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by Brad Benedict

Appelrouth Lane is the best spot to be if you ever go to Key West. Centrally located and beginning at Duval St. in front of the Old Strand Theater, it contains within its boundaries the primary island guest house, Big Ruby's Guesthouse, at 409 Appelrouth. This fabulous complex was my home away from home on my recent trek to the southernmost point of land in the U.S. Let me tell you something about the people and the places you need to check out or visit.

First of all, I want to mention that I covered several different stories for numerous free-lance markets, but it is the Gay and Lesbian environment that I cared the most about and for which I spent most of my time. Because of all the activities that I had to attend in such a short period of time, I chose Big Ruby's because of its location and its praise that I've heard from others and from things I've read about the place.

The complex can truly be called a piece of paradise. In a tranquil and tropical setting, men and women from all over the world were here during my stay.

The quality of this fine establishment was seen not only in the accommodations but in the superior friendliness that all the employees showed to everyone. The complex is a clothing-optional facility, and men and women were equally at ease with this. Everyone was welcome to relax and renew themselves in a place that could easily be compared to a personal residence.

There are several houses in the complex. Two of them are over 100 years old and rest in a secluded area surrounded by a tall fence. The rooms really are immaculate in all respects. A touch of elegance is seen in all of the rooms, and the towels are color coded for room or deck/pool use. Televisions with cable service are offered in each. The decks are spacious, and the tropical plants are absolutely magnificent. All of this is within walking distance of restaurants, beaches, historical points of interest, boutiques, bars and discos, and everyone gets a specially prepared breakfast each day compliments of some studly and wonderful gentlemen employed at the guesthouse.

I could go on and on about Big Ruby's Guesthouse, but you get my drift. Why would anyone want to stay anywhere else when Big Ruby's offers only the very best of all the rest?

Across the street from the guesthouse is Leather Master, a toy shop for the very adventurous. Frank was my contact here, and he's also president of Key West Wreckers Leather/Levi Club, Inc. If you want any leather at all, you only have to come to this store. If they don't have it, I doubt if you will ever find it elsewhere. The two bars on this lane are One Saloon of Key West and Donnie's Club. Donnie is the owner and main bartender at Donnie's Club, and he's a personal friend of Paul and Mike, former Baton Rougeans who are about to take on Louisiana again. Donnie's Club is a nice watering hole, and it's a place that has a standing welcome mat out for out-of-towners. Donnie is also owner of the only Lesbian bar in the city, Club International.

I really enjoyed my visit to Club International, located at the corner of Olivia and Simonton, and this was partially because Dee is such a fine asset to this facility. She did want me to tell all her friends in Austin that she has never been happier and has found her place in the sun. She's outgoing, has a fabulous personality, and just plain makes you want to stick around a long while.

Now I wanted to begin this column with my praise for THE best bartender I've ever known, but I knew if I did I might never get on to other people, but I do have to tell you about him. There wasn't a day that went by that I didn't make it a point to stop in at the Bourbon St. Pub, located on Duval St., to see him. He's a former Philadelphia lad with short brown hair (mostly hidden under caps), has a swimmer's build, rings in each ear and above his right eye, and is a typical All-American type in every respect. He has a gracious and beautiful smile (with perfect teeth), profoundly expressive blue eyes, exceptionally friendly manners, a cute and wonderful expression when he is embarrassed, and gives you the feeling that he has a great sense of pride in what he does whether at work or at home. I guess I need to tell you it's none other than Raymond, who can spread rays of sunshine just by being in your presence.

I also found Chris at the 801 Bourbon Bar to be a fine specimen of humanity with a body to die for. He was busy doing some sketching on the mirror for their weekend's special event, but most of the time you will find him bartending there. This facility also has a special bar for leather studs too, so you could just stop in here and never leave, until you need to go home, that is. The big thing at this complex over the weekend was the Annual Back to the Beach ABSOLUTly extravaganza. There were Absolut drink specials all weekend, and bikinis were the order of the days. If you didn't have one, they could supply one.

I need to also mention that there is only one massage therapist who you need to deal with when visiting Key West. It's Jon Harper, and he works out of the Club Body Tech facility. This English-born hunk made his way to Key West by way of the Caribbean and Canada. His technique is something very special, and my recommendation would be to go to him for the comfort and professional expertise that few can match. I highly recommend him.

I also met Edward at the Worldwide Flags of Key West shop, and this man was extremely nice. It was a pleasure talking to him and checking out his merchandise, the kind on the shelves.

Another individual who impressed me on this trip was Jim, who is an employee at Big Ruby's. It's been a long time since I've encountered anyone so sincere, and it doesn't help to be so gorgeous either. This one makes Tom Cruise pale in comparison.

And while I'm back to Big Ruby's, I'll tell you about some of the guests. Scott was the most impressive from the standpoint of intelligence and poise. Ken and Jason were a great couple from Tennessee. Ken, on the other hand, was just simply one of those exceptionally friendly types that you easily want to snuggle up to, a very cute little snuggle bunny. Philip was the Italian-born stud who ended up in Canada. Kevin and Daniel were super nice and a definite asset to any gathering. I felt like I had known them for years and hope I have the pleasure of reuniting with them again. Thad was quiet, and it took him a while to get going, but he finally fit in and had a wonderful time. I'm sure I'll see him again when I go to San Francisco in Sept. Kim and Louie were also great to be around. The two Davids were very nice and enjoyable to be around, and the two girls from Washington, D.C. were an exceptional couple. I also found the two girls from way up east were also great to be around. Brenda hailed from Connecticut, and Lindsey was from Pennsylvania. Tony, from Virginia, was a former Baton Rouge resident, and it came as a surprise that he was one of the first people I ran into-and at the same guesthouse. I looked at him and immediately knew our paths had crossed before. It was great seeing him again.

The other two guests that impressed me the most were from Morocco and Belgium, and I only saw them around the pool area once or twice. I think they enjoyed the privacy of togetherness in their room. I rode to the airport with them upon leaving, and it was at this time that I got to know them. We had a wonderful and sexual conversation about the ins and outs of living in Morocco. It sounds like my kind of place.

At the present time, Big Ruby's is expanding, so check with them before you leave for Costa Rica or Europe. Check out their locations and reserve a place in their luxurious facilities. You will always feel like you're home.

I managed to get to the beaches, especially the one at Fort Zachary Taylor State Historic Site. The locals call it Fort Liz Taylor Beach, but that's another story. If you get to Key West, take in the Earnest Hemingway home on Whitehead St., across from the lighthouse, and the Mallory Sq. area is nice, especially at sunset. However, July is not the time to see the sunset as I recall it from years past.

Other great points of interest are the Harry S. Truman Little White House complex, the Audubon House, the churches, the Cuban Consulate and all the museums. However, the best thing you will find on the island, in my opinion, is a small section of paradise that most people never realize is there. It's the Secret Garden.

This is Nancy Forrester's garden where she and longtime garden helper Elliot have created an environmental masterpiece. It's located at the end of Free School Lane, and you will be absolutely amazed at what you find here. There's even a cottage in the center (which is available for rent) and the main house has in the past offered rooms for visitors. It's the botanical offerings that are so amazing, and it's an area that deserves praise for its founder. Working with only monies from the donations at the entrance, this garden is definitely one that all preservationists should see. Extra support is needed desperately and can be given by individuals interested in lending a helping hand. It's an investment in something that needs to be preserved for all generations, and like so many things of this type, stands in the way of progress, like condos and other goodies of political significance. Any donations can help to fend off the destruction of this magnificent piece of property and can be sent directly to Nancy Forrester's Secret Garden, One Free School Lane, Key West, FL 33040. At least visit this wonderful little place, sit for a spell, and enjoy the wonders of nature as only can be found in a secret garden.

Well, in closing, let me just tell you that I scoped out a number of cuties while I was out on the streets and at the numerous eateries, but I have covered the most prominent ones, or at least the most memorable ones. And you, sweet Raymond, are etched into my memory forever. You are definitely the most gorgeous of all the bodies I met while in Key West. From top to bottom and ALL points in between, you rank as a big 10 on my scale of perfection.

And that's a fact!

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