Pride Journeys (59 Articles with 90,409 total views)
Pride Journeys is the premier source for LGBT travel. We publish destination reviews in addition to lifestyle content that is both insightful and engaging to our readers. Our content focus on news, entertainment, food, wine, and culture. Join us for a journey of a lifetime as we explore the world.
April, 2025
Pride Journey Walla Walla: A Hidden Gem for LGBTQ Food, Wine, and Adventure Seekers
Nestled in southeastern Washington, the charming town of Walla Walla is a destination that combines rich history, award-winning wines, and an emerging culinary scene. With its picturesque vineyards, welcoming small-town atmosphere, and impressive gastronomic offerings, Walla Walla is an ideal getaway for food and wine lovers alike. During my recent visit, I had the pleasure of experiencing some of the best this town has to offer, from cozy accommodations to must-visit dining spots and vineyards. What made this adventure even more fun was that I got to experience it with fellow LGBTQ content creators Matt of Michael & Matt, Mikah Meyer and Adam Dupuis.
February, 2025
Richmond, Virginia - A Vibrant Fusion of History, Culture, and LGBTQ Pride
Stepping into Richmond, Virginia, often called the "River City," feels like walking through a seamless blend of past and present. This captivating city, with its rich historical roots and dynamic modern culture, offers a unique experience for every traveler. But for the LGBTQ community, the Richmond Region is more than just a destinationit's a vibrant haven of inclusivity and pride.
January, 2025
Pride Journey: Park City, Utah A Mountain Haven of LGBTQ Inclusivity
Nestled in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah, Park City is a gem for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and those seeking a world-class dining and relaxation experience. Originally a silver mining town, it has evolved into one of the most popular destinations in the United States, offering not just world-class ski resorts and summer outdoor activities, but also a rich blend of culture, fine dining, and leisure. Whether you are planning a winter getaway, visiting the renowned Sundance Film Festival, or just a weekend escape, Park City offers something for everyone. Among the many things that make it a premier destination are events like the Park City Wine Fest.
November, 2024
Pride Journey: New Jersey
Nestled along the Jersey Shore, Asbury Park has undergone a stunning transformation from a once-sleepy beach town to a vibrant, inclusive cultural hub. Its rich history, eclectic boardwalk, and thriving arts scene have made it a favorite destination for locals and tourists alike. For the LGBTQ community, Asbury Park holds a special place, offering an open and welcoming environment that celebrates diversity. On a recent trip to the destination, I noticed a ton of pride flags sprinkled throughout the area, hanging from homes and in the windows of area businesses.
October, 2024
Pride Journey: Lansing, Michigan
Lansing, Michigan, the state's vibrant capital, is a city brimming with cultural diversity, historical richness, and a rapidly evolving urban landscape. From its renowned Lansing Pride festival to unique dining spots like Veg Head and the dynamic Lansing Shuffle, there is something for everyone in this bustling Midwestern city. Add to this a plethora of attractions such as the Broad Museum of Art, Potter Park Zoo, and the historically significant districts of Old Town Lansing and REO Town, and Lansing stands out as a must-visit destination.
September, 2024
Pride Journey: Panama City, Panama
Panama City, the vibrant capital of Panama, is a city where history meets modernity, and nature intertwines with urban life. This bustling metropolis offers an array of experiences, from exploring historic districts to marveling at engineering marvels and savoring world-renowned coffee. Among its many attractions, Casco Antiguo, the Bio Museo, the Panama Canal, and Geisha coffee stand out as must-see highlights.
July, 2024
Pride Journey: Pensacola, Florida
Nestled along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, Pensacola, Florida, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and coastal charm along with a vibrant LGBTQ community. From its lively markets to its delectable dining options and picturesque natural wonders, Pensacola has something to offer every visitor. Let's take a closer look at some of the must-visit attractions in this captivating city.
April, 2024
Pride Journey: Las Vegas
Las Vegas, known for its vibrant and inclusive atmosphere, embraces LGBTQ culture with open arms, making it a thriving hub for the community. Iconic events like the annual Las Vegas Pride Parade and Festival bring together people from all walks of life to celebrate diversity and unity. Las Vegas Pride is typically in early October so start planning now.
March, 2024
Pride Journey: Fort Lauderdale
Nestled along the pristine shores of Fort Lauderdale, the Pelican Grand Beach Resort stands as a beacon of luxury and relaxation. This exquisite resort, with its timeless charm and breathtaking oceanfront views, has become a haven for travelers seeking an unforgettable escape.
Pride Journey: Lake Tahoe
Bordering California and Nevada is the iconic town of South Lake Tahoe. The destination seamlessly blends natural splendor with vibrant urban life. Surrounded by the majestic Sierra Nevada, this charming city is a year-round haven for outdoor enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and those looking for a retreat into nature's embrace.
December, 2023
Pride Journey: Hawai'i
In 1987, I visited the island of Hawai'i for the very first time. My mother and I decided to join other family members on the vacation of a lifetime. Hawai'i had always been my mother's dream vacation, so she was eager to go. Being seven years old at the time, I don't remember much about that trip with a few exceptions. One notably was having to wrap a hula skirt around my neck because I was too short for it to go around my waist.
November, 2023
Pride Journey: Brookhaven, Georgia
A short 20-minute MARTA ride from downtown Atlanta, Brookhaven stands as a testament to the perfect blend of history, modernity, and community. As a city that has grown from a small farming community to a thriving urban hub, Brookhaven offers its residents and visitors a unique experience with its tree-lined streets, diverse neighborhoods, and an array of cultural and recreational opportunities.
September, 2023
Pride Journey: Columbus, Ohio
Columbus, Ohio, a city known for its friendly and diverse atmosphere, has emerged as a thriving hub for LGBTQ culture in the Midwest. This vibrant community has grown exponentially in recent years, drawing people from all walks of life to experience its inclusivity, acceptance, and celebration of diversity. In this article, we delve into the rich LGBTQ culture in Columbus, exploring its history, events, organizations, and the city's ongoing efforts to create a welcoming environment for all.
July, 2023
Pride Journey: Athens, Georgia
Everyone knows that I am a sucker for small-city charm, so I decided to venture about an hour and a half outside of Atlanta to Athens, Georgia, home of rock bands R.E.M., Widespread Panic, and of course, the B-52's. As soon as I drove into the college town, I knew I was in for a treat. I love exploring these destinations as they tend to offer tons of local restaurants and boutiques which ooze with character.
Pride Journey: South Africa
I first visited South Africa six years ago with a group of friends. It was one of the most incredible journeys I had ever been on, and I knew I wanted to return. I fell in love with Cape Town and of course, all the animals we saw while on safari, so when the opportunity came to visit the country again, I knew I couldn't pass it up.
April, 2023
Pride Journey: Coastal Mississippi
Every now and then I visit a destination I know absolutely nothing about. That happened a few years ago when I visited Oklahoma City and I fell in love with OKC. This time around, that destination was Coastal Mississippi, more specifically Biloxi, Gulfport, and Ocean Springs. In fact, the only thing I knew about the Biloxi was the hotel I stayed at, Beau Rivage. I knew it was owned by MGM Resorts, but that was about it. The rest of the trip was going to be a surprise.
January, 2023
Pride Journey: Jacksonville, Florida
The last time I visited Jacksonville, I was probably in my early-mid 20s and living in Orlando. It was a very long time ago. I was eager to visit again as I know much has changed in the city since the early 2000s. If you are ever planning on visiting Jacksonville, I would highly recommend renting a car. Jacksonville is the largest city in the country by land mass and many of its popular attractions are spread out, especially if you want to get a good idea of all the city has to offer.
December, 2022
Pride Journey: Oklahoma City
Since I began Pride Journeys 5 years ago, I have had the incredible opportunity to visit dozens of destinations around the world. Some destinations I visited once, while others left such an impression, that I was yearning to return. Oklahoma City is one of those destinations.
November, 2022
Pride Journey: Madison, Wisconsin
A few years ago, I remember reading that Madison, Wisconsin was voted one of the top LGBTQ-friendly destinations in the country. Since I have a propensity to travel to under-the-radar destinations, I decided I wanted to see for myself what made Madison so special and inclusive.
September, 2022
Pride Journey: Orlando
Orlando has always been a place close to my heart. Back in 2002, I attended graduate school there as well as worked in the music industry for a company that launched the careers of Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC, O-Town and other stars. I even managed a boy band of my own around that time. Needless to say, I really enjoyed living in Orlando. It was also the place where I finally admitted to myself that I was gay, although I didn't officially come out to my family until a few years later
August, 2022
Pride Journey: Provincetown
I think it's safe to say that I found my new happy place. I had visited Provincetown, Massachusetts once before during the winter season and even then, I enjoyed my time there. Of course, P-Town is much slower during the colder months than it was during my most recent visit, but I still enjoyed the small-town charm of this iconic coastal destination.
Pride Journey: Salt Lake City
For years I have heard about Salt Lake City's thriving LGBTQ community, but I had yet to experience it firsthand. The Advocate even called Salt Lake City, one of the ten 'Queerest Cities in America.' Recently, I had an opportunity to travel to the Beehive State with my good friend and internationally known EDM musician Joey Suarez, where we had a chance to revel in the city's attractions and culinary scene and see what all the hype was about.
June, 2022
Pride Journey - Small Town Texas Roadtrip
I had a trip to Texas planned prior to the introduction of the anti-transgender bills in state Congress. I considered cancelling the trip completely, however I realized that there are thousands of LGBTQ people living in the state who would be negatively affected by boycotts and travel cancellations, so I decided to forge ahead. Texas is a red state with multiple blue dots including Austin, Houston, Dallas, and others.
May, 2022
Pride Journey: Louisville, Kentucky
Get out your fancy hat and get ready to sip some bourbon because we are headed to Louisville, Kentucky, the home of the Kentucky Derby as well as the world-famous bourbon trail. The city has ranked atop of HRC's municipality index for many years now, being the epicenter of LGBTQ culture in Kentucky. Visitors are welcomed by giant rainbow murals, friendly locals as well as a thriving nightlife scene.
March, 2022
Pride Journey: Indianapolis
The last time I wrote an article about Indianapolis was back before I was living here. Sometimes you view a city differently as a tourist, so I decided to become a tourist again to explore my beautiful city. Indianapolis is in my opinion one of the most underrated cities in the country. Its people, culture, and opportunities are some of the greatest strengths of the city, not to mention, a thriving LGBTQ culture. Pride is celebrated here throughout the year. You can walk through neighborhoods and see countless rainbow flags hanging proudly from homes and businesses all year roun
February, 2022
Pride Journey: Iceland
The only way to describe Iceland is...magical. It truly is. Iceland is like no other place I've visited in the world. It's topography, climate, people, culture, history, and nightlife blended together make Iceland a surreal adventure that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. In my case, this is my second visit to the country, and probably not my last.
January, 2022
Pride Journey: Charleston, South Carolina
I am a huge lover of history and usually jump at the chance to visit any historic sites when I travel. What I didn't realize about Charleston, South Carolina is that I would be walking into a history book. To be perfectly honest, I didn't do much research before traveling to Charleston. Sometimes I like to visit a destination without any expectations.
November, 2021
Pride Journey - Savannah
Taking a trip to Savannah is like taking a journey back in time. Even the airport is designed with architectural elements in mind that make it clear to guests that they are in for a unique experience.
Pride Journey: Kalamazoo, Michigan
Yes, Kalamazoo is a real place! I personally never questioned its realness, however, I did see a ton of souvenirs with that slogan so I guess that may be a question on some of your minds. Kalamazoo is located in southwest Michigan, not too far from Grand Rapids and Saugatuck, two destinations I reported on a few years ago.
September, 2021
Pride Journey: Chicago
Chicago is my kind of town…it really is. I've been to Chicago more times than I can count over the years, however I have never written a Pride Journeys article about the city. Well, it's about time I did!
Pride Journey: Colorado Springs
Did you know that Colorado Springs is also known as Olympic City U.S.A.? Neither did I. Not only is the city home to the U.S. Olympic Training Center, but Colorado Springs recently celebrated the grand opening of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum, a stunning state-of-the-art building showcasing the history of the Olympic games as well as athletes that competed. The 60,000 square-foot facility focuses on the core values of the Olympic and Paralympic movements: friendship, respect and excellence, determination, equality, inspiration, and courage. The museum was voted "Best New Attraction" by USA Today and it's easy to see why.
August, 2021
Pride Journey: St. Louis, Missouri
On this visit to St. Louis, I wanted to focus on Union Station, a magnificent property located in heart of the city which features an aquarium, numerous dining options, a Ferris wheel and of course the Union Station Hotel. St. Louis is a quick 3.5-hour drive from my home in Indianapolis, so it's a great place for a long weekend getaway.
July, 2021
Pride Journey: Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs is my happy place. The city and the surrounding area provide me with the perfect mix of relaxation and entertainment. Having been to Palm Springs numerous times prior to this visit, I wanted to partake in things that I have never tried before, most notably a full body massage at El Morocco Inn & Spa, but we will get to that later.
May, 2021
Pride Journey: Atlanta
Almost everyone has been to Atlanta at some point or another. Whether for a conference or just passing through the Hartsfield-Jackson airport, the busiest airport in the world, Atlanta sees more than 100 million visitors per year. As the largest city in Georgia and one of the largest in the country by population, Atlanta has exploded to become an economic powerhouse. Skyscrapers are popping up throughout the city and many Fortune 500 companies have a presence in the region. Of course, the city is known for their hometown favorites: Coca-Cola, Delta Airlines and Turner Broadcasting System, which was founded by none other than Ted Turner, who's name is everywhere in Atlanta. Turner has a downtown street named after him as well as 3 namesake restaurants - Ted's Montana Grill - just in the Atlanta city limits.
February, 2021
Top 5 Things to Do in Phoenix in 2021
Phoenix, Arizona is one of the fastest growing cities in the United States. With a population topping 4.5 million people, the desert oasis provides a sprawling landscape complete with fabulous dining, retail, cultural attractions, and natural wonders that will surely please almost anyone. My last visit to Phoenix was highlighted by Phoenix Pride, which is tentatively scheduled for April 10-11, 2021. This year is the 40th Anniversary of the organization and one can only hope that ample amounts of vaccines are available to ensure the parade and festival go forward as planned.
October, 2020
Pride Journey: Nashville, Tennessee
The past few months have been nothing short of disastrous for the travel and tourism industry. Thousands of people have lost their jobs and many more layoffs are planned in the upcoming months. As a travel journalist, I wanted to try to find a balance between safety and promoting destinations to help increase tourism. LGBTQ-friendly destinations need our business now more than ever. As someone who has personally affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, I am still very cautious when it comes to participating in certain activities, although I have to admit, I have become less fearful than I was earlier this year.
June, 2020
3 Ways to Reach LGBTQ Consumers in the New Normal
The recent COVID-19 pandemic has turned consumer behavior upside down, but in recent days we have seen states begin to devise and, in some cases, implement their strategies for slowly reopening. Although this will surely be a long and tedious process, it is important that your company develop a marketing strategy to get ahead of the curve, for lack of a better phrase.
April, 2020
Pride Journey: New York City - Downtown
I quickly discovered that I couldn't possibly cover all that New York City has to offer in just one article, so I decided to break up my experience into regions. In this piece, I'll talk about all of the incredible sights and attractions available in downtown New York. Well, for the purpose of this article, the area from Times Square and south. This isn't what New Yorkers typically consider as downtown, but this is the region I'll be referring to.
March, 2020
Pride Journey: Aspen Gay Ski Week
For years I've heard about Aspen Gay Ski Week, but it wasn't until this year that I decided to take the journey out to Colorado to experience the event for myself. Now in its 43rd year, Aspen Gay Ski Week attracts guests from around the country, and possibly around the world.
February, 2020
Pride Journey: Palm Springs
Palm Springs is one of those destinations that you never get tired of. I'm not sure if it's the landscape, or the abundance of over-the-top gayness that makes the city truly magical. On my most recent visit to the desert gay mecca, I attended Palm Springs Pride, an event headlined this year by TLC and Kristine W. This year was the largest pride celebration in the city's history. I even had the opportunity to meet Palm Springs Mayor Robert Moon.
January, 2020
Pride Journey: Wichita, Kansas
When I found out I had the opportunity to visit Wichita, I was really excited. I had never been to Kansas before (aside from Kansas City) and was eager to see what "Cowtown" had to offer. First, a little history lesson. The city actually began as a trading post on the Chisholm Trail in the 1860s and became a key destination for cattle drives traveling north from Texas to access railroads, earning it the nickname "Cowtown." In the 1920s and 1930s, businessmen and aeronautical engineers established a number of successful aircraft manufacturing companies which helped transform the region into a hub for aircraft production. Wichita got a new nickname, "The Air Capital of the World." Manufacturers including Airbus, Beechcraft, Cessna, Learjet, and Spirit AeroSystems currently operate large facilities there.
November, 2019
Pride Journey: Columbus, Ohio
This was my fourth visit to Columbus, Ohio and every time I visit, I discover something new. What a lot of people don't realize about this thriving mid-west city is that its LGBTQ community is one of the largest in the United States and growing every day.
October, 2019
Pride Journey: Grand Rapids/Saugatuck
For the past few years, I've heard about a small town in Michigan known for its LGBTQ friendliness and charm, but it wasn't until recently that I had the opportunity to visit Saugatuck and its neighboring town, Douglas. If you don't live within driving distance, you'll probably have to fly into Grand Rapids, another Midwestern city worth exploring. The journey will be well worth it.
September, 2019
Pride Journeys: St. Louis
The last time I was in St. Louis I was still in my 20s, and I had the energy to party all night. After many shameless social media posts and ten years later, I had the opportunity to revisit The Lou with a friend of mine from Indianapolis. St. Louis is more or less centrally located, so it is easy to travel to from almost anywhere in North America. This makes St. Louis a fantastic destination for a long weekend getaway.
August, 2019
Pride Journey: Providence, Rhode Island
Being a proud gay journalist, I've travelled to dozens of pride events around the world. From Sao Paulo to Nashville, I've seen just about everything. But, the one thing I had never seen was a night-time parade. That all changed in Providence. Yes…Providence, Rhode Island!
July, 2019
Pride Journey: Spokane, Washington
The Pacific Northwest is and has always been one of my favorite places in the country to visit. Natural beauty is around every corner and Spokane is no different. The city, historically overshadowed by Seattle, is going through a bit of a renaissance as of late and creating a vibe and culture that sets itself apart from its larger neighbor to the west.
June, 2019
Pride Journey: Bloomington, Indiana
In the heart of Pence country lies a gay oasis that needs to be on everyone's list of places to visit. Bloomington, Indiana is one of the most welcoming and gay-friendly small cities I have ever traveled to, partially due to Indiana University and the LGBT initiatives they have implemented over the past few decades. This coupled with a bohemian lifestyle among residents makes it a great destination to visit for a weekend getaway.
May, 2019
Pride Journey: Phoenix/Tempe
The last time I was in the Phoenix area was 2005, so when I was offered a chance to visit the city again, I jumped at the opportunity, especially since this trip would coincide with Phoenix Pride. The temperature in the spring and fall is quite tolerable and enjoyable so I would plan your vacation during those seasons, unless you are an avid heat seeker.
April, 2019
Pride Journey: Provincetown/Cape Cod
By now, most of you know I march to the beat of my own drummer, so when I decided to visit a summer time destination in the winter, people weren't surprised. Cape Cod is known for attracting throngs of LGBTQ beach and party goers to its northmost tip, Provincetown. Having never been to P-Town, the locals found it surprising that I would visit during the winter, when the towns population is a fraction of what it is during the summer.
March, 2019
Pride Journey: Milwaukee
I am always up for a big adventure, so I thought visiting Milwaukee right before winter would be a good idea. Little did I know, winter comes early in Wisconsin. I was greeted with a small snow storm and below freezing temperatures, but I wasn't going to let that stop me. It was my first time visiting the city and I had lots to see.
February, 2019
Pride Journey: Portland, Oregon
For years, my former boss at South Florida Gay News would rave about Portland, Oregon. He loved the free-spirited nature of the community as well as the abundance of outdoor activities available outside the city. After years of seeing Norm and other friends post breathtaking photos on social media, I thought it was time to give Portland a try.
January, 2019
Pride Journey: Oklahoma City
To say I fell in love with Oklahoma City would be an understatement. I thoroughly enjoy visiting lesser known cities around the country as you go in with little expectations or preconceived notions. I had visited OKC very briefly a few years ago, but never spent a substantial amount of time there.
December, 2018
Pride Journey: Indianapolis
Indianapolis has always felt like a second home to me. I used to publish a gay magazine there called UNITE a few years ago, so I was frequently visiting the city. This time, I wanted to experience things that I may not have had the chance to see on previous visits.
November, 2018
Pride Journey: Seattle
A journey to the Pacific Northwest is something I always look forward to. I love the natural beauty of Seattle and of course the abundance of fresh seafood the city has to offer. Its proximity to both Portland and Vancouver are also benefits and the three cities are connected via Amtrak, so visitors can easily turn a trip to the Emerald City into a multi-destination vacation.
October, 2018
Pride Journey: Kansas City
The only things I knew about Kansas City prior to visiting, were the tales of legendary BBQ and the Chiefs. I went with an open mind and little expectations. The city has been generating a lot of positive buzz as of late, so I thought I'd see what all the talk was about. I found the city to be on the cusp of a breakthrough so to speak. A sleeping dragon ready for its day in the sun. The next "It City" - Nashville being the current "It City" and where I reside.
September, 2018
Pride Journey: Rochester, New York
Nestled 90 minutes from Niagara Falls and just off of the southern shore of Lake Ontario in the Finger Lakes region of New York, you'll find the truly limitless city of Rochester. Known for numerous festivals and events throughout the year, immense history, world class museums, and its inclusive hospitality, New York State's third largest city has something for everyone. I recently explored the city for myself and my expectations were consistently exceeded. My visit coincided with Rochester's Pride Fest. The inclusiveness of the city is apparent, and I felt welcome from the start. "Roc Pride," as it's known, is one of the largest Pride festivals in the state outside of NYC. Complete with events, music, and a parade, there's plenty to experience during this week-long celebration.
August, 2018
Pride Journeys: Houston
Throughout my career as a travel journalist thus far, I have been to Texas about a dozen times for both work and pleasure. However, the one city I never visited until recently was Houston. I quickly noticed that each Texas metropolis has its own flavor. Houston is no different. I was surprised how much I enjoyed the city, which is home to a great mix of art, music and LGBT culture
July, 2018
Pride Journey: Philadelphia
The first time I visited Philadelphia was for last year's NLGJA conference and to be perfectly honest, I really didn't think much of the city. The main reason for my feeling was mostly because I was stuck in a hotel conference room most of my stay. Apart from brief visits to the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and The 'Rocky Stairs', aka, the Philadelphia Art Museum, I really didn't have the opportunity to explore the city.
December, 2017
Pride Journey: San Antonio, Texas
My recent visit to San Antonio began with not knowing if I was even going to be able to go. It was at that time in the path of Hurricane Harvey, which ultimately took a turn towards Houston as we all now know, I was debating whether or not I should even attempt to visit the city. If I did go, would I be able to visit all of the attractions I wanted to see? Would it be raining and miserable? Would the city be flooded as predicted? Well I decided to roll the dice and flew into San Antonio a day early to arrive before the storm hit. It would be my first time visiting the city, so I didn't want to lose this opportunity.