June means Pride month and, more broadly, Pride celebrations and for some Pride-themed holidays. June is generally a heavy travel month. So if you’re planning on traveling anyway, why not love it in the back of your mind? Most of the LGBTQIA + cities in the country are also some of the funniest and liveliest, which means lots of fun, celebrations, and maybe some karaoke or even a drag show.
Road trips have a long history in the US and even in the LGBTQIA + community they symbolize freedom and hope. The ability to drive from one place to another to find a community where folx can be themselves has always been of great importance. And though that comfort wasn’t always a luxury or a freedom given to everyone, as the Stonewall Riots showed the world. This summer, Pride-themed road trips mean more than ever – and you can start with these cities.
San Francisco, California
Anyone familiar with the history of the LGBTQ + movements in the United States probably already knows that San Fran is the city responsible for creating the rainbow flag. This is also known to be where Harvey Milk was at the height of his political career, and it is also home to more Folx in the community than any other in the country.
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Hence, it’s a hell of a good destination to start or end a road trip. There are a number of historical walking routes including the GLBT Historical Museum, the National AIDS Memorial Grove, and the streets Oscar Wilde specifically cited in his The Picture of Dorian Gray. Party seekers won’t be short of clubs and lounges, as well as Marshall’s Beach, which is always a good time.
Flagstaff, Arizona
The best destination in Flagstaff is Hotel Monte Vista, according to the Matador Network, which has a history and a reputation for being queer-friendly. What else is there to see in Flagstaff since the accommodations are furnished?
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Much! Nearby nature walks include Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument and the nearby Grand Canyon. It’s a great hideaway for nature lovers and also provides access to Pheonix, where the party can continue even after Flagstaff has closed for the night.
Austin, Texas
One of the great things about Austin is that it’s far more progressive and historically liberal than many other cities in the state. This makes it a great place to explore, especially on 4th Street in downtown Austin. This is where folx finds most of the nightlife and the largest party scene, followed by many restaurants.
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Austin’s food scene is second to none and with so much food to check out everyone will be surprised if you want to shake your bum somewhere afterwards. If you do, however, Matador Network recommends checking out The Iron Bear or Oilcan Harry’s. If you prefer to go to the beach (yes, they are in Austin!) Head to Hippie Hollow.
Fayetteville, Arkansas
Granted, Arkansas isn’t known for being the most laid back state. That said, Fayetteville is kind of a haven of its own thanks to its college town status. This town is a beauty and far more laid back than the surrounding area, and the scenic Ozark Mountains that surround it make for a pretty picture.
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It’s also home to the state’s biggest LGBTQIA + celebration, so it’s a pretty standout venue in June. If you need additional proof, Fayetteville is also officially part of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association. With a respectable amount of nightlife and clubs, cute, cozy shops, and more restaurants than you’d expect from a small Arkansas town, Fayetteville is officially on the map.
Columbus, Ohio
Thanks to its historic reputation, this state capital has a lot to offer anyone looking for the perfect LGBTQIA + getaway. Columbus is surprisingly art-centric too, with plenty of galleries devoted to local artists and their incredible work. However, it’s food that Folx come everywhere for – this town is home to some of the best restaurants in the Midwest with a fantastic variety of flavors.
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If the mix of food trucks and urban shops is not convincing, then the clubs and lounges will definitely do it. Whether it’s an elegant piano bar or a wild night at the bar, there is something for every style. Plus, any place with a rooftop bar or open pool is sure to be a good time, right?
About the author
Katie Machado
(1571 articles published)
Katie is originally from New York and is used to a fast paced lifestyle. She began her personal beginnings in second grade writing, and carried that passion with her until she won a spot in her high school’s published poetry book – but not before becoming a news editor and columnist for the high school newspaper. In college, she studied English literature with a major in political science and absorbed the creativity and method of one of the last professors to study with the famous beat poet Allen Ginsberg. The more she wrote, the more she learned about the world and, most importantly, about herself. She has been writing professionally and publishing since she was 19, and has covered entertainment, lifestyle, music news, video game reviews, food culture, and has for nearly a decade now privileged to write and edit for TheTravel. Katie strongly believes that every word written is a journey into yourself and your own thoughts, and when this is understood, people can begin to understand one another. Through her voice, she brings personality, research, and a bit of friendly sarcasm to every piece she writes and edits.
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