THE BELVEDERE

I'd seen the Belvedere before when on Fire Island but was never really there for any period of time let alone stay there, except when one year we went to a pool party there. It was definitely something. When Fire Island virgins first take the nighttime ferry from Sayville to Cherry Grove, it's a unique sensation that occurs as they approach. Towering above the multitude of tiny summer cottages is a baroque beacon, a shimmering palace that is so wonderfully out of place, that it seems to fit right in yet. But I wondered how an Italian palazzo ended up off the coast of this island?

Well after blowin the current owner, I got the story, Just kidding, just kidding!!! Or am I? LOL. I did ask and found out this iconic Venetian inspired guest house for men was established in 1957 by self-taught artist and set designer John Eberhardt. He has built over 50 of the islands homes too. Modeled after Venetian palazzos, the castle like white facade features ornate towers, domes and a consecrated baroque chapel.  Eberhardt hand painted interior trompe l'oeil murals and decorated the rooms with European antiques. I was even told the mayor of Venice even gifted the hotel a city flag. For nearly 70 years it has operated as a historic vacation oasis and one of the oldest continuously running queer spaces on the island. It wasn't till 1984 it transitioned into a male only clothing optional guesthouse right during the HIV'AIDS crisis.

Our room

Queens getting frisky?

Some of the clan, with the baring of MM #1 Fan's assets.

Naked yoga! My view with breakfast one day! Now that is a sight you don't see every morning.

This was Not my room to settle rumors.

Fire Island...such a fun place and nowhere else like it. The Belvedere has passed down through three generations, managed and owned by Eberhardt first, then adopted son and partner Craig, and now owned and managed by Craig's husband Julian Dorcelien Eberhardt, who sadly told me he is putting it up for sale as it takes all your time up running the place. It is listed in the millions currently. I hope it find a good owner and keep the traditions going. I mean, who doesn't like seeing men doing naked yoga while enjoying breakfast? And then the tea dances!