Bloomington, a charming and historic city of about 70,000 and home to the main branch of Indiana University (IU), ranks among the most gay-friendly getaways in the Midwest – it’s a hilly, green, and rather idyllic community, and it’s within an afternoon’s drive of Chicago, St. Louis, Detroit, and Cincinnati, and just an hour south of Indianapolis. This is the quintessential all-American college town yet with some big-city cultural attributes, from high-caliber theaters, galleries, museums, and live-music clubs to a nice selection of cafes and restaurants - there’s even a popular gay bar.
Largely because of the major university presence, the city is quite progressive and possesses a visible lesbian and gay community. In late January, the city hosts a Pride Film Festival, and the local tourism office – the Bloomington/Monroe County CVB – has become a leader among small U.S. cities in actively courting GLBT visitors. It produces an annual gay guide to the city as well as the helpful website, www.visitgaybloomington.com.
IU figures significantly in the city’s openness toward gays and lesbians, as it was here that Dr. Alfred Kinsey established the Kinsey Institute, whose studies of human sexuality helped greatly to increase the acceptance of homosexuality. His fascinating and complicated life was explored in the exceptional biographical movie, Kinsey, in 2004. IU has an active lesbian/gay political and social organization, and just about anywhere you walk around town you’re likely to bump into family.
Like many Midwestern county seats, downtown Bloomington is set around a glorious courthouse square, over which looms the magnificent classical revival copper-dome 1902 Monroe County Courthouse, from which emanate streets of engaging shops, music clubs, and eateries. Tall, three-story turreted Victorians are set throughout the residential neighborhoods, plus very good examples of the Craftsman style and other regional American architecture from the past century. This is a highly pedestrian-friendly community, and one that really bears exploring. If you’re interested in early architecture and IU history, drop by the Wylie House museum, the 1835 period-furnished home of the university’s first president.
Shoppers should check out Caveat Emptor, a great used bookstore with a decent selection of lesbian and gay titles. Gay-owned and with a rainbow-flag insignia above the door, the Inner Chef is a fine little shop for kitchen wizards - inside you’ll find a great selection of cooking supplies. On Saturday mornings from May through November, check out the fresh produce and edibles at the fabulous Bloomington Farmers Market.
The IU campus comprises nearly 1,900 acres and is notable for its grand, locally quarried limestone buildings designed in traditional collegiate Gothic. The Musical Arts Center has one of the top opera programs in the nation, and the IU Auditorium presents outstanding performing arts throughout the school year, from pop concerts to ballet to Broadway shows. There’s also the excellent I.M. Pei-designed IU Art Museum, whose 35,000 works include Picassos and Monets, and the Lilly Library, both in the Fine Arts Plaza.
The must-see for GLBT visitors, however, is the Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction. You can drop by without an appointment on weekdays between 2 and 4 in the afternoon - just pick up a self-tour map from the receptionist. But the best way to explore this esteemed facility is to take a guided tour - these are free and given on Fridays, roughly every other week, and reservations are required. The institute contains an art gallery with rotating exhibits; a library with an incredibly vast trove of erotic videos, photographs, periodicals, and books (ranging from clinical to pornographic); and research rooms in which interviews are still conducted on a variety of topics related to human sexuality.
Bloomington is also the home of the Tibetan Cultural Center, which includes the nation’s only Tibetan monastery. The Tibetans operate three restaurants in town, the Snow Lion, which serves outstanding Tibetan and pan-Asian cuisine; Cafe Django, which serves light fare and often has live music; and Little Tibet, which also presents authentic Tibetan fare. Ethnic food is a specialty in this city, and you’ll find a concentration of especially noteworthy options along the 400 block of East 4th Street, just west of campus. Little Tibet is along this block, as are eateries serving Indian, Thai, Turkish, Italian, and Chinese food.
Bloomington’s most esteemed restaurant is Farm, a fancifully decorated spot downtown filled with vintage-farmhouse accessories but serving quite modern food – you might start with Anguillian-style tuna ceviche with coconut water and white-balsamic vinegar, followed by coffee-rubbed bison rib-eye with truffle-mushroom grits. Save room for a slice of red-velvet cake with blood-orange sorbet.
Another fine option is the Limestone Grille, which is notable for its art-filled dining room and a huge mural carved of limestone - this elegant spot serves upscale American cuisine, from hefty steaks to grilled lamb chops with olive oil, rosemary, and Israeli couscous. As much fun for sipping stouts and ales as for digging in to platters of hearty oysters, clams, stews, steaks, and burgers, the Irish Lion ranks among the area’s favorite restaurants.
Bloomington Bagel Co. has some of the best bagels around; try the asiago with olive cream cheese spread and you’ll understand the appeal. For the city’s juiciest and sloppiest burgers, head to Opie Taylor’s. Trojan Horse is a highly regarded Greek/American restaurant that students have been frequenting for years. And Laughing Planet presents a delectable assortment of tasty world-beat foods, from hefty Cal-style burritos to veggie burgers.
Bloomington has one gay bar, Uncle Elizabeth’s, which moved into a newer and more pleasant space in 2008. It’s your typical college-town hangout, drawing a mix of students and locals. Another good bet for socializing is Rachael’s Cafe, a cheery coffeehouse that’s very popular with the GLBT set and is open until 9 p.m. most nights. The Friday open-mike gatherings are especially popular.
You can choose from a number of chain motels and hotels in Bloomington, plus a couple of stand-out B&Bs. Bear in mind that securing a room is tough on fall and winter weekends, when college football and basketball are in full swing. For its central location, attractive lobby lounge, and well-equipped, contemporary rooms, the Hilton Garden Inn makes an excellent choice. Courthouse Square is just a couple of blocks away from the Hilton, whose amenities include a pool, fitness center, and business center. A particularly good but highly sought-after option is the Indiana Memorial Union – the nation’s largest student union contains an upscale 187-room hotel with attractive rooms. An added bonus, the huge IU Bookstore is just downstairs in case you need a little reading material before bed, and there are numerous restaurants to choose from.
The romantic, 24-room Grant Street Inn dates to the 1880s and is filled with period antiques; some suites have whirlpool tubs and fireplaces. It’s just four blocks from Courthouse Square. Another very charming, gay-friendly option is the Scholars Inn, a stately 19th-century brick mansion whose six romantic rooms are done with vintage furnishings and have TVs and VCRs, and comfy king-size beds. A lavish full breakfast is included. The same owners run a couple of restaurants in town, including the Bakehouse, which serves tasty American fare - including exceptional brunches on weekends – and has outdoor seating overlooking Courthouse Square.
If you have time or you’re a serious fan of architecture, consider the short but highly rewarding excursion east to the architecturally prominent town of Columbus. You’ll find a number of spots for biking, boating, and hiking along the way. The drive east on Rte. 46 passes through beautiful countryside that’s hilly and lushly forested, with several state parks. This is the sort of terrain that country drives seem made for, where you’ll find the occasional ice cream shop or farm stand to break up the drive, and little else.
It takes just under an hour to reach Columbus, one of the most architecturally ambitious towns in America (in 1991 the American Institute of Architects ranked this small city the 6th most important U.S. city in terms of architectural quality and innovation, following only Chicago, New York, Washington, San Francisco, and Boston). Downtown is dotted with provocative structures, some successful, some not - it’s remarkable to walk it and observe the contrasts of historic and contemporary buildings.
It all started in 1942 when a local business leader commissioned Eliel Saarinen to build the First Christian Church. Since then the likes of Richard Meier, I.M. Pei, Kevin Roche, Robert Venturi, and many more luminaries have added their own buildings. And don’t overlook the countless beautifully preserved historic buildings, many dating back to the mid-19th century. Two-hour guided tours leave from the visitor center daily (twice on Sat.). Columbus also has a substantial number of outlet shops, antiques and crafts boutiques, and other retail diversions.
If you’re interested in spending the night, consider hip Hotel Indigo Columbus Architectural Center, a new outpost of the moderately priced, design-driven brand that’s been steadily developing a strong following among GLBT travelers. The sleek mid-rise hotel is right downtown, close to many of the town’s significant buildings. Rooms are bright and airy and have such creature comforts as CD players, DVD players, and free Wi-Fi. On the ground level, you can finish off a day of exploring with a meal at the hotel’s whimsically decorated Phi Bar and Restaurant, which serves superb American fare.
The Little Black Book:
Scholars Inn Bakehouse 812-331-6029
scholarsinn.com/BtownBakehouse
Bloomington Bagel Co. 812-333-4653 • bbcbagel.com
Bloomington Farmers Market 812-349-3700 • bloomington.in.gov
Bloomington/Monroe County Convention & Visitors Bureau 866-333-0088 visitbloomington.com
gay/lesbian travel site visitgaybloomington.com
Cafe Django 812-335-1297
Caveat Emptor 812-332-9995
Columbus Visitor Center 812-378-2622/800-468-6564 • columbus.in.us
Farm 812-323-0002 • farm-bloomington.com
Grant Street Inn 812-334-2353/800-328-4350 • grantstinn.com
Hilton Garden Inn 812-331-1335 • hiltongardeninn.com
Hotel Indigo Columbus Architectural Center 877-270-1392
hotelindigo.com
Indiana Memorial Union Hotel 812-856-6381/800-209-8145
imu.indiana.edu
Irish Lion 812-336-9076 • irishlion.com
Laughing Planet Cafe 812-323-2233
Limestone Grille 812-335-8110 • limestonegrille.com
Little Tibet 812-331-0122 • anyetsangs.com
Opie Taylor’s 812-333-7287
Rachael’s Cafe 812-330-1882
Scholars Inn 812-332-1892/800-765-3466
scholarsinn.com/BedBreakfast
Snow Lion 812-336-0835
Trojan Horse 812-332-1101 • thetrojanhorse.com
Uncle Elizabeth’s 812-331-0060
Andrew Collins is the author of Fodor’s Gay Guide to the USA and eight additional travel guides. He can be reached at OutofTown@qsyndicate.com.
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.