Category Archives: Boston

Three (gay) days in Boston

3 gay days in BostonI’ve often commented on how much I love Boston and am happy to act as any newcomer’s or visitor’s concierge, answering questions or providing suggestions. While I realize my preferences may not be yours, I thought I’d share ideas on what to see over three days in Boston. I’ve taken care to avoid suggesting places only a trust fund baby can afford.

I’m happy to provide suggestions on places to stay but for the purpose of this series of posts I am going to assume you have reserved a hotel, B&B or apartment in downtown Boston and will provide suggestions with dining options for morning, afternoon and evening.

Day 1:  Three (Gay) Days in Boston

3 Gay Days in BostonStart your morning at Panificio Bakery on Charles Street in Beacon Hill. Grab a cup of coffee, tea or juice and a decadent, warm carb recently pulled from the oven that you can enjoy while walking along the Charles River. This public park offers great views of Back Bay, Cambridge (and men walking, running and biking).

3 Gay Days in BostonIn the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing picnic in Boston’s Public Garden (the nation’s first botanical garden). Call The Upper Crust in Beacon Hill  (617) 723-9600 and ask them to walk or bike over your pizza order. All you need to have is a cell phone and a credit card. They will bring the pizza, drinks, plates and napkins. You can enjoy the park, the views and of course the pizza.  After lunch take a stroll through Back Bay: enjoy the Commonwealth Mall with sculptures on each block with some of the neighborhoods most beautiful homes or walk along Newbury Street (Boston’s version of 5th Avenue) which includes both national luxury chains as well as one of a kind boutiques.

3 Gay Days in BostonIn the evening head over to The Trophy Room on the corner of Berkeley and Chandler Street in the South End. Grab a cocktail (or two) at this gay friendly neighborhood bar and when your appetite reminds you it is time to eat, walk the four blocks to Aquitaine on Tremont Street (reservations are strongly suggested). I won’t presume to know your preferences and am confident that everything on the menu would be to your liking. After dinner if you are in the mood for a 20 or 30-something crowd head to Club Cafe on Columbus Ave and Berkeley Street where there is always a crowd and dancing in the backroom. If you would like something more relaxing walk two blocks down Union Park to Boston Chops and enjoy a cocktail and the guys who congregate here after dinner by the bar.

Boston Pride Back Bay block party

On Sunday, Boston Pride hosts their official block party from 12-8 PM. The weather was absolutely spectacular and a large crowd came out to enjoy themselves. Below are a few photos from the block party.

Boston Pride Back Bay block party

Back Bay block party

Dirk Caber and Jesse Jackman

Dirk and Jesse pose for a quick photo

Boston Pride Back Bay block party

Sergio in the thick of it

Boston Pride Back Bay block party

Gostoso Brasileiros

Boston Pride Back Bay block party

Gawd bless shirtless menz

Boston Pride Back Bay block party

Well hello there Harry (and posse)

Boston Pride Back Bay block party

Left to Right: Handsome, Handsome, Handsome, Handsome and Handsome

Boston Pride Parade and Saturday Block Party

This past Saturday Boston hosted its 44th annual Boston Pride Parade with approximately 25,000 people marching in the parade. The parade’s grand marshals were Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and Mayor Marty Walsh.  This year’s theme was Be Yourself, Change the World.  Below are photos from Saturday’s party and the Chandler Street Block party that raises funds for AIDS Action.

Mayor Marty Walsh

Mayor Marty Walsh

Boston Pride Parade

This caring doctor was distributing injections

Boston Pride Parade

The Parade attracts a handsome crowd

Boston Pride Parade

More handsome menz

Boston Pride Parade

A colorful crowd too

Can you spot the Top Chef at this Stoop Party?

Can you spot the Top Chef at this Stoop Party?

Saturday Block Party following the Boston Pride Parade

Chandler Street Block Party Boston

Boston’s annual Chandler Street Block Party

Chandler Street Block Party Boston

God bless all those shirtless men

Chandler Street Block Party Boston

…and those in drag

Chandler Street Block Party Boston

Nice photo bomb – anonymous guy

Chandler Street Block Party Boston

There were some great costumes like these flappers

Boston Pride Back Bay block party

gay pride boston, back bay block partyDon’t miss this fun block party.  The DJs are always excellent and the event is well run.  The party started a few hours ago so the line may be long when you get there but Boston Pride does  a good job at keeping the line moving so don’t be discouraged.

Sunday, June 15, 2014 from 12 noon – 8 pm
Back Bay on St. James Avenue
$15 with proceeds going to Boston Pride Committee

See you there.

Vintage ‘Tube

Not quite a Vintage ‘Tube clip but in honor of Boston Pride I thought I’d share a video compilation of 2013 Boston Pride.

Have a great evening.

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Happy Pride Boston

Gay Pride Boston

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Happy Pride Boston

Happy Gay Pride Boston

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Happy Pride Boston

Boston Gay Pride,

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Happy Pride Boston

Boston Gay Pride, 2014 Gay Pride

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Happy Pride Boston

Gay Pride

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Happy Pride Boston

Happy Pride Boston love BosGuy

Boston barely cracks top 20 for worst traffic

Boston MapMaybe it is time for everyone to curtail their road rage and ease up on the aggressive driving in Boston.  According to a recent study based on information from TomTom GPS users, Boston has the 19th worst traffic in North America; falling behind cities like San Jose, and Tampa Bay.

No doubt, the Big Dig as well as efforts to encourage ridership on the MBTA and programs like our bike sharing Hubway have all contributed to reducing gridlock. The study doesn’t mean traffic in Boston at times can’t be maddening – it merely points out that we spend less time idling or barely moving during peak hours than 18 other cities in North America; not too shabby.

You can read more about the findings, including where your city ranks,  here.

Boston Starchitecture

Boston, architectureI love good design and interesting architecture and appreciate everything from the traditional Victorian bowfront row houses that dominate Boston’s South End to more modern design like M.I.T.’s Stata Center (shown above).

Recently Curbed Boston created a map of what they refer to as  “Starchitecture”, featuring some of the areas most famous designs from award winning architects. I don’t agree with all the selections but if you like architecture, you may want to check this out.

Boston Starchitecture

Boston to host world’s largest ice luge in June

Infographic-In-line-Johnny-Appleseed-Hard-Cider-Worlds-Largest-Ice-Luge-EventBDCwire reported earlier today that Johnny Appleseed (Anheuser-Busch hard cider) plans to build the world’s largest ice luge in Boston’s Seaport District on Thursday, June 19th.

Johnny Appleseed event requires you to RSVP

The luge will be open for a promotional event starting at 7 PM on Thursday, June 19th.  If you are interested in attending, you *must* RSVP through Johnny Appleseed’s website (you must be 21 years or older). The website also mentions a musical act will be performing at their event so stay tuned and check their website for more details:  Johnny Appleseed.  Thanks to Boston Hospitality and Tourism blog for the tip.

BosGuy’s 2014 Boston Pride Guide

Boston PrideBoston Pride officially kicks off tomorrow at 12PM at City Hall when Mayor Walsh and The Boston Pride Committee raise the Rainbow Flag. Multiple official and unofficial events transpire each day through Sunday, June 15th when Boston Pride officially closes. Here are a few programs that get thumbs up from BosGuy.

Stephen Baumbach, Boston PrideTuesday, June 10th:  Boston Pride Retrospective at Back Bay Harry’s from 5-9 PM

Check out this ‘pop-up’ one night only art show that features a collection of Boston Pride photos from local photographer, Stephen Baumbach. This is actually an event I helped organize so I’m a bit biased but I hope to see you there. More Details Here

 

 

Heels for Hope BostonWednesday, June 11th: Heels for Hope at BoMA Restaurant and Bar starts at 7 PM

This first annual party is an unofficial event that will help raise awareness and money for BAGLY so slip on some pumps and strut over to BoMA for some fun and guaranteed laughs.  Have any questions about the event? Check out their Facebook page.  More Details Here

 

Red Sox FanThursday, June 12th:  Pride Night at Fenway Park or Cathedral Station Grand Opening

If you have not purchased tickets for Pride Night at Fenway Park a great Plan B is to swing by Cathedral Station (formerly Red Fez) on their opening night. This is Boston’s newest gay sports bar. Cathedral Station has free parking, affordable drinks and a game room with plenty of TVs to cheer on the Red Sox.

 

Fur and GoldFriday, June 13th: Fur & Gold Pride Edition at The Alley

I’ll confess I’m not a dancer so I’m not sure if I’ll attend but this can be a fun party with good music, affordable drinks and no attitude.  This is not an official Pride event so for details check out the Fur and Gold Facebook Page.

 

Chandler Street Block PartySaturday, June 14th:  Boston Pride Parade, Chandler Street Block Party and House of Blues Main Event with DJ Abel

The Boston Pride parade starts one hour earlier this year at 11AM and is free and open to the public.  Check out the annual Chandler Street Block Party from 1:30 – 7 PM ($15 – proceeds go to The AIDS Action). Should you have the energy, the largest party in town will be at Boston’s House of Blues, where DJ Abel will whip everyone into a frenzy or if HOB isn’t your scene but you want to dance check out Paradise in Cambridge.

 

gay pride boston, back bay block partySunday, June 15th: Back Bay Block Party 12PM – 8PM

This is possibly the best block party Boston hosts all year and is worth attending. Enter on the corner of Stuart and Berkeley Street. A $15 donation is requested with all proceeds going to the Boston Pride Committee.

Details here