As summer draws to a close, you may be thinking about a last-minute getaway. Gas prices have come down slightly in recent weeks, so now may be a great time to hit the road and explore a destination for the first time. Below is a list of must-see attractions to visit this summer/fall.
Lake Tahoe
Clearly Tahoe specializes in providing unique guided tours in completely transparent kayaks. Join them for an unforgettable adventure as you paddle through the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tahoe and explore depths of up to 75 feet below the surface.
Oklahoma City Book a stay or plan a trip to the transformed Ford Motor Company Assembly Plant building, now the stunning 21c Museum Hotel. This hybrid concept has given a historic Oklahoma City building new life with its inventive hotel, restaurant, and art museum.
Miami
The National LGBTQ Task Force gala is the premier annual celebration for the LGBTQ community. The 26th Edition is happening on October 22 at the Miami Beach Convention Center. The event is a night for LGBTQ people and their supporters to unite our community, honor our heroes, and advance equality.
Phoenix
Come away with a new appreciation for the Native American culture after a visit to Heard Museum in Phoenix. There you will be amazed by the art, sculptures, immersive exhibits, and many other artifacts they have on display at their majestic, beautiful gallery!
South Africa
June to November is the perfect time to go whale watching in South Africa with southern right whales arriving off the coast of Hermanus in the protection of Walker Bay to rest, mate and give birth to their calves. Their daily arrival is heralded by the world-famous whale crier, who sounds his horn to proclaim the good news. Hermanus is the largest town along South Africa's Cape Whale Route, boasting excellent accommodation, restaurants and adventure activities. Known and recognized by the Worldwide Fund for Nature as being among the best whale watching destinations in the world, the annual Hermanus Whale Festival is a must-do event. If you are interested in knowing more about these gentle giants of the sea, there are a number of tour operators specializing in whale-watching boat tours. Once you’ve seen some whales, it’s time to step it up a notch with one of the many additional activities on offer, including hiking, shark-cage diving, sea kayaking, quad biking, parasailing and horseback riding.
Harford County, Maryland
Named as one of the "10 Incredible Topiary Gardens Around the World,” Ladew Topiary Gardens located in Harford County, MD offers 22 acres of beautiful landscapes & attractions.
Pittsburgh
One of Pittsburgh’s premier LGBTQ attractions is The Warhol Museum. The largest single-artist museum in North America, much of Warhol’s art shows off his proud queer identity.
Stockholm
Malarpaviljongen is Stockholm’s LGBTQ-owned summer hotspot, a gorgeous waterside oasis where profits are donated to providing first-response services like safe houses wherever LGBTQ+ people are in danger. It recruits LGBTQ+ asylum seekers to help them integrate into Swedish society.
Akron
Grab Life Right Here in Greater Akron. Explore Ohio’s only national park Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Top 15 visited in U.S.), where you’ll experience beautiful trails, breathtaking vistas & Brandywine Falls. Jump aboard the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad as you travel through the heart of the park to get the best views!
Knoxville
What do the Eiffel Tower, the Space Needle and the Sunsphere have in common? They were all built for World’s Fairs! Knoxville is celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the 1982 World’s Fair this summer. Plan a vacation to Knoxville and see if all that glitters is gold!
Rancho Cordova
On September 30th - October 2nd, the annual California Capital Airshow at Rancho Cordova's Mather Airport is back & ready to celebrate the US Air Force's 75th Anniversary. This one-of-a-kind show includes amazing runway displays, jet demonstrations, interactive exhibits, and more!
Palestine, TX
We could all use some stress relief. Unless you’ve been under a rock for the past couple of years, things can be tense these days! The perfect remedy just might be a yoga session at Oh My Goat Yoga in Palestine, TX. Offering stress through fitness and relaxation for the mind, body and spirit in an amazingly calm atmosphere with certified instructors will have you feeling your best. Book a private party during your stay, or just drop in for a visit and grab a specialty cake or cookie or a cheeseboard. Cabins available to stay in are only 5 miles up the road allowing you to plan a stay close by. Don’t forget to grab a t-shirt and some goat soap before you leave!
Sonoma Valley
Corner 103 was founded by Lloyd Davis as a result of his passion for wine and recognizing that most people are intimidated by it. Corner 103 has become a “must” visit for all wine lovers, whether expert or novice, coming to Sonoma Valley! It was ranked as one of the top 10 best wineries in the country by USA Today and has 5-star ratings on Yelp and Trip Advisor! Lloyd Davis was also awarded North Bay Business Journal’s 2022 Pride Business Leadership Award.
Richmond
Richmond Triangle Players offers performing arts rooted in LGBTQ+ experiences and supports and celebrates the development of queer artistry. Check out their next show The Inheritance (Parts 1 & 2), Aug 3-Sept 17 at Robert B. Moss Theatre.
Louisville
Home to the world’s only fully underground zipline course, the Louisville Mega Cavern is both an under-the-radar and under-the-surface attraction in Kentucky’s largest city.
Dutchess County
Experience the beauty of New York’s Hudson Valley from above at Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome. Ride in a vintage 1920s biplane and spot stunning Gilded Age mansions, lighthouses, and farms from a bird’s-eye view. Plus, stay in Dutchess County for their weekend airshows.
Galena
Voted one of "America's Best Main Streets" by Fodor's Travel and Parade.com, stepping onto Galena's Historic Main Street in Illinois is like something out of a movie. Looking much like it did when President Grant strolled the streets, this downtown attraction is home to charming art galleries, antique stores, eclectic boutiques, and enticing dining options, all housed in beautifully restored 19th Century buildings.
Thunder Bay
If you are a mountain bike enthusiast, the Black Sheep Mountain Bike club’s Shuniah Mine Trail is a must ride. With over 70 km (45 miles) of single-track riding for riders of all skill levels it leaves you wanting more!
