Have you had the Hampton?

October 31, 2009

During our whirlwind trip through the South Valley Mike and I stayed a nifty little hotel called the Hampton Inn. While a national chain the one we stayed at on the north edge of Bakersfield was quite possibly one of the nicest hotels I’ve ever been in. Not exactly what I was expecting from Bako.

The decor was modern and tasteful. The lobby didn’t make me want to get out of there as fast as possible with a free breakfast buffet to boot! Our room on the third floor had a… erm… beautiful view of the North Bakersfield Car Dealership and it came complete with everything you could ever need while traveling. Iron, hair dryer, shampoo, shaving cream. You name it and they provide it.

Also this particular Hampton had a  cute boy working the counter who was both very helpful and knowledgeable about what there was to do in Bakersfield during our pride excursion. So what more could you ask for?


Pride

October 20, 2009

A becoming or dignified sense of what is due to oneself or one’s position or character; self-respect; self-esteem.

Let freedom ring

Let freedom ring


Nothing but love

October 20, 2009
Friendly faces

Friendly faces


No such thing as too much lube

October 20, 2009
Another cool corporate sponsor

Another cool corporate sponsor


Costco hottie

October 19, 2009
Costco Wholesale gets proud!

Costco Wholesale gets proud!


Cute

October 19, 2009
Cute couple taking in Bako Pride!

Cute couple taking in Bako Pride!


Frito Lay shows pride in Bako

October 18, 2009

So I’m very impressed with how many corporate sponsors are showing their support our community today.  There are many large corporations that are spending money and buying booths for this year’s Pride…and they deserve our busines!  Frito Lay was even handing out free bags of chips all day.  Way to go Frito Lay!!!

photo4

Frito Lay supports gay pride


Gay Crisis Hotline in Bakersfield

October 18, 2009

hotline One of the most interesting booths at this year’s Bakersfield pride was the Kern County Alliance Against Family Violence & Sexual Assault. They recently started up a 24-hour LGBTQ emergency hotline for youth and members of the LGBTQ community who may be struggling with their sexuality and have any concerns or may just been in need of a friendly person to talk to. The ladies graciously allowed me to sully the picture we took of them and are very friendly and knowledgeable.

So if you, or anyone you know, may need some talking to the LGBTQ hotline number is 661-332-1506 or visit their website at http://www.kernalliance.org/ for more information.


Happy Pride!

October 17, 2009

So we’re at Bakersfield’s annual Pride celebration, and although it’s a little warm and we had some trouble finding the “front” entrance to get in, it’s time to check out the vendors and the booths and of course, all the cool gays that ventured out of their houses (and their closets) to support their local community.  I’ll be posting pics throughout the day and through the weekend so make sure and check soon.  Happy Pride!

Three (gay) musketeers

Three (gay) muskateers


Casablanca Needs More Boom Boom Pow

October 17, 2009

Stage two of our whirlwind trip through Bako was the Field’s premier (and only???) gay club, Casablanca. Located on the outskirts of downtown at 1825 N. ST , Casablanca isn’t much too look at outside but boasts a huge dance floor and lounge area. A fully stocked bar dominates the back wall with the DJ booth perched up top. A hallway connects the main area with a side lounge that has a stage, juke box and pool tables. This side room also doubles as a smoking area, which was a shock to me but I suppose it’s better than having to go out into the cold when one has a nicotine fit.

Also a quick aside: how the hell do clubs come up with these names? Casablanca is neither white nor homey, its an effing club for Cher’s sake! And references to Moroccan cities or a 1940s Humphrey Bogart film do not good club names make. So for any future entrepreneurs out there name your club something interesting (My two cents: Tip of the Spear would be the best gay club name ever… just sayin’).

All-in-all Casablanca is pretty standard fare as far as gay clubs go, cage and pole for the attention seekers or go-go dancers, Lady Gaga and Black Eyed Peas blasting from the speakers and boys with faux-hawks and tight shirts wandering about. The people were pretty friendly and the drag show performers were better than most I’ve seen in Fresno (though I’d venture to say it was 45 minutes I would have rather spent dancing). The $7 cover was a bit steep but when you’re the only gig in town you can probably charge whatever you want.

In the end though Casablanca leaves you wanting more and for all you queers that venture to WeHo in search of a good time, I can’t say that I blame ya. Yet for a town like Bakersfield I’d think I’d rather have Casa than nothing at all.