Gay couple opens Old Vine B&B in Missouri River Valley

Chad and Mike Walton decided to leave their lives living in the big city to follow their dreams. They found a unique property in the heart of the charming town of Hermann, Missouri which is located in the beautiful Missouri River Valley. They soon opened the property as a true bed and breakfast which they aptly named Old Vine.

When asked why they were interested in Herman and what drew them to this unique area, they said, “After visiting vineyards around the country, we dreamed of one day living in a wine country area. During the pandemic, we started visiting Hermann from our home in St Louis more and more. The opportunity arose to open our own business with Old Vine and rather than wait for retirement, which was the original plan, we took a leap of faith and jumped in.”

For Chad, a retail customer service manager, and Mike, an elementary teacher, was a new challenge. The idea of owning and running a bed and breakfast was a common dream for the two of them. When the property they now own came on the market, they embraced the opportunity and embarked on an incredible journey.

“Running a B&B has been a completely new experience for us, but that doesn’t mean we jumped in blind,” they told OUTvoices. They both have many years of experience in business management, customer service, and travel. “We have been able to bring a fresh perspective based on what we liked and disliked from our own travels. Old Vine is like a greatest hit from the places we have visited.”

The Old Vine is centrally located in Hermann and is within walking distance to many wineries and distilleries, restaurants, boutiques, and the Amtrak station. They also have an outdoor pavilion which can be used by guests and has seating for 18.


Mike Walton said, “The tourism business in Hermann has been growing in leaps and bounds. We want to offer our guests an indulgent experience in a town filled with friendly folks and wine.”

The Old Vine is available on both airbnb and vrbo. Check out the property at www.oldvinebnb.com or call them at 636-231-5625. They can also be reached at oldvinebnb@gmail.com.

WhistlePig + Alfa Romeo F1

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.

Keep readingShow less
by Spectrum Medical Care Center

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.

Keep readingShow less

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.

Keep readingShow less