Q: I was looking to go to on a trip this winter with my girlfriend. We wanted to stay at a resort type place with a fireplace. 
Somewhere not outrageously priced and in driving distance from Buffalo, New York, for a nice weekend stay. Do you know of a nice winter getaway?
A: Sounds like a romantic weekend is in the works! First of all, for those of you who haven’t been, Buffalo, which is in upstate New York, is a gayer city than most people expect. And it’s more lesbian than other cities its size. A sizable contingent of women can be found all the LGBT bars in town, but be sure to check out Roxy’s, a casual but sexy lesbian hangout with DJs and frequent stripteasers. Most of the gay and lesbian action centers around the bohemian Allentown area, which borders the downtown theater and entertainment district.
By the way, pioneering bisexual musician Ani DiFranco is from Buffalo, where she founded a women’s music label. And Buffalo’s very queer nickname is “The Queen City.”
Near Buffalo’s Delaware Park, The Parkside House is a lovingly renovated yellow Victorian edifice converted into a B&B. Owned by a gay male couple, this tasteful lodging is in the Parkside neighborhood, just five minute’s north of Allentown and two blocks north of a famous Frank Lloyd Wright early 1900s Prairie-style home called The Darwin D. Martin House.
And yes, there’s a fireplace in the main downstairs lounge.
About an hour’s drive east of Buffalo is the gorgeous Finger Lakes District, known for its thick forests and good wines. Here you’ll find the exceptional The Chalet of Canandaigua Bed & Breakfast on its own leafy acreage. Opened by longtime couple Margaret and Pattie in 2007, it’s a huge log cabin, luxuriously done. There’s a roaring stone fireplace in the main living room (under log beams) and each cozy room has its own gas fireplace as well. You’ll find plenty of reasons to snuggle up with your honey here.
