Y'all means all! The Must-Visit Gay City Down South

The Must-Visit Gay City Down South

Next weekend, a gaggle of gays will descend on one of the largest and most vibrant cities of the American south: Dallas, Texas. That’s when the city hosts its huge Purple Party festival, drawing thousands of dance-loving queens from around the world. But this jewel of the Texas prairie has so much to offer LGBTQ+ travelers. This fourth-largest metro region in the U.S. (behind only NYC, LA, Chicago and Houston) actually boasts one of the largest LGBTQ+ populations in the country and the largest in Texas. Plus: We can think of no better place to sing and dance our way through Cowboy Carter than at The Round-Up Saloon (see below!). #ThisISTexas

What to see: Dallas offers an array of activities and sights for LGBTQ+ travelers. The city’s gay scene is centered around the Oak Lawn neighborhood, affectionately known as the Gayborhood. There you’ll find the majority of the city’s gay bars and drag shows, as well as small, independent boutiques. Two can’t-miss bars include The Round-Up Saloon, one of the top LGBTQ+ country-western bars in the world, and Sue Ellen’s, Texas’ oldest lesbian bar —and one of the few remaining in the nation. (Leather lovers take note: the city’s Eagle is on the other side of downtown.) For art lovers, the Dallas Museum of Art in the downtown Arts District frequently hosts exhibitions with themes of diversity and inclusivity, while the Bishop Arts District, is a haven for eclectic shopping and dining. Those traveling with kiddos (or for the kid at heart!) won’t want to miss the world-famous Dallas Zoo or the Dallas World Aquarium.

When to go: The best time to visit Dallas is generally in the spring (March to May) or Fall (September/October), when the weather is warm (but not) and pleasant. For LGBTQ+ travelers, the peak times are early May for the aforementioned Purple Party (May 4 this year) and June, when the city holds its annual pride festival. The city also hosts the Texas State Fair every year for two weeks, starting on the last Friday in September.

Where to stay: For those seeking luxury with a modern twist, the Uptown district houses Hotel ZaZa Dallas, known for its eclectic and artsy decor, coupled with top-notch amenities including a relaxing spa and a lively pool scene. If you prefer something more understated yet chic, consider the Warwick Melrose Hotel, located in the Oak Lawn area. This historic hotel offers a blend of classic elegance and contemporary comfort, with easy access to nearby gay bars and entertainment. For a more budget-friendly option, check out the Aloft Dallas Downtown, which provides a trendy, youthful vibe and vibrant social spaces, perfect for mingling with fellow travelers.

Our 21 (Affordable) Must-Haves for LGBTQ+ Travelers

We’ve all been there. You’ve just arrived at the hotel or the Airbnb, you’re unpacking your stuff and you realize… Oh f*ck, I forgot X! The time to prepare for this eventuality, is now, children. Take a look at our list of 21 must-have travel accessories for LGBTQ+ travelers.

This Week’s *~Best Deals~*

We’re always on the hunt for top-tier experiences that welcome all and won’t break the bank—here are this week’s faves ✨ 

• Frontier just put 1 million seats on sale — with flights starting at $19

• ‘Heterofriendly’ gay hotel chain Axel Hotels is offering 30% off all their properties using code SPRING24

• This Puerto Vallarta hotel offers a cave-themed stay from $65/night

• Get up to 30% off at select boutique Kimpton Hotels properties

• It’s better than nothing? Expedia is offering a whopping 7% off all hotel bookings with code SDSPRING7

• Get $50 off a $500 Carnival Cruise Gift Card with code SSDR2245

• Lots of gift card offers: get a free $20 Starbucks gift card when you buy a $300 Delta gift card  

• See 3 European cities in one affordable trip with flights under $500!

• And - we’ve never seen this before—a 7-Night Maldives Getaway for Under $1,000 🤯