Travel Tips
Redditor-Recommended Gay-Friendly Small Towns in America
After consulting Reddit, we’ve compiled this list of gay-friendly small towns in America. To compliment their suggestions, we’ve provided helpful tips for nearby national parks and outdoor recreation areas. From visitors to residents, these are Redditers’ first-hand recommendations for LGBT-friendly small towns that are ready to welcome all with open arms.
Bisbee, Arizona
First up on our list of LGBT-friendly small towns is Bisbee, Arizona. This southwestern hidden gem comes with several strong recommendations from Reditters.
A historic mining town, Bisbee today boasts vibrant murals, stunning architecture, and a thriving cultural scene. Take a tour of one of the former mines and explore the scenic desert landscapes above ground.
“In my part of the country, Bisbee, Arizona…it’s a small cute former mining town.”
“I second Bisbee! I felt very comfortable there with my husband. Excited to go there in a few short weeks for Bisbee Pride.”
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
According to some Reddit users, it’s no secret that Eureka Springs, Arkansas, is a gay-friendly mountain town.
Tucked away in the northwest corner of the state, Eureka Springs is located in the backyard of the Ozarks. Take advantage of scenic hiking trails, pristine lakes, hot springs, and otherworldly caves in every direction.
“Eureka Springs, Arkansas is a small town in Northwest Arkansas that has Victorian-era architecture and natural mineral springs as well as trails and other natural spots nearby. It’s considered the ‘gay capital of the Ozarks.’”
“Eureka Springs is awesome!”
Portland, Maine
For a quiet, quaint New England gaycation, look no further than Maine. Portland is the perfect small city to enjoy noteworthy dining, culture, history, and natural beauty.
There’s never a bad season to visit Portland. In the fall, glimpse radiant foliage or in summer try exciting outdoor activities like white water rafting and whale watching.
“Portland, Maine is gay friendly. It is 65K people but the area around Portland might be more of the small town you are looking for.”
“Maine is full of small towns that are pretty accepting of being gay.”
Traverse City, Michigan
Did you know? The Cherry Capital of the World, Traverse City, Michigan, is also home to a colorful LGBT scene! While visiting Traverse City, give yourself plenty of time to stroll along Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, sample oodles of local wine, and spend as much time as possible on the waters of Lake Michigan.
“Traverse City in northwest Michigan is a good one. We have a week long pride festival, hosts of it are generally drag race queens. The last three have been Ben Dela Creme, Peppermint and Manila Luzon. (All three were FANTASTIC, so much fun.) We also had an openly gay mayor for 14 years. Pretty active LGBT scene, have drag and burlesque troupes, a gay bar that opened in 1988. The public library hosts LGBT events, the restaurant and bar scene is largely very LGBT friendly.”
Guerneville, California
While many Redditers were quick to mention tons of fantastic cities on the West Coast, they were just that–cities. Guerneville, however, is one proposed gay-friendly destinations that meets genuine small-town requirements!
Guerneville is located in Sonoma County, California. So if you’re one that imbibes, come prepared to sip your way through this iconic wine region. Otherwise, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy this epic landscape, from cycling to horseback riding to good old fashioned road-tripping!
“Guerneville, CA.”
“Many small towns frequented by gay people are LGBT friendly like Guerneville or Provincetown.”
Asheville, North Carolina
North Carolina was mentioned more than any other state in the subreddits we used to source this article. From Chapel Hill to Brevard, lots of lovely small towns were mentioned. That said, we’re giving the official spot on our list to Asheville, North Carolina.
In Asheville, the LGBT community is active and the cultural events and breweries are numerous. Outdoor offerings are equally plenty, ranging from the Blue Ridge Parkway to the Appalachian Trail and the Smoky Mountains.
“Asheville NC is super gay and so cute.”
“I live in Asheville and it [is] indeed very cute and very gay friendly.”
“Boone, NC is known for being welcoming as well as one of the most beautiful places in the Eastern US. Just a short drive from Asheville, in the Blue Ridge mountains.”
Yellow Springs, Ohio
As the Yellow Springs, Ohio, tourism organization says, it’s “chock full of fun for everyone!” Just east of Dayton, Yellow Springs is a great basecamp for exploring the Buckeye State. If you don’t quite make it to Cuyahoga Valley National Park, there are plenty of equally incredible state parks worth exploring near Yellow Springs, like the John Bryan State Park. To the southeast, you venture to Cincinnati and beyond, picking up the Kentucky Bourbon Trail just over the state line. Ohio is also home to lots of unique regional food, so pack your appetite!
“Yellow Springs Ohio BAYBEEEEEE 💯”
“Yellow Springs Ohio for the last 60 years.”
“I came here to say Yellow Springs! It’s also only an hour from Columbus, if you want a gay city experience for an evening.”
There are, in fact, gay-friendly small towns in America where the queer community is not just accepted but welcomed. In addition, these open-hearted destinations are also within close proximity to breathtaking national parks and outdoor recreation areas.
If you plan on camping during your trip, Gay Camp Association is a helpful tool for inclusive campgrounds across America.
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