Strip.  Here, diners can feast on a variety of options.  To start, try some of the wonderful “small plates,” which include: Crisp Spring Fennel with black olive aioli, Grilled Monteray Squid with garlic, lemon and olive oil or Roasted Bone Marrow with celery cress, radish and smoked sea salt.

With something for every taste, Eveleigh is definitely one of the premier dining establishments in the area.  The restaurant also offers a wonderful wine selection, perfect to accompany any entrée.  I highly recommend the Grilled Boulder Valley hanger steak with crisp potatoes and caramelized onions or the Roasted Half Jidori Chicken with picholine olives, almonds, preserved lemon, and golden raisins.

After dinner, head back to Santa Monica Blvd. to one of over a dozen gay bars/clubs in the city.  Of course, the most popular of them is The Abbey.  Voted “Best Gay Bar in the World,” by Logo, The Abbey is located just steps away from Le Montrose Suites.  Owner David Cooley founded the venue 20 years ago as a coffee shop and since then, it has grown to the premier LGBT nightlife venue in West Hollywood with approximately 16,000 square feet of space.

Drinks at The Abbey are a little pricier than other establishments, but well worth the money, especially their famous Raspberry Mojito, a drink recommended to me by many of their patrons.  The bar also offers a wide selection of martini’s, old-fashioned lemonades and Caipirinhas.  Dance the night away to the pulsating beats of some of the world’s greatest DJs who regularly visit The Abbey.

After a night of partying, it’s time to explore some of the cultural attractions West Hollywood has to offer.  Begin at the MOCA Pacific Design Center.  Founded in 1979, MOCA is the only museum in the region devoted exclusively to contemporary art. It is committed to the collection, presentation, and interpretation of work produced since 1940 in all media, and to preserving that work for future generations.  The museum is about a twenty-minute walk from the hotel, but well worth the visit.

Another highlight is the MAK Center for Art & Architecture.  The MAK Center seeks out and supports projects which break down the boundaries between art and architecture. In addition to an ambitious schedule of events, the MAK Center hosts a bi-annual residency program for eight innovative artists and architects from outside the U.S. The famous Schindler House, at the site of the MAK Center, is considered to be the first house ever built in the Modern style.

If all that sightseeing made you hungry, walk over to Tender Greens, a wonderful restaurant offering a selection of fresh soups, salads and grilled items.  Try the Happy Vegan salad, a lovely blend of farro wheat, cranberries, cucumbers, hummus, beats and Quinoa.  Another stand out is the Tuna Niciose salad, made with potatoes, quail egg, tomatoes and olives in a sherry vinaigrette.

Just a few blocks away is Shahr Salon & Wellness, a lovely new wellness center offering a variety of salon and spa treatments including relaxing massages and luxurious facials.  The property also features a private outdoor space for yoga and meditation.  During my visit to Shahr, I was lucky enough to participate in a private yoga session taught by a very knowledgeable instructor who focused mainly on stretching and breath control.  This was followed up by a wonderful 60-minute massage.  I would highly recommend making the time to visit Shahr during your stay.

A journey to West Hollywood would not be complete without visiting The Sunset Strip, a premier destination for the music, entertainment, and fashion. Some of the greatest bands in rock music got their start playing venues including The Viper Room, The Roxy and Whiskey a Go Go.  “The Strip” is one of the most likely places in West Hollywood to bump into a celebrity.

Those looking  to spend more time with the “boys” or “girls” should head back to Santa Monica Boulevard to any one of the exciting bars which include Rage, Revolver, Fiesta Cantina, Micky’s and Here Lounge in addition to others. The drinks in WeHo are plentiful and the eye candy is as well.

For more information, visit www.visitwesthollywood.com

Fort Lauderdale is actually three destinations in one.  The first, Fort Lauderdale Beach, is a picturesque ocean-front destination dotted with high rise condominiums and hotels, including The Ritz-Carlton, W and Hilton.  Dozens of beach front restaurants, shops and attractions line North Atlantic Boulevard, also known as A1A and are extremely gay-friendly.

But the charm of Fort Lauderdale Beach lies just two blocks inland. Those looking to avoid swanky hotel chains in favor of smaller, more personal accommodations should head to one of over a dozen LGBT-owned guest houses, most notably, The Grand Resort & Spa.

The Grand is the largest gay-owned and operated men’s resort on Fort Lauderdale Beach, offering 33 luxurious guestrooms, two pools, a Jacuzzi, full-service spa, fitness center and complimentary breakfast.  Stay in one of the suites, which contain a separate living space and full kitchen, perfect for those looking to spend a few extra days of fun in the sun.

Guests can enjoy the resorts famous Sundown Happy Hour every Thursday thru Saturday before heading to one of the beach’s fine restaurants including Steak 954, 3030 Ocean or Coconuts, where diners can savor delicious American cuisine including New England Lobster Rolls, Coconut Shrimp or the fresh catch-of-the-day while watching the sunset over downtown.

Enjoy some after dinner libations at any one of the many venues on Las Olas Boulevard including Yolo, or head to Wilton Manors, South Florida’s gay mecca.  Just a few miles from Fort Lauderdale beach, Wilton Manors is an epicenter of gay culture.  Dozens of gay-owned shops, restaurants, bars and clubs are clustered along Wilton Drive, making the area a one-stop destination for the LGBT traveler and a great place to mingle with the locals.

Sports enthusiasts should head to Sidelines, a friendly neighborhood sports bar offering daily drink specials and a great mix of men and women alike.  Beer aficionados should visit Wilton’s Bier Garden, a fairly new establishment offering 16 beers on tap and over 100 different bottled beers imported from countries around the world including Germany, Belgium and Scotland.

Dance the night away at The Manor Complex, a huge mega club in the heart of Wilton Manors which combines a restaurant, ultra lounge and nightclub all into one upscale experience. Check out The Manor’s website for a list of daily events which include special appearances by world-renowned DJ’s and numerous live performances throughout the year.

After a fun evening of partying, culture buffs should visit the Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art, located in downtown Fort Lauderdale.  The museum is home to a permanent collection of more than 6,000 works including significant pieces by the artists of the northern European CoBrA movement and contemporary Cuban artists. The museum also offers numerous unique exhibitions which included the recent Primordial: Paintings and Glass Sculptures by Isabel De Obaldía and upcoming original exhibition, SHARK.

A few blocks away is the Museum of Discovery and Science consisting of 85,000 square feet of interior space, a 300-seat AutoNation IMAX Theater, and an open-air grand atrium.  The Museum features dynamic interactive exhibits in the natural and physical sciences and a large array of programs designed to serve diverse audiences.

If you’d prefer to spend a more casual afternoon with friends, head to Rosie’s Bar & Grill, and enjoy some of the best burgers, sandwiches and salads in Fort Lauderdale.  I suggest trying the She BOP Wrap consisting of grilled chicken, bacon, fresh avocado, cheddar cheese and herb mayo rolled into a tomato-basil tortilla with a side of homemade sweet-potato fries.

For a different flavor, head to Rodeo, a restaurant specializing in Southwestern, Tex-Mex and Cajun cuisine.  For a quick bite, sample Rodeo’s delicious Fried Green Tomatoes, Barbeque Nachos or New Orleans Quesadilla.

While in town, be sure to stop by the Stonewall National Museum & Archives, an extraordinary collection of cultural and historical artifacts celebrating the LGBT community.  The museum is home to over 21,000 books, 19 traveling exhibits and over 7,000 artifacts including the gavel used to end “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

Fort Lauderdale is also home to many LGBT charitable organizations including SunServe, Out of the Closet and Broward House, South Florida’s oldest and largest HIV/AIDS community service organization.

If your vision of a vacation includes the hottest go-go boys in South Florida, then

visit Johnny’s Fort Lauderdale, one of three bars in town featuring nightly go-go dancing.  The staff and dancers at Johnny’s are always welcoming, so if this is your first time visiting, they will make you feel right at home.

Upon arrival to Fort Lauderdale, be sure to pick up a copy of either South Florida Gay News or Hot Spots magazine.  Both publications will provide you with great information about what’s happening around town including special events, nightly drink specials and LGBT community news.

For more information, visit www.sunny.org/glbt

As the largest city in Tennessee, Nashville is home to dozens of arts organizations, historical landmarks, James Beard award-winning restaurants and fabulous entertainment and nightlife venues.

Nashville is also the headquarters of the state’s largest HIV/AIDS organization, Nashville CARES, numerous gay sports leagues, the Nashville GLBT Chamber of Commerce and the Oasis Center, an organization designed to support and educate LGBT youth.

While in Nashville be sure to visit some of the city’s premier LGBT-friendly cultural attractions, most notably the Frist Center for the Visual Arts.  In the past year, the Warhol Live exhibit as well as To Live Forever: Egyptian Treasures from the Brooklyn Museum have all exhibited at the Frist.  This summer, the museum will premier “Creation Story: Gees Bend Quilts and the Art of Thornton Dial.”

History buffs should head straight to the Parthenon in Centennial Park.  This exact replica of the Athens original, also houses a 42-foot tall statue of goddess Athena, the tallest indoor statue in the Western Hemisphere.

If you desire, try to catch a performance by the Nashville Ballet. Since its founding in 1986, the group has grown to become the largest professional ballet company in Tennessee, presenting a varied repertoire of classical ballet and contemporary works.  The company is now comprised of 22 professional dancers from around the world.

Another LGBT-friendly highlight is the glorious Cheekwood Botanical Gardens & Museum, a 55-acre botanical garden and art museum located on the historic Cheek estate. Enjoy a brisk Nashville morning strolling with your partner through Cheekwood’s beautifully manicured gardens and admiring the culture and heritage of one of Nashville’s most prominent families.

Those yearning for music history should head to the Country Music Hall of Fameand Museum located in the heart of downtown Nashville.  The $37 million facility features more than 40,000 square feet of country music artifacts and archives in addition to a full service restaurant.  The Hall of Fame is currently exhibiting The Bakersfield Sound: Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, and California Country which tells the story of the stars, sidemen and songwriters who created and popularized a new kind of country music in mid-20^th century America.

Just a short walk away is the famous Ryman Auditorium.  Referred to as the “Mother Church of Country Music,” the Ryman is a National Historic Landmark and has hosted musicians from Chris Isaak and James Brown to Patsy Cline and Bruce Springsteen.  The Ryman recently received Pollstar Magazine’s coveted “Theater of the Year” award again for the fourth time in the past decade.

A vacation to Nashville would not be complete without a visit to the Grand Ole Opry, country music’s longest running show. The show brings together an incredible mix of talent to a live audience three times per week. Superstars including Vince Gill, Keith Urban, and Reba McEntire as well as new acts such as The Band Perry and Luke Bryan have all graced the Opry stage.

Touring the city is sure to make you hungry and luckily there are new culinary hotspots popping up everywhere in Nashville.  Favorites among gay locals include Virago, Kayne Prime, Watermark and City House, owned by James Beard award-winning chef Tandy Wilson.  In addition, GQ Magazine recently voted The Catbird Seat, one of the best new restaurants in America.  

Don’t forget to say hello to Top Chef Arnold Myint at one of his wonderful dining establishments which include PM, Cha Chah, and Suzy Wong’s House of Yum, the latter conveniently located on Church Street, adjacent to one of Nashville hippest gay bars, Tribe.

In recent years, Church Street has become Nashville’s gay mecca.  In addition to Tribe and Suzy Wong’s, the street is also home to Play Dance Bar, Canvas and Blue Gene’s as well as Out Central, Nashville’s LGBT community center.  A few minutes down the road are Stirrup, Trax and Blue Genes, three neighborhood bars offering great drink specials.

Just across the bridge from downtown, the neighborhood of East Nashville has been known as “the gayborhood” and offers tons of dining and nightlife venues to fit every taste.  Two of the most popular LGBT destinations are Lipstick Lounge and Mad Donna’s.  Mad Donna’s is the best place in town to play a game of drag bingo while dining on wonderful cuisine, while Lipstick Lounge offers karaoke and live entertainment throughout the week and is a favorite among the ladies.

After a long day of sightseeing, check into the beautiful Hutton Hotel.   Located in Midtown, this swanky property features an urban-chic sophistication not seen at many hotels in the city.  Rooms are lavishly appointed with luxurious linens, flat-screen televisions and granite flooring.  A state-of-the-art fitness facility and in-room spa services are available to all guests.

Nashville is truly a magical place that people can’t comprehend until they see it for themselves.  So put on your favorite pair of cowboy boots and head on down to Music City USA.

For more information, go to www.visitmusiccity.com

Visitors arriving to St. Louis should take note of the MetroLink. The train system has two routes, is easy to navigate and is an inexpensive way to travel throughout the city.  MetroLink connects Lambert-St. Louis International Airport to downtown as well as a host of other neighborhoods worth visiting including my personal favorite, Forest Park.

Forest Park is one of the largest urban parks in the United States. At 1,371 acres, it is approximately 500 acres larger than Central Park in New York City. Forest Park is home to the Art Museum, Science Center, Zoo, Jewel Box Greenhouse and History Museum, as well as a 7.5-mile biking, jogging and skating path.  Most of these attractions are free of charge.

The St. Louis Zoo is home to 655 species of animals, many of them rare and endangered.  Catch a glimpse of the cheetah, African black elephant, lion and penguin habitats while enjoying a leisurely day with friends or family. Later this year the zoo will open Sea Lion Sound, combining a spacious new sea lion habitat with the zoo’s popular Sea Lion Show.

A brisk walk through Forest Park will lead you to another great attraction, the St. Louis Art Museum.  The museum is among the nation’s leading comprehensive art museums with collections that include works of art throughout history.  Most notable are the Chinese, pre-Columbian and 19^th & 20^th Century Masters galleries.  The museum building itself is an architectural masterpiece and a highlight of the park.

St. Louis’ most recognizable icon is without a doubt, The Gateway Arch, the centerpiece of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial in downtown St. Louis.  The arch was completed in 1965 and at 630 feet, the stainless steel structure is the tallest man-made monument in the country.  The view from the top is a site that should not be missed.  Don’t forget to bring your camera!

After a day of history and culture, head to the Central West End neighborhood, a gay-friendly destination, with numerous restaurants, small boutiques, and antique stores. The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis is also located in this neighborhood and houses the world’s largest collection of mosaic art. The cathedral, designated a basilica in 1997, was built between 1907 and 1909 and is one of St. Louis’ main attractions.

Those looking to stay close to LGBT nightlife should check in at The Cheshire, a boutique hotel reminiscent of a traditional British inn.  The hotel contains beautifully appointed rooms with luxury linens, deep soaking whirlpool tubs and complimentary tea service.  The Cheshire truly transports visitors to the English countryside and for a while, you forget you are in St. Louis.  For a quick snack, stop by Fox & Hounds Tavern and sample traditional British fare.

Most of St. Louis’ LGBT culture is centered around The Grove, a growing business and entertainment district along Manchester Avenue about a five minute taxi ride from the hotel.  The Grove is home to a variety of independently-owned restaurants, nightlife options, and retail shops.

Stop by Atomic Cowboy for some Mexican cuisine such as shredded pork tacos, fish tacos, or buffalo chicken sliders or head to The Bad Dog Bar & Grill to mingle with the leather and bear crowd and enjoy happy hour cocktails and traditional American fare. Ladies should make an effort to go to Novak’s, regularly voted one of the top lesbian bars in St. Louis.  The vibrant bar and grill features weekly karaoke nights and a regular lineup of live entertainment.

Gays looking to party St. Louis-style should head to Just John Nightclub located in the heart of Manchester Avenue.  Just John offers an upscale environment with high tech lighting, premium sound, flat screen TV’s, private tables and the friendliest staff in town.  The focal point of Just John is The Florida Room, an indoor/outdoor area that is climate controlled and features a  fireplace, private tables, flat screen TV’s, tropical plants and lots of windows overlooking the patio area. Find Andy and ask him to pour you his signature Pineapple Upside-down Cake.

One of the “coolest spots” to visit in The Grove is Erney’s 32 Degrees.  The bar features a large, walk-in Vodka Box – a glass-enclosed freezer, which people can gather in to sample dozens of vodkas from around the world.  It gets quite cold inside the box, so be prepared.

St. Louis is also proud to host one of the largest pride festivals in the region.  The two-day event held in Tower Grove Park is expected to attract over 60,000 visitors this year and will feature headlining entertainment from Deborah Cox, Christine W and Pandora Boxx.  St. Louis Pride will also include an Athlete’s Village and a non-denominational prayer service.  Also part of this year’s festivities will be a special performance by Margaret Cho at Lumiere Place.

A highlight of St. Louis’s LGBT scene is the Gateway Men’s Chorus.  The GMC was formed in 1988 with 22 singers and has since grown to encompass approximately 80 singers making them one of the most successful male choral arts organizations in the country.  St. Louis is also home to numerous gay sports leagues, non-profit organizations and cultural groups, making the city a must-see “out destination.”

For more information on St. Louis, please visit www.explorestlouis.com