In our continuing search for America’s first Gay Travel Guru, Tommy and I chose “The Cradle of Liberty” as our fourth stop. For weeks we’ve been looking for Guru candidates, a sweet job for whoever’s chosen. You get to travel for six months, paid $30K plus all expenses covered! Every corner of Boston seems to have a historical significance. The largest city in New England, Boston has a big LGBT population, but no real gayborhood. The South End is the closest you’ll get, and the area is quickly becoming a yuppie family settlement. This said, Boston is a great city and you can have a great gay-ol time, if you know where to go.Getting There is Half The BattleHaving spent a few relaxing days in Vermont, I had mentally prepared myself for the drive into Boston. I arrived around 4:30 in the afternoon on Friday, and SURPRISE, there was gridlock. Storrow Drive, the main artery that takes you to the Back Bay was blocked by an accident. But once I got to into the city, I quickly forgot the trials and tribulations it took to get there. Heading over to The Back Bay Hotel, you pass trendy the Newbury Street where the chic proudly stroll with their Ralph Lauren and Burberry bags. Boylston Street runs parallel to Newbury Street. Not high-end, but occupied with the essentials like restaurants and convenience stores. I arrived at my destination, The Back Bay Hotel, a few minutes later. New Name, but Still AmazingHaving lived in Boston a few years ago, I had been to The Back Bay Hotel under its former moniker, Jurys. The name may have changed but the class and elegance of the property is still there. Tommy and I were given a king room on the second floor. Another plus, the hotel is right around the corner from Club Café, the venue for our Gay Travel Guru launch party. Club “So-Gay,” The Staple of Queer BostonClub Café received a facelift since my last visit. The walls have been given a fresh coat of paint and the venue seems to be better lit than I remember. We showed up on Thursday night in hopes of finding Guru candidates. We arrived at 8:30, which is early but there was still a decent crowd because of two comedy shows that were taking place. Club Café is unique in that we got a nice mix of gay AND lesbian candidates. Everyone was really excited about the job but many people were surprised that we are offering such a great opportunity. In a time of downsizing, layoffs and all around pessimism, it’s hard for a lot of people to believe that a company would pay you, and pay you well to travel.A One-Day Walking Tour of the CityThe next morning, I took Tommy to the South End. There’s a scattering of gay bars here including the sports bar Fritz and The Eagle, geared toward an older crowd. Again, to call this a gayborhood is an over-statement. When you are in West Hollywood, Chelsea or Boystown you know you’re among family. In Boston’s South End, you don’t get that feeling. The great thing about Boston is that you can see pretty much all of the sights on-foot. From The South End we headed to Boston Common, then China Town, then Faneuil Hall. Tourist traps yes, but must-see locations for anyone visiting the city for the first time. Relax!On our last night, we went to Newbury Street for a little window shopping, dinner and drinks. Being from San Diego, we are fair-weather visitors and the outdoor area at Daisy Buchanan’s was the perfect area to relax and reflect on our trip. A city known for its rich history and modern sophistication, bustling Boston’s scene is scattered, but the best gay New England has to offer.
