6 Smaller Cities for LGBT Travel

Last week Lauren Conrad blew up her social media over a flap with a restaurant in Cabo San Lucas. Apparently they wouldn't let same-sex couples to participate in some bar games that were going on. So Lauren took her bachelorette party and left. This got us in the office thinking about outside of the usual Miami, NY, and San Francisco, what are some of the best smaller cities to visit for the LGBT community? So here ya go:

Las Vegas, NV

You would probably expect the come-one-come all city to welcome the LGBT crowd with open arms, and you would be right. Nowadays, all of the resorts consider themselves gay-friendly and a few years back Rumor even opened as almost gay preferred, but they pull in a great mixed crowd. If you bring Fido, don't miss their Yappy Hour event. Wynn and Encore now offer a Pride Concierge and same-sex couples massages at resorts are not even given a second thought. There is a decent smattering of gay bars, including the "Fruit Loop" - a gay section of town off of Paradise Rd with clubs and shops. If you are hanging down on Paradise head a little further down to Firefly* (ed. note - don't go looking for the footnote; the asterisk is part of the name) for the best value on Tapas you will find in Vegas.

Providence, RI

Althought there is no "gay"borhood in Providence, the LGBT community is found thoughout the community. Voted into Travel and Leisure's Top Five Gay Cities as well as many other top lists of gay-friendly destinations, the eclectic art scene, great restaurants and a youthful downtown keep Providence moving. If you are going to do one thing in the summer, make it Waterfire, an "award-winning fire sculpture installation on the three rivers in downtown Providence."

Portland, OR

Host of both Pride Northwest and the Portland Lesbian and Gay Film Festival, Portland, OR is one of the most gay-friendly cities in the Northwest. Arts, nature, great food, and fantastic shopping make this a haven for all things LGBT. Don't let Portland's laid-back style fool you. Steam Portland, the city's largest private men's bath house, boasts the Northwest's only inner-city nude sundeck. The city also has one of the strongest lesbian communities in the country. When you are in town, pick up Justout, Portland's longest published LGBT publication, out there since 1983.

Austin, TX

Austin, TX is known as the gay capitol of Texas even has a Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. As you might already know, Austin is a huge destination for live music, which lends itself to a younger, hipper demographic. 20 museums, professional ballet, symphony, opera and theater companies bookend the beautiful natural views and unique architecture. There is a vibrant tech community and the city is the host for SXSW (South by Southwest), drawing the creative and technical crowds to the area. Should you find you like Austin enough to stay, visit Gay in Austin, the essential relocation guide to LBGT folks moving to Austin.

Savannah, GA

Savannah, GA has always been known for its creative and free-thinking types. The internationally renowned Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), lends youth and creativity to over 60 buildings on its campus. You will find many gay-owned and run restaurants and shops in downtown and no trip to Savannah is complete without seeing the legendary female impersonator Lady Chablis right from Berendt's Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. She is based out of Club One, a gay club downtown, but check the schedule before you book your trip - she tours the country often. Tybee Island is a great place to hit the beach and is gay-friendly as well. Even though Georgia does not recognize same-sex marriage (yet), gaysavannah.com is hosting their inaugural LGBT Wedding Expo this July.

Portland, ME

Although you may be a little let down by the number of gay clubs in Portland, ME, don't let that discourage you from the city. Portland, ME, just like Portland, OR is an area packed with great culture, incredible food and beautiful views. The banking capital of the Northern New England, Portland brings the affluent crowd that goes with that title. Legalized same sex marriage (they were the fifth state to do so) lends to a "live and let live" mentality. The artisan boutiques, quaint restaurants and cool bars are attended by both straight and gay and are worth the trip itself. If you have a chance, venture out to the town of Ogunquit, a gay beach community with gay clubs, beach scene and lobster!

The LBGT community in the previous cities is thriving, but they are by no means the only cities that are gay-friendly. But straight or gay, those mentioned above will give you a great experience!

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