Saugatuck-Douglas to Host First LGBT International Fam Tour

As excerpted in Grab Magazine (http://www.grabchicago.com/), 'The Saugatuck-Douglas area will host its first international LGBT Familiarization tour from Sunday, May 5, 2013 through Wednesday, May 8, 2013. The tour, which will take place following the 30th anniversary global conference being held by the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) on May 2 & 3, 2013 in Chicago, Ill., is being sponsored by Great Lakes USA in cooperation with IGLTA and the Douglas Dunes Resort.

According to Mike Jones, project coordinator and coowner of the Dunes Resort, "The International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association's Annual Global Convention is the world's premier educational and networking forum for the LGBT tourism industry. On May 2-4 they will celebrate the history of LBGT travel and pave the way for future growth. We are delighted that they have included our area as a highlighted destination." '

Read the full article at:
http://www.grabchicago.com/20130423.pdf

Jonathan Gatz Fitness Teaming with IGLTA in Chicago

 

Jonathan Gatz Fitness Trainer To Our Heroes LLC, a gay-owned and operated fitness and tourism related business headquartered in Chicago, is proud to be the official fitness tourism partner of IGLTA’s 30th Annual Global Convention in Chicago, May 2-4.  IGLTA’s convention is the world’s premier educational and networking event for the LGBT tourism industry.

 

“Chicago is quickly becoming a city known for its progressive fit-minded attitude and a healthy way of life.  Our programs connect conferences, conventions, tourism and special events to fitness.  We also highlight our city’s beautiful architecture, history and especially our diverse community with additional fitness walks and jogs while touring the city,” explains lifelong Chicago resident, Jonathan Gatz, ACE Certified Trainer and President of Jonathan Gatz Fitness.

 

CEO & Manager Tom Nibbio adds, “Everybody has to constantly evolve, personally and business-wise in order to reach new goals and be successful.  Therefore we take Jonathan’s fitness training ‘rock star status’ and my travel and tourism background to create the synergy that uniquely blends the multiple industries of fitness with the corporate world, event planning, travel and tourism.” 

 

At IGLTA’s convention, Jonathan Gatz Fitness will unveil a new and creative concept for conference attendees’ partners, spouses and families to tour Chicago with daily ‘JG Fitness-Chicago Fit Tours©’

 

Jonathan Gatz, the rising star of fitness trainers in the USA, will also lead morning fitness sessions called  ‘Fresh Start with Jonathan’.  These 60-minute sessions provide conference attendees a chance to work on their core strength training and be energized and ready for each exciting, activity-filled day and night at this historical conference.

 

"IGLTA is always looking for new ways to surprise and engage our convention attendees, so we're happy to include morning fitness programs on the itinerary for the first time," says IGLTA President/CEO John Tanzella. "We're fortunate that JG Fitness is not only gay owned and Chicago based, but also has ties to the travel industry – it's a good fit for our association."

 

 

Schedule of fitness tourism-related activities during the 2013 IGLTA Convention:

 

‘Fresh Start with Jonathan’ fitness sessions for all IGLTA conference attendees

 

• Thursday, May 2nd, 6:30-7:30 AM, @ Hyatt Regency Chicago event room. 
• Friday, May 3rd, 7-8 AM, @ Hyatt Regency Chicago event room. 
• Saturday, May 4th, 9-10 AM, @ Hyatt Regency Chicago event room.

 

 

JG Fitness-Chicago Fit Tours©’ for IGLTA attendee spouses, partners & families

 

• Thursday, May 2nd, 9-11 AM, meet in the Hyatt Regency lobby. 
• Friday, May 3rd, 10 AM - 12 Noon, meet in the Hyatt Regency lobby. 
• Saturday, May 4th, 1-3 PM, meet in the Hyatt Regency lobby.

 

To register for the convention go to… www.igltaconvention.org

 

For additional information about the fitness portion of the IGLTA Convention contact:    Tom Nibbio of Jonathan Gatz Fitness, 312-961-6464 or JonathanGatzFitness@icloud.com

 

Website:         www.JonathanGatzFitness.com

 

Google+:         https://plus.google.com/112759125694442327201/posts/p/pub

 

Facebook:       https://www.facebook.com/JonathanGatzFitness

 

Gay2Day:        http://www.gay2day.com/detail.cfm?id=3388

 

YouTube:        http://www.youtube.com/user/JGFitness12?feature=mhee

 

Twitter:           @jgatz712

 

LinkedIn:         http://www.linkedin.com/company/jonathan-gatz-fitness-trainer-to-our-heroes-llc

Leading Luxury Gay Hotel, Concierge and Social Media Site of Puerto Vallarta Join to Expand High End Destination Services For LGBT Visitors and Friends of our Community

Casa Cupula, Puerto Vallarta's leading luxury boutique hotel for gay men, lesbians and friends of the community, is merging with My Own Concierge, the leading provider of concierge services to gay and lesbian travelers to North America's favorite winter beach destination. Both businesses will be represented online by Go Gay! Puerto Vallarta, the largest social media presence for LGBT travelers to Puerto Vallarta.

Now celebrating its tenth anniversary, Casa Cupula will offer its guests tours and activities provided by My Own Concierge. My Own Concierge, founded in 2010, will offer its concierge clients Food & Beverage and Catering services by Taste restaurant@casacupula, which was named the Best New Restaurant in Puerto Vallarta in 2011*. My Own Concierge will also sell memberships to Pump gym@casacupula and day passes for Casa Cupula's new luxury pool cabanas. Both businesses are collaborating to create new tour and activities for LGBT travelers.



"Working together, we can pool our resources to reach even more of the gay community in the US, Mexico and Canada and provide world-class services that will surprise and delight them" said Logan Miller, co-founder of My Own Concierge. "Many people only know Puerto Vallarta for the beach and great nightlife. But there's so much more to see and do, and we've only begun to scratch the surface of what we can offer."

Activities include the Go Gay! Jungle Zipline Adventure, where guests zip over the lush tropical foliage and mountains. A special guided tour of Puerto Vallarta's Botanical Gardens, with thousands of species of tropical plants on over 20 acres of pristine mountain territory, includes a three course lunch and luxury transportation (not to mention a beautiful floral souvenir). The luxury Ada Sailboat cruises Banderas Bay every Saturday providing gourmet delicacies with incredible views of Puerto Vallarta, the surrounding area and a collection of marine life including whales and dolphins. A special Chef's Table at Taste restaurant@casacupula is offered for gourmets, featuring a private Chef's menu. Horseback riding in the jungle and ecological tours of Vallarta are but a few more offerings.

Casa Cupula was named one of Mexico's Trendiest hotels in 2012 by Trip Advisor, where Casa Cupula consistently ranks among the ten best hotels in all of Puerto Vallarta. This year Casa Cupula received a major facelift of the main pool area, with new décor and a new pool bar, water feature, sound system and lighting. New luxury pool cabanas will be available to guests of the hotel and by day pass to visitors, including a three course lunch and canapés from Taste, with champagne, cold scented cloths, fluffy towels and ceiling fan. In the evening, Taste restaurant@casacupula will offer gourmet private dining poolside by torchlight.

Casa Cupula's new Online Concierge, is also being introduced this month so activities can be planned in advance before arrival from the comfort of home. Guests can create a private folio, adding activities by day, along with special items like a personalized cake and champagne with chocolate covered strawberries to celebrate a birthday, or a private dinner served under the stars for a romantic anniversary. Visitors can create a "Travel Blueprint" to architect their entire trip from touchdown to takeoff including noting personal preferences for their unique style of travel. All these services can also be reserved or booked online, by email at concierge@casacupula.com or by calling 1-866-352-2511 from the US or Canada.

No "new kid on the block", Puerto Vallarta has been Gay North America's favorite winter beach destination for decades. The city boasts a broad array of gay bars and nightclubs, gay-owned restaurants, hotels, stores, services, and entertainment that put any other destination to shame. Over the last decade, thousands of gay and lesbian visitors from the US and Canada have bought property in Puerto Vallarta, including Fractional Ownership in the Private Residences at Casa Cupula, creating a strong resident community as the core for gay and lesbian tourism.

"It's hard to believe ten years has gone by so quickly," stated Don Pickens, founder of Casa Cupula. "We started with just five rooms and breakfast service, and have grown to offer almost all the services of any mainstream resort. But the most gratifying thing is to see our many return guests, who enjoy the improvements we make every year. This partnership is the next logical step in expanding Casa Cupula's luxury platform with elevated products and services for all LGBT guests who frequent Puerto Vallarta. It's another reason PV is North America's premier LGBT travel destination."

As one of the world's finest boutique resort hotels for gay men, lesbians and friends, Casa Cupula has built a reputation since 2002 for services and luxury and is consistently ranked among the 10 best hotels in Puerto Vallarta. Taste restaurant@casacupula is open to the public.

My Own Concierge was established in 2010 as a full-service, luxury concierge brand, providing Puerto Vallarta's LGBT visitors with private, hands-on, "touchdown to takeoff" service. Through their social media portal, GoGay! Puerto Vallarta, MyOwnConcierge offers an array of private tours & activities, consistently ranking #1 on Trip Advisor
milagro properties . 129 callejon de la lgualdad . puerto vallarta . méxico . 322-223-2484.

LINKS:
http://www.casacupula.com/
http://www.myownconcierge.com.mx/

Gay Oklahoma City - Habana Inn

In our travels to both the East Coast and the West Coast everyone always asks the same question to us. Where to party in the Midwest? We always tell them the best two places to party in the Midwest is Chicago and Oklahoma City. Oklahoma City???? Yep, Oklahoma City is the major gay capital of the Midwest. Hard to believe? Well perhaps, however unless you have been there you certainly will not believe that in the bible belt of Oklahoma is this fabulous gay Mecca. We have been going to Oklahoma City to party for over 25 years. The HABANA INN Resort there has been a gay resort for over 25 years. It is the Midwest's largest all gay resort. It is a two story complex. The rooms are spacious and extremely inexpensive. Their rates begin at just $44.95 per room. It is a totally gay resort. Lush tropical plants and trees surround the pool areas. Gays from all over the Midwest have been going there for years. And it is busy 7 days a week, not just on weekends. Lounge around the pool area and you are sure to meet that "someone special."  No where in the Southwest will you find a place like the Habana Inn. With 170 hotel rooms, two swimming pools, two nightclubs, a restaurant, piano bar, and unique gift shop all conveniently located within the hotel complex, the Habana Inn is the place to be. Room rates are affordable and weekly and monthly rates are available for extended stays. Leave your car parked for your entire stay as the complex is located in the heart of Oklahoma City's gay district. Six more clubs and several restaurants are within walking distance. Robert Nichols has been the General Manager for many years and in all of our travels we have found him to be one of the best general managers in the hotel/motel/resort business. He has done a tremendous job over the years for the gay and lesbian community.

The Habana Inn offers two beautifully landscaped pools for your swimming and lounging pleasure. In fact, their pools have become the place to be during the summer. Both hotel guests and the locals can be found poolside enjoying the Oklahoma sun and the highly charged Habana Inn atmosphere. . Through out the summer their pools are the site of many sponsored events but the highlight of those is the Sunday afternoon Pool Party hosted by the Finishline. This weekly gathering includes a beer bust, cookout and of course tons of cute guys. The Habana Inn offers two beautifully landscaped pools for your swimming and lounging pleasure. In fact, their pools have become the place to be during the summer. Both hotel guests and the locals can be found poolside enjoying the Oklahoma sun and the highly charged Habana Inn atmosphere. If its Pool Parties you like they have got that too. Throughout the summer their pools are the site of many sponsored events but the highlight of those is the Sunday afternoon Pool Party hosted by the Finishline. This weekly gathering includes a beer bust, cookout and of course tons of cute guys.

    Within the resort complex they have a wonderful restaurant "Gushers" which has a great ambiance and serves delicious food. Prices are inexpensive. And all entrees comes with potato, salad and bread. The restaurant overlooks one of the pool areas so you can enjoy the boys frolicking in the pool as you are dining. They also offer sandwiches, soups, salads, pastas and appetizers. And a breakfast menu is available on weekends. There are three bars in the Habana Inn complex which are completely different. COPA's is a dance, disco and drag bar. Weekly they have strip shows, drag shows and comedy shows. FINISH LINE is a country/western bar with plenty of country dancing. This is the place to see the real cowboys in action. THE LEDO is a quiet piano bar. All of the bartenders are super friendly and they all know how to make out of towners feel right at home. The owner of the bars and restaurant is to be commended for his outstanding job of always having "theme" nights and specials. The nights we were there, Long neck bottle beer was two for one. When so many bar owners just sit back and wait for customers to come in, this owner attracts customers by having specials, etc. Why can't all bar owners do things like this. Also in the resort is JUNGLE RED, an adult gift shop with magazines, videos, cards, gifts, leather, pride items plus a lot of decorative items for the home.

   Within a block of the Habana Inn resort you will find about 6 more gay bars catering to different tastes. A major grocery store is just two blocks away as are several other restaurants. The HABANA INN resort is located one block west of the intersection of Penn and Interstate I-44 and is extremely easy to find. Plus, there are a lot of sights to see in Oklahoma City. The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum has artifacts from the early cowboy days thru the television shows with lots of oil paintings, watercolors and bronzes. And yep, Randolph Scott was honored there. The Oklahoma City Memorial where the bombing took place a few years ago is a MUST to see. Art galleries and museums are plentiful. About 80 miles to the west is the Route 66 Highway Museum which is extremely interesting. The Habana is located at 2200 NW 40th Street in Oklahoma City and their toll free reservation number is 1.888.988.2221
For further information on Gay Oklahoma City, go to: www.habanainn.com and http://www.visitokc.com/

Always remember to have fun when traveling, meet new people and talk to everyone! TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS GAY WORLD is written by Donald Pile and Ray Williams, Award-winning, Celebrity travel columnists who write for gay publications from coast to coast (And now legally married). Proud members of the IGLTA. You can email them at gaytravelers@aol.com and visit their website at http://gaytravelersataol.blogspot.com/

Book Review on Best Selling Author: Robert Hofmann

"ROBERT HOFMANN'S TRILOGY IN THREE BOOKS"
review by Donald Pile and Ray Williams

There are three books that you simply MUST purchase. SURROUNDED BY INSANITY, AN ORDINARY MADNESS and ONE BRAIN CELL AWAY FROM RETARDED. In our travels from coast to coast we get to meet so many wonderful and exciting people including authors and we had the opportunity to meet Robert Hofmann when we were staying at the Grand Resort and Spa in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Robert's books are the types of books that once you start reading, you won't want to put them down until you have completely finished reading them. Each is absolutely hilarious! They are biographical stories of the author's experience thru his life with his early childhood and growing up with friends and family. Robert grew up in New Jersey and what a wild and crazy and interesting wild he has had. Between his family and friends, he guides the reader thru many exciting episodes of his life. It is wickedly, bitchy and hilarious! Everyone in Robert's life so far is a participant in this wonderfully funny and provocative story on his life. It begins with is birth and goes until the last book came out last year.

You will laugh at nearly every page! Robert knows exactly what his readers want to hear and he writes in such a great way. He writes openly what many of us only say behind other's backs. One of our favorite parts of the book is when he talks about "pre-speaking", as in "Dinner? That is where we should go" and "Glad for you! That is what I am. Day's after reading this, we were still catching ourselves, "pre" speaking.

We don't know if his family and friends are still speaking to him or not but they should be happy that he loves them so much that he can be so open and frank about them. He would indeed be a good friend to have, and he is! We first met him after reading his first book, SURROUNDED BY INSANITY and our friendship has developed as we have seen him and his life-partner Michael when we visit Ft. Lauderdale and even vacationed with them in Maine. In his last book, ONE BRAIN CELL AWAY FROM RETARDED he devoted one whole chapter on his experiences with us.

Robert's books are published by Publish American and may be purchased through all major bookstores. You can also order them from Amazon.com and publishamerica.com. Two years ago Robert and Michael moved from their palatial estate in New Jersey and purchased an estate in Wilton Manors, Florida, a suburb of Ft. Lauderdale where they continue to entertain with grand parties. Fortunately for us, we are always invited when we visit Ft. Lauderdale. This set of three books will make a great holiday present for your friends or for yourself.

Always remember to have fun when traveling, meet new people and talk to everyone!

TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS GAY WORLD is written by Donald Pile and Ray Williams, Award-winning, Celebrity travel columnists who write for gay publications from coast to coast (And now legally married). Proud members of the IGLTA. You can email them at gaytravelers@aol.com and visit their website at http://gaytravelersataol.blogspot.com/

JASON TRUMAN - 'Artist - Extraordaire'

In our travels from coast to coast we often attend art shows whenever we can. Sometimes we do not have to travel far to attend them. We attended one in greater Kansas City this past weekend and found the great art work of a particular very talented artist, Jason Truman who lives in greater Kansas City. Jason has been a dedicated artist for several years. He specializes in portraits and fantasy illustrations and he works in “All Things Graphite”. People were lined up to view his artwork at the art show. Sales were rather brisk as art patrons knew they were purchasing something special by an artist that is on the rise.

Jason uses a graphite pencil utilizing his knowledge in the art world to create his masterpieces on paper. He also produces sketch cards, finished for the Comics, for Cures charity auction and for Blue Line Pro. He is extremely talented and his works with the male torso is unbelievable. He also has a Star Trek series in addition to regular portraits.

You can visit Jason’s website at jtrumanart.deviantart.com and you can email him at jtruman@gmail.com You can purchase his art work directly from him personally or from his website. We highly suggest that you purchase some of his art work now before the prices start soaring in the very near future. His assistant Donna is a real jewel.

Always remember to have fun when traveling, meet new people and talk to everyone!
TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS GAY WORLD is written by Donald Pile and Ray Williams, Award-winning, Celebrity travel columnists who write for gay publications from coast to coast (And now legally married). Proud members of the IGLTA. You can email them at gaytravelers@aol.com and visit their website at http://gaytravelersataol.blogspot.com/

 

Grand Resort and Spa - Fort Lauderdale, FL

We have stayed at dozens of gay owned resorts from coast to coast. Most are very professionally operated while a few are an embarrassment. We have been staying at the Grand Resort and Spa in Ft. Lauderdale for the past 10 years and without a doubt, it is THE most professionally operated gay resort in the country. The Grand Resort and Spa is Fort Lauderdale’s largest and finest gay men’s resort hotel, located just steps from the beach and convenient to all the attractions and nightlife in Ft. Lauderdale. As Ft. Lauderdale’s first gay resort with its’ own full-service day spa and hair studio, they can offer their guests an experience that is unique and wonderfully indulgent.

When you first call them every staff member is extremely professional, friendly and courteous. They follow up with emails. When checking in, the staff is extremely professional, friendly and courteous. They take nothing for granted and they do anything and everything to make each guest feel very special. We are there in January every year and we have seen other guests year after year after year who always return to the Grand Resort and Spa. Owner/proprietor Casey Koslowski, General Manager Herb Pianin, Guest Services Manager, Bill York and their entire staff are the best of the best.  J. D. Greene, Director of the Spa Services is the best in his field and Paul, the Director of Facilities knows everything and anything about plumbing, electricity and everything else that is need to make the Grand Resort run smoothly. Most all of the staff has been working at the Grand Resort and Spa for years.

Each morning begins with a complimentary expanded Continental Breakfast served in the Club Room or Poolside. They offer assorted juices, freshly brewed coffee, tea, hot chocolate, muffins, Danish, bagels with cream cheese, assorted cereals and fresh fruit. Make use of their fast access guest computers in the Club Room to surf the net, check your emails or anything else. They have Wi-Fi for you to use with your own laptop throughout the Resort. They have a library of books, current magazines, newspapers, videos and games for their guests. Relax in their clothing optional Tropical Courtyard with the sound of the 30 foot fountain splashing in the background and soak in their luxurious tiled 10 man Jacuzzi.  You will enjoy the magnificent variety of Palms and Magical Gardens or enjoy their oversized heated pool for lap swimming or soaking up the sun on a float mat.

The Spa is available for massages, body scrubs and wraps, facials, manicures and pedicures, waxing, micro-dermabrasion, and their newest addition: The Hair Studio for all your hair styling needs. Arrange just one service or a whole day of pampering with one of their Spa Day Packages. Keep your muscles toned with a workout in their Fitness Center equipped with Free Weights and Cardio equipment or arrange to use one of their bicycles for a ride along miles of scenic bike paths. Join the festivities poolside on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings starting at 6PM for their Sundown Happy Hour featuring wines and hors d’oeuvres. This is a perfect way to unwind with new friends before an evening of exploring Ft. Lauderdale’s exciting restaurant and nightlife scenes. We have met so many gentlemen at these cocktail parties from all over the country. One thing about the Grand Resort and Spa is that once you stay there, you will keep returning again and again. And you will meet people that you will see in your other travels around the country. All the amenities are great however it is the owner and staff that make the Grand Resort and Spa so wonderful. Without them, it would be just like staying at any other resort. Thanks to the owner and staff of the Grand Resort and Spa for being “so Grand!”. They are located at 539 North Birch Road. Their toll free number is: 800.818.1211 and their website is www.grandresort.net.

Always remember to have fun when traveling, meet new people and talk to everyone! TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS GAY WORLD is written by Donald Pile and Ray Williams, Award-winning, Celebrity travel columnists who write for gay publications from coast to coast (And now legally married). Proud members of the IGLTA. You can email them at gaytravelers@aol.com and visit their website at http://gaytravelersataol.blogspot.com/