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Chelsea Boys. The words conjure up a nakedly titillating image. Hunky, men owning Eighth Avenue, strolling hand-in-hand, demonstrating a gay presence that lets people know this is our space. And, though Chelsea is slowly changing into a more baby-stroller-friendly neighborhood, it still has a definite gay watermark. New York has many gay neighborhood bars spanning the whole of Manhattan and the other boroughs, but Chelsea and the Village are places out of legend. Below 23rd Street on Eighth Avenue begins a gay space that will make your eyes pop. Every time this Naked Traveler walks the path, memories of Rome remind him things are transitory. Rome, the bar, unlike it's eternal namesake, is gone and with it one of the most interesting strip venues where staff wore gladiator kilts and nothing else, and the strippers were sizzling. But some of what they did is still offered at other establishments. Splash Bar New York (splashbar.com) is one of them. Splash has been a Chelsea mainstay for years. People wanting to get in will stand in line for hours. Persistence is rewarded with a spacious two-floor affair that offers dancing, several bars and - why else would the Naked Traveler gush? - hot, hot strippers. Some of the steamiest guys you'll see. The shower performance area is not to be missed and the boys collect their tips whether dry or dripping wet. Splash hosts other things - frat parties, Glam Slam, parties and games - and celebrities regularly stop by. One of the newest fascinations is The Gym (gymsportsbar.com). Not that gym, this one's a bar that even gym-phobics are joining. With a happy hour Monday to Friday that lasts from 4 P.M. to 9 P.M., The Gym grabs quite a crowd. And for the naked observer, gay jocks are a sight. The Gym has made itself Gay Sports Central by becoming a resource for local gay sports leagues. It also provides the giant TVs and sporty atmosphere of any other sports bar. The only difference here, the hot guys watching the oversized screens are also more than willing to play ball with you once the TV game is over. The place caters to all types. As the bar proudly says, "Whether you're pumped from your workout or you think pumps are for your feet," The Gym is the place for you. At Rawhide, on 21st and Eighth, you can satisfy your naked curiosity. Open the big grungy door and enter a darkened room fraught with possibilities. It's a bar with a neighborhood feel, but from Wednesday to Sunday you see a different vibe. Nearly naked go-go boys will delight your senses and arouse the naked traveler in you. Rawhide is a small place so you have every opportunity to get up close and personal with the dancers. If you're into leather, the Eagle (eaglenyc.com) is the place New York Magazine called "The Best Leather Bar." And if you go on a night when the "code" is enforced, dress for the occasion or find yourself in hot water. Or, at the very least, stuck in a sling and ... well, you get the idea. Over at XES Lounge (xesnyc.com), you'll find a contest of another sort every week. Each Wednesday, Mimi Imfurst hosts Ass Circus with its Hot Booty Contest. Booty call is 11 P.M. Enter the contest, show yours, and you can win 100 bucks. There's something happening every other night of the week and XES is a class act. Speaking of sleek and classy, glounge (glounge.com) is truly elegant and stylish. Recent renovations give it a cool, yet very hot feel. You can meet the sexy 20-something or 30-something of your dreams here. Or, you might run into an underwear party or contest or extravaganza. This Naked traveler was too open-mouthed (not an unusual pose for him) to figure out exactly what was going on when he walked into the long line of young men in their tightie whities. It was enough that they were there and he could be there, too. Why they were there didn't really matter. At Viewbar (viewbarnyc.com) you have a chance to show your stuff and get a cheaper rate. On Woof! Mondays, get a reduced cover if you're hairy. Now how do you think you prove it unless there's a show of skin? Last, but as good as the others, is Barracuda. It sounds dangerous and it is - dangerously good. A cruise bar, a lounge, drag entertainment ... what more could you ask? Hot, muscled waiters who look like they stepped out of one of those classy male photography books. Should you get hungry, stop in at one of Chelsea's eateries. Dish and Food Bar are among the gayest and the Naked Traveler saw one of the QAF stars dining at Dish one cold night a while back. For places to stay, Chelsea has several gay-owned venues: Chelsea Pines Inn (chelseapinesinn.org) and Colonial House Inn (colonialhouseinn.com) are both small, comfortable and friendly places to stay. Breakfast is included and you'll meet some of the other guests in the breakfast rooms. Chelsea may be changing but it is still a gay destination of choice and one every naked traveler should see.  Joe DeMarco's latest projects include The Lavender Raven, an online GLBTQ mystery & more journal, at www.lavenderraven.com, as well as Mysterical-E, www.mystericale.com. Joe's website is www.josephdemarco.com Top |
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