Discover Gay Florida - Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors

Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors, two cities in Broward County, have welcomed the LGBT community for decades. Whether people want to take a well-deserved vacation or they want to establish permanent roots in either city, people find that this part of South Florida is warm and inviting. Not as fast-paced as South Beach, but not as glacially-paced as Palm Beach County, Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors are two ideal places for LGBT people simply seeking to "fit in."

The Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau started marketing to the LGBT community 20 years ago. Since then, they have seen the number of LGBT tourists skyrocket: they welcomed 800,000 tourists ten years ago, and 1.3 million visited in 2013. What used to be a spring break destination and a "well-kept secret" for the LGBT traveler has now become one of the places to be out and proud, not just in South Florida, but on the world stage. Let me tell you what you should see and do if you're visiting Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors.

WHERE TO STAY

The Grand Resort and Spa is a luxurious resort experience in the most intimate of surroundings. Located just blocks from the beach, this resort boasts 24-hour front desk service, a full-service spa, a large swimming pool, a clothing-optional garden area with a hot tub, and smartly-decorated rooms and suites. Breakfast is served complimentary each morning and there is a "happy hour" each afternoon for guests - what great service! (539 N. Birch Rd., Fort Lauderdale, 954-630-3003)

The Cabanas Guesthouse and Spa has been open for sixteen years and has welcomed tourists from all over the world. At the men's day spa, you can get everything from a manicure and pedicure to a massage, and even a waxing. The property is located right on the water, and features such amenities as a clothing-optional heated saltwater pool, high-speed internet, a ten-man jacuzzi, and a coffee bar in each room. (2133 NE 26th St., Fort Lauderdale, 954-564-7764)

Universal Palms Hotel offers a lot of amenities, such as dry-cleaning services, discounted shuttle service to the airport and other sights, wireless high-speed internet, a beautiful swimming pool, and a business center. There is also an on-site bar and grill. The rooms either overlook the city or the pool, both offering great views. The VIP two-room suite is their most luxurious offering - you may not want to leave your room! (4900 Powerline Rd., Fort Lauderdale, 954-776-4880)

The Worthington Guest House and the connected properties Villa Venice and the Alcazar Resort are all just two blocks to the beach, but you are more than welcome to sun yourself in the "sun-drenched" courtyard at the Worthington or in the properties' heated pools and their oversized jacuzzis. At the Worthington, there are 37 rooms and amenities include plush down comforters for the beds and high-thread-count linens. Everyone will feel special after a stay at The Worthington or its sister resorts. (543-555 N. Birch Rd., Fort Lauderdale, 954-563-6819)

Windamar Beach Resort recently underwent a series of renovations, and now every guest room boasts pool and garden views, televisions with DVD players, and coffee makers. Enjoy amenities such as a clothing-optional pool and jacuzzi, continental breakfast, and a DVD lending library. For people who want to see what Windamar is all about, day passes are available for purchase. (543 Breakers Ave., Fort Lauderdale, 954-561-0039)

Manor Inn bills itself as "Wilton Manors' first and foremost gay guesthouse," and it's in the middle of all the action (just 250 yards from Wilton Drive). This smoke-free establishment offers four large guest rooms with private baths, TVs with DVD players, microwaves, refrigerators, and free Wi-Fi. (2408 NE 6th Ave., Wilton Manors, 866-682-7456)

There are also a number of well-known national and international hotel chains represented in the area, and many of them are gay-friendly and host events and mixers for gay professionals. Consider them when you visit the area. A sampling of these hotels include the W Fort Lauderdale (401 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd.), GALLERYone - A DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel (2670 E. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale), B Ocean Fort Lauderdale (999 Fort Lauderdale Blvd.), Courtyard by Marriott Fort Lauderdale (440 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale), Hilton Fort Lauderdale (505 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd.), Westin Fort Lauderdale (400 Corporate Dr., DiscoverFL-FTL_stay5Fort Lauderdale), Westin Beach Resort (321 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd.), Hyatt Regency Pier 66 (2301 SE 17th St., Fort Lauderdale), Atlantic Hotel and Spa (601 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd.), Renaissance Fort Lauderdale (1617 SE 17th St., Fort Lauderdale), and the Embassy Suites Hotel (1100 SE 17th Street Causeway, Fort Lauderdale).

Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors are well-known for their gay and gay-friendly resorts and guesthouses. In addition to the aforementioned resorts and guesthouses we've already recommended, consider the following if you want to stay in Fort Lauderdale: the Hotel Lush Royale (2901 Terramar St.), Coral Reef Guesthouse (2609 NE 13th Ct.), Inn Leather (610 SE 19th St.), Island Sands Inn (2409 NE 7th Ave.), Pineapple Point (315 NE 16th Terr.), Royal Palms Resort and Spa (717 Breakers Ave.), Cheston House (520 N. Birch Rd.), Elysium Resort (552 N. Birch Rd.), Grand Palm Plaza (2801 Riomar St.), The Hotel Deauville (2916 N. Ocean Blvd.). In Wilton Manors, there is the Ed Lugo Resort (2404 NE 8th Ave.) and Bungalow Six Guesthouse (2726 NE 6th Ln.).

WHERE TO PLAY

Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors together have one of the largest clusters of LGBT venues in Florida. With such a high percentage of the population in these cities identifying as LGBT, it is no surprise that there are a number of establishments that cater to the community.

Many venues can be found along Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Hunters Nightclub (2232 Wilton Dr.) is the sister club to Hunters in Palm Springs, and you can find DJs spinning on Fridays and Saturdays and a tea dance on Sunday afternoons. Georgie's Alibi/Monkey Bar (2266 Wilton Dr.) has been a hotspot for the LGBT community for nearly 20 years, and offers great drinks, lots of delicious food, and ample chances to make new friends. Village Pub (2283 Wilton Dr.) wows the crowds every week with music by Billboard Magazine reporting DJ Bill Hallquist and theme nights like Misty Eyez's "Dragicide" lip sync battles on Monday nights. GYM SPORTSBAR (2287 Wilton Dr.) recently opened its doors, and as the newest gay sports bar in South Florida, they are excited for people to stop by now that football season is ramping up.

The Manor Complex (2345 Wilton Dr.), split up into multiple sections, is one of the largest gay nightclubs in South Florida, and calls itself "the one-stop gay party shop." Rumors (2426 Wilton Dr.) is a local favorite with fun theme nights and events, like the Daisy Deadpetals Show on Friday nights. Enjoy brunch, lunch and dinner at the adjoining Hobo's Grill. Rosie's Bar and Grill (2449 Wilton Dr.) serves up great food and drinks in a fun, festive atmosphere. Note the cute entree names such as "Pinky Tacodero" and "Briney Spears."

Also in Wilton Manors, there's Scandals Saloon (3073 NE 6th Ave.), a modern twist on the country and western saloon. Country dance lessons and pool games during the week lead to high-powered dance nights on Fridays and Saturdays.

Fort Lauderdale has a number of gay nightclubs and venues for the visitor as well. Le Boy (1243 NE 11th Ave.), a popular nightclub with the community, boasts lots of sexy men and very good VIP bottle service. Ramrod (1508 NE 4th Ave.) serves the leather community and the men who love them, and they offer weekly fetish nights (Fridays) and leather nights (Sundays). Lips (1421 E. Oakland Park Blvd.) calls itself "the ultimate drag dining experience," and there's something nearly every night of the week for the drag enthusiast.

Check out the gospel brunch with Nicolette on Sundays! Boardwalk Bar (1721 N. Andrews Ave.) is the place to check out some beefcake: On weekends, over 40+ male entertainers will be dancing for your pleasure. The Club Fort Lauderdale (110 NW 5th Ave.) is one of two gay saunas and bathhouses in the area; The Clubhouse II (2650 E. Oakland Park Blvd.) is the other. The Club Fort Lauderdale was recently extensively remodeled, and features a patio and outdoor pool, among other amenities. The Clubhouse II hosts one of the largest leather nights in town on Tuesday nights, and a night for the bears on Thursdays.

Other bars you should check out in Fort Lauderdale include J's Bar, Mona's, and Smarty Pants Bar. In Wilton Manors, be sure to visit Corner Pub, Monkey Business, Naked Grape Wine Bar, PJ's Cocktails, Sidelines Sports and Video Bar, Tropics Piano Bar, and Progress Bar.

Also, if you're in the area in the fall, there are four events you will probably be interested in. The first is the MiFo LGBT Film Festival Fort Lauderdale, one of the largest LGBT film festivals in Florida, which is celebrating its seventh year this year. Dozens of LGBT-related films will be screened from October 9-18; visit mifofilm.com for more information. The second is Pride Fort Lauderdale, which will be held this year on October 10 and 11 at Holiday Park and War Memorial Auditorium. For more information on Pride, visit pridefortlauderdale.org.

The third is Wicked Manors, an event held every Halloween night which brings out most everyone in the local community. While the sun is still light out, children trick or treat down the drive, and when the sun sets, all the adults come out in their scariest or campiest Halloween costumes! Over 25,000 people attended last year and it's one of the community's best-loved events. For more information, go to wickedmanors.org. Finally, the Equality Florida Broward Gala is one of the top events on the LGBT social calendar, and this year Jim Obergefell (he of the Supreme Court case Obergefell v. Hodges which legalized same-sex marriage nationwide) will be recognized with the Voice for Equality Award. That event will be held on November 15 at Hyatt Regency Pier 66. For more information, visit eqfl.org/browardgala.

WHERE TO GO

The first thing any visitor to the area should do is stop at The Pride Center at Equality Park. In addition to offering countless services to the local LGBT community, they will be able to tell you about all the sights you should see as only a local can do. To learn more about LGBT history, consider a visit to the Stonewall National Museum and Archives, one of the only museums in the country devoted specifically to LGBT history. The World AIDS Museum in Wilton Manors opened last year and teaches people about the impact of HIV/AIDS on the world since it was first detected nearly 35 years ago.

Fort Lauderdale is known as the "Venice of Florida" due to the high number of rivers and inlets, and you can get up close to the water right in downtown by walking the "Beautiful Mile" at the Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk. The Riverwalk leads people to a number of sights throughout the city, such as the Historic Stranahan House, the Museum of Discovery and Science, and the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Also close by is Las Olas Boulevard, long renowned for its boutiques, galleries and sidewalk caf�s. If you're not done with shopping yet, check out The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale off Sunrise Boulevard, anchored by Neiman Marcus, Macy's and Dillard's.

If you're a fan of nature, Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors do not disappoint. East of the Galleria is Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, which offers guided tours by foot and by Segway, as well as access to the beach. The Bonnet House Museum and Gardens is a historic house-turned-museum that features the original furnishings of two American artists. In Wilton Manors, there are two parks you must see: the 8.5 acre Colohatchee Park, which is dog-friendly, and Richardson Historic Park and Nature Preserve. The park was originally the property of E.J. Willingham, and the city bought the land and turned it into a multi-use community area. The manor home of Judge George Richardson, dating from 1958, is also on the property and is open to the public.

To read more about Fort Lauderdale, go to the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau's website at sunny.org. To read more about Wilton Manors, go to the city's website at wiltonmanors.com