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Top
10 romantic destinations for gay and lesbian couples
SOURCE: Gay.com
Top
10 romantic destination for gay and lesbian couples
2004
1. Paris, France
Of course we had to make this our top choice:
The concept of romance was nearly invented in
the City of Lights. One of the most beautifully
and meticulously planned cities on the planet,
Paris is tailor-made for the pedestrian: Wide
boulevards, lush parks and charming sidewalks
laced with cafes cry out for long, romantic strolls
with your main squeeze, whispering sweet French
nothings in each other's ears. This intricate,
low-rise city has an air and allure that has been
attracting lovers for centuries. The museums,
the language, the chic fashions, the coffee --
vive la (gai) France!
2. Hawaii
Hawaii did not become the first place in the United
States to legalize same-sex marriage (that honor
went to Vermont, below), but it remains one of
the top gay tourist destinations worldwide. How
is that, you ask? It's not just the yearlong thong-bikini
weather and guys wearing flowers in their hair
-- this island group has a long history of incorporating
homosexuality into their unique culture, and the
tolerant, easygoing, "hang loose" atmosphere casually
drips off of everyone like macadamia nut honey.
The islands offer over a dozen companies set up
for gay and lesbian union ceremonies, so what
better place to tie the queer knot on the beach,
in a rainforest or on a volcano?
3. Vermont
Since voting to legalize civil unions between
members of the same sex in the summer of 2000,
Vermont has become a focal point for gay tourism,
with a romantic punch. Civil unions are open to
out-of-state residents, which has boosted the
number of gay and lesbian visitors to the state
looking to get hitched. With its stunning greenery
(turning to unbelievable reds, yellows and browns
in autumn), incredibly cozy inns, majestic mountains
and live-and-let-live citizens, you couldn't ask
for a more intimate spot to get to know your new
spouse.
4. St. Barts,
the Caribbean
Sophisticated, casual, tiny St. Barts is one of
the best-kept gay-friendly secrets on Earth. With
its French laissez-faire acceptance of gay men
and lesbians, the jet-set destination is worth
checking out just to revel in the cool hipness
of its glamorous clientele. Gay life is quite
limited, but that doesn't stop the homo elite
from flocking to glorious white sand beaches,
craggy mountain greenery, gourmet dining, chic
shopping and luxe lodging. You couldn't ask for
a better gay honeymoon splurge.
5. Santa Fe,
New Mexico
Santa Fe is one of the most lesbian-popular spots
in North America. Both gay women and men are attracted
to its rustic-yet-sophisticated vibe, historical
stucco structures (it's one of the oldest settlements
in the New World) and its removed, otherworldly
feel. And let's not forget the town's unofficial
matriarch, pioneering artist Georgia O'Keefe.
Come and snuggle up to your hottie, listen to
the coyotes howl and watch the full moon rise
over the desert floor.
6. Prague, Czech
Republic
Since it was never destroyed in any major European
war, Prague is a living, breathing museum of 900
years of architectural and visual delights. Buildings
drip with intricate adornments like decorated
cakes, and the newly exploding social freedoms
of Eastern Europe have made this sumptuous city
a feast for gay and lesbian travelers, with a
thriving nightlife and liberal, liberated residents.
Stroll across its many ornate bridges, and stop
to seal your relationship with a kiss.
7. Provincetown,
Massachusetts
Provincetown is a perfect spot for a gay or lesbian
honeymoon: Homosexual women and men from all walks
of life come to this haven of acceptance to enjoy
its ocean, sand dunes and quaint inns and restaurants.
Unlike other, more horny gay resorts, P-town keeps
a wholesome image, and its bars call it an early
night every night -- even its famous weekend tea
dances end at reasonable hours. P-town calls out
to couples, with long bike paths, art galleries,
historic buildings and some of the best gay guesthouses
in the world.
8. Montréal,
Québec
Like a chunk of France thrown into North America's
back yard, Montréal is a special treat for gay
visitors. With liberal laws protecting gays and
lesbians and one of the most progressive, gay-friendly
tourist bureaus on the planet, most queer visitors
feel like they have finally come home when they
get a taste of Montréal. In addition to its Old
World architecture and French joie de vivre, this
town knows how to get down and party hearty (with
the huge annual Black & Blue Party proving
the point). But any time of year, you'll find
it easy to woo your significant other in this
lovely city.
9. Cape Town,
South Africa
Cape Town beautifully spreads out in a semicircle
between the sea and the base of Table Mountain,
which towers over the city at nearly 4,000 feet.
The city is the sophisticated culture and style
capital of the continent -- and with a burgeoning
gay scene and a new South African constitution
that supports queer rights, it's fast becoming
popular with gay and lesbian travelers. Add to
this stunning beaches, exotic scenery and delicious
world-class wines, and you've got one of the best
travel spots south of the equator.
10. Puerto
Vallarta, Mexico
Although definitely tourist-popular, Vallarta
keeps an "old Spanish" feel -- along with the
largest gay scene on Mexico's Pacific Coast after
Acapulco. The cobblestone streets of Puerto Vallarta's
Old Town host most of the gay establishments,
and the "Blue Chairs" and "Green Chairs" beaches
are littered with gays from all over. With world-class
resorts, gourmet restaurants and a mix of modern
and old, Puerto Vallarta is one of the best gay
honeymoon spots south of the border.
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