Queer VoicesProvincetowntourismsummer

10 LGBT Vacation Destinations: Small Cities and Towns

Last-Minute Summer Travel: 10 LGBT-Friendly Small Cities and Towns
By 

Student, Cornell University

|

With August almost over and Labor Day just a week away, now is the time to start planning a last-minute, end-of-summer vacation.

Big cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York and Boston are already on everybody's gaydar, but there are plenty of smaller or lesser-known queer-friendly cities and towns across the United States -- some in the unlikeliest of places -- that are worth a visit.

Check out the slideshow of LGBT-friendly small cities and towns below and share your favorite vacation destinations in the comments section.

Our 2024 Coverage Needs You

As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.

Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.

to keep our news free for all.

Support HuffPost

Before You Go

10 Small Cities and Towns for LGBT Travelers
Bloomington, IN(01 of10)
Open Image Modal
Bloomington, home of Indiana University and the famed (at least in LGBT circles) Kinsey Institute, is one of the most progressive cities in the Midwest, both socially and politically. The Advocatereportedly named Bloomington the 4th gayest city in the United States, saying "This forward thinking college town is a magnet city for gays in the Grain Belt. It's also home to Indiana University, where Miss Gay IU - said to be the first student-sponsored drag competition held on any campus - is in its 20th year. The Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction is also here, inspiring the entire town to be heteroflexible."Photo via Yahala at http://art.alahay.org/, via Wikipedia.org (credit:Photo via Yahala at <a href="http://art.alahay.org/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="http://art.alahay.org/" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5bafa784e4b0ad76925f9445" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://art.alahay.org/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="47" data-vars-position-in-unit="47">http://art.alahay.org/</a>, via <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Bloomington_IN_Kirkwood.jpg" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="Wikipedia.org" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5bafa784e4b0ad76925f9445" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Bloomington_IN_Kirkwood.jpg" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="48" data-vars-position-in-unit="48">Wikipedia.org</a>)
Eureka Springs, AR(02 of10)
Open Image Modal
Located in the Ozark Mountains of Northwest Arkansas, Eureka Springs is sometimes called "the hole in the Bible Belt where the belt buckle goes through." The small city boasts fantastic Victorian architecture and hosts three annual gay and lesbian events called Diversity Weekends, but, given the large percentage of gay-owned businesses, LGBT visitors are more than welcome year-round. Out Traveler named Eureka one of the "Top 5 Surprisingly Gay Small Towns," and, as OutInEureka explains, "There's no need to look for a 'gay district' in Eureka Springs. You'll find rainbow flags flying throughout the town welcoming GLBT visitors." Their tagline? "Eureka Springs, Arkansas: Where Even the Streets Aren't Straight."Photo via doug_wertman at Flickr.com (credit:<a href="http://www.flickr.com/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="Flickr:" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5bafa784e4b0ad76925f9445" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="39" data-vars-position-in-unit="39">Flickr:</a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/nanoprobe67/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name=" doug_wertman" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5bafa784e4b0ad76925f9445" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/people/nanoprobe67/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="40" data-vars-position-in-unit="40"> doug_wertman</a>)
Eugene, OR(03 of10)
Open Image Modal
Greatly influenced by '60s and '70s hippie culture and Ken Kesey (author of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest) who called the city home, the ultra-liberal city of Eugene has become a haven for anyone looking to pursue an alternative lifestyle, including LGBT people. With the focus on activism and the arts, it's perhaps the best destination in the list for more radical queers who lie outside the L/G and gender binary. Photo via NatalieMaynor at Flickr.com (credit:<a href="http://www.flickr.com/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="Flickr:" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5bafa784e4b0ad76925f9445" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="34" data-vars-position-in-unit="34">Flickr:</a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/nataliemaynor/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name=" NatalieMaynor" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5bafa784e4b0ad76925f9445" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/people/nataliemaynor/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="35" data-vars-position-in-unit="35"> NatalieMaynor</a>)
Santa Fe, NM(04 of10)
Open Image Modal
With the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop and muse, this Southwestern city is rife with museums, art and culture -- in fact, it was designated a UNESCO City of Design, Crafts and Folk Art. For its small size, it has a very large LGBT population, and in most areas, lesbians outnumber gay men. Albuquerque, less than an hour away, is a better destination for LGBT cruising and nightlife, whereas Santa Fe is a more laid-back, romantic vacation spot. Photo via Oemar at Flickr.com (credit:<a href="http://www.flickr.com/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="Flickr:" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5bafa784e4b0ad76925f9445" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="31" data-vars-position-in-unit="31">Flickr:</a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/oemar/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name=" Oemar" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5bafa784e4b0ad76925f9445" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/people/oemar/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="32" data-vars-position-in-unit="32"> Oemar</a>)
Ithaca, NY(05 of10)
Open Image Modal
Though this scenic city in the Finger Lakes region of upstate NY is best known as a college town, playing home to both Cornell University and Ithaca College, it has plenty to offer when school isn't in session. Among its many accolades, it was listed by The Advocate as one of the "Best Places To Live" for gays and lesbians. Though it doesn't have as many LGBT-specific bars and clubs as other "gay-friendly" cities, it is known for its progressive eco-friendly mindset, artistic culture, and eclectic population. For travelers looking to indulge in natural beauty (the gorges, waterfalls, public parks, and Cayuga Lake provide plenty) and stimulating conversation, rather than overpriced cocktails and thumping music, Ithaca is a worth a visit. If you go on the weekend, be sure to check out Ithaca's renowned Farmer's Market.Photo via solarnu at Flickr.com (credit:<a href="http://www.flickr.com/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="Flickr:" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5bafa784e4b0ad76925f9445" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="27" data-vars-position-in-unit="27">Flickr:</a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/solarnu/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name=" solarnu" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5bafa784e4b0ad76925f9445" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/people/solarnu/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="28" data-vars-position-in-unit="28"> solarnu</a>)
Asheville, NC(06 of10)
Open Image Modal
North Carolina probably doesn't come to mind when thinking of gay travel destinations, but Asheville, located between the smoky blue peaks of the Appalachian Mountains, is a gem with stunning natural beauty, local live music and renowned cuisine. In addition to its generally progressive outlook (perhaps surprising in a sea of Red) it has many gay and lesbian-owned inns and businesses, and has been referred to as a "dyke central" by Gay.com.Photo via davidwilson1949 at Flickr.com (credit:<a href="http://www.flickr.com/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="Flickr:" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5bafa784e4b0ad76925f9445" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="20" data-vars-position-in-unit="20">Flickr:</a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/davidwilson1949/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name=" davidwilson1949" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5bafa784e4b0ad76925f9445" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/people/davidwilson1949/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="21" data-vars-position-in-unit="21"> davidwilson1949</a>)
Coastal Maine, ME(07 of10)
Open Image Modal
It's hard to showcase just one small town gay destination along the coast of Maine. Ogonquit has been known as a coastal epicenter of New England's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community, but nearby Kennebunkport has made efforts to showcase that it, too, has gay and lesbian friendly entertainment and accommodations to compliment the natural beauty of Maine's beaches. For a more active destination, Portland, Maine's largest town, has one of the biggest per capita LGBT populations on the East Coast, according to Out Travel, and a vibrant nightlife to boot. Photo via atalou at Flickr.com (credit:<a href="http://www.flickr.com/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="Flickr:" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5bafa784e4b0ad76925f9445" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="16" data-vars-position-in-unit="16">Flickr:</a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/natalieguinsler/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name=" atalou" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5bafa784e4b0ad76925f9445" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/people/natalieguinsler/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="17" data-vars-position-in-unit="17"> atalou</a>)
Provincetown, MA(08 of10)
Open Image Modal
No collection of small LGBT-friendly vacation destinations would be complete without nod to P-Town, located at the tip of Cape Cod. Though a popular gay destination year-round, the height of the tourism season is August, when the annual Carnival Week transforms Provincetown into one big party, complete with boat cruises, inn strolls, music, special events, and the famous carnival parade that attracts over 65,000 viewers and marches the length of Commercial Street. Photo via laura padgett at Flickr.com (credit:<a href="http://www.flickr.com/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="Flickr:" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5bafa784e4b0ad76925f9445" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="11" data-vars-position-in-unit="11">Flickr:</a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/laurapadgett/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name=" laura padgett" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5bafa784e4b0ad76925f9445" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/people/laurapadgett/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="12" data-vars-position-in-unit="12"> laura padgett</a>)
Ann Arbor, MI(09 of10)
Open Image Modal
Ann Arbor, like many cities on this list, is a vibrant college town -- it houses University of Michigan -- and a gem in an otherwise somewhat conservative area. Out Travel named Ann Arbor one of the top five "Surprisingly Gay Small Towns," citing the large number of LGBT groups and lesbian bars. Photo via Gsgeorge at wikipedia.com (credit:<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Gsgeorge" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="Gsgeorge" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5bafa784e4b0ad76925f9445" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Gsgeorge" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="7" data-vars-position-in-unit="7">Gsgeorge</a> at <a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ann_Arbor_at_Liberty_Street.jpg" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="wikipedia.com" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5bafa784e4b0ad76925f9445" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ann_Arbor_at_Liberty_Street.jpg" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="8" data-vars-position-in-unit="8">wikipedia.com</a>)
New Hope, PA(10 of10)
Open Image Modal
Since the 1950s, the small borough of New Hope has been somewhat of a gay vacation resort town and its main industry is tourism. That isn't to say that there is no local culture to appreciate -- in the words of the New Hope Visitor center, "The wine connoisseur, history-buff, kid-at-heart, foodie, art lover and savvy shopper can all appreciate Philadelphia's northern countryside, Bucks County." Photo via fauxto_dkp at Flickr.com (credit:<a href="http://www.flickr.com/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="Flickr:" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5bafa784e4b0ad76925f9445" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="2" data-vars-position-in-unit="2">Flickr:</a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/fauxto_dkp/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name=" fauxto_digit" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5bafa784e4b0ad76925f9445" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/people/fauxto_dkp/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="3" data-vars-position-in-unit="3"> fauxto_digit</a>)
Suggest a correction
|
Submit a tip