Dirk Baumgartl with SPARTACUS TRAVELER in Germany and Oswaldo Luiz Faria with Gay Travel Brazil, both first heard about GaYBOR District in their native countries. Both decide that after the IGTLA International Travel Convention in Ft. Lauderdale that they would stay over & check out GaYBOR for themselves. Norwood Smith of Tampa Bay & Company (Hillsborough Visitor & Convention Office) made the introductions to Mark & Carrie. After a quick historic Ybor City history lesson from Mark the group of 5 were off on a GaYBOR Adventure! First stop was the Don Vicente Inn to meet Tessa & Damon. Followed by a walk past the Cuban Club, Ybor Square Cigar Factory, Orpheum, Hampton Inn, Metro Wellness & Community Center, the Bricks and ending at G.BAR.  Ernie had opened both G.BAR & The Honey Pot for a special VIP private tour. Some more GaYBOR history including El Goya, The Ritz, underground tunnels, Charlie Wall & area gangsters & back alleys. Greeting us in true GaYBOR style at The Liquid Lounge was a hot star on a motorbike! Here we introduce the guys to GaYBOR Mini Ginnies. At Bradley’s on 7th we ran into Jorge Alvacardo & were treated to bartender Teresa’s specialty shot. At the Reservoir Bar Mama broke out her paddle!!  Then it was a casual walk past King Korona, JJ’s Cafe, The Green Iguana, Bernini, PLAY, the Crowbar, Centro Canteen, Blue Dog Bistro & ending at Hamburger Mary’s. Kurt, Brian & the staf made the group feel right at home. We were treated to singing host Carlos Lopez with Kyle’s karaoke & a great meal! After dinner & show it was off to Tabu Ultra Lounge for Gay Urban Night. The night ended on the roof top of RISE Sunday with lounge host Scott Spar. Stephen Moss joined us for conversation with the international writers. After 4 hours, 10 stops, 3 balconies, dinner, drinks & dancing the guys couldn’t wait to tell their reading magazine friends all about GaYBOR. We can’t wait to have them return soon.

What do you get wonderful people when they turn 60? In Ybor a Parade!!! The parade started at Richard’s bar the Dirty Shame. Leading the parade was Richard riding in a side car driven by David Scott. Next came more motorcycles, friends walking, beauty Queens in a convertible all having a good time on 7th Ave.. A baton tossing Diva & pets. Bring up the end was Crowbar  co-owner Bonnie in a beautiful 1960 vintage classic corvette driven by Karen in a Top Hat. The group ended at The Crowbar for Birthday Cheers!!! And finally our Monday MC Film store Manager Bill Hewes celebrated his birthday.

Happy Birthday Bill!

What a Great Week in GaYBOR!!!! Drag from GaYBOR District in historic Ybor City was featured in a 3:33 minute story on WTSP TV Channel 10. GaYBOR had a table at The International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGTLA) Conference in Ft. Lauderdale this week.  Visiting journalists from Germany & Brazil toured GaYBOR. The GaYBOR monthly meeting created new changes & special events coming soon. The WMNF Tropical Heatwave hosted 56 bands this year. Despite the rain 1,000’s & 1,000’s turned out for the annual event. The Laughing Cat Restaurant more than doubled in size. And more special announcements are forthcoming. The renovations at The Ybor Social are well under way. New sound & lights are in & the floor & booths were going in this week. Gallery Live in GaYBOR are busy working on the set designs for The White Party at Steam Friday’s. A group of 6 male dancers put on quite the impromptu show at MC Film trying on new swim wear!! The Housewives of GaYBOR were spotted at the Miss Tampa Bay Comedy Queen Pageant. One of the Housewives (Mama) had a complete make over for the evening!! The entertainment at JJ’s Cafe & Centro Canteen in GaYBOR has been very impressive this past month. Take time to sit down & check it out for yourself. The frozen drinks are especially Great this time of the year. Over 400 people tuned in last week for The LGBT LIVE Show starring Arica & Esme @ http://www.ustream.tv/user/lgbtlive . The ladies are causing quite the stir on Facebook with their show. Catch the show every Wednesday at 3:30 Rumors are all over about a new bar/restaurant come to GaYBOR soon???   Unitll next week Viva La GaYBOR!!!

 

 

Starting this week there are Now Two Tea Cup Happy Hours!!!

Thursday @ Liquid Lounge 5-9

Fridays @ Hamburger Mary’s Balcony 5-9

See you all there!!