Summer may be on its way out, but Washington state's unbelievably verdant Olympic National Park is working hard to attract visitors well into the fall. Through October 31, the park's four famed lodges - Lake Quinault Lodge, Kalaloch Lodge, Sol Duc Hot Springs, and Lake Crescent Lodge - are offering a three-night lodging deal that knocks about 35% of regular rates. These packages start at $399 for the three nights, plus $99 per each additional night, and you can snag an upgraded room for just $20 more per night. Keep in mind that Sol Duc Hot Springs closes for the season on October 23, but you have until the end of the month to enjoy the others. Olympic National Park makes a terrific getaway from Seattle or Portland, which are about a three-hour drive from the nearest of these historic hotels, Lake Quinault Lodge.
In southern New England, fall means brightly turning leaves and crisp, cool nights. It's also a lovely time to spend some time along the Connecticut coast, where just north of Mystic and within easy weekending-proximity of Providence, Boston, and New York City, you'll find the snazzy Mohegan Sun Hotel and Casino. The resort began hosting a monthly GLBT-themed celebration this past April, Mohegan SunDayz, which features a dance party, celebrity appearances, and sweetly priced lodging deals in the resort's elegant hotel tower. Mohegan SunDayz take place the second Sunday of each month, with the next one set for October 10 (doors open at 8 pm). Witty comedian Ross Matthew (aka "Ross the Intern") from Chelsea Lately appeared at the September SunDayz, and Danielle Staub, formerly of The Real Housewives of New Jersey, is slated to appear at the October party. Mohegan Sun offers a special Mohegan Sundayz overnight package (use code PTEXL when booking, tel. 888-777-7922), with rooms starting at $124 nightly (based on double-occupancy), which includes a $40 credit toward bar tabs at the GLBT party, Fleur, held in Lucky's Lounge. For what it's worth, my favorite thing about Mohegan Sun (granted, the hotel rooms are very nice, and upper floors have amazing views) is the restaurant selection, which includes Bobby Flay's Bar Americain, Todd English's Tuscany, Michael Jordan's Steak House, and a nice mix of casual eateries (including Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, which is based on the famous old-school pizzeria in New Haven).
Rounding out noteworthy GLBT-travel news, in San Francisco, the legendary women-owned erotica and sex-toy shop Good Vibrations is presenting the Fifth Annual Indie Erotic Film Festival next week - the dates are September 18-23. Events include a kick-off party on Saturday night at the rocking Mission gay bar El Rio, a "Celebration of Sleaze: Gay Porn Night!" on Sunday at the Nob Hill Theatre, "Sexy Euro Cinema" on Monday at the Red Vic movie house, "Lesbo Retro: A Dyke Porn Retrospective" in the Mission at the iconic Women's Building, and - capping off the festival - a "Pleasure Lounge" pre-party and special Indie Erotic Film Festival screening at the historic and ultra-queer Castro Theatre. If you were seeking a spicy ending to your summer, this cheeky and sex-positive celebration may be just what you need.
The Olympic National Forest is one of the most beautiful places in the world – hands down. We are constantly remarking about how fortunate we feel that this treasure is in our own backyard. Lucky us!