Gay resort russian river california

From the late s to the early s, Fife’s was one of the Russian River’s most trendy gay resorts. The acre site near downtown Guerneville opened in as a vacation ranch called Murphy’s Ranch. In c. , Murphy’s was purchased by Philadelphia native Peter Pender who transformed the dozens of historic cabins, the clubhouse, and pool into one of Northern California’s hottest gay destinations. Blogger Glen Gertmenian describes the scene: “The place was packed from the very beginning, with hunky cocktail waiters running drinks poolside, non-stop volleyball games in the meadow, canoe rentals at the beach, and a campground where campers competed to see who could produce the most elaborate camp decorations. There was even a bunkhouse, in the lower meadow, where less-affluent gay men could rent a bunk space for a mere $15 night. And, of course, there were evening nature trails.”<br /><br />A new owner, gay guy Michael Clark, purchased Fife’s in Clark operated it as a gay resort for two years, but c. carried out extensive renovations, including removing the gym and campin