By
Matt Mathrani
Christopher with owner Nate at Tropics
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Click on the link for a handy PDF version of our December 2008 Florida travel feature!
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Gay people have not only been visiting, they've been moving here for years to be where the action is. The city's Wilton Manors subdivision is Florida's West Hollywood, with a larger-than-life gay concentration.
Accommodations
The city's many gay establishments cater to a broad cross-section of the gay world. There's a fine selection of gay resorts at Fort Lauderdale Beach. They're actually situated two blocks off the ocean, but within easy walking distance of the sand and surf. As anyone can tell you, the gay beach is opposite Saint Sebastian Street.
After 17 years Richard Gray recently sold Royal Palms Resort
(2901 Terramar; 954-564-6444) and passed the torch to two charming men from France, Christophe and Nicolas. (Richard will still be involved in promoting gay tourism as gay liaison to the Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau.) As with many Fort Lauderdale accommodations, this is a gated compound and clothing is optional. There's a hot tub next to the pool, and the large, sunny rooms here are immaculate. Staff is attentive but not intrusive, and Royal Palms has been graced with a slew of distinguished awards.
There's a sexy vibe at Worthington GuestHouse
(543 North Birch Road; 954-563-6819), where Californians Jim and Jason host. The pool and deck get tons of sun throughout the day, and the ambiance is all about having a good time. Alcazar Resort
(555 North Birch Road; 954-567-2525), an economy accommodation, is owned and operated by the Worthington.
Just opposite is the Dunes Guest House
(2835 Terramar; 954-568-6161), with its beautiful gardens and spacious rooms replete with king beds, deluxe linens and other comfortable furnishings. The Dunes offers unobstructed poolside sunning, a sociable continental breakfast and delicious quietude.
The longstanding Orton Terrace
(606 Orton Avenue; 954-566-5068) sees plenty of action. Host Roger offers hotel rooms and several huge one- and two-bedroom apartments with full kitchens at truly budget rates. There's a pool in the back with a deck, and tiled walkways sweep through lush gardens. The office is outside the front gate, giving the place a protected feeling. Roger and the boys present a copious serve-yourself breakfast in the common room, where there's also a computer terminal for guest use.
Quite stunning, Grand Resort
(539 North Birch Road; 954-630-3000) offers deluxe rooms, one- and two-bed suites, plus penthouse suites. Amenities are aplenty, including an oversized heated pool in the front, computers for guest use and a fabulous spa and fitness center. In the rear of the property a clothing-optional courtyard and a ten-man jacuzzi add to the treat. The Grand offers day-spa services to all with customized and specialty facials, body wraps, body scrubs, massages, manicures and pedicures, waxing, dermabrasion and hair styling services.
Elysium Resort
(552 North Birch Road; 800-533-4744) is huge and magnificent. They've connected adjacent properties here so guests have access to two pools, a hot tub, tons of deck, intriguing garden paths and an on-site gym. The south-facing pool has a large, open deck and unobstructed sun throughout the day.
Flamingo Resort
(2727 Terramar; 954-561-4658) is quite the five-star place. Uncommon furnishings, a lush tropical landscape and an attentive staff make it "an adventure in indulgence."
Coconut Cove
(3012 Granada Street; 954-523-3226) is a Key-West style, three-story resort arranged around a central patio and garden. The stairways and porches, with their fancy grillwork, are a delight to behold. This guesthouse has a huge bear and bear-lover following and they pride themselves on being the closest gay male guesthouse to the gay Sebastian beach.
Casa Del Mar
(3003 Granada Street; 954-467-2037) offers comfortable accommodations and a pool, and like its neighbor, the Coconut Cove, proximity to the gay beach. Ohad is the compelling host. La Casa del Mar sports an in-house restaurant, Mediterraneo, during the tourist season.
Windamar Beach Resort
(543 Breakers Avenue; 954-561-0039) is recognized for the huge sun it gets throughout the day. It has a large New York following -- understandable given that the owners have several businesses there, as well!
There are other accommodations situated away from the beach. One of these is the absolutely beautiful Coral Reef Guest House
(2609 NE 13th Court; 954-568-0292) -- upscale, quiet and inviting. You'll find eight modern, sunny, spacious rooms and a gleaming white pool with a built-in whirlpool.
The exclusive Pineapple Point
(315 NE 16th Terrace; 954-527-0094) is located not far from Las Olas Boulevard in upscale Victoria Park. The vast yet intimate grounds of the guesthouse are verdant with lush and tropical foliage. The property has been restored to maintain the original splendor of the 1930s architecture, yet boasts all of the amenities that today's sophisticated gay traveler has come to appreciate and expect -- gym included!
On the Sunrise Boulevard side of Victoria Park, Schubert Resort
(855 NE 20th Avenue; 954-763-7434) is an all-male, clothing-optional private men's resort. Built in 1953, it has recently experienced a $2.5 million renovation, highlighting its retro look, charm and style. The tropical grounds are totally enclosed, making sunning au natural by the pool or the ten-man jacuzzi a delight.
Offering six comfortable and distinct suites, each with a king- or queen-sized bed, Aragon Inn Guesthouse
(2520 NE 6th Avenue; 954-566-2900) touts its proximity to gay bars. Poolside casitas offer solar respite and have romantic potential.
Also within walking distance of the bars, Ed Lugo Resort
(2404 NE 8th Avenue; 954-275-8299) has luxury one- or two-bedroom suites available.
A heated pool, waterfalls and beautiful landscaping are in store.
The well established Cabanas
(2209 NE 26th Street; 954-564-7764) is a gated complex of smartly remodeled cabanas with kitchens and big windows overlooking Fort Lauderdale's Middle River canal (where guests can kayak!). Other amenities include a clothing-optional pool, a whirlpool with a waterfall and a steam room. Spa services are soon to be offered here.
The nearby Bamboo Resort
(2733 Middle River Drive; 954-537-1522) is a clothing-optional guesthouse offering varied accommodations, including a one-bedroom apartment, a "superior hotel room" and a poolside studio. Most of these are adjacent to the pool and have semi-private sundecks. Having just changed hands, new owners Marc and Alden have put a lot of sweat into making this place special.
On the south side of downtown Fort Lauderdale, Inn Leather
(610 SE 19th Street; 954-467-1444) hangs a sling in every room. They also feature a jacuzzi, heated pool and an active day-pass program. Clothing is optional, of course.
Nightlife
Now serving the tastiest burgers in town at an amazing price, Bill's
(2209 Wilton Drive) has grown up, becoming more than an average neighborhood bar. They feature four bars, including the upscale Mustang Lounge, and provide free parking, a VJ, dance floor, games and a special events stage. You're sure to find something happening at Bill's.
The muscle behind the bar scene in Fort Lauderdale, Alibi
(2266 Wilton Drive), a.k.a Georgie's Alibi, helped turn Wilton Manors into the destination it's become for locals and visitors to South Florida. Partly it's their events, partly their killer drink specials and great food. The restaurant is open from
11 am to just before closing everyday and has a delightful outdoor patio.
Alibi packs in a lot of frolic.
Across from Alibi, Boom
(2234 Wilton Drive) serves a cocktail crowd in the evening and then a dance crowd later when folks come to play at this multi-level, high-energy dance club.
There are several highly-rated restaurant-bars nearby. Tropics
(2000 Wilton Drive) is celebrating its 13th birthday. It's a piano lounge with nightly entertainment and a top-rate staff. Its Sidecar features a bar, cafe, terrace and even a pool table.
The pink building across from Home Depot houses Mona's
(502 East Sunrise Boulevard), an unassuming neighborhood venue where you'll feel right at home. Play pool here or the "train game" or just hang in the outdoors area in what is called Lisa's Background, with affable bartenders playing host. Drink specials all through the week (especially all day Monday) draw both the "arounders" and the out-of-towners. Customer appreciation is a matter of course (even pets have an annual pageant here!). But come December 26 things get truly special: at the annual hosted "Grab-bag," almost 400 ribboned presents, plus over $4000 in cash, is handed out to celebrants.
Sidelines Sports Bar
(2031a Wilton Drive), in the thick of Wilton Manors, is a state-of-the-art sports-themed gay bar offering friendly service and quality entertainment. Gay owned and operated, this venue has rapidly become Fort Lauderdale's premier gay sports bar. There are 16 flat-screen HDTVs on which to catch the season's most exciting games, as well as pool tables, dart boards and even a free football table. Along with the many accolades and positive feedback from patrons and the media, Sidelines was recently honored with two "Best of Gay South Florida 2008" awards from South Florida Blade's annual readership's survey.
Cubby Hole
(823 North Federal Highway) is Fort Lauderdale's only bear bar, though all are welcome. They've been providing fun and frolic for 13 years (in addition to some of the best burgers anywhere). This is a friendly hangout with no attitude and a true neighborhood bar feel. A juke box promises everything from '60s to country to current pop, and HDTVs bring razor-sharp visuals to the music. Pool table and video games plus a internet cafe with five computers for free use are at hand. Their kitchen is open daily from noon to 7 pm.
A friendly neighborhood bar, Depot
(1243 NE 11th Avenue) features 13 flat-screen TVs to watch sporting events, hosts a wet underwear contest every Friday, plus has karaoke every Wednesday with recording star Gioia Bruno of Expose fame. There's a two-for-one happy hour every weekday until 9 pm (all day Monday) plus the $10 beer buckets Saturday and Sunday. An outdoor patio bar makes for smoke free cruising.
A smoke-free venue, Matty's on the Drive
(2426 Wilton Drive) is spanking new in Wilton Manors. They offer something for everyone, including diverse music, pool table, darts, a stage for celebrity shows and meet-and-greets. There's a half-price happy hour 11 am through 9 pm Monday through Saturday. A huge screen for Wii games are part of the scenery. Unique current specials include Dog's Night Out Tuesdays, with refreshments for the pooches at hand, and vodka drink specials for the humans they bring in!
Scandals
(1509 NE 4th Avenue) is the only country-western bar in Wilton Manors. Line dancing lessons, karaoke and lots of pool are its highlights. Sister bar Stable
(205 East Oakland Park Boulevard) is a leather-Levi hangout.
The intimate Ramrod
(1508 NE 4th Avenue) is another favorite, with a regular clientele and heavy cruising. This "man's bar" offers an in-house leather shop and patrolled parking.
Steel Video Lounge and Dance Club
(1951 Powerline Road) sports innovative lighting and an inviting dance bar in the back -- super popular on Saturdays.
Sean David's Johnny's
(1116 West Broward Boulevard) is a premier gay male stripper bar where 18-plus go-go boys work two busy bars, one with a stage. A VIP champagne lounge plus a restaurant offering casual fare (burgers, sandwiches and salads) are on premises. Their amateur strip contest on Sundays is well received but not quite outdone by a Return of the Twinks on Tuesdays or a Latin Obsession on Fridays.
Strip action can also be found at Boardwalk
(1721 North Andrews Avenue), with a game room and an outdoor patio with a hot tub. Visits by porn stars here are often well highlighted in their promotions. Dudes
(3270 NE 33rd Street) is a cocktail piano bar with a separate room for go-go strippers. Steamy shower shows at Dudes are a staple.
Calling itself a dance destination, Torpedo
(2829 West Broward Boulevard, seven blocks west of I95) is gay seven nights a week and open till 4 am. In downtown Fort Lauderdale, the new Living Room Nightclub
(300 SW 1st Avenue) professes to offer 11,000 square feet of interactive and sensory pleasure in its three distinct areas, catering to partiers of all persuasions but with a definite gay bent on Fridays. Nearby, Jet Set
(109 SW 2nd Avenue) the all gay and lesbian nightclub continues to draw more than its share of gays Wednesdays through Sundays. Next door, VooDoo Lounge
(111 SW 2nd Avenue) dons the gay flag for their Sunday t-dance. And there is talk that Sea Monster
(2 South New River Drive West), an erstwhile gay nightclub, is about to rear its head once again soon.
Dining
One of the classics has already been mentioned: Tropics
(2000 Wilton Drive), with the "best brunch in south Florida" and voted "best restaurant" seven years in a row.
Flowers
(23454 Wilton Drive) is another truly gay option. There's a nice ambiance at the uplifting Hi Life Cafe
(3000 Federal Highway), where the cute young team greets Fort Lauderdale regulars with warm regard.
On East Las Olas Boulevard, the casual Boulevard Cafe
(1301 East Las Olas Boulevard) opens for lunch and dinner every day, while La Bonne Crepe
(815 East Las Olas Boulevard) highlights salads and crepes on its sidewalk terrace.
Back in Wilton Manors, don't forget Rosie's Bar and Grill
(2449 Wilton Drive), offering casual dining indoors or on their large covered outdoor patio.
Galanga Kitchen and Sushi Bar
(2389 Wilton Drive) offers stellar Thai fare as well as sushi and has been esteemed as one of the best Thai restaurants in Broward County.
Herban Kitchen Restaurant
(2823 East Oakland Park Boulevard) is "Home of the complete dinner," which translates into fresh bread, soup, salad and more. You'll think your mother was lurking in the kitchen.
And there's always a crowd at Java Boys
(2230 Wilton Drive), where they serve all kinds of coffees and other hot and cold libations, as well as dentist-inviting treats.
Stork's Bakery Coffee Cafe
(2505 NE 15 Avenue and 1109 East Las Olas) aims to offer a bit of stylish Viennese coffeehouse in your own backyard. There are snacks, salads, cakes, tarts, tortes, mousses and more.
Shopping
For sexy underwear and ˆ la mode beach- and swimwear Audace
(2031b Wilton Drive) continues to shine at this new location in Wilton Manors. The dazzle is not just below the crotch -- t-shirts, jeans, belts, shirts and accessories are also vended here and online.
Budget conscious GayMart USA
(2240 Wilton Drive) features bathing suits, club-wear, accessories and lots of other fun accouterments. Bottoms & Tops
(2244 Wilton Drive) sells designer men's apparel "without designer prices," in addition to accessories that scream gay. Tropixxx Video
(1514 NE 4th Avenue) purveys adult toys and clothing, and a great selection of videos. The team is smart and helpful. Zoo Two Clothing Company
(2151 Wilton Drive) offers a large selection of au courant party wear. Pride Factory
(850 NE 13th Street) is a giant book, video, clothing and gift store, as well as a coffee shop and internet cafe. M4M Leather
(839 North Federal Highway) offers leather and pride items to a backdrop of porn on their flat-screen monitors.
Leather Werks
(501 NE 13th Street) continues to serve the leather community offering garments, accessories and play equipment. Ruff Riders
(2205a Wilton Drive) features active and fashion wear with t-shirts, gym wear, jackets, vests, hats and accessories -- including leather.
Working out, steaming up
Island City Health & Fitness
(2270 Wilton Drive) is opening as of mid-November in the same location previously occupied by Main Street Gym. The new gym will sport the latest equipment, a cafe, lounge area, men's sauna, and opening in early 2009, a health and wellness spa.
Slammer
(321 West Sunrise Boulevard) prides itself on being a sex club, and on their website they enumerate the reasons why. Unique to Slammer is the "You bring the booze, we got the bar" concept. The 7,500-square-foot membership club has lots of pleasure tucked within a dark green building, with a yellow and black sign that reads "321." Slammer is the second in the chain of such clubs, the original being the one in the Silverlake area of Los Angeles.
Club Fort Lauderdale
(110 NW 5th Avenue) is the largest private men's club in Florida and one of the largest in the US. With 12,000 square feet of space, they are replete with a lush tropical outdoor pool and clothing-optional spa, custom-designed steam room, and a sauna overlooking the pool. Multiple TV rooms showing regular television and adult entertainment are throughout the club. Large state-of-the-art gym facilities offer all the latest equipment -- and guests are free to work out in their undies!
Clubhouse II
(2650 East Oakland Park), a private membership club with leather leanings, is a cozy facility with many small changing rooms and oodles of lockers.
For people-watching, the gay beach is in front of Beach Place, just opposite Sebastian Street. People also gather for jogging, tennis, and "whatever" at Holiday Park
(Sunrise Boulevard, on the south side, at NE 12th Avenue).
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