Quick (New) Hotel Getaways in PA and MD

He tried (and loved) the 4 Seasons spa, but this is not our writer.

By ManAboutWorld Global Correspondent Jeff Guaracino

Do you need to getaway quick? Does room service and a maid sound just fabulous?  Travel doesn’t always have to be far away from home (just far enough!). Could it be as easy as checking into a local luxury hotel that is part treat and part escape. When you travel as much as I do, sometimes a hotel can be just another hotel. There are two close-by hotels that surprised me both by their incredible views, luxurious but affordable prices, and staff who make everyone feel VIP. And guess what? They are both in two cities that are worth spending more time in — Baltimore and Philadelphia.

Philadelphia’s Mummers Parade Becomes A Drag

Brittany Lynn and her Drag Mafia

And that’s a good thing!

For the first time in its very long history, the Mummers Parade — a fantastic costumed/sequined/choreographed extravaganza that takes place every New Year’s Day in Philadelphia — there will be an all-drag contingent. Lead by Philly drag star Ms. Brittany Lynn, the Drag Brigade will be part of what is normally a super straight event (despite the 10-foot-tall feather headdresses and superb dance numbers). The Mummers Parade is thought to be the oldest folk festival in the U.S. with roots reaching back to the mid 17th century.

Read the official press release (and ticket information) after the jump.

Hotel Monaco Philadelphia: Gayot Named It One of Top 10 Hotels

I stayed at the fabulous new Hotel Monaco Philadelphia this past weekend. I only got to spend one night but with a late check out I felt as though I was able to get a good feel for the new property. Gayot named it one of the top 10 new U.S. hotels.

The property is in the totally renovated historic (but previously neglected) Lafayette building, built in 1907 as a homage to Revolutionary war hero General Marquis de Lafayette. The building imposed some layout constraints so when you enter from the street you have to turn right into the ample lobby, the site of a free nightly wine hour from 5pm-6pm. (On the left from the entrance is the Red Owl Tavern.)

It’s in Old City so if you are visiting with the intention of getting a big gulp of historical Philadelphia, you can’t find a better location. It’s right on Independence National Historic Park with more early American history than you can shake a copy of the Declaration of Independence at, which was actually signed very near hear. It’s a quick easy cab ride or a nice 10- to 15-minute walk to Philly’s vibrant Gayborhood.

The room I enjoyed was a one-bedroom suite with stunning (third floor) views of a number of important historic buildings and museums including the home of the Liberty Bell and the National Constitution Center. The furnishings are reminscent of others in the upscale Monaco brand, very modern and tasteful with a dark, masculine palette, with localized touches like the words to important early-American legal documents in the wall treatments.

The Red Owl Tavern has become a very popular restaurant in the short month it’s been opened. What the staff may lack in seasoning (which will come), they more than make up in warmth and earnestness. I personally don’t like to be greeted as “friend” by my waiter every time he walks by the table, but there are worse infringements and it did not diminish from the hearty, tasty options like the fresh-caught seared Marlin special I enjoyed.

I briefly checked out the Stratus Rooftop Bar & Lounge, which drew a cool young (25-40), mostly hetero crowd. The view of the faint stars above was great but high walls obstruct actual city views.

For more information about Philadelphia, download ManAboutWorld’s inaugural issue by clicking here.

More info:

• Hotel Reservations
• Red Owl Tavern
• Stratus Rooftop Bar & Lounge

Which Gay Philly ‘Hood Is Gay-Tastic? Lady Gaga Tix In The Balance

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/evarinaldiphotography/6216738628/sizes/o/

Want a shot at winning Lady Gaga tickets, an overnight stay at the brand new Hotel Monaco Philadelphia – A Kimpton Hotel and more? Here’s your chance to Visit Gay Philadelphia and find out what neighborhood you would have a gay-tastic time in.

Click on Visit Gay Philly’s “Which Philadelphia Neighoborhood is Gay-Tastic? contest to enter to win. According to our friends at Visit Gay Philly:

One visit to Philadelphia, and you’ll learn quickly that it’s a city of neighborhoods. The question is: What Philly ‘hood best suits your personality? Take this short, fun quiz to figure out just that.

On a personal note, I am scheduled to stay at the new Hotel Monaco this weekend (no hurricane is going to keep me from my appointed gay rounds!) and will have a report soon thereafter. Check back here next week.

Gay Philadelphia Just Got A Little More Social

Get social at Knock Restaurant and Bar

The LGBT-friendly folks at VisitPhilly, the City of Brotherly Love’s official tourism organization, announced three new ways for lesbian and gay visitors to plan their Philly trips.

Rolling out up-to-date content on Foursquare Foodspotting and Pinterest, VisitPhilly directs visitors to the best spots to find great food, drinks and gifts among other like-minded visitors and locals.

Lots more information below the fold.

The Philadelphia Flower Show Offers a Bouquet to LGBT Visitors

Travel to Philadelphia to see a flower show? I found that puzzling, till I learned more about the Philadelphia International Flower Show, the world’s largest indoor flower show.

First of all it’s got staying power. It’s been around since 1829 (longer than Cher!). Second of all this year’s theme is Hawaii, a fully integrated partnership including the sights, sounds and magnificent aromas of our hula-happy, pineapple-scented 50th state.

And if you need another reason, the Flower Show proudly sponsors an LGBT night, tonight, Monday March 5. It takes place in a special VIP area outside Hall A, the major exhibition space from 6pm to 8:30pm. OK, count me in: I’m going to Philly!

According to their website at the LGBT night (sponsored by G Philly):

Guests will enjoy an evening of cocktails and food samplings, kicked-off by a special introduction from PHS President Drew Becher in an exclusive VIP area.

Guests will also have the opportunity to meet-and-greet with Phillip Watson, QVC garden expert and author of Pleasure Gardens, his debut book featuring more than 350 photos of gorgeous garden designs.

More information:

• LGBT night at the Flower Show
• Downloadable floor plan in PDF format
• More information about the great things the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society does with proceeds form this event and other activities. Think: “Plant One Million” (greening the city), City Harvest, (feeding people) and much more.

The Philadelphia International Flower Show facts (courtesy Pennsylvania Horticultural Society):

The largest indoor flower show in the world blooms in Philadelphia every March at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The country’s premier landscape designers and florists are featured and turn 10 acres of exhibit space into a floral fantasy world with exotic plants and eclectic designs.

ORIGINS: The Philadelphia International Flower Show has been a Philadelphia tradition since 1829. The Show has evolved from a gathering of professional growers showcasing their prized plants to the largest and oldest indoor flower show in the nation.

LOCATION: Pennsylvania Convention Center, 12th & Arch Streets, Philadelphia, PA, 19107

MORE: http://www.theflowershow.com/ShowInfo/generalpress/pifsfactsheet.html

Mr. Gay Competition Starts Tonight in Philadelphia

Who's your favorite?

Here’s your sneak peak above. Check out these hotties!

Who’ll win? You’ve gotta go check it out in person or read about it online after. The competition takes place tonight and tomorrow. Here’s the schedule:

U.S. Mr. Gay Weekend Schedule:

Friday, November 18, 2011
Welcome Party and 1st Round of Q & A

Woody’s – 202 S. 13th Street – Philadelphia

• Time: 8:00 – 10:00 p.m.
• Hosted by: Brittany Lynn and NY Ink’s Robear!
• Smirnoff Open Bar & Hors D’oeuvres
• Performances by: Ms. Brittany Lynn & Steve McManus

Voyeur – 1221 St. James Street – Philadelphia

• Saturday, November 19, 2011
• OffTo.com U.S. Mr. Gay Competition
• Time: 8:00 p.m.
• Hosted by: Ms. Brittany Lynn
• Performances by: Jade Starling, The Dharling Sisters & Friends, Ms. Poison, Ms. Brittany Lynn

Buy tickets here: http://www1.nightlifegay.com/tickets/

Philadelphia Hosts the OffTo.com U.S. Mr. Gay Competition Nov 18-19

Scott Nevins - TruTV's "The Smoking Gun Presents"

Practice saying “world peace” and do some crunches for the swimsuit portion of the show, the annual OffTo.com U.S. Mr. Gay Competition is taking place in Philadelphia Friday, November 18 and Saturday, November 19.

Hosted by gay reality TV stars — including the handsome Scott Nevins from TruTV’s “The Smoking Gun Presents” – and Philly’s own sassy Ms. Brittany Lynn, the competition kicks off Friday, November 18 at 8pm at Woody’s (202 S. 13th St, Philadelphia, PA) with a welcome reception and the Q&A round of competition.

Saturday, November 19, Voyeur Nightclub (1221 St. James St, Philadelphia, PA) hosts the main event. (Details for this portion of the competition will be released soon.)

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit NightLifeGay.com.

For more information on OffTo.com, a new site offering discounts on LGBT getaway packages that combine the cost of accommodations and activities,visit OffTo.com.

He Coined “Gay is Good”: Frank Kameny, Pioneer

Frank Kameny

If you don’t know who Frank Kameny was, take a moment to Google him. Here’s a good article from The Advocate.

Below find information about a memorial service for this gay pioneer.

Philadelphia Memorial Service for Gay Pioneer Frank Kameny Father of the LGBT Civil Rights Movement WHEN:  Friday, October 21, 2011 from 12:15 – 12:45 p.m.   WHERE:  Gay Pioneers Historical Marker, 6th & Chestnut Streets, Philadelphia, across from Independence Hall and Liberty Bell Center, designating the site of the first organized annual gay and lesbian demonstrations.   BACKGROUND: Frank Kameny spearheaded the “Annual Reminders,” the first organized gay and lesbian demonstrations of activists at Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell each July 4th from 1965 to 1969. Gays and lesbians were denied employment by the federal government. Frank Kameny was single-handedly responsible through remarkable intensity and perseverance in having the United States Civil Service Commission end the policy of prohibiting gays and lesbians from government service.   SPEAKERS:  Chris Bartlett, Executive Director, William Way Community Center, Gloria Casarez, Director of LGBT Affairs, City of Philadelphia, Malcolm Lazin, Executive Director, Equality Forum, Mark Segal, Publisher, Philadelphia Gay News. Equality Forum, a national and international LGBT civil rights organization with an educational focus, coordinates LGBT History Month, undertakes high-impact initiatives, and presents the largest annual national and international LGBT civil rights summit.

Mr. Gay Competition in Philadelphia in November

What are you doing November 4-5, 2011? How about going to watch the U.S. Mr. Gay Competition in gay-friendly Philadelhia?

This is the second consecutive year that Philadelphia will welcome contestants from all over the country fighting to be named the new 2012 U.S. Mr. Gay titleholder.  The competition is scheduled for November 11th and 12th.  As they did in 2010, the national committee enlisted Bruce Yelk’s Nightlifegay.com – Philadelphia’s premier LGBT event promotions company – to plan and execute the competition weekend.

Originally published in GPS.OutTraveler.com.