Boston hotel spotlight: The Langham

I’ve written a four-part series featuring different luxury hotels in Boston for gay travelers who may be visiting the area. These articles are also for locals who may want to pamper themselves with a posh stay-cation and even for those who may never spend a night but would like to treat themselves to hotel services and or dining. We can all do with a little pampering and these hotels are ready, willing and more than able to help you feel special.

lux·u·ry ˈləɡZH(ə)rē/
noun: the state of great comfort and extravagant living.

Luxury hotels in Boston for gay travelers

Over the past few years several luxury brand hotels in Boston have opened and / or undergone significant renovations and are now open for business – like the Langham Boston Hotel. Even if you don’t have the budget to fully experience the ammenities, it is possible to experience luxury in doses.

The Langham, Boston Hotel’s address in Post Office Square has made it a favorite property for business travelers, but the hotel’s convenient location to many points of interest make it an ideal property for visitors coming to Boston for fun. The building first opened in 1922 as the Federal Reserve Bank and was declared an historical landmark in 1978. The granite building was inspired by the Palazzo della Cancelleria, in Rome and is considered an excellent example of Renaissance Revival architecture.

The 300+ room hotel closed in April 2019 to undergo a significant renovation that cost more than $150 million and reopened in June 2021. According to The Boston Globe, the hotel’s billionaire chairman, Lo Ka Shui, incorporated his collection in the Boston property along with a number of commissioned pieces specifically for this hotel from the Copley Society of Art.

Langham Boston Hotel dining and things to do

If you’re unlikely to book a room in this beautifully renovated Boston hotel, there remain several ways to appreciate this property. As part of the renovation, a new Italian restaurant called Grana, and a London-inspired cocktail pub called The Fed (which has an outdoor terrace) will open shortly after the hotel’s reopening I’m especially intrigued by The Fed because there are so few pubs and bars with outdoor space in the Financial District.

Grana is Langham Boston’s new Italian restaurant
The Fed is Langham Boston’s London inspired cocktail pub

For many gay travelers who plan on visiting Provincetown, The Langham might be a good choice. It is a 10-minute walk to either ferry service company or an easy ride from a taxi or Uber driver. Additionally, the hotel is close to points of interest, including the Freedom Trail, Faneuil Hall as well as Beacon Hill and the North End.

The Langham Boston
250 Franklin Street, Boston 02110
617.451.1900
langhamhotels.com/boston

Scruffy Sunday

Bear Week 2021 officially started yesterday in Provincetown so I thought I’d post this photo of a muscle bear for this week’s Scruffy Sunday. If you’re down in Ptown this week, have fun.

Previous Scruffy Sunday Posts

Saturday morning coffee

Everyone say hello to Tom from Marseille, France. When he isn’t busy working as a physical therapist, he enjoys a lazy Saturday morning with a cup of coffee.

Saturday morning comics

ADAM & ANDY is set in the fictional New England town of Woodfield, CT. You can learn more about Adam and Andy and purchase a copy of “the definitive collection of Adam and Andy” by visiting, adamandandy.com.

Click on this week’s comic strip to enlarge

Click here if you would like to see the previous Adam & Andy

Boston Pride disolves

Boston Pride

Boston Pride has been embroiled in a nasty back-and-forth with activists who have called the organization racist and “trans-exclusionary”. In response to the ongoing pressure and criticism Boston Pride president, Linda DeMarco, stepped down last month. For background on her departure and the criticism leveled at the organization, read more here.

Activists were not satisfied by that response saying it was too little too late and that the all white Boston Pride board didn’t represent the LGBTQ+ community and needed to resign now. And a boycott Boston Pride event was scheduled on Saturday, June 12th in conjunction with the second annual Trans Resistance March and Vigil. In response to the mounting pressure, the Boston Pride Board issued a statement today at 4:30 p.m. that the entire Board would resign and Boston Pride will shutdown.

“By making the decision to close down, we hope new leaders will emerge from the community to lead the Pride movement in Boston.”

– Boston Pride Board of Directors

You can read the full resignation letter online at, www.bostonpride.org.

The sudden dissolution of Boston Pride puts into question if there will be a 50th anniversary Boston Pride celebration later this fall. Earlier this year Boston Pride had indicated in-person celebrations might be scheduled in October.

Furry Friday

Thank goodness it’s Furry Friday.

Past Furry Friday

BosGuy brain teaser

riddle, exercise for your brainEach Friday morning I post a riddle to get you to think outside the box and exercise your brain. If you are stumped, share it with a friend or colleague and see if you can figure out the answer together.

Leave your answer in the comment section. I’ll approve responses later in the day to give people a chance to respond without seeing any spoilers.

This week’s brain teaser: Which word is least like the others? Third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth – explain your answer.

Like riddles? Check out past week’s brain teasers.

What to do this weekend

dbar patio tea dances in Dorchester

Below is a list of what is happening in Boston and Provinceton this weekend. Show your love by supporting our gay bars and businesses. If you have an event you want included, email bosguymail@gmail.com.

Bear Week starts on Saturday. Click here for more details.

Boston Gay Bars

The Alley
THURSDAY: Trivia Night w/ host Dave Sawyer at 8PM
FRIDAY: FUZZ returns w/ DJ Brent Covington and DJ Taffy at 10PM
SATURDAY: Dancing w/ resident DJ BEGBICK at 10PM
SUNDAY: Idol Karaoke at 8PM

blend
THURSDAY: RPDR viewing party at 8PM
FRIDAY: Supernature DJ Brian Derrick at 10PM
SATURDAY: Mayhem Saturdays DJ TBA at 10PM
SUNDAY: Disco brunch 11AM – 3PM

Cathedral Station Open but no programming scheduled.
The patio will be open and Saturday & Sunday brunch starts at 11AM.

Club Cafe
THURSDAY: Drag Race Thursday at 8PM and DJ FrenchY at 10PM, special show at 12:30AM
FRIDAY: DJ Stevie Psyclone at 10PM
SATURDAY:  DJ Stevie Psyclone at 10PM
SUNDAY: Throwback Tea Dance w/ DJ Brian Derrick at 5PM

dbar
FRIDAY: Karaoke Night – Give me back my mic w/ Ryan Grow at 8PM
SATURDAY: The category is… dance party w/ rotating DJs at 10PM
SUNDAY: NEW GAY NIGHT Weekly patio tea dance at 4PM

Jacques Cabaret Shows return starting July 16th.

Legacy & Candi Bar (Gay Mafia Boston)
THURSDAY: Serve Thursdays w/ DJ Coleslaw at Legacy at 10PM
SATURDAY: DIVAS w/ DJ Abel at Legacy at 10PM
SUNDAY: Hot Mess w/ DJ Richie LaDue & Coleslaw at Candi Bar at 10PM

Trophy Room will be reopening for business soon.

Featured LGBTQ+ events

THURSDAY: La Quinta “Thirsty Thursdays” w/ DJ Adilson and DJ Weezing returns to Icon nightclub in Boston’s Theater District.

FRIDAY: M&M Presents GLOW w/ DJ Michael Giller and host Lady German at Revere Beach.

gay boston, kiki beach

SATURDAY: Kiki Beach If you’re unsure where the boys go on M Street Beach, check out the map on the Kiki Beach Boston Facebook Page, but when in doubt follow the good music and speedos.

SATURDAY: Doll’d Up Saturdays w/ DJ Caso is a new weekly LGBTQ+ dance party in Allston.

SATURDAY: Latin Nights w/ DJ Edwin at La Makina Night Club at Revere Beach.

SUNDAY: M Street Beach TakeOver continues each Sunday from 10AM – 5PM.

SUNDAY: NEW GAY NIGHT Second Sundays Tea Dance at Dorchester Brewing Co. from 4-8PM.

SUNDAY: LGBTQ Nightlife Events, Women Day Takeover of the Winter Hill Brewing Company in Somerville from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

SUNDAY: Patio Tea Dance @dbar from 4PM – 8PM every Sunday til Labor Day.

Drag brunches in Boston

Some drag brunches require tickets purchased ahead of time. Click the event links shared below for ticketing and reservation information.

ABBA Drag Diva Brunch
Saturday, 7/10 @11:00AM – 1:30PM at House of Blues

Illusions The Drag Brunch Boston
Saturday 7/10 & Sunday 7/11 shows @1:30PM
Hosted upstairs at Hennessey’s

Weekly Brunch & Drag in the North End
Sunday, 7/11 @9:30AM / show starts @11:00AM

Monthly Drag Brunch @Bambara
Sunday, 7/11 @11:00AM & @1:30PM at Kimpton Marlowe Hotel

And finally… another resource for what is happening at Boston gay bars is KikiPedia.

Provincetown gay bars & entertainment

Ptown

For more information about live entertainment in Provincetown this week (and all month) click here. Click the links below for more information about each bar.

A House – One of Provincetown’s most popular dance clubs.

Aqua Bar – Located at the Aquarium Marketplace, with views of the harbor.

Backstreet Club – Previously Club Purgatory will NOT reopen this summer.

Buoy Bar – Located on Commercial Street at The Boatslip. It is fabulous for people watching (esp after Tea).

The Club – Lea Delaria’s supper club includes live entertainment in the lounge.

Dive Bar – Weekend piano bar at The Crown & Anchor.

Harbor Lounge – Waterfront cocktail lounge in the East End.

Little Bar – Provincetown’s oldest bar.

Macho Bar – Provincetown’s longest running leather and denim bar.

Monkey Bar – Will NOT reopen this summer.

Paramount – Located at the Crown & Anchor. This is Ptown’s largest dance club.

Porchside Lounge – Located at The Gifford House.

Provincetown Brewery – Popular brew pub on Bradford Street.

Shipwreck Lounge – Located at the Brass Key Guest House.

Tin Pan Alley – This restaurant has a lively piano bar that has a friendly crowd.

The Vault – Located at the Crown & Anchor. This is a leather / fetish bar.

Velvet Lounge – Dance club with DJ Mark Louque spinning each Friday.

The Wave Bar – Located at the Crown & Anchor. This is a fun video bar.

Missing a favorite bar / club in Provincetown? Share it in the comments section. If the status of these bars / clubs change, it will be noted.

Vintage gay

Much thanks to BosGuy.com reader, Angel, for sharing this photo with me earlier this spring for my weekly Vintage Gay post. I’m assuming this may have been taken in a photo booth since many gay men would / could use these to catch a quick kiss or embrace away from prying eyes. You can see how happy the guy on the left is – his eyes say it all. Anyone recognize these navy uniforms to be able to date and place them?

I dedicate this weekly post, featuring vintage gay photographs, to the men and women who lived in a more critical time where being true to yourself and loving who you want wasn’t always an option and came at a great price. Do you have a photo you would like to share? Email me at bosguymail@gmail.com.

Previous Vintage Gay Photos

Stonewall Sports Boston: fall kickball

Photo of Bruce Kynoch is from Stonewall Sports Boston Instagram

Registration for Stonewall Sports Boston fall kickball season will close on Sunday, July 11th so hurry up and register before this weekend’s deadline.

For those not familiar with the league, the fall season has two divisions, “Just for Kicks”, and the more competitive, “Time to Slay”. Both divisions play games at Roberto Clemente Field in the Fens Park (Fenway / Kenmore). The season runs from August 8th to October 17th and registration is only $50 per person.

2021 Fall Kickball schedule

August 8 – Week 1
August 15 – Week 2
August 22 – Week 3
August 29 – Week 4
September 6 – NO GAMES, Labor Day Weekend
September 12 – Week 5
September 19 – NO GAMES, Stonewall Sports Nat’l Tournament
September 26 – Week 6
October 3 – Week 7
October 10 – NO GAMES – Indigenous Peoples’ Day Weekend
October 17 – End-of-Season Kickball PLAYOFFS

For more information about Stonewall Sports Boston visit their website and to register as a team or individual player visit the, Stonewall Sports Boston fall kickball registration page.

Swim for Life: New route created after shark sightings in Provincetown harbor

Provincetown Swim for Life will be Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021

The 34th annual Provincetown Swim for Life is a 1.4 mile harbor crossing swim that raises money for charitable organizations like the AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod. Due to concerns about shark sightings, this year’s swim is modifying the route which in years past has started at Long Point.

The new (slightly shorter) route of 1.2 miles will begin at the Snail Road beach area and conclude at the East End Waterfront Park at 387-395A Commercial Street. Registration will continue to take place on the deck of the Boatslip at 161 Commercial Street and a trolley will take swimmers to the starting point in the East End.

Registration for this year’s swim is now open, and the minimum pledge to participate is $100. For more information about the 2021 Swim for Life visit the event website, swim4life.org/2021-swim-for-life.

Caption this photo

Hopefully the caption I’ve shared below inspires you to offer up one or two of your own. Leave a funny caption in the comment section, and I’ll approve it for readers to enjoy.

“Pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake baker’s man
Bake me a cake as fast as you can”

Bingo cabaret extravaganza at Club Cafe

Boston’s Sisters will be back at Club Cafe Boston to host a bingo cabaret extravaganza on Saturday, July 31 complete with giveaways, gift certificates, and of course all the fun and camp that only the Boston’s Sisters can bring.

Last year The Boston Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence gave $1,000 grants to ten local organizations impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and at Chrismas they were able to provide hundreds of holiday, but these charitable acts have depleted their community grants fund.

Photo by Shawn Marquis

Nuns & Fun at Club Cafe
Saturday, July 31, 2021
7:00pm – 9:00pm
In-person and via Zoom

100% of all proceeds go to the Sister’s Community Grant Fund

Purchasing tickets to attend the Sister’s bingo / cabaret extravaganza is a great way to have a lot of fun and help the sisters continue their important work. While you’re there toss’em an extra Jackson when they walk around to collect Indulgences. If you cannot join on Saturday, July 31, but you want to show your support, you can make a donation. The Boston Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence are a 501c3 non-profit, and all donations are tax-deductible.

Much thanks to Sister Lida Christ for the heads up about this event.

Temptation Tuesday

In honor of Wimbledon, which is currently being played, I thought I’d share a photo that Kenneth in the 212 previously posted on his blog of the very handsome professional tennis player, Tommy Haas. Here is yet another side to this talented former top ranked player; one that readers of this blog I think will find tempting.

Past Temptation Tuesday Posts

Men in kilts

Previous Men in Kilts Posts