Milwaukee used to have a real honest-to-goodness clothing-optional beach right on the shores of Lake Michigan; it was called Paradise Beach and it’s still there, but now all access to the public is blocked. The only way anyone could get there was to go down a very steep path on a wooded bluff, struggle through some brambles and finally arrive at a strip of County-owned land along the shore.
It isn't the best beach in the world by any means. The sand is strewn with rocks and debris. In spring and summer dead algae and fish from the lake wash up and cover the shoreline. It stunk to high heaven but it was our beach even if the workers from the nearby water intake and filtration plant would drive their trucks over to the edge of their property at lunch time and spy on the "nekkid wimmins" through binoculars. They were harmless and they'd hoot and holler and we'd strut and wave right back. They got a good show.
Behind the beach was this steep and wooded bluff; part of it was owned by the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and part of it had private homes built on it. It was the inhabitants of those homes that brought about the downfall of Paradise Beach . . . they said they were "offended" by what they saw. Like the Peeping Toms from the public water works, they would have needed binoculars to see us, or they would have had to crawl down that bluff and peek through the bushes. Their reasoning never held any water with us and several of the real Naturists, who were also political activists and took care of the beach, took them to court for one last shout out. The newspapers and TV had a field day.
I should give credit to Milwaukee's most famous muscleman and nudist. Dick Bacon was Mr. Nude America sometime in the 1970s. He carved some steps in the dirt and strung up a rope to make it easier for some of us to get down to the beach; going up was our own problem and you could develop a good set of leg muscles over a summer of climbing up and down. Dick tanned all year 'round and in the winter . . . even on the coldest days, he was in his big circular reflector down at the lakefront. He made the national news several times. He died a few years ago and I'm sure he's in nudist heaven, if there is such a place, where God doesn't mind seeing that gorgeous naked body.
The beach is now closed to the public; the bluff is fenced off and the only way anyone can get to it is by boat anchored in rather deep water in front of the beach. Oh, yes, there are those paths from private property. Well, never mind; there are other spots in Milwaukee where one can discreetly slip off the briefest of bikinis for a few hours and catch some all-over rays. Dick Bacon showed me a few spots and I'll never tell where they are so don't ask. In the city I wear my tan-through bikini in the back yard and have been doing it for over 15 years with no fuss and bother from anyone
I've been saving Naked Places: A Guide For Gay Men To Nude Recreation and Travel for review on Epinions ever since 2000. I reviewed it then for the gay press in Milwaukee, but it never seemed to get added to the database. I took a chance a few days ago and e-mailed gracef the other day to see if she would add it. She did, complete with cover and a message to remember to wear sun block. Thanks Grace, you rock, as the younger generation is so fond of saying.
This is the Third Edition of a paperback book that contains not only nude beaches, but includes the locations of hot springs, spas, clothing optional accommodations and references for nudist organizations. Up front in the introduction we are told that this publication is worldwide in scope. There is a full index, a list of abbreviations and symbols used in the book and an explanation of organizations that are profiled. These are mostly social organizations that have varying policies from non-sexual to limited and open sexual activity. I couldn't tell you about any of them as I've never been and have no desire to belong to any.
Each entry is listed by geographic location beginning with the United States and progressing on to Canada, the Caribbean, Barbados and Cuba, Latin America and Mexico (there is nothing listed for South America except Uruguay) and on to Europe (by country), Asia, Africa, the Middle East and finally the Pacific region with Australia and New South Wales and lastly New Zealand.
For beaches and other natural areas, 200 are listed in the USA alone. They range from legally clothing optional, to freely clothing optional; legally means exactly what it says. The area has been designated as officially clothing-optional by a city or county government. Freely means that nudity has been well established and tolerated without any hassles. There are two more categories: traditionally and discreetly, which means be careful, the cops may be watching you.
The author tells us that he has included a handful of hot springs and non-beach sunbathing areas. Almost all of these places are basically queer and cater to a strictly gay clientele. Most nude areas are on public land and there may be an entry fee. Some are on undeveloped private land where the owner tolerates nude use. Be sure you know what the rules and laws are wherever you go . . . or plan to go. There are areas that have straight sections and gay sections both on the same beach.
The author says that many nudist organizations, resorts and recreation parks cater to primarily straight couples and families and this is a book for gay men, so if you are interested in straight nudist areas, he suggests joining a straight nudist club and getting your information from them.
Each B&B, guest house or other accommodation lists an address, a phone and a fax nuumber. Some have e-mails and web sites and I would bet that a new edition will have them for everyone. There are lots of pictures of attractive guest houses, B&Bs, wooded areas, beaches and rocky landscapes . . . some of them are liberally covered with nude gay men in and out of the water.
Incidentally, these are not "sex" photos; they're just pictures of attractive naked men enjoying themselves out in the sun. On page 360 you'll find a list of photo credits and three web sites where you can look at more photos in the buff. Many of the other photos are candid and anonymous.
For instance: The Old Town Bed & Breakfast in Chicago is located near Lincoln Park, is gay-owned and has a clientele of mostly gay men who are comfortable with nudity. They are open all year and have four suites at rates from $129 to 159 payable by check, traveler's checks, Visa, Mastercard, American Express. Other accommodations have similar or different methods of payment. Reservations are required here and there is no minimum stay and no handicapped access. The rooms have phone, cable, TV, AC and room service. There is a laundry room and parking is free. I guess from there you're on your own, it is Chicago Boy's Town, after all.
As for beaches, you will get a location with explicit directions for getting there by car. There is a full description of the area, that "nude status" and cautions, if any. There is also a "Notes" section that give further particulars such as dangerous waters, it's a gay/straight beach or what sports if any are available and if the area is patrolled by the police and what the fines are. Check out a destination before you go! If there's a B&B or other type of guesthouse, give them a call.
In Miami there's a famous legally clothing-optional beach located along the coast north of Miami Beach and downtown Miami in Sunny Isles on Collins Avenue. The "Notes" say that this is a big beautiful beach with its clothing-optional status sanctioned by Dade County. It's very popular with crowds numbering in the thousands. It's about 90% men and 50% of those men are gay and mostly at the northern end. The beach draws its share of gawkers, but I guess I'd prefer to be gawked at on the shores of Lake Michigan or the edge of the Wisconsin River if I had my druthers.
All in all this is a great book for any gay man who like to sunbathe in the nude, travels a lot or a little and just might want to meet others of his species. The author, Michael Boyd, has included a plea for information for the next edition, so if you get this and your favorite gay male nude place isn't listed, you can write him or e-mail him along with all the information he asks for on page 359.
Here in Wisconsin, we have a freely clothing-optional beach on the banks of the Wisconsin River near Mazomanie. It's been around for over 50 years and the religious right decided to attack the place a few years ago. I've reviewed that beach, the fracas that ensued and the surrounding area. You can read all about it at : http://www.epinions.com/content_65703808644
I read the five Wisconsin entries and some of those are sadly outdated in just the time since this book was published. He's getting an update from me. (Mercury Productions, ISBN: 0-9656089-2-1).
© Ed Grover - 2003
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