From the CNN article, The best picks around the world for celebrating Pride:
When planning a Pride vacation, pick a destination where the scale of the celebration is one that you can handle, recommends Ed Salvato, gay travel expert and editor in chief of Man About World, a soon-to-launch gay travel magazine for the iPad.
Instead of the biggies such as San Francisco or New York City, which might be overwhelming, consider choosing “a nice, manageable Pride in an interesting location.” Book early, as hotels fill quickly, and be sure to ask about Pride packages, says Salvato. “Often hotels will throw in something so your party starts as soon as you get into your room.”
All are welcome to join in on the fun. For more tips on enjoying the best Pride fests worldwide, check out our guide:
Asheville, North Carolina: October 6
Known for its progressive politics and vibrant arts and culture scene, Asheville has been dubbed one of the “gayest cities in America” and one of the “top five surprisingly gay small towns” by The Advocate. The city’s annual Blue Ridge Pride festival typically draws between 8,000 and 12,000 people from throughout the Southeast to Pack Square for a full day of music, workshops and family activities, as well as a showcase of gay-friendly businesses, service organizations and community groups.
Pride festival chairperson Holly Parr says she’s proud of how quickly Blue Ridge Pride, organized by an all-volunteer nonprofit, has grown since it was founded in 2009. “We’re excited about what we are able to do for our greater Western North Carolina LGBTQ community,” she says.
The grassroots, hometown feel of Blue Ridge Pride makes this a special destination to consider. This is especially poignant given the recent amendment passed in North Carolina that defines marriage as the union of one man and one woman, says Salvato. “It’s a good time to show our support and solidarity in a state that’s had a setback,” he explains.
And with its sophisticated spas, shops, restaurants and more than 30 art galleries, as well as golf clubs and other outdoor activities in the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky mountains, Asheville offers plentyto do both before and after Pride.