Gay Key West invites you to the lush tropical island, with fascinating architecture,  friendly people, a rich history, and plenty of activities to keep you engaged  or help relax.

 Filled with a funky charm, Key West is a sophisticated place  with amazing restaurants, diverse entertainment, eclectic art, professional  theatre, and live music that includes salsa, show tunes, disco, country, opera,  and classical. Our gay and lesbian guest houses are legendary, and our mainstream  hotels and inns are always All Welcome.

Drag shows, commitment ceremonies, water excursions, late night parties, beaches,  clothing optional resorts, and the only gay & lesbian historic trolley  tour make our island the preeminent LGBT vacation choice. But the best part  about our town is our open and accepting attitude. “One Human Family” is  our city motto, and our closets are only used for our costumes!

Whether you are looking for a romantic retreat or decadent fun, you can find  it here in Gay Key West where we throw a party 365 days a year!

For details and information on Key West Pride, Womenfest Key West and Tropical Heat for men - CLICK HERE.

The GLBT Travel Expo will be in both Ft. Lauderdale & Miami in 2013!

The 2013  Travel Expo Tour is an exciting event where you can learn about new travel destinations, rediscover old ones, find glbt friendly travel providers and get information to plan your next vacation.

Exhibitors include:
Airlines | Hotels | Trains | Cruise lines | Car Rentals | Resorts | Exotic Destinations | Convention & Visitors Bureaus | Travel Magazines

Every one of them reaching out to the glbt consumer.

Attendees will be able to get the latest travel information, get special travel packages and great deals from the very best travel providers as well as win great prizes.

Face to face promotions still represent one of the best ways to promote your services. This afternoon event will draw 500-1,000 elite consumers from a great demographic group. This is the third year Steven Levenberg Productions, LLC has been producing these events. Each year these shows have had an ever expanding exhibitor base and attendance.
 
Miami
The GLBT Travel Expo is pleased to announce that the Art Deco Welcome Center of Miami Beach has become the site for the Miami GLBT Travel Expo. The Welcome Center is located on 10th Street on the famous Ocean Drive in the heart of South Beach.
Thousands of people stop by each week to learn about everything to do in Miami.  It offers 4,000 square feet of exhibition space in an incredibly beautiful building.

The Miami Design Preservation League (MDPL) is a non-profit organization devoted to preserving, protecting and promoting the cultural, social, economic, environmental and architectural integrity of the Miami Beach Architectural Historic District and all other areas of the City of Miami Beach where historic preservation is a concern. It was originally organized by Barbara Capitman in
1976 and is the oldest Art Deco Society in the world.

The Miami show will be held February 10, 2013

The expo is presented by:

Miami Beach Sisters Cities International
Miami Design Preservation League- Art Deco Welcome Center

Sponsored by:

Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau
Miami Dade Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce

Click to http://www.glbttravelexpo.com/happiness/ for more information or please contact Steve Levenberg at [email protected]
718 622 5709
A Steven Levenberg LLC Production

INAUGURAL MIAMI PROJECT ANNOUNCES
EXHIBITOR HIGHLIGHTS & PARTNERS
AT THE MIAMI PROJECT ART FAIR
  
The inaugural Miami Project Art Fair launches next week, December 4-9, 2012, and will feature 65 leading galleries from around the globe in a 65,000 square foot exhibition space centrally located in Miami’s Midtown adjacent to the City’s energetic Wynwood Art District.  
 
Max Fishko, Managing Partner, says, “After speaking with many galleries from across the U.S., we were struck by a recurrent message – our colleagues were looking for a home that focused on quality, consistency and strong personal connections. That quality is illustrated by the range of impressive programs and installations being presented by our exhibitors at this year’s Miami Project.” 

Highlights include:
 
· San Francisco veteran dealer Cheryl Haines will be presenting a highly developed immersive new media experience which artist, Camille Utterback has been developing since 2001. Custom video tracking and drawing software create a projection that responds to the viewers’ movements in the space captured by an overhead video camera.  Untitled 5 will present a dynamic and fluid installation that is both algorithmic and organic. Utterback, the 2009 MacArthur Foundation Fellowship recipient, is an internationally renowned artist who has had work presented at some of the most prestigious museums and new media centers around the world – including The New Museum, New York, Ars Electronica Center, Austria and The Netherlands Institute for Media Art.  

· Nina Katchadourian’s acclaimed series Seat Assignment, will have a mini show in Catharine Clark Gallery’s booth.  A large selection ofphotographs from the artists fifth solo show with the gallery will be thoughtfully installed.  The series, which was conceived – and first explored/executed on a flight the artist was on in 2010 between New York and Atlanta, was a response to the artist’s feelings – and indeed those of many travelers- of confinement and restraint during air travel.  The series is highly improvisational – the artist uses only her camera phone and materials that are easily accessible and readily available.  On the one hand, an inflatable neck pillow and tissues, put on in the airplane lavatory, transform the artist into a sitter of a Flemish portrait, while on the other a photograph of a travel magazine covered with pretzel crumbs becomes an image of a landslide.  The Brooklyn-based artist first exhibited the Seat Assignment series at the Dunedin Public Art Gallery in New Zealand.  Her work has been shown both nationally and internationally at museums and exhibition spaces including PS1/MoMA, the Palais de Tokyo, Paris and The
Serpentine Gallery, London. 

· Monique Prieto is a well-known and influential Los Angeles-based artist whose paintings will be presented by ACME.  The installation for Miami Project will consist of seven recent oil paintings in various sizes in which the artist playfully combines abstraction and text with a great sense of composition and color.  The paintings’ silhouettes refer to the tradition of classic still life painting – the text in each of the works is from the diaries of British writer Samuel Pepy’s chronicling life in London during the 17th century. The silhouettes in these paintings refer to the tradition of classic still life painting. Prieto has had numerous solo exhibitions throughout United States and Europe. Her works are in many museum collections, including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, among others.

 · In addition to the photographs, paintings and installations to be found at Miami Project, Los Angeles gallery Coagula Curatorial will present a series of performances entitled SEXT ME IF YOU CAN by artist, performer and author Karen Finley.  The interactive painting performance will feature an on-site studio where the artist will transform “sexted” images on her cellphone from anonymous collectors into “fine art” acrylic paintings.  Visitors can purchase a private code and phone number to sext the artist during the fair and she will paint images she receives during the show that will then be on view for the duration of the fair.  Finley, a recipient of many awards and grants including a Guggenheim Fellowship, has performed and exhibited widely including such venues as the Yerba Buena Vista Center, San Francisco and the Orange County Museum of Art.  She teaches at NYU, has lectured extensively and has authored several books.  Her work has stirred up much controversy over the years for her graphic depictions of sexuality and abuse.   

· Other performance-based work includes Group Therapy with Lorelei Ramirez, presented by School of the Visual Arts.  A
10-minute guided sound meditation by “psycho-observational research founder” Lorelei Ramirez invites therapy session participants to close their eyes and join the artist on a “journey to heal”.  Fair-goers who sign up for the guided mediation are placed in a dim-lit public space where they experience their own personal sound retreat. 

· In response to the devastation that was caused by Hurricane Sandy, Richard Levy Gallery will present AID + AID.  Each exhibiting gallery artist generously donated a gift for the exhibition at Miami Project and all sales from the installation will benefit
the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. Artists include: William Betts, John Chervinsky, Jenna Kuiper, Matthew McConville, Manjari Sharma and others.  For images and more information visit: http://levygallery.com/current/benefit_2.html 

· Outside the fair’s main entrance Techo, a non-profit organization that organizes social initiatives to fight against poverty, will be
presenting a series of installations as part of their project ARTECHO.  The organization has invited a group of nineteen artists from around the world to create small-scale replicas (16”x 8”) of the houses that are built by TECHO throughout Latin America to raise awareness about the cause.  Additionally, Miami-based, artist and designer Fabian de la Flor, will perform a live intervention on a full-scale 194 square foot house and will paint the house throughout the five-day fair. Viewers are invited to view a photographic exposition mounted inside the house.  
 
According to Fair organizers, collaborations and partnerships are an important element that helps the Miami Project stand out. “Along with all the events and bells and whistles taking place in Miami during what is the most important art week in the United States, many of the clients with whom we spoke talked about wanting to focus on the art and the galleries. That is what we have set out to do. One way we’re adding heft and a sense of connection is through partnerships with leading cultural and arts organizations including Miami’s Museum of Contemporary Art, Museum of Modern Art, the Guggenheim, the Museum of Art and Design, The Whitney Museum as well as Miami International Film Festival.”  
 
Location:  
Miami Project Art Fair  
NE 1st Ave & NE 30th Street
Miami, FL 33137  
 
Hours:
Wednesday, December 5, 2012 - 11am to 5pm
Thursday, December 6, 2012 - 11am to 7pm
Friday, December 7, 2012 - 11am to 8:30pm
Saturday, December 8, 2012 - 11am to 7pm
Sunday, December 9, 2012 - 11am to 6pm  
 
Admission:
$20 General admission
$10 Seniors / Students 
 
For additional information, please visit: http://www.miami-project.com/miami
  
Media contact: Helen Allen/Meryl Cooper, Allen/Cooper, 212-260-8100, [email protected]
  
Sponsors and Partners
Support from: MOCA North Miami Design
Partners: FX FOWLE, PIE studio
Supporting partner: ArtSpace Art
Handling & Logistics: Cadogan Tate Fine Art
Product Sponsor: Perrier Cafe
Sponsors: GastroPod, Panther Coffee and Real Sorbet
Cultural Partners: Guggenheim Patrons, Guggenheim Young Collectors Council, Miami International Film Festival, MoMA Junior Associates, New Museum, Whitney Contemporaries, The Apollo Circle, Young Friends of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Museum of Art & Design

Media Partners: American Art Collector, American Fine Art Magazine, Art Fag City, Art Guide Miami, Art in America, Art Ltd., Art Nexus, Artfacts.net, ArtInfo, Artnet, Artprice, Colossal, Hyperallergic, Miami Herald, Modern Painters, Santa Fean, SFAQ, The Art Newspaper, VENU

An Important Message from Mallory Wells, Public Policy Director, Equality Florida

Please take a moment to watch this special public policy update. 
This year we face unprecedented opportunities - and unprecedented challenges.   

What you do right now will help determine the future of Florida. Giant breakthroughs are possible this year, and we can't let up the pressure for a second. 

Which is why we've set an aggressive goal to raise $120,000 by June 30th.  We're half way there, but we need our strongest supporters to step up.   Each summer we hold our annual Equal-a-thon during pride season because winning Equality for all of us starts with one person, you. Your contribution today will support local campaigns in more than 20 communities across the state
and help us to drive pro-equality voters to the polls.

Join us.  Give your gift $100, $50, or whatever is meaningful to you will help determine the course of LGBT equality this fall.

CLICK HERE for more information.

#1 Sandspur Beach 
Located in Bahia Honda State Park on Big Pine Key in the Florida Keys, Sandspur Beach, with its achingly beautiful, crystal clear turquoise water and baby powder white sand is most certainly my favorite place in Florida. With no waves and no lifeguards, this secluded paradise on the Atlantic Ocean is certainly sensational. 




#2 Key West 
One of the most popular gay destinations in America! Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, beaches, activities, Caribbean suntans, tropical climates, museums, theatres, and nightlife that lasts until sunrise… Need I say more? 

#3 Daytona Beach 
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, chances are you will have a car. Daytona Beach offers something unique! There’s no need to find
public parking and lug your beach bag, towel, and chair, the hard packed sand allows you to drive and park right on the beach, just steps from the Atlantic Ocean. Daytona is also famous for annual events such as speedweek and bikeweek! 
 
#4 Marco Island
Described as magical, mystical and alluring, this world-class resort destination is surrounded by miles and miles of pristine, uninhabited islands, bays, creeks, and the Gulf of Mexico. Take a catamaran tour or ride on a 105’ long paddlewheel boat that serves lunch and dinner. 

#5 Miami 
Located on the Atlantic Ocean, Miami offers a first class paradise. Home to the ‘rich and famous,’ with million dollar properties, yachts, and a beach that is known for its sexy bodies, art deco décor and neon nightlife on Ocean Drive, which are unmistakable. 

#6 Disney World
Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Blizzard Beach, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Typhoon Lagoon create the scene for the most epic of vacations! From breakfast with Cinderella in her castle to the spectacular lightshow where Tinkerbell flies through mid-air, thrill seeking rides and a variety of water filled fun, entertainment at these parks is limitless.

#7 Ft. Lauderdale 
Ft. Lauderdale offers its own culture of shopping and beach life with a suburban feel. It is not hard to comfortably nestle right in to this slightly calmer version of its neighboring city of Miami. It has all the benefits without the "glam" effect. 

#8 The Palm Beaches 
Known as America’s first resort destination (1894), the Palm Beaches of Florida, offer everything from a fascinating array of cultural
venues, to celebrity chef-owned restaurants, and golfing on world-class courses.  Located on the Atlantic Ocean, just an hour north of Miami and complete with a state-of-the-art, world class marina. 

#9 Tampa 
Ybor City today is one of only two National Historic Landmark Districts in Florida, with its red brick buildings, wrought iron balconies and narrow brick streets. Tampa’s "Latin" Quarter" is an exotic blend of aromas, flavors, sights and sounds. Cuban coffee, Latin music, salsa dancing, Spanish, Cuban, Italian, Greek & French cuisine, as well as authentic tapas are just the beginning! 

#10 Seaside 
Leave your car keys at the bedside when you explore the quaint, local flavor of Seaside, Florida. There seems to be a slower pace in this small beachside town located on the Gulf of Mexico. Enjoy specialty art galleries and unique accessory shops, along with cozy café’s and shrimp shacks, all in walking distance from just about anywhere in town.

As featured in Connextions Magazine, Read it free here --> Issue 6.

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Thanks to the Greek divers who migrated from Greece in the late 1800’s, Tarpon Springs is now known as the Sponge Capital of the World. 

The Sponge Industry helped build a Greek Community that is now famous, not only for the world’s finest sponges, but for some of the best Greek restaurants,markets, and bakeries in the Country.



 Located minutes from Tampa, the approximate 10-mile radius of downtown Tarpon Springs offers beautiful parks, pristine beaches, golf courses marinas, salt and fresh-water fishing, yacht charters, scuba diving, snorkeling and kayaking.  Also enjoy unique Greek and Florida souvenirs and sightseeing cruises!

Tarpon Springs is a great day trip from Tampa, Clearwater, St Pete, Sarasota, Pasco and Orlando. Bring the kids and check out the history, culture and amazing Greek food.

Be sure not to miss future issues of  Connextions Magazine!  CLICK HERE  to subscribe to the digital edition, FREE; order your print subscription; or purchase a copy of this issue.

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Vitambi (Vee-tom'-bee)
meaning: A tribal african word meaning pride.

269 acres of century-old oak trees, tropical palms and majestic pines that shelter four-themed campgrounds, rental homes, an inn, secluded cabins and bungalows, is only the beginning of this rare exotic getaway resort. 

The campground offers several choices for accommodations. The Pine Tree Inn is for those who like more traditional arrangements; it offers a dorm-style experience with private rooms and shared bathrooms. If you and your friends need more space and privacy, try one of the two or three bedroom homes complete with kitchen and living areas or secluded nature cabins. The Barracks offers military-style shared accommodations with other recruits, while individuals or groups may prefer the cowboy camp with its mesa lookout tower, the heavily wooded medieval camp or the pirate hideaway camp nestled in a tropical jungle setting. Other visitors may just want to simply pitch a tent in one of the expansive campsites or a remote area of the wilderness park. 

Not far from any camp is the Big Oak Lodge and Scrub Palm Spa with its spacious new shower house, including individual dressing areas, sparkling fixtures, tile floors, air conditioning and lockers for day use members. Other amenities include; the Bongo Bar, Woof’s dog park, a lakeside dock with a screened pavilion, a regulation-size beach volleyball court, miles of scenic hiking and biking trails and the Olympus gym. 

The offerings at Vitambi Springs are as unique and diverse as the community it serves. Managing Member, Steve McCloud says, "we’re building much more than a campground, we’re building a community." This all-male, member’s only, vacation camping resort is centrally located in Florida, just south of Lake Okeechobee. 

As stated by a recent traveler: "We just spent our first of what will surely be many weekends at Vitambi! The property is beautiful and perfectly rustic! Great friendly hospitality from all staff. Thanks Martin , Wayne, Neal and Steve ... You guys are great! See you soon!"     -Richard and Bob

As featured in Connextions Magazine, click to view more photos: Issue 6.

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Florida’s Oldest restaurant and the World’s largest Spanish restaurant, opened in 1905, is located in the historic district of Ybor City in Tampa.   Still owned by the Hernandez Gonzmart family today, this award-winning Spanish/Cuban cuisine is worth a spot on your bucket list!  Not only is the dinner absolutely divine, but the flamenco dancers who perform nightly are breathtakingly talented!

Some of the same century-old family recipes are still on the menu, such as Paella "a la Valenciana," Snapper "Alicante" Pompano en Papillot, Corvina "Russian Style" and Filet Mignon "Columbia."

We only had the pleasure of visiting the original Ybor City restaurant, but the Columbia has 6 locations throughout Florida.  

Check their website for a complete look at the menu, all their featured recipes, and a historic timeline that dates back to 1905 at columbiarestaurant.com  

2117 East 7th Avenue
Tampa, Florida 33605 

Telephone: (813) 248-4961 

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From the picturesque palm trees and tantalizing turquoise water, to the roaming roosters, eclectic décor, and diversity of the locals, Key West is a place where you can feel free to be who you want and come as you are! 

Time, in essence, comes to a halt when you arrive. When Jimmy Buffet said “It’s 5:00 Somewhere,” he must have been sitting in Mallory Square, watching the breathtaking view as the sun sets in the southern most point of the United States. On this island, that stretches approximately 4 miles long and 2 miles wide, you are welcome to do nothing at all, or anything you want… the possibilities are endless. Enjoy diving, fishing, or golfing on a course designed by Rees Jones; discover gingerbread mansions, the John Audubon House, Ernest Hemingway's home, or walk through tin-roofed conch houses; go parasailing, boating or bike riding; and best of all, grab a bite at some of the most unique and succulent restaurants in America! I personally recommend brunch at Blue Heaven, where you can dine at a picnic table in their backyard among the greenery, with the wandering chickens and roosters, for a mouthwatering meal! 

“Drag shows, commitment ceremonies, water excursions, late night parties, beaches, clothing optional resorts, and the only gay & lesbian historic trolley tour make our island the preeminent LGBT vacation choice. But the best part about our town is our open and accepting attitude. “One Human Family” is our city motto, and our closets are only used for our costumes!” Perfectly stated by the Key West Business Guild Office & Visitor Center.

For event information and all things Gay Key West related, surf on over to: gaykeywestfl.com. This simple and organized website, clearly allows you to browse events, accommodations, restaurants, attractions, shopping and nightlife activities. Not to mention, they have an incredible photo of their Key West Pride celebration that includes a rainbow flag held by hundreds!

If you have been lucky enough to experience “island life,” then I’m sure Key West is on your top 10 list of favorite destinations! If not, I would certainly recommend adding this fantastic, flavorful destination to your bucket list.

As featured in Connextions Magazine, Issue 6.

Be sure not to miss future issues of  Connextions Magazine!  CLICK HERE  to subscribe to the digital edition, FREE; order your print subscription; or purchase a copy of this issue.

To find the latest issue of Connextions Magazine in stores nationwide:  Click here