2019 has been an extraordinary year for Pride Journeys. We have visited many exciting destinations, some frequented by LGBTQ travelers and others not as well known. Part of the fun in traveling is exploring unknown destinations...and we sure found some hidden gems this year. Check out our top 10 cities for 2019.
Joey at Hamburger Mary's in Milwaukee
Portland, Oregon: For years, my former boss at South Florida Gay News would rave about Portland, Oregon. He loved the free-spirited nature of the community as well as the abundance of outdoor activities available outside the city. After years of seeing Norm and other friends post breathtaking photos on social media, I thought it was time to give Portland a try. Continue Reading
Milwaukee, Wisconsin: I am always up for a big adventure, so I thought visiting Milwaukee right before winter would be a good idea. Little did I know, winter comes early in Wisconsin. I was greeted with a small snowstorm and below freezing temperatures, but I wasn’t going to let that stop me. It was my first time visiting the city and I had lots to see. Continue Reading
Cape Cod, Massachussetts: By now, most of you know I march to the beat of my own drummer, so when I decided to visit a summertime destination in the winter, people weren’t surprised. Cape Cod is known for attracting throngs of LGBTQ beach and party goers to its northmost tip, Provincetown. Having never been to P-Town, the locals found it surprising that I would visit during the winter, when the towns population is a fraction of what it is during the summer. Continue Reading
Phoenix/Tempe, Arizona: The last time I was in the Phoenix area was 2005, so when I was offered a chance to visit the city again, I jumped at the opportunity, especially since this trip would coincide with Phoenix Pride. The temperature in the spring and fall is quite tolerable and enjoyable so I would plan your vacation during those seasons, unless you are an avid heat seeker. Continue Reading
Bloomington, Indiana: In the heart of Pence country lies a gay oasis that needs to be on everyone’s list of places to visit. Bloomington, Indiana is one of the most welcoming and gay-friendly small cities I have ever traveled to, partially due to Indiana University and the LGBT initiatives they have implemented over the past few decades. This coupled with a bohemian lifestyle among residents makes it a great destination to visit for a weekend getaway. Continue Reading
Spokane, Washington: The Pacific Northwest is and has always been one of my favorite places in the country to visit. Natural beauty is around every corner and Spokane is no different. The city, historically overshadowed by Seattle, is going through a bit of a renaissance as of late and creating a vibe and culture that sets itself apart from its larger neighbor to the west. Continue Reading
Providence, Rhode Island: Being a proud gay journalist, I’ve travelled to dozens of pride events around the world. From São Paulo to Nashville, I’ve seen just about everything. But, the one thing I had never seen was a night-time parade. That all changed in Providence. Yes…Providence, Rhode Island! Continue Reading
St. Louis, Missouri: The last time I was in St. Louis I was still in my 20s, and I had the energy to party all night. After many shameless social media posts and ten years later, I had the opportunity to revisit The Lou with a friend of mine from Indianapolis. St. Louis is more or less centrally located, so it is easy to travel to from almost anywhere in North America. This makes St. Louis a fantastic destination for a long weekend getaway. Continue Reading
Grand Rapids/Saugatuck, Michigan: For the past few years, I’ve heard about a small town in Michigan known for its LGBTQ friendliness and charm, but it wasn’t until recently that I had the opportunity to visit Saugatuck and its neighboring town, Douglas. If you don’t live within driving distance, you’ll probably have to fly into Grand Rapids, another midwestern city worth exploring. The journey will be well worth it. Continue Reading
Columbus, Ohio: This was my fourth visit to Columbus, Ohio and every time I visit, I discover something new. What a lot of people don’t realize about this thriving mid-west city is that its LGBTQ community is one of the largest in the United States and growing every day. Continue Reading
