The South has always had quite the reputation for sizzling destinations and a rich history, which makes it one of the best off-the-beaten-path regions of the United States to visit during the fall! Some of the best cities in the country reside in the beautiful and unique South- there is really no better place to get a sense of a vital part of the American spirit than here. The key to traveling in the South is knowing where to go, and we have the latest scoop on the best places in the South you absolutely MUST visit!
Charleston, South Carolina is apoignantt town brimming with style. Though rich in tradition and history, Charleston has a thriving gay community and plenty of gay-friendly businesses. Most of the best places to go are in the downtown area- and the city of North Charleston which is only ten minutes north is also worth a visit. There are plenty of historical highlights to check out, and a superb restuarant scene when you work up an appetite!
Nashville, the capital of Tennessee is also known as Music City because it has plenty of fun and culture to offer to the traveling rhinestone cowboys and cowgirls! Museums, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and a large university community fuel this democratic hot spot in the center of the South. "The District" seems is where most of the gay action is, with a flood of clubs all within walking distance from one another. If you're looking for a place to strap on your boots and get your line-dancing booty shaking on, the "home of country music" may just be the right city for you! We recommend staying with Hotel Indigo Nashville!
Colorful and flaming in full Pride, New Orleans is a city that has definitely never been populated by Puritans. New Orleans doesn’t deny the importance of enjoying life or the necessity of the freedom to let yourself be who you truly are. The balmy sub-tropical weather, wonderful traditions, and charming architecture conspire to create an environment that wouldn’t let you hold yourself back if you tried. Even the straightest of people don’t hesitate to paint their houses pink! Throughout the entire year, locals get dressed up in costume, throw fabulous balls, or put on parades no matter what the reason! We Recommend staying with Aloft New Orleans Downtown!
Atlanta is an absolutely excellent epicenter of the LGBT South. Home to a vibrant gay community, Atlanta boasts numerous must-visit establishments and can't-miss events. While Midtown is considered the hub of the gay community here, the city proper is a haven for LGBT travelers. If you are craving vivacious nightlife scenes, head to East Atlanta Village and Little Five Points.
Often called the “Silicon Hills of the Southwest” because of the major computing businesses in the area, Austin is one of the fastest growing cities in the country. World famous for the eclectic music found in the area, Austin has a well-deserved reputation as the live music capital of the world. Gay travelers to this city will be pleasantly surprised by the large gay and lesbian population of what is quickly becoming “Gay Austin.”
"The Queen City" in the heart of the South has a small but special LGBT community. This banker's town (Home to Bank of America's and Wachovia's HQ) is an excellent place for a quick business trip or weekend getaway. You'll be sure to find gorgeous Southern hospitality wherever you look! It's easy to get around "Uptown" (the center of the city) on the trolley car system and easy to get other places by car, so get ready to hit the pavement and start your visit!
Dallas has one of the biggest gay populations in the US and is home to the LGBT mega-church: The Cathedral of Hope. Gay Dallas is primarily focused on the Oak Lawn neighborhood with bars, restaurants, and stores. Being a massive city, there is a wide variety of people and scenes, so you are sure to find what you seek here.
As the fourth-largest city in the country, Houston is a dynamic and diverse place brimming with world-class dining, arts, hotels, shopping and nightlife. When the sun goes down, Houston comes alive with potent potables and a diverse LGBT-crowd, eager to kickstart the city's lively nightlife scene. From leather bars and neighborhood pubs to video lounges and dance clubs, the real fun begins after dark. Get the scoop on the city's prime places for after-hours play.
If you're looking for sassy and sharp locals, the Raleigh-Durham area of North Carolina might be just the place for you. Raleigh-Durham is thriving with college life from places such as Duke University and North Carolina State University. This area turns out the highest number of Ph.D.s per capita in the United States, so you're bound to find a clever companion to chat with into the wee hours of the morning with! There is a distinct gay area which centers around Flex & Legends Nightclubs. Other
While lacking the vibrancy of many larger U.S. cities, Memphis has a lot to offer gay travelers! Known for Blues, BBQ and Elvis, Memphis is a city steeped in culture and tradition. There are many things to do and see in Memphis, but one of the largest tourist attractions by far is Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presley. Though Memphians are known for their relaxed perspective throughout the mid-sized city, midtown seems to be the best place to get your gay groove on! Most of the bars seem to cater to a Levi crowd with Country & Western music, but you can find a variety of other places to shake your tail feather to everything from Elvis to dance remixes of Martina McBride.
