LGBTQIA-Inclusive US Destinations to Celebrate Pride

June 1 is the start of Pride Month, and with it usually comes regional pride festivals and events to participate in. However, with the pandemic, some of these might not be held this year, so here are some awesome alternative destinations for celebrating Pride Month this year.

Finger Lakes, New York has a history of civil rights, women's rights and offers visitors a variety of incredible activities. Wine lovers can enjoy the region's over 150 wineries, including LGBTQIA-owned Americana Vineyards or enjoy the world's oldest photography museum, the George Eastman Museum, which features an exhibit on transgender and gender nonconforming adults, entitled "To Survive on This Shore." The Equal Rights Heritage Center will exhibit "Seeing Equal Rights in NYS," which focuses on civil rights movements, as well as that of the LGBTQIA community. Stay at a charming B&B, like Black Creek Farm or Ellwanger Estate B&B.

Lexington, Kentucky offers visitors a Lexington's Pride of Place, a self-guided walking tour that tells the history of The Bar Complex, the state's oldest LGBTQ+ gathering place. Patronize local LGBTQ+ businesses at the Lexington Diner and Third Street Stuff & Coffee.

Experience Western-style pride celebrations in Fort Worth, Texas. The area features awesome museums like the Kimbell, The Modern and the National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame. For some nightlife, check out the Urban Cowboy Saloon, the city's largest gay bar, the Sidesaddle Saloon or The Chat Room lounge. The new Hotel Drover offers guests a chic stay .

Asheville, North Carolina is an Appalachian dream with ample outdoor experiences to enjoy. It's home to the annual Blue Ridge Pride Festival, considered by many to be one of the best places to celebrate pride. Stay at The Foundry Hotel, which offers neighborhood tours with its own historian, as well as chauffeured brewery visits and day trips to The Biltmore Estate.

The Roxbury at Stratton Falls is enough reason to visit the Catskills. Built by Gregory Henderson and Joseph Massa, both veterans of New York's theater scene, The Roxbury features a renovated strip motel, a restored 19th-century Italianate mansion and eight stand-alone tower cottages, all whimsically themed, from the vampire-themed Dracula's Fangs cottage to the modern Superhero Incognito cottage.

Washington, D.C. offers visitors great opportunities to celebrate pride all month long. Hotel Zena is offering a special PRIDE Care Package to their guests, while its rooftop bar, Hedy's, will host pride nights throughout June, as well as a Solstice Drag Brunch on June 20th. At the Viceroy Hotel Washington, D.C., guests can enjoy a pride-themed floral arrangement class and a "Taste of Pride" brunch, which showcases several of the area restaurants.

San Diego has long been one of the most LGBTQ-inclusive cities in the country. It's home to Hillcrest, the area's "gayborhood," which offers plenty of local LGBTQ+ businesses to enjoy, as well as Diversionary Theatre, the third oldest LGBTQ+ theatre in the nation. The city celebrates pride in July, so it's perfect for those who'd like to extend the festivities into the next month. AvantStay offers over 60 vacation home rentals in the city, which offer guests a virtual concierge, Jacuzzis, pools and more.

Seattle has long been one of the best places to celebrate Pride Month, from its great LGBTQ+ businesses and its awesome parade. While the parade is currently canceled, PrideFest will be held virtually this year on June 26-27. Seattle Pride is also offering a PrideBox, which supports local LGBTQ+ businesses in the Seattle area. If you'll be coming to Seattle, stay at Hotel Max, which features artwork by local artists and offers Mini Rooms, which are perfect for busy adventurers who just need a place to sleep after a long day (or night) out.

Hell's Kitchen offers plenty of LGBTQ+ bars, nightclubs and drag events to enjoy for Pride Month, and it's within close proximity to Times Square and all of New York City's best attractions. Stay at the AKA Times Square, which offers suites with kitchens and a rooftop terrace, perfect for those longer stays.

Those who'd like to celebrate Pride Month in a smaller city but with no less fanfare will love Grand Rapids, Michigan. The JW Marriott Grand Rapids is hosting a Drag Endless Brunch in collaboration with Michigan Drag Brunch, and will feature the local drag queens, the Brunchettes. All of its proceeds will go to A.Y.A. Youth Collective.

St. Petersburg will be hosting several different events all month long to safely celebrate Pride Month, like the Pride Run St. Pete and Wellness Festival, which includes a "Dive Dash," where participants run in high heels and diva attire. Some fun LGBTQ+ businesses are The Queens Head and Enigma Bar & Lounge, and make sure to book your tickets months in advance for a visit to the world-renowned Dali Museum. Stay at the historic Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club.

Atlanta is an awesome city to celebrate Pride Month in. This year, the Georgia Aquarium will host a pride celebration featuring cocktails and live DJ music, and the Atlanta Pride Run will still be held to raise funds for Joining Hearts Atlanta, which helps people in the community with HIV/AIDS. The city also features The River's Edge, the Southeast's largest Gay campground, which is great for outdoor lovers. For a more traditional hotel stay, check out the W Atlanta - Midtown, which is located near the area's best nightlife.

Hudson Valley, New York offers so much to see and experience. For Pride Month, instead of the parade, which has been postponed, visitors can enjoy talks and fun events like yoga classes at the Hudson Valley LGBTQ Community Center. Stay at The Hudson Whaler Hotel, a new boutique hotel that is opening in June for a perfect place to relax in between your busy schedule.

PrideFest in Denver usually draws in around 450,000 individuals! This year's PrideFest will be on June 26-27, complete with a virtual or in-person walk-and-run 5k and a virtual pride parade. Some of Colorado's various attractions will also be turned into "Pride Hubs," which are smaller, but no less fun, gatherings. Check out the Monaco Denver, a Kimpton Hotel property, which offers chic guestrooms in the Central Business District.