Gays and lesbians, especially those living in central and northern California, flock regularly to the ski and lake recreations of Lake Tahoe — which straddles the state border with Nevada — and the nearby city of Reno, known for its many casinos. This isn’t a major vacation hub among party types, although the annual Lake Tahoe Gay and Lesbian WinterFest in March brings out a flood of revelers, but you will find a smattering of nightlife options in Reno. This is a great destination for romantic getaways, gaming (on the Nevada side), and year-round recreation, including skiing, fishing, boating, hiking and mountain biking.
The region is a three‑ to four-hour drive east of San Francisco, travel times depending on whether or not you leave during the weekly Friday afternoon rush (Sundays coming back can also be slow). From Las Vegas or Southern California, the 450‑ to 500‑mile drive takes many hours — most travelers opt to fly here from those parts.
It takes about 45 minutes to a bit more than an hour to drive between Reno and the towns on Tahoe’s southern shore, and about 30 to 45 minutes from Reno to the north shore of the lake.
Some 6,200 feet above sea level and spanning 20 miles north to south, Lake Tahoe is a breathtakingly scenic alpine lake, surrounded on all sides by evergreen-studded mountains. The lake’s water is among the purest of any in the world — far cleaner than the drinking supplies of most U.S. cities, and remarkably clear. A couple of gay-owned inns lie near the shoreline in South Lake Tahoe, California. The state border divides this town almost imperceptibly from Stateline, Nevada, where several gaming hotels are about the only features that really distinguish it from its California neighbor.
Tahoe gets considerably more snow, on average, than the ski areas in either Utah or Colorado. You’ll find several highly respected resorts, with Heavenly among the most popular and the closest to South Lake Tahoe ‑ Squaw Valley, Mammoth, Diamond Peak, Northstar and Kirkwood are among the other notables.
Northstar-at-Tahoe, which is one of the closest of the area’s ski resorts to San Francisco, underwent a huge and stunning redevelopment of its ski village in 2008 and is building a Ritz-Carlton hotel, slated to open in 2009 - it’s become arguably the swankiest and trendiest resort among GLBT visitors. But Heavenly has the most extensive and varied terrain, incomparable views and proximity to the gaming action of Stateline - it’s also where WinterFest gay ski week activities take place. Both of these resorts are top picks if you’re coming to the area in winter. Even in summer, you should take the aerial tram at Heavenly Resort up 2,000 feet above the lake for knock-out views of the entire region.
Despite efforts in recent years to redevelop the city’s riverfront and spruce up some of the gaming hotels, Reno is a considerably less flashy and touristy version of its cousin in the southern end of Nevada, Las Vegas. As you enter downtown on the main drag, Virginia Street, and drive under the glittering (rather kitschy, really) Reno Arch, a sign welcomes you to “The Biggest Little City in the World,” an old promotional slogan local boosters came up with in the 1920s. In fact, you can see the original and more charming wrought‑iron Old Reno Arch nearby at corner of Mill and Lake streets.
Some of the attractions here seem well-suited to the casino aficionados and many conventioneers, but others appeal to cerebral and/or outdoorsy types. You can spend a whole afternoon strolling the Truckee River Walk, which leads several miles along the city’s primary body of water and is said to have the wedding rings of countless divorcees lying at its bottom (Nevada has long been famous for its simple divorce laws).
Reno and the Tahoe region have plenty of excellent restaurants, with one of the best concentrations in South Lake Tahoe. Here at the intimate and diminutive Cafe Fiore, a reservation can be tough to score, but the superb Northern Italian cuisine merits the effort. A short drive west of town, Evan’s American Gourmet Cafe is a top pick for cutting-edge California-inspired cuisine like a Napoleon of coconut-cured salmon, crab and tobiko caviar with coconut creme fraiche and a mango reduction. The laid-back Beacon Bar and Grill is a waterfront hangout popular with lesbians and gay men - expect casual but American fare and a very nice Sunday brunch.
In northern Tahoe, some excellent dining options include Bite in Incline Village, which serves first-rate tapas, and the jazzy Baxter’s Bistro at Northstar, which is known for its outstanding mod-French cuisine. Try the venison chop with a juniper-Syrah demi-glace. Just a 15-minute drive north in the cute town of Truckee, you’ll find great dining at several places, with the Pacific Crest Grill a particular standout.
Reno has a handful of notable upscale restaurants but is even better known for some cheap, dive-y spots serving terrific food. For breakfast, you shouldn’t miss Peg’s Glorified Ham & Eggs, which serves an eggs Benedict topped with chipotle hollandaise sauce and served over chorizo sausage that’s simply amazing. Beto’s, across from the Patio gay bar, is known for its inexpensive and delicious Mexican food, including delicious seafood ceviche as well as potent garlic shrimp. In the back of the smoky Nugget Casino, you can savor juicy hamburgers at the Awful-Awful, a total dive that’s nevertheless a hit with carnivores. Overlooking the Truckee River in downtown Reno, gay-popular Dreamers Coffee House & Deli is a nice spot to people-watch and enjoy a light snack, while the neighboring Wild River Grille serves upscale contemporary American food and is a favorite gay-date spot.
It’s not famous for gay nightlife, but Reno does have the greatest concentration of GLBT bars within a 200-mile radius. Most of them are laid-back neighborhood joints, a favorite being the Patio, in an attractive and cheerfully furnished cottage on the western edge of downtown. It welcomes a mix of lesbians and gay guys - a nice range of beers and wines are offered, too. Tronix is the city’s top disco, set on a dreary stretch of strip malls south of downtown, but with a festive interior and friendly staff. It’s mostly standard club music. Across the street, Neutron is another popular option for dancing. Neighborhood-style bars elsewhere in town include the the 5 Star Saloon, which is open 24 hours and has slots; and the quite cruisy 1099 Club, which is also open all night. Tahoe has no gay-specific nightlife, although you’ll be made to feel quite welcome at most of the bars in the area popular with skiers, hikers, and other visitors - this is a fairly liberal part of the world.
Reno has no gay-specific accommodations, but most of the big gaming hotels make a concerted effort to court the GLBT market, and both mid-priced and economy chain properties abound. Best advice if you’re spending the night in Reno for the first time: Book a room at one of the downtown casinos, which puts you within walking distance of most of the city’s better restaurants and a few of the gay bars, as well as several additional casinos, some performing arts venues and a fair amount of shopping. The Silver Legacy is quite nice, and the adjacent Circus Circus has always been popular with gay visitors.
South Lake Tahoe has some excellent gay-friendly properties. Outside of Palm Springs, Holly’s Place is probably the most popular women’s resort (all are welcome, but the clientele is mostly lesbian) in California. This evergreen-shrouded compound of upscale cabins is within walking distance of the lake. It’s a very social place (with pets allowed), but guests can freely opt to mingle or to keep to themselves as they please. Jerry Birdwell and Kevin Chandler run the Black Bear Inn, a spectacular rustic-style lodge with a 34-foot-tall river-rock fireplace warming the great room. This wonderful getaway, which caters to both straights and gays, strikes the perfect balance between a cozy B&B and a luxurious small hotel. In Stateline, the Harrah’s Lake Tahoe and Montbleu Resort Casino & Spa are reliable, upscale lodging options with large casinos and extensive dining and recreation options.
The jewel resort of the Tahoe region, however, is Northstar. The elegant Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe will bring five-star lodging to the area in November 2009, but this refined property midway between Truckee and the north shore of the lake also has myriad condo rentals, from more attractively priced older units to super-posh luxury pads with full kitchens, marble baths, gas fireplaces and gorgeous rustic-contemporary furnishings. Northstar is set around a bustling village with tony boutiques, ski and sports shops and lively cafes. When you’re looking for a romantic, outdoorsy weekend in the mountains, this laid-back yet sophisticated resort fits the bill perfectly.
The Little Black Book:
Awful-Awful 775-323-0716
Baxter’s Bistro 530-562-3200
Beacon Bar and Grill 530-541-0630, camprichardson.com
Beto’s 775-324-0632
Bite 775-831-1000, bitetahoe.com
Black Bear Inn 530-544-4451 or 877-232-7466, tahoeblackbear.com
Cafe Fiore 530-541-2908, cafefiore.com
Dreamers Coffee House & Deli 775-322-8040
Evan’s American Gourmet Cafe 530-542-1990, evanstahoe.com
5 Star Saloon 775-329-2878, 5starsaloon.net
Harrah’s Lake Tahoe 775-588-6611, harrahslaketahoe.com
Heavenly Resort 775-586-7000, skiheavenly.com
Holly’s Place 530-544-7040 or 800-745-7041, hollysplace.com
Lake Tahoe Visitors Bureau visitinglaketahoe.com
Lake Tahoe Gay and Lesbian WinterFest laketahoewinterfest.com
Montbleu Resort Casino & Spa 775-588-3515, montbleuresort.com
Neutron 775-796-2121
Northstar-at-Tahoe 800-GO-NORTH, northstarattahoe.com
Pacific Crest Grill 530-587-2626, pacificcrestgrill.com
Patio 775-323-6565, thepatiobar.com
Peg’s Glorified Ham & Eggs 775-329-2600
Reno‑Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority 800-FOR‑RENO
visitrenotahoe.com
1099 Club 775-329-1099, ten99club.com
Silver Legacy 800-687-8733, silverlegacyreno.com
Tronix 775-333-9696, tronixreno.com
Wild River Grille 775-284-7455, wildrivergrille.com
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.
The Perfect Jean
Honestly, I don’t know why it took so long for stretch pants to enter men’s wardrobe. We’ve been looking at stretch pants for years, wondering what the appeal was and why women always wore them everywhere until I had my first pair of jeans with a bit of stretch. And don’t even get me started on my above-the-knee stretch shorts!
While I was mainly a Levi’s and Khakis guy, I had my first stretch outfit with the Mizen+Main pants, dress shirt, and quarter zip sweater. Complete game-changer in apparel, and where have they been all my life?
That’s where The Perfect Jean comes in. They contacted me to inform me about their “unbelievably comfortable stretch denim.” I checked out their site and perused the jeans and their descriptions (which are hilarious, by the way), and I knew I needed to try them.
When shopping for jeans on their site, they break it down for you starting with the fit you prefer.
When they arrived, I tried them on without first washing them because I’m a kid in the candy store when it comes to new things. They looked and felt like a regular pair of denim jeans but with a stretch. I walked around the house bending, sitting, and stretching my legs to test them out–sure enough, they bent and moved along with me, unlike my other jeans.
Me in my Perfect JeanJoe Morales
What is Stretch Denim?
Stretch denim is a type of denim containing a small amount of elastane, a synthetic fiber that allows for stretch and flexibility in the fabric. This addition of elastane provides the perfect balance between comfort and style, making stretch denim the ideal choice for anyone looking for a more comfortable pair of jeans. Think spandex, lycra, or any stretchy material.
My Thoughts on The Perfect Jean
Pros
| Cons
|
I gave them their initial wash in cold water and didn’t put them in the dryer. I don’t dry my jeans or trousers in the dryer so they will last longer. I love how comfortable they are, and how much stretch they have is perfect. I love the deep indigo color.
The only thing I would do differently is change the fit type because after wearing them for a few months, I felt the fit wasn’t quite there, but that was on me and how I ordered them. I did end up drying the jeans in the dryer so they would shrink a little. They fit much better now after the controlled drying, but they’re still a little loose in the waist and butt and a little longer than I like, which is fine because I can take them to a tailor and have them hemmed.
How to Choose The Perfect Jean
Form fitting jeansJoe Morales
The descriptions say it all. You can choose between five cuts and about ten colors; waist and length are your standard options. Every jean is made from cotton, polyester, viscose, and spandex and has about 22 percent elasticity! These jeans are also perfect for travel since they weigh under 11 ounces; you can shove them in your bag or luggage without causing a huge increase in luggage weight.
Fit
One of the first things you need to determine is the fit, and The Perfect Jean has them all. You can choose between skinny, slim, slim thick, athletic, bootcut, or Thick Thicc. Your style is based on personal preferences and body type, but if you aren’t sure, look at the different examples from The Perfect Jean site.
Material
While stretch is essential, you don't want a pair of jeans that are too stretchy. Look for a pair with just enough stretch to make them comfortable but not so much that they lose shape over time. Luckily, these jeans are made of roughly 67 percent cotton; at least mine are. That means they will be more durable than if you were to rely on just stretch alone, which can break down quickly.
Wash
There is a lot of talk about how denim should have a wash that complements your skin tone, whether a dark wash or a lighter, distressed wash. I’m not sure if I necessarily believe that. This is where your personal style comes into play. My personal style is staying with classic colors because I can build a wardrobe on specific pieces. Choose whatever color works best for you, as long as they fit well!
The Benefits of Stretch Denim
The most obvious benefit of stretch denim is the added comfort. The fabric moves with you, making them more comfortable for long periods. They don’t bunch up in the wrong places.
Another benefit of The Perfect Jean, or TPJ, as they’re known to call themselves, is that they strive to be as sustainable as possible. They teamed up with the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI), which promotes better standards for cotton production worldwide.
How to Style Stretch Denim Jeans
The Perfect Jean is versatile and can be styled in many different ways. Usually, my go-to is casual wear with a simple T-shirt and sneakers, but I have been known to dress them up a bit with a button-down or sweater paired with my suede Chelsea boots or Grant Stone Plain Toe dress shoes.
Where to Buy The Perfect Jean
You can purchase your pair of Ther Perfect Jean by visiting their website and following the fit guidelines, choosing your favorite colors, and choosing your waist and length sizes.
My Final Thoughts on The Perfect Jean
Jeans are a wardrobe staple for everyone, offering style and comfort. However, traditional denim can sometimes be restrictive and uncomfortable, especially regarding movement. Stretch denim—or any stretch clothing—is a game-changer. While I can’t tell you to buy a pair of The Perfect Jeans, I can certainly recommend them. I wear my Perfect Jeans once or twice a week, and they’re comfortable when I feel a bit lazy, yet, they’re a stylish option when I am going out. The next time I order some, I’m trying a different fit, but what color should l get?
The Best Cannabis Edibles for 2023
These extremely popular products have hit mainstream markets across the country and are setting sales records. Some of the strongest edibles can reach 30 mg of THC but remember to check the labeling because not all edibles are created equal. Some edibles have THC while others are marketed as having CBD.
You can purchase THC and CBD in the form of tinctures, gummies, chocolates, and even ready-to-drink cocktails and beverages. Remember, THC is what gets you high, and CBD can help with relaxation and calmness. What’s more, the edible flavors are endless. I’m by no means an expert but I did try out a couple of products just to see how effective they are. For the record, I wasn’t using them to get high throughout the day–okay, there was this one time my friend gave me an edible while we were out, but that’s another story. I actually have a difficult time sleeping through the night and the thought of continually taking sleeping pills, or products like Zzzquil, where you wake up in a foggy mess, isn’t appealing.
I want something that is going to put me to sleep, keep me asleep, and wake me up feeling rested and refreshed. The best type of edible products for me is those that put you to sleep. In case you weren’t aware, there are edibles out there that can get you high, feel good, and relaxed. Others are made specifically for relaxation, sleep, or even anxiety.
Dad Grass
Photo courtesy of Dad Grass
Dad Grass CBD Tincture
The Dad Grass brand has several product forms but the one I tried was the tincture. With the tincture and dropper, you simply place drops under your tongue about 30 minutes before bed. It’s made using 100% organic hemp flower grown in the U.S., and doesn’t include any herbicides, pesticides, or additives.
It does have a high dose of CBD and CBN (slightly psychoactive) but I found that the grassy smell and flavor didn’t make me high. Rather, it gave me a calming feeling and I felt relaxed enough to fall asleep. It has a grassy smell and the flavor is what you would expect to taste like; grassy and slightly bitter. It wasn’t my favorite, but it’s a passing moment and not completely horrible to taste.
Really, the hardest part was placing it under your tongue for 30 seconds. You immediately begin to salivate and your instinct is to swallow. I don’t know how effective it is to do this, so I tried swallowing it immediately as well as placing it sublingually. To be honest, I don’t know if I could tell the difference. Further testing is required.
Pros
Easy Application
High CBD
Cons
Grassy Flavor
Incredibles
Photo courtesy of Incredibles
Incredibles S'mores Bar 100mg THC
For me, this was the best type of edible because it had a bit more kick to it due to the added THC. The packaging says 100 mg of THC but really each square is 10 mg each with 10 squares of chocolate. The S’mores Infused Edibles solves two problems at once. Chocolatey snack for the sweet tooth and sleep-inducing qualities from the THC. Usually, you can take half a square to a full square to figure out which dosage works best for you.
One square a night right before bed and you’re good to go (to sleep). They do offer several other options with THC and some with a combination of THC and CBD for added effect. I’m not a huge fan of S’mores but in chocolate bar form, they were pretty good.
I always say I’m not a sweets kind of person but then they show me chocolate and I’m a goner. The packaging is childproof and funny. They make the jokes like Boom. Roasted. At least I hope it’s a joke because that’s what I take it at. You’re high Clairee…Anyway, they have several types of edible products to choose from like hard candies, gummies, and sours. The downside is that you’re paying a lot for 10 squares of chocolate mixed with THC. Definitely not a deal breaker but for a month’s supply, that could add up.
Pros
Taste Great
THC Based
Cons
Pricey
What to Consider When Buying Edibles
Type of Relief
The first thing on your list should be what you want out of your edible. If you’re looking for a feel-good high, then THC is. If you’re wanting to relax and calm your mind without the high feeling, then CBD (and possibly CBN) is where it’s at. However, there are options for THC and CBD giving you the best of both worlds.
Ingredients
It goes without saying but you should always choose all-natural products with no additives, preservatives, or chemicals. THC and CBD should be derived from U.S.-based ingredients. However, even some of the best cannabis edibles will have added sugar and flavorings, it’s unavoidable but the base products themselves should be free of harmful chemicals.
Lab Tested
Sometimes it’s hard to tell but the THC, CBD, and CBN ingredients should be lab-tested. When a product is lab-tested, they ensure it’s free of chemicals, pesticides, heavy metals, and contaminants. They can also verify the potency of the product you’re about to consume.
Flavor and Potency
Luckily, you can find THC and CBD in just about any flavor and potency level. You need to know what your tolerance level is and adjust accordingly. Too little of a dosage will be ineffective and too high of a dosage can be a serious issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What edibles are best for beginners?
This depends on the product you are going to eat but it’s always a good idea to start small, like 5 mg of THC. With CBD, you can start with a higher dosage because it’s not as psychoactive as THC. Once you are comfortable with this, you can adjust according to your needs.
Do edibles give you a hangover?
Edibles don’t typically cause hangover-like symptoms but that’s not to say they can’t. Cannabis stays in your body much longer than alcohol does and it can sometimes feel like you have a hangover. If this happens, you should definitely cut back on your dosage or just take a break from edibles.
What is the difference between THC and CBD?
- THC, also known as Tetrahydrocannabinol, is the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. This is what gives you the “high” feeling and is mind-altering.
- CBD, also known as Cannabidiol, is derived from the hemp plant, is not addictive, and is used for more medicinal applications. It does not contain THC so, therefore, is not mind-altering.
How long does it take for edibles to kick in?
Edibles can take anywhere from 10 minutes to a few hours to kick in. Also, ingesting THC or CBD is much more potent and longer lasting.
Final Thoughts
Having the best cannabis edibles comes down to personal preference and needs. I use them for their sleep-inducing qualities. I am perfectly fine using edibles made with CBD, THC, or a combination as long as I can sleep and sleep well! Now that cannabis is legal in over 20 states and territories, you can find a dispensary that offers a variety of products. There is nothing wrong with cannabis and its use; the stigma it once had is thankfully diminishing however, as with any substance, partake responsibly.