Todrick Hall, Lance Bass, Other LGBTQs Share Their Hometown Haunts
| 10/15/20
This year in honor of October’s LGBTQ+ History Month, Orbitz has teamed up with queer influencers, including Lance Bass and Todrick Hall to highlight some of the best queer-friendly destinations in their hometowns via Orbitz’s new LGBTQIA Microsite.
These local tours remind travelers that they can find great food, accommodations, libations, shopping, and adventure right in their backyard. Support LGBTQIA-friendly businesses and find your #HappyPlace.
“There’s something really uplifting in sharing your ‘happy place’ with the world and reminding us all what’s at stake this year – now more than ever,” says Orbitz marketing director, Carey Malloy in a written statement. “Despite these unsettling times, Orbitz remains committed to finding new ways to celebrate this community, during LGBTQ History month and throughout the year.”
Lance Bass, Los Angeles, California
- Vanderpump Dogs There is nothing that I love more than dogs. My favorite place to get my puppy fix is at Vanderpump Dogs. They have rescued well over 1,000 dogs including my own two Chip and Dale!
- Mondrian Los Angeles It has been my go-to place to host friends and family that visit for years. My husband Michael and I are regulars at the open air SkyBar which has the most amazing views of the city. If you need an oasis in this big city, this is definitely it.
- Rocco’s WeHo Rocco’s WeHo is the newest and most popular edition to the neighborhood. What I love about it is the most inclusive bar and restaurant on the planet!
Gabi & Shanna, New York City, New York
- Cubbyhole is one of only three lesbian bars in all of New York City, but it happens to be our favorite because it’s the place where we met!
- LGBTQ+ History Tour takes you to iconic queer spots in New York City, like the city’s oldest known gay bar and a gay-owned ice cream shop!
- Meme’s Diner is a queer-owned restaurant that makes amazing comfort food with a twist.
Todrick Hall, Dallas, Texas
- Cathedral of Hope A vibrant, inclusive and progressive congregation, it is the largest predominantly LGBTQ church in the world. Everyone is welcomed and greeted with warmth and acceptance.
- Round Up Saloon Round up saloon is the epitome of Texas and was the first place I saw gay men line dancing.
- Pink Dolphin Monument Located in R.A. Apffel Park/East Beach on Galveston Island, Pink Dolphin Monument is dedicated to celebrating gender and sexuality minority communities.
Chris Rhodes, Austin, Texas
- Austin Motel Queer-woman owned, this is a super cute boutique hotel with rainbow photo-ops at their shop, neon lights in the carport driveway area, iconic signs, and a retro pool area.
- Cheer Up Charlies One of the most fun and most queer spaces in town. If you ever happen to be in Austin on a night that they’re having their Neon Rainbows event run by DJ Boi Orbison (a local queer/trans DJ), you are in for a ’90’s country night you didn’t know you always needed.
- Pennybacker Bridge (360 Bridge) This landmark is located atop a short hike with an overlook that is breathtaking. This is a very Austin-y place to get outdoors, take your pup, and snag a photo to show all your friends the endless Texas skies.
Ravi Roth, New York City, New York
- Conrad NY Downtown has a rooftop bar called Loopy Doopy, and I am obsessed with their ice pop topped with chilled Prosecco cocktail. #Heaven.
- Leslie Lohman Museum of Art I love it here because it is in the heart of SoHo, and due to the ever-changing exhibits, I continue to learn about my community.
- Delphinium is my favorite store to shop in NYC. It is queer owned and the cutest little shop for birthday, holiday, or everyday gifts. It’s located in Hells Kitchen and is a hidden queer gem.
- ElmoLocated in the heart of Chelsea, at this brunch spot the eye candy is next level, and the food and cocktails are rich in flavor and don’t break the bank. I highly suggest the watermelon martini and Mediterranean eggs.
Matt and Beau, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Whitney Plantation is one of the only plantation museums in the South (and the only one in Louisiana) that centers around the stories and heritage of enslaved people.
- Nola Drag Tours (virtual or in-person) Tours led by drag queen Quinn LaRoux tell the history of queer life and LGBTQ history, sharing stories of the untold queer artists and creatives who helped shape New Orleans’ culture today.
- Sweet Soulfood This Black-owned and operated queer-friendly dining spot on Broad Street serves up vegan soul food, ready to take to-go and enjoy on nearby Bayou St John.
Allie + Sam, Miami. Florida
- A Drag Show at The Palace A must-see! You'll be laughing until you cry! We loved going for dinner, too.
- Biscayne Bay There’s nothing like sailing along the waters, cruising by all the fancy homes, and sipping on some rosé at sunset! The perfect activity to relax and get a totally unique view of Miami.
- Holi Vegan Kitchen This is a must-stop spot for any plant based travellers out there! Get ready to have the best lunch ever that could fool any meat-eater; I wish we could have ordered one of everything on the menu.
