Who doesn’t love to splash out with a big overseas vacation? Paris! Italy! Tokyo! Buenos Aires! Bali! Iceland! Globetrotting to far-off destinations are important. And we all dream of those kind of “Eat Pray Love” experiences of enlightenment and far-flung travel-based self-exploration.
But as Americans (as most of here at TripOut are) we also love to play in our backyard. And you have to admit, it’s a pretty fantastic backyard to explore… And that’s why we want to know what’s your favorite getaway location in the good ol’ U. S. of A.? It may be a gay New England getaway, a city of brotherly (and sisterly) love, or a sexy desert oasis.
Have a look below at the best U.S. cities which rock our gaymerican traveling world!
Editor’s Note: If you’re wondering why New York City isn’t on this list, that’s because after winning Best U.S. Destination last year, we decided to bump it up to the Best Global Destination category this time around. Let’s see how it fares versus other worldly wonderlands, why don’t we?
November 10, 2010 – UPDATE: Congratulations to San Francisco for winning the 2010 award for Best U.S. Desination!
|
Chicago, IL The Windy City is more than just the “Gay Haven of the Midwest.” It’s the home to Oprah, the Steppenwolf Theater and yes, Boystown! Plus, great food, fun bars and manly architecture… Plus, the lesbian mecca of Andersonville. That toddling town is taking over! |
|
Fort Lauderdale, FL In the last 15 years, Fort Lauderdale has emerged from a sleepy beach town where Spring Breakers used to wreak annual havoc, to a swank and tropical getaway for discerning gays and resort-lovers of all stripes. Gorgeous beachfront resorts and thumping nightlife abounds. The Golden Girls never had it this good! |
|
Las Vegas, NV What happens in Vegas doesn’t really stay in Vegas anymore… How else would the desert hotspot have gained a global rep for world-class nightlife, superstar chefs, and upscale luxury fun? Yeesh, some people just can’t keep secrets. |
|
Philadelphia Philly gets major props for showing all of us how a smaller, smart city rolls out the red-carpet for gay travelers. Their tourism folks bend over backwards to welcome you. (And we know how you like that.) Plus, once you’re there, you’ll see why this gem is on the rise… |
|
Provincetown Way up on the tip of Cape Cod you’ll find the most charmingly gay-tastic little town, ever. P’town is a historic pilgrim landing site, a former Portuguese fishing hamlet, and now it’s Main Street USA for gay America. Families, singles, bears, lesbians… They all stroll up and down Commercial Street, and the sunny result is wondrous. |
|
San Francisco The gay heart of America surely beats in San Francisco. Harvey Milk’s adopted city has always been a Golden-Gated beacon of freedom, fun and welcoming warmth. Other cities may be slicker or speedier, but San Francisco is home. |
We asked the nominees if they’d like to respond to their nomination, or tell you more about themselves. Here’s what we’ve heard so far!
From Bob Sanborn, Provincetown‘s Tourism Director:
You’ll be sure to fall in love with ole Cape Cod… Provincetown is like nowhere else, and offers something for everyone.
It has been consistently recognized as a top LGBT destination in the U.S. for decades because of its unique beauty, including two of the best beaches in the country, and its long standing record for openness and diversity, as well as its great nightlife, entertainment, numerous galleries, shops, restaurants and B&Bs. Most recently it’s become the preferred wedding destination for same sex marriages.
Check out more of the 2010 TripOut Gay Travel Award nominees!
Who came up with these nominees? Meet the TripOut Gay Travel Awards Academy!
