Sometimes all it takes is a short drive to feel a world away, and summer is just the time to take advantage of nearby LGBTQ and destinations that won’t break the bank.
Below, we run down some of the queer-run and queer-friendliest places to visit in Florida, South Carolina and Georgia as you plan summer vacations and gay getaways, starting next week at Augusta Pride.
Augusta Pride
June 21-22
The 10th annual festival and parade, and it just gets bigger every year. Offsite parties similarly just keep adding to the roster of events.
Asheville, N.C.
romanticasheville.com/gayandlesbian
Historic places in this queer-friendly burgh only begin with The Biltmore. Shopping, hikes, art and a few good gay bars are all a short drive away.
Savannah/Tybee Island
In the city, find legendary antebellum homes and districts, amazing parks and museums, as well as a River Walk inclusive of gay bars. Then drive out to Tybee for beach-bumming and casual eats.
Timberfell Lodge
In the gorgeous hills of Greenville, Tenn., this gay-owned, men-only bed and breakfast has become a premier gay resort with swimming pool, pool house, beer bar, bath house, redwood sauna and steam room. Guys can enoy a clothing optional weekend getaway.
Charleston, S.C.
Often called Savannah’s sister with its historical, antebellum vibe, Charleston also has a Tybee sibling in Folly Beach. It’s home to a namesake pier for shopping and dining with amazing views of the Atlantic.
St. Simons Island
One of the more popular islands just off Brunswick, Ga, this is the most low-key and peaceful. After a day at the beach, drop by one of the super-casual local gay bars.
Panama City, Fla.
Ground Zero for what just may be the birthplace of Spring Break, it’s even better in even warmer months. Nearly 30 miles of beach serves warm water and hot sand on the Gulf side of the state.
A version of this feature originally ran in Q magazine. Read the latest issue online here, and pick up a new edition each week and queer and LGBTQ-friendly venues around town. You can also check out queer summer events in Atlanta through Labor Day.
