Wicked Manors is ON! A Trip Down the Rabbit Hole.

Get ready for Wicked Manors 3 - A Trip Down the Rabbit Hole! This year's Halloween Block Party in Wilton Manors will be held on October 31, 2009 from 6 PM to Midnight...with the bars open till 3 AM!

Each year this party gets bigger and bigger and you have GOT to make it out. Plan a trip and spend the weekend. There are plenty of guest houses and hotels around Ft. Lauderdale and a few in Wilton itself. There are more shops and restaurants on The Drive than last year too.

The party has booths, entertainment, contests and lots more. It's really the southeast's hottest Halloween Party. I can't wait! You don't have to dress up either. Go as you are!

Check out the details and to see a video of last years party:
http://www.pgfl.net/wicked_manors/index.htm

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Start Planning for Wilton Manors Halloween 2009!!

Can you believe that Halloween is only 2 1/2 months away?!? Wow. I haven't heard of the 'theme'...but you can bet it's going to be wild. The street party and parade was so much fun last year. With Halloween being on a Saturday this year...you can bet it's going to be another great time.

Make a weekend out of it and take the time off work and start looking for some cheap flights! More to cum as it gets closer and more information is released.

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Wicked Manors a total blast.

(Wicked Manors 2008 - Wilton Manors Florida...2008)

Wicked Manors (Wilton Manor's Halloween street party) was a huge success again this year. The party started yesterday at around 7 PM and lasted until after 11 PM. Once the street party vendors closed...everyone hit the many bars on the Drive. Actually...all the bars were packed by 9 and everyone was in a party mood.

(Bill's Filling Station on the Drive was 'full'.)

I didn't snap too many pictures...I was kind of too busy keeping track of my drinks :) Of course I had to hit Slammers on Sunrise Blvd after Wilton Drive. Slammers was packed as well...not too many guys in costume though. I left Slammers with my thirst quenched. :)

(Wilton Manors Police had a cool 'police' 3 wheel Segway.)

(Hmmm...new store on Wilton Drive in the works....'Rock Hard'. Wonder what they are gonna sell??)

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Start planning Halloween in Wilton Manors!

This year the name of the huge Halloween Block Party is "Wicked Manors" Since Halloween falls on a Friday, I predict this will draw a ton of people and be one hell of a party.

The 'theme' of the night is the 'Silver Scream'. Totally a camp fest....should be lots of fun.

Here is some info from their website:

"Dust off those wigs and over-the-top costumes, it's time to celebrate the most ghostly of holidays ... Halloween. Join us in Greater Fort Lauderdale for the hottest party in Florida – the Wicked Manors Block Party on Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors.

This year’s theme, “The Silver Scream” will feature classic horror films from the past with party-goers in more eclectic and eccentric costumes than anywhere in South Florida. Female impersonators, contests, food vendors, bars and themed booths will fill “The Drive” with lots of good old Halloween fun.

Looking to play some tricks or get some treats then come to one of these devilishly fun events or contests:

5 pm: Trick or Treat on the Drive
Get in the Wicked Manors spirit and trick-or-treat the entire length of the Drive from 5 pm to 7 pm. Participating businesses will offer special “treats” for the kids and adults and be on the lookout for your favorite storefront decorated in the spirit of Halloween!

7 pm: Wicked Manors Block Party Begins
Party the night away with a fabulous DJ and other live or (undead) entertainment.

Pet Costume Contest: Don't leave the pets at home! Dress up your dog, costume your cat, masquerade your mouse! Furry friends can win big in this contest! Prizes will be awarded for large and small breeds.

Celebrity Look-A-Like Contest: Has anyone ever told you that you look like Marilyn Monroe or maybe Hugh Grant? Here's your chance to dress like a diva, wear movie star make-up, be a Britney (or not). Celebrate your inner celebrity and join the fun.

Drag Queen Walk Off! Bring out the high heels for this one! A quick walk down the runway, past the crowds and back to the stage - FIERCE!

Costume Contest: The prizes get bigger and the judging gets tougher! Can you be the scariest? Or even the best?

Winners announced throughout the evening and at 11 pm, we crown the Lord and Lady of Wicked Manors! "

It appears the event is free, you'll just have to pay for parking. Also, for those of you not familiar with the area, there are many bars on 'The Drive' and I guarantee you can make a whole night of it. The Pride night festival was a blast and I'm really looking forward to this event.

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BOTLO (Be On The Look Out)

We hear that a new bar is in the works for Wilton Manors (WilMa). It will be called "Matty's" and will be located right on Wilton Drive across from Rosie's. Wilton Drive is becoming quite the gay business district. You can definitely make it a day and night destination. All they need is a hotel and they would be set.

Matty's is due to open in May.

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YeeeeHaaawwww...Gay Rodeo this weekend in Ft. Lauderdale

Get out your cowboy attire. This weekend the popular Gay Rodeo event comes to Ft. Lauderdale. This is the 3rd Annual Sunshine Rodeo Stampede. The city is going to be packed with hot men once again Friday April 4th - Sunday April 6th.

Tickets for the event are on sale now and you can buy them online at http://www.fgra.org/. Check the website for shuttle information as well.

Ticket prices:

Single Day Rodeo
$12.50* (advance purchase)

$15.00* (at the gate)

Hoedown Only
$15.00* (advance purchase)
$20.00* (at the gate)

Weekend Package
$40.00* (advance purchase)
$50.00* (at the gate)

*subject to service fee

Party time!-

All the bars in town are going to have special themes and events going on...but the biggest event seems to be at Georgi's Alibi and the 'new' Bills Filling Station ...both in Wilton Manors. Click here (http://www.fgra.org/ss08_hoedown.asp ) for more info on this wild event. It's going to huge. Doors open Saturday at 8 PM...with a 40 x 40 foot dance floor, tons of prizes and hot men, it's a must. Plus Wilton Manors has so many gay bars, restaurants and shops...all within walking distance...you'll be busy all night.

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Starbucks is packing them in Wilton Manors.

Starbucks has been open for less than a year...and it's become quite the hangout. It's not directly on Wilton Drive...but it's only 1 block off. It's directly behind Rosie's Bar and Grill. It's a nice spot and very relaxing. They have breakfast sandwiches as well as some lunch offerings as well. It kind of feels more 'local' than your typical Starbucks too. Even with 2 local coffee lounges in the area...this chain can hold it's own. They even have Wi-Fi.

Location: 1015 NE 26th Street. Wilton Manors, FL 33305.

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Out of the Closet opening it's doors January 26th.

Out of the Closet Thrift Store and AHF Pharmacy will be holding their Grand Opening Gala on Saturday, January 26th. The opening ceremony will be held at 10:00 AM. If you wish to attend...please RSVP to crisaidam@aidshealth.org. Out of the Closet is a chain of thrift stores in Northern and Southern California and now they are opening in South Florida. They are owned and operated by AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the largest provider of the newest medicine regardless of the patients ability to pay. They also offer free HIV testing and counseling in a private area of the store. AHF Pharmacy is a non-for-profit pharmacy. Stop in and see what the fuss is all about!
They've been slowly working on the space...and over the past 2 weeks have REALLY sped up. The boards are removed...and the windows are in place.

Fun Fact:

Out of the Closet Thrift Stores generate 30,000 donation and almost 1 million shoppers a year.

Location- 2097 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors. (The Drive)

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Great Breakfast spot on The Drive

Under new ownership, The Courtyard Cafe is finding it's place on The Drive. It's PACKED every morning. Every visit seems to be full of gays...so that makes for a great time. It's more of a 'diner' and the staff is VERY friendly. With the customers mostly ranging from mid 30's to 50's...you won't find any pretentious queens. While the twink won't feel out of place...he might get lots of attention. But then again, I've always gone at 9 AM on the weekends...I'm sure the clubbers are still sleeping off last nights drinking.

They have all the traditional items you'd find for Breakfast...and they also serve lunch (salads and sandwiches). They close for dinner...but have recently started to open late nite (Bill's Filling Station Bar is right next door!) serving some light 'after the bar' fare.

I usually end up getting 2 eggs scrambled, bacon and potatoes. Nick is always trying something different. Every meal has been top notch. It's a fun place and am really glad we started going there.

GaySofla rating: (3.5 flags out of 5)

Courtyard Cafe

2211 Wilton Drive

Wilton Manors, FL

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Naked Grape Wine Bar - Wilton Manors

While you are spending an evening on 'The Drive' you might want to check out Naked Grape Wine Bar. It's located right in the heart of Wilton Manors and if you love wine...you should really check them out. The Drive is full of gay owned and friendly restaurant, bars, shopping and more. Naked Grape fits right in.

Not a wine expert? No big deal. They can help you find the perfect one. They are even having a 'Wine Class' this week. It's their first and I'm sure they will have more to come. They also have a great selection of international cheeses, hummus, olives and crackers. What's better than wine and cheese?

Naked Grape Wine Bar

2039 Wilton Drive

Wilton Manors, FL

Inside picture from their website:

Picture from the street..taken by Daddy Ron:

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Shoppes of Wilton Manors Sold

With change usually comes uncertainty. But with the recent sale of the popular Strip Mall in Wilton Manors...the tenants are actually feeling a bit comfortable.

The Shoppes house some of South Florida's most popular gay business...such as Georgi's Alibi, Boom Nighclub, Java Boys, Humpy's Pizza along with some great retail shops. According to the new owners Rivercrest Realty Investors..there are no 'immediate' plans for change. Rather than plan a huge renovation of the property, they are trying to cater to the tenants maintenance needs. They also recently renewed every ones leases...so that is a good sign the Shoppes will be around for a while.

The previous owners (Stiles Corp) had plans of turning 1/2 of the complex into a mixed use retail and condo building. Those never really got off the ground and with the condo market soft (I hate soft)...there probably won't new condo's in the plans with the new owners.

One interesting report is that the Poverello Thrift Store plans on moving to a larger location in the next year and that will open a large slot for a new store. Rivercrest plans on keeping the same overall 'appeal' of the mall and hopes to find a local business that will complement the stores.

If you haven't been to the Shoppes yet, I suggest you take a trip and check them out.

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Remember Halloween?

Wilton Manors had their frist Halloween Street Party this year and the theme was "Hell on Heels". Looks like a great party scene. If you are in the area next year, look here for more details!

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"Another Gay Sequel: Guys Gone Wild" to Film in South Florida.

Those of you that remember the hilarious "Another Gay Movie" that was out a few years ago, might already know that a sequel is in the works. "Another Gay Sequel: Guys Gone Wild" is set to start production and filming this month in South Florida! They just wrapped up open casting calls for some main characters, but I've seen some signs for 'extras' all over town. The sequel follows the group to Ft. Lauderdale. I can't wait to see what they use for the 'location shots'.

If you are in SoFla for the White Party (or any other party for that matter)...keep your eyes open for the posters and film crew. That would be prime time to catch some of the hottest guys in the world. That would be Thanksgiving week. The posters say "must look good in a swimsuit". I'd like to be an extra for the extras!

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Out of the Closet Thrift Store, Opening in Wilton Manors

It looks like Florida will soon get it's own "Out of the Closet Thrift Store". With locations in California, they have been working on a location on 'The Drive' in Wilton Manors for months now and are slated to open any day now. It's located right across the street from a very popular bar/restaurant/retail complex and will be a welcome part of the community.

Out of the Closet is owned and operated by the AHF (AIDS Healthcare Foundation) and has been in operation since 1990 (mainly in CA). The Wilton Manors store is slated for a Fall Grand Opening. They are now accepting donations at the location from 12 noon to 7 PM.

The new location address is 2097 Wilton Drive. If you can make a donation (it's tax deductible) or stop by to shop...you never know what you'll find! (or who you'll find!) It's all for a good cause.

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Wilton Manors Halloween Block Party - Wicked Manors

Tomorrow Wilton Drive will be closed between 7th and 11th Ave for the Wicked Manors Halloween Block Party. Kids can go Tick-or-Treating on the Drive from 4 PM - 7 PM. At 7PM the adults come out to play.

This year's theme is "Hell on Heels" and they expect everyone to participate. What does that mean? Dust off your pumps or spikes and be prepared to strut down the street. There will be lots of events here is a short list of the 'goings on':

5 PM - Trick or Treat on the Drive

7 PM - Wicked Manors Block Party welcome by Miss Misty Eyez (local female impersonator). Music by G.I.R.L (GayInternetRadioLive) and street vendors and food. Misty is the judge for all the contests, so be nice!

8 PM - Dog Costume Contest. Cash prizes and other giveaways.

8:30 PM - Tattoo Body Art Contest. Yup, cash prizes too.

9 PM - Celebrity Look Alike Contest. This should be funny.

9:30 PM - Drag Queen Walk Off (take those in-home talents and put them to work!)

10:30 PM - Costume Contest. More cash and prizes

11 PM - Winners announced and closing of Block Party.

Get there early to find parking. Stay late and club hop. There are lots of places to drink on the Drive.

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Get to Know 'The Drive', Wilton Drive that is.

For those of you that have not been to Florida in many years, the new SoFla 'gay' mecca has shifted from South Beach to Wilton Manors. You might be asking yourself..."where in the $%^&$ is Wilton Manors"? Well it's about 35 miles north of South Beach right next to Ft. Lauderdale.

Ft. Lauderdale has stripped it's 'Spring Break' craziness and has managed to take the phrase "Where the Boys Are" to a different place. Ft. Lauderdale has many gay neighborhoods and the one with the most dining and entertainment options is Wilton Manors. It's located right outside the city limits and really close to the beach as well.

The main street is called Wilton Drive and has gone through a huge transformation in the past 10 years. Bars, restaurants, new condos, retail...they have it all. Be sure to check back as more is revealed about this great city.

By the way, the Ft. Lauderdale Mayor has been in the news quite often. Ignore him. Don't let the media make you think that is what everyone thinks here. We're all trying to figure out what his real reason is for all the hate...but then again, why bother.

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