Riding the Pride Train to Whistler

The count down to the 20th Annual Gay Ski Week in Whistler - WinterPRIDE is just 23 days away and Amtrak Cascades has a very sweet offer just for Pride! Save 25% when you ride the rails to Whistler... Doing a quick search I found a rate of US$57 from Seattle downtown Amtrak station all the way to Whistler Village (need to transfer in Vancouver onto a motor coach up the Mountain) - Sweet! You can add $19 and upgrade to Business Class for the train. Amtrak offers free WiFi so you can GuySpy your future dates at Pride Week... Tweet and Facebook how much fun you are having riding the rails up to Whistler.

For more details visit Amtrak search "Gay Ski" for the "Save 25% off Train Fares to Whistler, BC for WinterPRIDE Ski Week" - so what are you waiting for.... grab your posse and jump on Amtrak today! < Click to learn more >
Oh... Travel tip! For all of our American friends outside of Seattle.... consider flying into SEATAC and then taking the Train up to Whistler... the extra travel time may save you a couple hundred bucks, plus you could meet a couple new friends along the way! Visit Amtrak.com and save!

There are some great last minute deals to Whistler as well (even better if you had booked a couple months ago... but you can make a note to yourself for next year!) with room only rates coming in at just C$161/night or if you want to maximize your savings the 5th Night Free Promo is still running with rates starting at just C$130/person/night for a 5 Night, 4 Day ski package... pretty stellar deal when you consider that walking up to the ticket window the day you want to ski will set you back approx. $100 - so best get your tickets in advance for the best savings! (Travel Tip: You need to buy your lift tickets a minimum of 48 hours ahead to get the maximum discount).
< click here to check accommodations now >

This year, Manny Lehman returns to Whistler for Snowball 20 and from what we understand the light show and visuals this year are sure to impress! Most of the week’s normal programming will be back with a couple new additions including: Monday’s “Up Yer Kilt” Party at the Dubh Linn Gate Irish Pub at the Pan Pacific Whistler hotel. Thursday for the first time in the resort’s history they will make an official proclamation of “Pride Week” at the city hall followed by a pride march, they will also offer Skelton racing on the Whistler Olympic Sliding Centre... can you imagine the Queens dressed in a tutu flying down the track face first clocking in speeds of 77mph - that sounds like so much fun! WinterPRIDE has something for everyone from the low key apres ski parties, to the fun late night theme parties like the Cowboy party, the Gender Bender Drag Ball (think Burning Man and your alter-ego), Pool party, Furrocious Bear party, Snowstorm (for the Club Kids), Purrlesque (bi-sexual / lesbian party), Shred Betties (mostly women’s party), culinary events for the foodies; and snowmobile, dog sled, ZipTrek, Bungee, Skiing (of course!) in total there are 8 days and 65 events for you to pick and choose your own adventure! For more info call 1.866.787.1966 or visit online at Gaywhistler.com

See you at WinterPRIDE Feb. 5-12, 2012

Silver Reef Hotel Casino Spa - The perfect Shopping Getaway!

Randi has been after me for a while to come down and cross the boarder and experience the Silver Reef Hotel Casino Spa just outside of Bellingham. When driving down the i5 it is hard to miss the huge Casino sign and like a moth drawn to light I was guided into the Hotel Casino.

As I walked into the lobby of the hotel and presented myself to the front desk, I was immediately welcomed by Randi, Hotel Sales Director, and had she had my room key and check in was over in mere seconds. We then headed towards the casino to one of their signature food & beverage outlets: "The Steakhouse at Silver Reef" here we were met by the Casino's F&B director, Rian, and we all sat down for dinner. I knew I would be in for a treat when you consider that Wine Spectator has given the Steakhouse their "Awards of Excellence" and the Wine Enthusiast the "Award of Distinction."

We enjoyed beautiful pairings of wine & port throughout dinner. Some of the specialities we tried included: Carpaccio of Beef with Truffle Oil, baby greens, artichoke hearts and grain mustard ($9), as well as the Jumbo Prawn cocktail served with a zesty cocktail sauce ($14), followed by a Caesar Salad ($8) prepared table side.
Then we were entertained by the incredible showmanship of tableside service of Steak Diane a tender Filet Mignon sauteed with shallots, thyme, mustard seed and mushrooms ($37) and a Steak au Poivre a tender Filet Mignon, in a peppercorn brandy sauce ($37). The steaks were prepared perfectly and just melted in my mouth. The service and the culinary delights were some of the best I have experienced. Just when I thought I couldn't have any more... the dessert cart came out.... OMG, talk about tempting creations... I ended up savouring the Chocolate Rockettes which is a house specialty. It is a souffle-like chocolate cake served warm with a molten center served with vanilla bean ice cream ($7). the Steakhouse is an incredible dining experience and excellent value.

The Casino and Hotel are inspired by First Nations art and artifacts. The guest rooms are well appointed and they have a private floor (6th Floor Diamond Club). I had the privilege of staying in the Emerald Suite (613). It was a one bedroom suite perfect for entertaining. It has two bathrooms, large wet bar and living room complete with your own private massage chair and 50" Flat screen. The master bedroom and ensuite were to die for. Large walk in shower, double man jetted bath and amenities by H2O.

So what was great about this property is it's location. Within minutes you are in Bellingham with all the outlet Malls and BellisFair Mall, within an hour to Seattle... ferry service to Vancouver Island and an hour to Vancouver. Making this destination a perfect city escape or using the property as a base to explore these three great cities (Seattle, Victoria, Vancouver). You could also use the property as an airport hotel considering they now have non-stop flights to Hawaii and other sun destinations!

For more information on the property call 866-383-0777 ext. 254 or visit online silverreefcasino.com Rates start at just US$129
Perfect for last minute Christmas shopping... and unwind after at the Spa, then dinner at the Steakhouse and relaxing in your suite! Christmas made easy!

The Silver Reef Hotel Casino will be at WinterPRIDE Jan 30 - Feb 6, 2011 so make sure you say hi!