No one can dispute that Fort Lauderdale, Florida is the place “where the boys are.” But, before we go too far, I want to make it clear we’re not talking the 1960 Connie Francis/George Hamilton cinema classic about four college women seeking boys during Spring Break. Nearly 50 years later, Fort Lauderdale still hosts thousands of horny, drunken coeds each March, but for twelve months a year, it is HOME to many, many more gay men.
Over the past 10 years, gay men from all over the country have left trendy queer neighborhoods like Miami’s South Beach, New York’s Chelsea, and DC’s Dupont Circle for the sunny shores of Fort Lauderdale. In fact, Wilton Manors, Fort Lauderdale’s closest thing to a gay ghetto, is statistically one of the “gayest” cities per capita in America—New York City, San Francisco, and Chicago are not even close! Wilton Manors is perhaps the only city in the country where city council and mayoral candidates actually play the “gay card” in their favors.
The critical mass that Fort Lauderdale enjoys has resulted in a unique community and a lively scene. Unlike Miami, New York, and Los Angeles, where youth and beauty rule, Fort Lauderdale is a city for men, a place where guys in their 30s, 40s, and 50s set the trends and dominate the scene. Sure, there are plenty of twinks, drugs and dance clubs, but life definitely doesn’t end in Fort Lauderdale at age 30.
Spring Break 2006 may be a fading memory, but it’s never too late to check out the boys in Fort Lauderdale.
Accomodations
Nearly every motel and hotel chain has staked out a spot in Fort Lauderdale, but for the most authentic experience, plan to stay at one of the dozens of quaint guesthouses that dot Route AIA along the beach. The Blue Dolphin (725 N. Birch Rd.) offers European charm at a reasonable price. Others might prefer Inn Leather (610 SE 19th Street), “designed by leathermen for leathermen.” The Windamar (543 Breakers Ave.) is also a popular location thanks to its spa and video room in the basement.
Dining
With so many discerning gay men, one would expect Fort Lauderdale to offer a plethora of fine dining establishments. Surprisingly, that is not the case. Wilton Manors favorites Chardee’s (2209 Wilton Drive) and Tropics (2004 Wilton Drive) serve an older clientele, complete with crooning piano players. Don’t miss Chardee’s bountiful Sunday brunch. Hamburger Mary’s (2449 Wilton Drive) is a popular neighborhood hangout with outdoor patio dining. You won’t find many Chinese restaurants in Fort Lauderdale, but there is plenty of Thai, including three excellent establishments just blocks apart on Wilton Drive: Siam Cuisine, Tasty Thai, and Galanga. If you’re looking for seafood, Fort Lauderdale again comes up surprisingly short. Go to Catfish Dewey’s (4003 N. Andrews) for the freshest catch in town. Finally, if you’re looking to impress, go to Chima (2400 E. Las Olas Blvd.) for a taste of Brazilian charred meats served by handsome gauchos, complete with boots.
Shopping
The serious shopper should start out on Las Olas Boulevard, the city’s answer to the Plaza, complete with quaint, tile-roofed shops and outdoor cafes. If designer clothes and collectibles aren’t your cup of tea, check out Sawgrass Mills mall in Sunrise, a huge retail complex that puts the Odessa outlets to shame. In Wilton Manors itself, don’t miss the really gay strip mall, the Shoppes of Wilton Manors (2240 Wilton Drive). Start at Gaymart and then head over to Bottoms & Tops for all your clubwear needs. Then pick up a candle at Wicks & Wax before enjoying a latte at Coffee Boys.
Nightlife
While you’re at the gay strip mall, stop in Georgie’s Alibi, the ultimate Fort Lauderdale neighborhood bar and grille. It’s rare when Georgie’s isn’t hopping, and it’s especially busy on Thursday nights when they serve Long Island ice teas in mason jars for $2.50 each. Afterwards, head over to Boom (this strip mall has everything) for some dancing. If rough and rowdy bears are more your scene, your spot is Bill’s Filling Station (1243 NE 11th Ave.), the honkey tonk roadhouse, especially on a Friday night. On Sunday nights, Jackhammer (1727 N. Andrews Ave.) rules, with a popular retro tea dance that attracts some of the hottest men in town. Afterwards, cross the street to Boardwalk, a go-go bar with the highest concentration of hot twinks in town. Later, Ramrod, Fort Lauderdale’s (1508 NE 4th Ave.) leather bar, is the place to be.
Watersports
Not that kind. Actually, the locals don’t make it to the beach that often; they can go anytime. Hang out with the gay tourists at Sebastian Beach on Route A1A. Or, if clothes aren’t your thing, head south to North Miami Beach’s Haulover Beach, a county park where the naturists frolic. If you’ve got a day to kill, take Discovery Cruises (www.discoverycruise.com) over to Grand Bahama Island and back for around $125. It’s not fancy but plenty of fun with a group of friends and a tab at the bar. One of Fort Lauderdale’s best-kept secrets is the Water Bus (www.watertaxi.com). For just $5, you can ride and peek into the back yards of the many mansions that line the city’s waterways.
Working Out
Certainly, the men of Fort Lauderdale don’t seem to obsess overly about their bodies, but fitness is not neglected, either. For a complete workout or a simple party pump, drop by Main Street Gym (www.mainstreetgymflorida.com) in the Shoppes of Wilton Manors. If it’s a nice day, put on the roller blades or rent a bike and enjoy the sights on the beach along Route AIA. You won’t be disappointed and your body will thank (or curse) you later.
If fun in the sun isn’t on your itinerary, check out these attractions...
The Bizarre Wonders of the Human Body in New York City
Since opening at South Street Seaport, “The Bodies,” an amazing look at human anatomy and physiology, has left visitors in shock and awe. The result of an amazing process that literally plasticizes the human body, “The Bodies” features 20 whole-body specimens, as well as 260 individual organ and partial body specimens.
In this process, pioneered in China, tissue water is first removed by submersion in acetone. This acetone is then removed in a vacuum chamber. Spaces that were once filled with acetone are then filled with liquid silicone rubber that is treated and hardened. The result is a rubberized specimen, preserved to the cellular level, showcasing the complexity of the body’s many bones, muscles, nerves, blood vessels and organs.
Even the squeamish will agree “The Bodies” is tastefully presented and certainly unique.
Tickets ($24.50) and more information: www.bodiestheexhibition.com.
The Splendors of Ancient Egypt in Chicago
After nearly three decades, treasures from the tomb of King Tut are again making their way across North America. After stops in Los Angeles and Fort Lauderdale, the new exhibit, “Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharoahs,” will open in Chicago at the Field Museum (1400 S. Lake Shore Drive) for a seven-month stay.
Be prepared to be dazzled by 4,000-year-old artifacts, including funerary statues, furniture, jewelery, and containers to hold Tut’s mummified organs. Ironically, the promotional materials depict what appears to be Tut’s sarcophagus
WhistlePig and Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Wind Tunnel-Trialed Whiskey Is a Ryed You Don’t Want to Miss
SHOREHAM, VT (September 13, 2023) — WhistlePig Whiskey, the leaders in independent craft whiskey, and Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake are waving the checkered flag on a legend-worthy release that’s taking whiskey to G-Force levels. The Limited Edition PiggyBack Legends Series: Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is a high Rye Whiskey selected by the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake drivers, with barrels trialed in their wind tunnel to ensure a thrilling taste in every sip.
The third iteration in WhistlePig’s Single Barrel PiggyBack Legends Series, the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is bottled at 96.77 proof, a nod to Valtteri Bottas’ racing number, 77, and the precision of racing. Inspired by Zhou Guanyu, the first Chinese F1 driver, this Rye Whiskey is finished with lychee and oolong tea. Herbal and floral notes of the oolong tea complement the herbaceous notes of WhistlePig’s signature PiggyBack 100% Rye, rounded out with a juicy tropical fruit finish and a touch of spice.
Like Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake’s signature C43 racing vehicles, trial barrels were tested in the team’s wind tunnel in Switzerland before hitting the track. Select barrels then endured varying levels of G-Forces at the WhistlePig farm and distillery for the finishing touch, accelerating the interaction between the whiskey and the wood, staying true to the physical nature of Formula 1.
“Partnering with WhistlePig has been a very exciting experience. Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake is dedicated to being the best on the track, and the crew at WhistlePig is fearless in their pursuit to create the best whiskey out there,” said Valtteri Bottas, Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake’s driver. “We’re really looking forward to fans tasting our custom Rye Whiskey and raising a glass to the rookies, veterans, legends and the exhilarating sport of F1.”
"Joining forces with WhistlePig to release a Single Barrel Rye Whiskey that represents my culture and team has been an honor,” said Zhou Guanyu, Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake’s driver. “Formula 1 brings together fearless, thrill-seeking motorsports professionals, and WhistlePig has a shared passion for boundary-pushing innovation. Together, we’ve selected something alarmingly good for fans to enjoy this season when the cars are not on track.”
The Limited Edition Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel will be available for purchase online starting around September 13 for $49.99 MSRP per 750ml bottle and sold in select stores across the U.S. Consumers can win VIP merchandise by scanning the QR code on the back of each bottle.
"We're taking our third Legends Series release on a ryed like never before,” said Meghan Ireland, WhistlePig Head Blender. "Our experiments with dynamic aging went full throttle during finishing trials at the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake wind tunnel, in turn inspiring new ways to expose barrels to G-forces back at the WhistlePig Farm. The herbal and floral notes of the lychee and tea barrel selected with the team create a new, podium-topping experience for PiggyBack Rye."
Fans and collectors have followed WhistlePig PiggyBack Legends Series, celebrating those who give 100% in the name of greatness, since its launch in March 2022 with Major League Baseball Hall of Famer, David Ortiz (“Big Papi”), followed by Country Music Duo Brothers Osborne in November 2022.
To learn more about WhistlePig Whiskey, visit whistlepigwhiskey.com. You can also check out WhistlePig Whiskey on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About WhistlePig Whiskey
Located off the grid on a 500-acre Vermont farm, WhistlePig Whiskey is crafted by a new generation of whiskey distillers and blenders driven to reinvent and unlock the flavor of Rye whiskey. Through their rebellious pursuit of experimenting and pushing boundaries in the industry, WhistlePig has become the leading independent craft whiskey brand for innovation. WhistlePig is committed to becoming the best whiskey on and for the planet, starting with its locally sourced ingredients and sustainable supply chain and distilling process. For more information, head to whistlepigwhiskey.com.
Nurse Practitioner Ari Kravitz
When I started medical transition at 20 years old, it was very difficult to get the care I needed for hormone replacement therapy because there are very few providers trained in starting hormones for trans people, even though it’s very similar to the hormones that we prescribe to women in menopause or cisgender men with low testosterone.
I hope more providers get trained in LGBTQ+ healthcare, so they can support patients along their individual gender journey, and provide the info needed to make informed decisions about their body. I’ve personally seen my trans patients find hope and experience a better quality of life through hormone replacement therapy.
If you don’t have a primary care physician who specializes in LGBTQ+ care in your community, you may need to educate yourself (and your provider). But, before you seek such therapy, here are five things you should know!
- Monitor closely. At Spectrum Medical Care Center, we screen patients for certain risks before starting anyone on hormones. We frequently monitor patients in the first year to ensure there are no adverse reactions and lab results are within safe ranges. Follow-up care is also important to assess your comfort with the transition as well as the social impact and social support you’re experiencing.
- Some changes are permanent, some temporary. For transmasculine individuals going on testosterone, they’ll experience these permanent changes: deepened voice, clitoral enlargement (also known as bottom growth), more body, facial hair, and male pattern baldness. Reversible changes include cessation of menses, increased muscle mass and strength, body fat redistribution, and skin oiliness or acne. For those going on estrogen therapy, the most permanent change is breast growth. Feminizing hormone therapy can also cause atrophy (shrinkage) of the genitals and loss of erectile function that may not be reversible. Estrogen will thin body hair, soften the skin, can increase scalp hair, and decrease muscle mass and strength, all of which are reversible.
- You can’t pick and choose results. Unfortunately, you can’t pick and choose the physical changes you want, which may feel challenging. Some of my patients will say, ‘Okay, ‘I’ve seen the permanent changes I want, and I don’t want it to go any further,’ and so at that point, we stop therapy. Low-dose hormone therapy can slow down the rate of changes, allowing for a more gradual physical transition. We counsel patients in advance about the common changes, and it’s up to the individual as to when they’d like to scale back and determine whether some benefits are worth the potential risks.
- Be aware of risks. Like any medical treatment, there are potential risks involved. Some risks with testosterone therapy include increased red blood cell mass, acne, hypertension, sleep apnea, weight gain, and dyslipidemia (increases the chance of clogged arteries). Cardiovascular disease is likely increased with additional risk factors for testosterone and estrogen therapy. Transfeminine patients going on estrogen therapy may experience weight gain, thromboembolic disease (when a blood clot breaks off and blocks another blood vessel), and a high level of triglycerides in the blood.
Descanso Resort swimming pool and lounge area
Descanso Resort, Palm Springs' premier destination for gay men, just received Tripadvisor's highest honor, a Travelers' Choice "Best of the Best" award for 2023. Based on guests' reviews and ratings, fewer than 1% of Tripadvisor's 8 million listings around the world receive the coveted "Best of the Best" designation. Descanso ranked 12th in the top 25 small inns and hotels category in the United States. Quite an accomplishment!
Open less than two years, Descanso Resort offers gay men a relaxing and luxurious boutique hotel experience just minutes away from Palm Springs' buzziest restaurants, nightclubs, and shopping. Descanso has quickly established itself as a top destination for sophisticated gay travelers, earning hundreds of 5-star guest reviews and consistently ranking in Trapadvisor's top positions alongside brother properties Santiago Resort and Twin Palms Resort.
"Our entire team is honored to be named Best of the Best. To be the only gay men's resort recognized in the Top 1% is incredibly humbling," said Kent Taylor, General Manager at Descanso. "We appreciate Tripadvisor and we're grateful to all our guests who gave us such high marks and reviews to help us reach this achievement."
“Ranking among the Best of the Best demonstrates that you have provided exemplary experiences to those who maZer most: your guests,” said John Boris, Chief Growth Officer at Tripadvisor. “With changing expectations, continued labor shortages, and rising costs, this is no easy feat, and I am con6nually impressed with the hospitality industry’s resilience and ability to adapt.”
Santiago Resort was once again honored by Tripadvisor with a 2023 Travelers’ Choice award, placing it among the top 10% of travelers’ top reviewed des6na6ons. Twin Palms will become eligible for ranking in 2024.
Check out all the reviews, and discover more about Descanso Resort on Tripadvisor here. We have an excellent library of resort imagery available to accompany editorial and additional resources on our press page. Please contact Descanso Resort’s General Manager, Kent Taylor, at kent@descansoresort.com for further information.
About Descanso Resort
Inspired by Palm Springs’ history as a des6na6on for Hollywood stars to unwind in privacy, Descanso offers guests a casual yet modern take on the legendary style of that 6me. Created by the same hospitality team that revitalized Palm Springs’ much-loved San6ago Resort and recently launched the all-new Twin Palms Resort, the Descanso property opened in 2022 featuring 15 spacious guest rooms with custom-designed furniture, dreamy King-size beds, and luxe details. Ameni6es include continental breakfast, poolside lunch, welcome snack basket, and lots of special touches. For guests who need to stay connected, the entire property is equipped with blazing-fast Wi-Fi. Mul6-speed bikes are available for exploring the surrounding midcentury neighborhoods and public art installations. Like the Hollywood stars before them, guests at Descanso are encouraged to unwind, relax, and rest in style.
About Tripadvisor
Travelers across the globe use the Tripadvisor site and app to discover where to stay, what to do and where to eat based on guidance from those who have been there before. With more than 1 billion reviews and opinions of nearly 8 million businesses, travelers turn to Tripadvisor to find deals on accommodations, book experiences, reserve tables at delicious restaurants and discover great places nearby.