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LGBTQ FLORIDA
By David Duran (originally published in Connextions Magazine Issue 21: #Proud2BMe)
Have you ever seen the movie Heartbreakers with Jennifer Love Hewitt and Sigourney Weaver? You know, the one where they are in Palm Beach and trying to con their way into fortunes by marrying rich billionaires who live in the area. So basically, that was my only reference of Palm Beach I had when I decided to fly down for the Gay Polo League’s 7th Annual International Gay Polo Tournament. I didn’t even know gay polo was a thing, and when I heard it was in Palm Beach, I couldn’t miss an opportunity to see what the hell it was all about. I mean…gay polo? What’s not to love?
I arrived to West Palm Beach airport, super convenient FYI, and came in a few days prior so I could explore the Palm Beaches. I didn’t even know the Palm Beaches was a thing, so I was content to explore a few of the cities that made up said Palm Beaches, before hitting up the tournament in Palm Beach. Still with me? My first stop was Boca Raton and my hotel, the Waterstone Resort & Marina. This place was awesome; it’s actually a Double Tree by Hilton, so they give you those fresh warm cookies at check-in, although this place was in a category of its own when it came to Double Trees, as it was more of a boutique property, doing its own thing but using the Hilton branding. No complaints here at all, the views from the room, which are standard in every room, are fantastic. The décor was minimal but that was welcomed, as the water views are the main focal point.
After check-in, I headed to The Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa because who doesn’t need a welcome massage after flying in? This place was over the top, and the spa here is all about indulgences, which was evident by pre-massage champagne and brownies. I didn’t want to leave afterwards, but alas, dinner at The Farmer’s Table was calling, and it was great. The farm to table concept has been overdone now and it’s becoming the standard everywhere, but this place did it better than anywhere I had been lately, and the cocktails that accompanied dinner were just as amazing.
My second day in the Palm Beaches, I wanted to immerse myself and well, when I read about The Wick Theatre & Costume Museum, my gay self couldn’t resist. The theatre has been presenting musicals for years and the costume theatre, which is curated and changes, currently had original costumes from over 35 Broadway productions and revivals. After my musical geek-out, I headed over to Delray Beach for a little beach time and city tour, by golf cart, nonetheless. And dinner that night was my first introduction to Palm Beach itself, with a visit to The Colony Hotel’s Royal Room Cabaret. The hotel itself is a landmark and has some pretty amazing history and rumors attached to it. That night was also gentleman’s night at the bar, so it was fun to take a few laps around the bar and check out what Palm Beach was serving up before the cabaret dinner. The cabaret itself was definitely a Palm Beach rite of passage and it was brilliant and exactly what I would have expected from a cabaret dinner show in Palm Beach!
Day three took me to West Palm Beach, where all the non-billionaires reside. Here, I did a walking food tour and was pleasantly surprised by the amazing street art I saw. I also met the amazing owners of Pizza Girls, a married lesbian couple, who have been dominating the pizza scene in West Palm Beach for decades. After the tour, I swapped hotels and hit up the Kimpton Tideline Resort & Spa where again, my expectations were exceeded. The rooms were great, but it was the open-air restaurant located feet from the sand that won me over. The turquoise blue umbrellas were a perfect compliment to the white sand and blue waters in the distance and made for a killer Instagram image, because that’s really what it’s all about.
The rest of the weekend was spent attending the Gay Polo League’s events and the actual tournament, which by the way, was probably one of the most fabulous outdoor events I’ve ever attended, and I am so glad I brought the right hat to wear! The champagne was flowing and everyone was dressed up and ready to be photographed. The polo tournament itself was almost as entertaining as the tailgates that were created on the sidelines – people went all out and spared no expense to try and stand out among the rest. Before departing, I spent some time with Leslie Diver (www.islandlivingPB.com), who took me on a walking/driving tour of Palm Beach and her insider’s look at the history, architecture and residents was probably the best part of the entire experience because beyond all the fun gossip she relayed, I got to understand a bit more about the area and make sense of it all. I didn’t know what to expect from the Palm Beaches and really didn’t know much about them, but after this trip, I learned that not only are they welcoming to all travelers, but the locals are lots of fun, and the destination isn’t just for the rich and famous. I mean it is, but they are willing to share it with the rest of us.
As seen in Connextions Magazine Issue 21: #Proud2BMe - see full issue below
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Connextions Magazine, the award-winning LGBTQ Travel Magazine, is your trusted resource for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer travel destinations, vacation ideas, fun travel videos, LGBTQ travel guides and the latest news relevant to our entire rainbow community. Connextions Magazine focuses on celebrating the LGBTQ Traveler providing information on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer travel, our LGBTQ culture, the diverse style of our rainbow community, adventures, gay romance, tips for Lesbian Moms, Gay Dads, Bisexual, Transgender Parents and families.
Connextions Magazine LLC - PO Box 242, Calverton NY 11933
MISSION: Connextions Magazine is The Travel Magazine for the LGBTQ community. Making connections to travel like a local, whether on a quick weekend getaway or a luxury vacation, Connextions transports our readers through dazzling photography and insightful content about gay travel, dining, queer culture and style to destinations and memorable travel experiences across the globe. We are your Connextions to the world!
Connextions Magazine, the award-winning LGBTQ Travel Magazine, is your trusted resource for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer travel destinations, vacation ideas, fun travel videos, LGBTQ travel guides and the latest news relevant to our entire rainbow community. Connextions Magazine focuses on celebrating the LGBTQ Traveler providing information on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer travel, our LGBTQ culture, the diverse style of our rainbow community, adventures, gay romance, tips for Lesbian Moms, Gay Dads, Bisexual, Transgender Parents and families.
Connextions Magazine LLC - PO Box 242, Calverton NY 11933
MISSION: Connextions Magazine is The Travel Magazine for the LGBTQ community. Making connections to travel like a local, whether on a quick weekend getaway or a luxury vacation, Connextions transports our readers through dazzling photography and insightful content about gay travel, dining, queer culture and style to destinations and memorable travel experiences across the globe. We are your Connextions to the world!
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Copyright © 2010 - CONNEXTIONS MAGAZINE, LLC - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
LIVE | TRAVEL | CONNECT®