Seattle Gay News announces "Best of Travel 2012"

Hotel Palomar Phoenix pool.

From the crowded streets of Tokyo to the remote beaches of Hawaii's Big Island, from the snowy Swiss Alps to the Arizona desert, and from sweet Belgian waffles in Brussels to buttery biscuits in Portland, Oregon the travel writing team at Seattle Gay News - Albert Rodriguez, Jessica Price and Jerry L. Peerson - made their selections for the "Best of Travel 2012".

From our trips last year, we chose our Top 10 or Top 5 in the categories below - Hotels, Restaurants, Bars/Lounges/Coffeeshops, Visitor Attractions/Tourist Activities and Transportation Services.  Mini descriptions for each can be seen by clicking on this link: http://www.sgn.org/sgnnews41_01/page27.cfm

HOTELS

1 The Burrard (Vancouver, BC Canada)
2 Crystal Hotel (Portland, Oregon USA)
3 Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka’upulehu (Kailua-Kona, Hawaii USA - Island of Hawaii)
4 Hotel Five (Seattle, Washington USA)
5 Hotel Granvia Kyoto (Kyoto, Japan)
6 Hotel Palomar Phoenix (Phoenix, Arizona USA)
7 Park Hyatt Tokyo (Tokyo, Japan)
8 Post Hotel (Weggis, Switzerland)
9 Sheraton Stockholm (Stockholm, Sweden)
10 Renaissance Zürich Tower Hotel (Zurich, Switzerland)

RESTAURANTS

1 Bowery Restaurant & Bar (Brussels, Belgium)
2 Café Trio (Kansas City, MIssouri USA)
3 Collections Cafe (Seattle, Washington USA)
4 Gallo Blanco - (Phoenix, Arizona USA)
5 La Brasserie De Bruxelles (Brussels, Belgium)
6 Langa Raden (Stockholm, Sweden)
7 Pine State Biscuits (Portland, Oregon USA)
8 Royal Brasserie Bruxelles (Brussels, Belgium)
9 Scala Restaurant (Luzern, Switzerland)
10 ‘Ulu Ocean Girl at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai (Kailua-Kona, Hawaii USA - Island of Hawaii)
 
BARS / LOUNGES / COFFEESHOPS

1 Bar Bridge (Tokyo, Japan)
2 Courier Coffee Roasters (Portland, Oregon USA)
3 Filmbar (Phoenix, Arizona USA)
4 Frenz-Frenzy (Osaka, Japan)
5 Kona Brewing Company's Kona Pub & Brewery (Kailua-Kona, Hawaii USA - Island of Hawaii)
6 Lux Central (Phoenix, Arizona USA)
7 Heile Welt (Berlin, Germany)
8 Louis Bar (Luzern, Switzerland)
9 Missie B’s (Kansas City, Missouri USA)
10 You Night Club (Brussels, Belgium)
 
VISITOR ATTRACTIONS / TOURIST ACTIVITIES

1 Belgian Pride (Brussels, Belgium)
2 Bike Hawaii (Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii USA - Island of Hawaii)
3 Chihuly Garden and Glass (Seattle, Washington USA)
4 Gay Ski Week (Arosa, Switzerland)
5 Manta Ray Snorkel with Kamanu Charters (Kailua-Kona, Hawaii USA - Island of Hawaii)
6 Hankyu Men's Tokyo (Tokyo, Japan)
7 Schwules Museum (Berlin, Germany)
8 Spa World (Osaka, Japan)
9 Stray Cat Theatre (Tempe, Arizona USA)
10 The Surf Bus (Haleiwa, Hawaii USA - Island of Oahu)
 
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

1 All Nippon Airways 787/Dreamliner "Business Class" (Seattle to Tokyo)
2 Delta Air Lines "Business Elite" (Osaka to Seattle)
3 Hawaiian Airlines "Coach Class" (Seattle to Kona, via Honolulu)
4 Japan Railways Shinkansen (Bullet Train) "Ordinary Class" (Tokyo to Osaka)
5 Scandinavian Airlines “Economy Extra” (Berlin to Stockholm)

Seattle Gay News announces Best Albums and Singles of 2012

Seattle Gay News recently unveiled its choices for the top albums and singles of last year, included in our  "Best of Music 2012" spread (December 21 issue) that also featured an exclusive interview with hip hop star Macklemore.

Below are our picks, in ranking order.

ALBUMS / CDs

1 Channel Orange - Frank Ocean
2 Red - Taylor Swift
3 Boys & Girls - Alabama Shakes
4 Paradise - Lana Del Rey
5 Blunderbuss - Jack White
6 good kid, m.A.A.d city - Kendrick Lamar
7 Bear Creek - Brandi Carlile
8 Visions - Grimes
9 The Lumineers - The Lumineers
10 Master of My Make-Believe - Santigold

 SINGLES / TRACKS

1 Spectrum (Say My Name) - Florence + the Machine
2 We Are Young - fun. (featuring Janelle Monae)
3 Adorn - Miguel
4 Blow Me (One Last Kiss) - Pink
5 Pyramids - Frank Ocean
6 Pontoon - Little Big Town
7 Yet Again - Grizzly Bear
8 Same Love - Macklemore (with Ryan Lewis, featuring Mary Lambert)
9 Bad Girls - M.I.A.
10 Hard to Love - Lee Brice

Macklemore + "Best of Music 2012" in this week's Seattle Gay News

The end of the world didn't happen, after all.  But the end of the year is inevitable.  This means one thing, it's time for Seattle Gay News to present its usual round-up of the year's top picks in musical entertainment.

Our "Best of Music 2012" issue prints today with local distribution throughout Seattle, and will go online this weekend at http://www.sgn.org/. Joining us for this special year-end music spread is Macklemore, who shares with us his personal favorite album of 2012, his holiday plans, his reaction to gay marriage passage in Washington State, and he also chimes in on that all-too-important local foodie war, Top Pot Doughnut vs. Cupcake Royale.

Macklemore, who appeared on the Ellen show with fellow collaborator Ryan Lewis and featured vocalist Mary Lambert, has been selling out concerts around the country, and will soon perform in Hawaii, Australia and New Zealand.  His album, The Heist, debuted at #2 on Billboard's 200 Albums chart and at #1 on iTunes' albums chart a few months ago.

Grab a copy of Seattle Gay News this weekend to find out what we picked for the "Best of Music 2012", and read our exclusive interview with hometown hip-hop star Macklemore.   

Christina Aguilera interviews with Seattle Gay News

We loves us some Christina Aguilera.  And she loves us right back.

The four-time Grammy winner and star judge on the hit reality competition show "The Voice" interviews tomorrow with Seattle Gay News.  Aguilera, who corresponded with us via email, talks about her brand new album, Lotus, and about juggling multiple tasks, including motherhood and a possible upcoming tour. 

With the gay marriage initiative passing in Washington State a week ago, aside from 3 other US states, we asked Aguilera what tunes she'd play if she were to DJ at a gay wedding reception - find out what two songs she'd definitely spin for the occasion.  A strong ally of the LGBT community, the bilingual recording artist also affirms that she will "ALWAYS" support her gay fans.

Lotus is available now.  The first single "Your Body" is already a solid hit in multiple countries.  Watch the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cfCgLgiFDM

Aguilera is set to perform this weekend on the American Music Awards, but catch her two days before in the November 16 edition of Seattle Gay News.  

Seattle Gay News flying on ANA "Dreamliner" today to Tokyo

It's the beginning of something very exciting, and we're on board to capture all the action!

Seattle Gay News joins a small press corps today for an experience aboard All Nippon Airways' inaugural Seattle-to-Tokyo 787 flight.  The Japanese-based airline launched non-stop service between the two cities in July, but has been utilizing a 777 aircraft for the 10.5 hour flight (outbound, from Seattle).  At 1:15pm this afternoon, ANA will send its first passengers to Tokyo on a 787 "Dreamliner", which is mostly made of carbon fiber and other composite materials.  ANA is the first airline to receive and put the "Dreamliner" into active service.

Look for a review of the flight experience in an upcoming issue of Seattle Gay News, which this year has published feature destinations on Tokyo and Osaka.  For more on ANA, go to http://www.ana.co.jp/asw/wws/us/e/

Shirley Manson interviews with Seattle Gay News

Bold and the Beautiful?  You're looking at it.

Shirley Manson is so many things.  Sexy, smart, sophisticated and strong.  All "s" words, we know.  Let's add 'star' to this list because the frontwoman for Grammy-nominated act Garbage is certainly a well-recognized face and name in rock music.

Manson speaks with Seattle Gay News in our September 21 issue about gay marriage, her shoe collection, Beyonce, Kings of Leon, and her band's current tour, which lands at The Showbox SoDo on September 26.  Go to http://showboxonline.com/ for ticket information. 

Grab a copy of the SGN this weekend at many locations in metro Seattle, or read us online at http://www.sgn.org/

Vancouver BC's The Burrard provides excellent location for Madonna weekend

Seattle welcomes the Material Girl for back-to-back nights the first week of October, but Vancouver BC gets her the weekend before - Saturday and Sunday, September 29-30.

If you're heading up to the 2010 Winter Olympics host city for either Madonna, or another pop legend, Barbra Streisand on October 29, you definitely want to consider the very gay-friendly and convenient The Burrard (http://theburrard.com/) for your crashing pad, a favorite of Seattle Gay News.

This landmark motor inn has undergone several transformations over the years, but it seems comfortable with its newest identity, that of a hip, urban boutique hotel.  The 72-room property is skipping distance to Vancouver's petite gay district on Davie Street and it's 4 to 5 blocks from the nearest SkyTrain station that will deliver you to Rogers Arena in just two stops.  You can walk to the venue in about 20 minutes, but I'd save those legs for the show because Madge's set list is loaded with dance numbers. 

New to The Burrard, in the past few months, is the opening of its cafe, Betty.  The lobby-situated eatery is a great place to start out your day with a cup of cofee, or kick off your evening with a glass of wine.  Snacks and light meals are also on Betty's menu.

The rooms at The Burrard, comparable in design to Seattle's Ace Hotel or Portland's Jupiter Hotel, are a mix of a basic, clean look and chic, cool feel - imagine a Trekkie in a pair of skinny jeans.  Simple in decor, almost entirely in white with drapes and bed covers in a soft color palate, plus modern amenities from flatscreen TVs to reasonably-sized workdesks to natural bath amenities, each room is sophisticated yet understated at this four-story hotel. 

Guests are privileged to free bike rentals, and parking per night is just $20.  Rooms (King, Queen, Queen Plus, Twin) begin at $161.00 (CAD) for Madonna weekend (online reservation only).  Prices may vary in late October when Babs lands in Vancouver.  For more information, call The Burrard or visit its website.    

Bob Mould interviews with Seattle Gay News

You might know him from Husker Du.  Or, from his days with the band Sugar.  Or, as an independent singer-songwriter whose released a string of solo albums dating back to 1989.  Or, perhaps you caught him performing "Dear Rosemary" live with the Foo Fighters, a song he collaborated on with the group on their Grammy-winning album Wasting Light.

All of this points to one man, Bob Mould.

The rock musician, who is openly gay and proudly associates himself with the bear community, is well respected in his field by fellow musicians, some of whom he inspired early in their careers - Dave Grohl among them.

Mould is currently touring his latest solo recording, Silver Age, that includes a stop at The Showbox Market in Seattle on September 18.  Visit http://showboxonline.com/ for ticket information.  He speaks with Seattle Gay News in this week's edition (out today, September 14) about the new album, his tour, Nirvana, and lists some of his favorite female musicians.

Grab a copy of the SGN this weekend at any number of bars or coffeeshops in Seattle, or read it online tomorrow morning at http://www.sgn.org/, and get familiar with Bob Mould.

Photo credit: Merge Records

Green Day picks Seattle for tour launch

Multiple Grammy-winning band Green Day, one of rock music's strongest LGBT community supporters, will open their upcoming North American tour in Seattle.

The band - vocalist/guitarist Billy Joe Armstrong, bassist Mike Dirnt, drummer Tre Cool - are hitting the road in support of their album trilogy, Green Day Uno!, Green Day Dos! and Green Day Tres!, set to be released between September 2012 and January 2013.

Green Day will perform November 26 at the more intimate Paramount Theatre, in comparison to Key Arena, where they opened 2009's "21st Century Breakdown Tour".  Tickets go on sale Friday, September 14 (noon), although fan club members can purchase them two days prior by registering at http://splash.greenday.com.  Fans who buy tickets online will receive one free digital download of Green Day Uno!

Grab a copy of this Friday's Seattle Gay News, or "like" us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/seattlegaynews), for more updates on Green Day.  

Seattle Gay News confirms Lady GaGa concert date in January

Mama Monster is coming back.

Pop icon Lady GaGa has announced plans to bring "The Born This Way Ball" stateside early in 2013, which includes a January 14 date at the Tacoma Dome.

This will be the Grammy winner's second appearance at the Tacoma Dome, the concert site of 2010's "The Monster Ball Tour".  Seattle Gay News reviewed both that performance and Lady GaGa's earlier appearance at The Showbox Market.

Lady GaGa, who has interviewed twice with Seattle Gay News, opened her latest tour in Asia and Australia this spring.  Her show in Jakarta, Indonesia was canceled due to religious protests.

SGN is awaiting ticket information for the January 14 event. 

Minus the Bear to play intimate show tonight, proceeds to benefit gay marriage campaign

Indie pop-rock band Minus the Bear will introduce fans tonight to songs from their new album, Infinity Overhead, which releases tomorrow.

The Seattle-based group, known nationally and overseas, will perform at Comet Tavern (922 East Pike), a small rock bar in our city's Capitol Hill district.  Proceeds from tonight's performance will be matched and donated to Washington United for Marriage, a campaign to have gay marriage legalized in the Evergreen State in November.

Doors open at 9pm.  No advance tickets will be available, so arrive early.  $10 admission is payable at the door.  Helms Alee is scheduled to open the concert.

Minus the Bear also plays a free in-store gig at Easy Street Records (20 Mercer Street) in Seattle tomorrow, August 28, starting at 7pm. 

Cheyenne Jackson interviews with Seattle Gay News

He acts in films, he acts on television, he acts on Broadway, he sings, and he writes songs for himself and other artists.  There isn't much Cheyenne Jackson doesn't do.

The openly gay performer is currently filming Steven Soderbergh's Liberace movie (Behind the Candelabra), which also includes Michael Douglas, Matt Damon, Rob Lowe and Dan Ackroyd.  This follows an NBC pilot he recently completed and a pair of indie films he starred in this year, Price Check and Lola Versus.

Jackson, a former Seattle resident, also released two music singles, "Drive" and "Before You" that will appear on an as-yet-titled EP or full-length album. 

In the midst of a very busy schedule, Jackson spoke to Seattle Gay News from his New York City home.  The interview is part of our newest weekly issue, August 3.  Grab a print copy in the metro Seattle area or look for it online at http://www.sgn.org/ as early as August 4.

Here is the link to Cheyenne Jackson's video for his single "Before You": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trJgt_xjSaI

ANA kicks off daily Seattle-Tokyo service

Konichiwa, Seattle!

ANA (All Nippon Airways) launched its daily Seattle-Tokyo service on July 25 with an afternoon reception at Sea-Tac International Airport that included a welcoming speech by Governor Christine Gregoire.  The hour-long event also featured a performance by Kaze Daiko, a traditional Japanese drum ensemble based in Seattle.  Authentic sushi and sake were served to guests, who ranged from local politicians to media representatives to inaugural flight passengers.

The new ANA service increases the number of non-stop flights to four from Sea-Tac to Japan.  Delta flies to both Tokyo and Osaka, while United has one daily offering to the Japanese capital.  Governor Gregoire called it a "vital link between Japan and Washington", acknowledging a strong trade/export relationship between the Asian country and our state, such as wine, apples and coffee (Tully's and Zoka coffee shops are now located within Japan).

Seattle becomes the 7th US gateway city for ANA, which also flies out of Los Angeles, Washington DC, Honolulu, New York City, San Francisco and Chicago.  In 2013, San Jose will be added.  Company Senior Executive Vice President Keisuke Okada stated that the idea to make ANA an international airline competitor was initially planted here in Seattle when he attended a small conference hosted by Boeing many years ago.

ANA will operate a two-cabin 777-300ER to Tokyo until October, when it then switches to the heavily buzzed (and delayed) 787 Dreamliner.  Currently, the departure flight leaves Sea-Tac at 1:15pm with arrival time at Narita International Airport at 3:45pm the following day.  The return flight departs Japan at 5:25pm and lands in Seattle at 10:55am the same day.  Total flight time to/from each city is about 10.5 hours.

Tokyo is an amazing destination with an up and coming gay scene that already thrives with dozens of bars in the Shinjuku Ni-chome and Shinbashi districts, and a few others scattered in nearby areas.  Seattle Gay News' special Pride travel section, in the June 15 issue (online at http://www.sgn.org/), featured a cover piece on Tokyo.  A separate travel feature on Osaka will print in September, followed by one on Kyoto soon thereafter. 

For those business and leisure travelers planning trips to Japan and/or Asia, know that ANA is a Star Alliance member and your earned miles can be credited to your United or US Airways accounts.  For more information, go to www.ana.co.jp. 

Jay Brannan interviews with Seattle Gay News

You know him from Shortbus.  He played the adorable Ceth.  You might also recognize him from another indie film, the gay-themed Holding Trevor.

Balancing an acting and music career, openly gay artist Jay Brannan is featured in an upcoming interview with Seattle Gay News.  The Texas-born performer is currently touring the US in support of his newest album Rob Me Blind, which delivers him to Seattle next weekend.  He's already played a series of dates this year in the UK, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Israel and Australia.

Brannan talks about his experience working on the cult movie Shortbus, his songwriting process, and tells us which song by a big female pop star he recently downloaded onto his MP3 player. 

If interested in seeing Brannan live in Seattle, scheduled at The Crocodile on August 2, go to http://thecrocodile.com/.   For a complete list of remaining tour dates through the month of August and other news, visit http://jaybrannan.com/. 

Jay Brannan's interview with Seattle Gay News prints on Friday, July 27.  Grab a copy at any number of businesses in the metro Seattle area this weekend, or view it online at http://www.sgn.org/ when the new edition is uploaded Saturday morning.

Jason Mraz in Hawaii: It couldn't have been better

Though it was an abbreviated performance of his completed Asian tour leg, Jason Mraz's show in Honolulu last weekend was undoubtedly wonderful.

It was packed at the Waikiki Shell, an amphitheater located on one end of the city's busiest district and the Aloha State's largest tourist area.  The weather that day was super hot, producing a beautiful warm night with the slightest of breezes.  The Pacific Ocean is a five-minute walk from 'the Shell'.

Mraz played a mellow, and sometimes jumpy, set that included "Bella Luna", "Lucky", "Only Human", "The Remedy (I Won't Worry)", "The Freedom Song", "Frank D. Fixer", and "You and I Both".  The best song was probably "Living in the Moment", and if you haven't heard it live yet you need to. 

A vast portion of the show was taped for an E! series called "Opening Act", in which big name artists choose an unknown supporting act to open one of their concerts.  Mraz chose a singer named Jono (if we're spelling that correctly), who hails from Colorado.  Jono performed two songs twice before the headlining act went on stage, and then joined Mraz for two numbers during his set. 

With bushy hair, that he apologized for, and an untrimmed beard Mraz could've easily been mistaken for a beach bum.  But he's still in great shape, and his voice has really matured - it's soulful with a wider range.  

Many fans in the audience excitedly shouted out "I love you" and other greetings throughout the concert, which actually clocked in at around two hours.  At one point, Mraz told everyone to extend their enthusiasm to people they might come across in their daily lives, "like that barista who makes you a dynamite latte".

The first half of Mraz's performance was a little on the tranquil side, yet the second half was livelier as he asked fans to sing along to "I'm Yours" and interacted a bit more with the audience.  He had a full band with him, including a three-piece brass section and a side vocalist/violinist.

There were times when the cameramen running around for E! created a distraction.  From where I was seated, in the row directly behind Jono's family, it got annoying. 

Seattle Gay News didn't get a chance to meet up with Jason Mraz in Honolulu, as he was mostly occupied in his few days there recording snippets for the TV show.  But we did connect with members of his management team, who assured us that he's looking forward to his upcoming North American tour that begins next month (contrary to what we said earlier that the Hawaii show was the kickoff date, our apologies). 

Mraz will play The Gorge Amphitheatre on September 22, and Seattle Gay News is hoping to cover the concert.  We'll do our best to connect with Mraz before the show, if he's available.  Read a full review of the Honolulu performance in Friday's issue (July 6) in the SGN.  And to the Jason Mraz fans who strolled into Hula's gay bar after the show, it was great meeting you!

* Our apologies for the bad photo, we're still getting used to our iPhone camera.

Seattle Gay News heads to Hawaii for Jason Mraz's North American tour kickoff

Aloha, Jason Mraz!

When the two-time Grammy winner descends to the Hawaiian island of Oahu this weekend, Seattle Gay News will be there to welcome him. 

Mraz will open his North American tour at Honolulu's Waikiki Shell on July 1, coming directly from Asia, where he wowed audiences in Taiwan, South Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, Hong Kong and Singapore.  The Hawaii date begins a four month-long itinerary around the US and Canada, followed by a European jaunt late in 2012.

Love is a Four Letter Word is the latest release from Mraz, a longtime LGBT community ally and dear friend of Seattle Gay News - he's interviewed with us three times, going back to 2003 when he was a just a pup.  Since then, we've reviewed his concerts in various settings from The Crocodile to the 5th Avenue Theatre to the observation deck at the Space Needle.

The Waikiki Shell is located at the far end of Waikiki Beach, inside Kapiolani Park and across from the city's zoo.  Those unable to squeeze into the amphitheater-like venue, which has reserved seating and a spacious lawn for general admission, will often picnic outside the Shell as the sound easily drifts beyond the enclosed quarters.  The concert venue is also within a ten-minute walk from Honolulu's premiere gay bar, Hula's (www.hulas.com). 

Some tickets may still be available for the show, so visit www.ticketmaster.com for information.  

Look for a brief wrap-up of Jason Mraz's performance right here on this blog, sometime next Monday or Tuesday.  And, a full review of the Honolulu show will be in next week's issue of Seattle Gay News. 

Seattle Gay News publishes summer travel issue

Want to see the world?  Start with some inspiration and tips from Seattle Gay News.

We recently made transpacific and transatlantic journeys to Asia and Europe, respectively, and found amazing places to eat, drink, relax and visit.  Specifically, our travels took us to Tokyo - one of the largest cities on the entire planet - and to Brussels, the Belgian capital with only 145,000 residents in its city core area.  Both destinations really wowed us. 

Similar treks were made within the US and the Pacific Northwest  to New Orleans, Portland (Oregon) and Port Ludlow.

Whether you're looking to get away for just a weekend or an entire 7-day adventure, you might find some ideas in our newest travel issue now online: http://sgn.org/sgnnews40_24/pdf/Section3%20TRAVEL%2006-15-12%20WEB.pdf

From us to you, have the greatest summer!

Pictured: Downtown in Portland, Oregon (courtesy of Travel Portland)

Rhett Miller interviews with Seattle Gay News

Back off, he's taken.

Handsome rock star Rhett Miller is spoken for.  Plus, two little ones running around at home.  But on the bright side, he's one of the nicest guys on the music scene who gives a resounding "Hell yes!" to gay marriage.

Miller, both a solo artist and group leader for Old 97's, has a brand new album out entitled The Dreamer and is touring nationally to promote it.  His itinerary includes a performance next week in Seattle (June 22, The Crocodile).  His live sets are said to include music from the just-released album, Old 97s catalog favorites, and songs from 2002's The Instigator.

Seattle Gay News caught up with the native Texan this week, and he provided us with tidbits on The Dreamer and his touring band, his favorite memories of playing in the Emerald City (a famous comedian once stripped at his show), and he expands on his approval for same-sex marriage.  He also tells us what goes into his suitcase when heading out for a big tour.

Our interview with Rhett Miller prints Friday, June 15.  Grab a print copy tomorrow in the Seattle metro area, or look for it online at http://sgn.org/ over the weekend.  

For more on this artist, go to http://www.rhettmiller.com/. And, for details on his Seattle concert, visit http://thecrocodile.com/.

Photo credit: Big Hassle Media

Tokyo through the eyes of Seattle Gay News

It's one of the largest cities in the entire world.  It's a place with incredible history, arts & culture, cuisine, and believe it or not, a thriving gay scene.

Tokyo is a focal point of Seattle Gay News' upcoming Summer Travel issue.  We spent hours walking the streets of this massive city, spending a night at the famous Park Hyatt Tokyo (where the Oscar-winning movie Lost in Translation was filmed) and roaming through an all-men's shopping mall.  Of course, we also scoped out the growing gay area of Shinjuku Ni-chome.

There are so many things to see and do in Tokyo, and though it is pricey, there are some options that require little to no money, such as visiting the Imperial Palace, strolling through Yoyogi Park, or having a cup of Starbucks coffee across from the Shibuya train station to see hundreds of people criss-crossing each other in what locals call "the scramble" (featured in another Academy Award-winning film Babel).

If you've always been fascinated with Tokyo, or Japan in general, we invite you to grab a copy of Seattle Gay News tomorrow (June 15) and gather some ideas/tips on where to stay, what gay bars to dance and/or drink at, and where to go shopping.  We even included information on the country's first-ever gay tour company.  Our special travel section will go online this weekend, or soon thereafter, at www.sgn.org.


For more information on Japan, go to www.Japantravelinfo.com.  


Pictured: Hankyu Men's (shopping mall)

Explore Brussels with Seattle Gay News

It's a city sometimes overlooked by European visitors, who make a beeline for Paris and London.  But the city of Brussels is just too beautiful and fun to ignore when traveling overseas.

Seattle Gay News spent four days in the Belgian capital recently, soaking up as much of the culture, gay nightlife, attractions and incredible food as we could.  What's great about Brussels is its size, home to only 145,000 people (within the city proper boundaries), making it super easy to navigate around day or night.

One of the gay-friendliest and safest destinations in Europe, Brussels' centralized location allows for a perfect overnight or weekend excursion when visiting other nearby places. 

In our upcoming Summer Travel issue (Pride edition, June 15), we'll provide information on how to get to Belgium from Seattle, where to stay and recommendations on terrific local restaurants and gay bars.  It will also be available online at www.sgn.org shortly after June 15.

If you've never been to Brussels before, get a glimpse of it with Seattle Gay News next week!

Pictured: Lobby of Le Meridien Brussels.