Goonies never say die… and apparently neither do gay men with PTO 🤣
Some gays travel for beaches. 🌊
Some travel for food. 🍷
Me? I flew to Oregon because 10-year-old me never got over The Goonies. 😂
So yes… I stood on Cannon Beach looking toward Haystack Rock like I was about to find One-Eyed Willy’s treasure. Then wandered through Portland pretending I was sophisticated enough to know something about roses besides “that’s pretty.” 🌹
Honestly? That’s one of my favorite parts of getting older.
We stop waiting for someone to make our childhood dreams happen… and start taking ourselves.
🌿 EG Pillar: Roots
Sometimes honoring where we came from means finally giving our younger selves the adventure they always imagined. Those little dreams deserve a passport too.
Who’s with me… what movie or TV show has influenced a trip you’ve taken? 🎬✈️
— Kyle Patrick
ElevateGray 🌿
Savor. Rise. Go Beyond.
Traveling to destinations inspired by childhood movies or TV shows is a unique way to combine nostalgia with exploration. For me, standing on Cannon Beach gazing toward the iconic Haystack Rock evoked memories of searching for One-Eyed Willy’s treasure in The Goonies. It’s more than just a location—it’s a connection to the dreams and imaginations we held as kids. Visiting Portland afterward gave me a chance to indulge in a different kind of sophistication, beyond just recognizing the beauty of roses. It's these moments that illustrate how travel can be deeply personal, blending childhood wonder with mature appreciation. From my experience, one of the most rewarding aspects of travel is reclaiming dreams that were set aside as life got busy. Many people, especially in the LGBTQ+ community who juggle work commitments like PTO days carefully, might hesitate to take spontaneous trips. But these adventures can be acts of self-love—honoring where we come from and our authentic selves. Moreover, sites like the Oregon Maritime Museum in Portland offer cultural insights that complement the whimsical elements of a themed trip. Exploring local museums, tasting regional cuisine, or simply soaking up the coastal atmosphere enriches the experience beyond fandom. If you’re inspired by a movie or show, I encourage you to plan your own journey. Whether it’s visiting filming locations, sampling legendary local treats, or just walking the streets your heroes might have walked, such trips create lasting memories. They remind us that dreams aren’t just for kids—they’re passports to personal growth and joy at any age.