Vancouver, July 15, 2010

Now that we are finally seeing hot summer temperatures here in Vancouver, the town has exploded into action. A wetter and colder than usual start to summer had us all holding back for a couple of weeks, but now the shorts, t-shirts, tanks and sandals are everywhere in sight, and people are making up for lost time, so to speak.

Just this week did my first full-on tanning session down at Sunset beach, just a few blocks from Davie Village, and the beach was absolutely packed. Snuck out early on Monday afternoon to savour the heat, and it was fun to see that I was not the only one skipping out of the office, as there were several folks within beach blanket view also clicking away on their laptops, chatting on their i-phones and blackberry's, and if you couldn't see the visuals, it would sound like a typical office setting on a late Monday afternoon. Ahh...the blessings of technology...I think.

With all this fabulous weather happening, read a recent news article on the best patios in Vancouver, and noticed that not one from Davie Village was even mentioned. Although they are not well-kept secrets, obviously they are not on everyone's radar, and a quick review reminded me that we have an amazing 10 outdoor patios within a three block stretch of Davie Village from Burrard to Jervis, including: The Fountainhead Pub, Oasis Ultra Lounge, Characters, The Junction Public House, Mis Trucos, Hamburger Mary's, Speakeasy, Score and the two large patios at JLounge!

Another highlight this week was the launch of the 7th annual edition of our Gay Friendly Canada publication, which we produce in both print and online digital versions, distribute nationally across Canada, as well as take on the road with us wherever we go. You can see the digital version of both our Gay Friendly Canada and Gay Friendly Vancouver publications via the opening page of our website, but as the Canada edition is the most recent, here's a quick link to the Zoom version:
http://www.gayvan.com/GayCanada180DPI/Basic/Default.html .

Vancouver is now in Pride mode, as we gear up for our annual Vancouver Pride Week celebrations, and this year is promising to be our biggest and best ever. With the expanded Parade route, Festival site, Davie Village Street Party, and a full line-up of official events, it's a fantastic time to be in town. Gay Day At Playland kicks off on Sat. July 17, followed by the ever-popular Picnic in the Park on July 24, just for starters. You can check out all the official Pride events, and link to the Vancouver Pride Society via our Pride page at: http://www.gayvan.com/whats-on2/pride.html .

Sweet, a special women's event kicks off Flygirl Productions Pride celebrations on Fri. July 16 at Canvas Lounge, Celebrities celebrates their 6 Year Anniversary with a Ken & Barbie Party, July 17 (Congrats Guys!), Numbers, JLounge, Odyssey, and Celebrities, all have full line-ups of Pride Week events, PRIAPE presents Tyra Sanchez & porn superstar Samuel Colt Live on July 28, Flygirl has the Chicks Ahoy Cruise, CruiseyT has the Pride White Party Cruise, the Pride Go-Go Cruise, the Traditional Pride Party Cruise, Crema Productions have the Hot & Wet Women's Cruise; there's Chicas - Hot House of Hotties, JetGirl, Hershe Bar, Big Roger's Events, Rapture Events, the fabulous Kim Kuzma will be in town, and more. Check it all out: http://www.gayvan.com/whats-on2/lgbt-special-events.html .

Happy Pride Vancouver!!!