5 Exciting Places to Spend Labor Day Weekend!

Labor Day is synonymous with the end of the summer but for me, it’s a great opportunity to get my group of friends together for a destination weekend! I make sure the hot spot that I pick guarantees everyone will have a good time. My formula? A great LGBT scene + delicious food + cool bars + something adventurous each day. Let’s look at 5 spots you should hit for an awesome Labor Day weekend, with something for everyone.

1. New Orleans Southern Decadence

If your crew likes to get wild, head to Louisiana for one of the world’s major LGBT events known as Southern Decadence starting September 2nd until Labor Day. More than 150,000 people attend each year. So, that’s your scene, food, bars, and adventure all sorted! And, if you’ve never experienced New Orleans, there is no better opportunity to discover its amazing food and people.
Don’t miss: Cafe Lafitte In Exile, the oldest gay bar in the country; Dinner at August for some tasty Cajun cuisine.
Stay: The Saint Hotel, Autograph Collection

2. Los Angeles

Head to L.A. with your closest friends and get ready for a healthy dose of Hollywood glamour. Start off by exploring Rodeo Drive and be dazzled by all the windows from all the major designers before heading over to West Hollywood for a delicious al fresco lunch at celebrity hotspot Cecconi’s. You may think that you need a car to experience the city but with the surge of ride sharing apps, you can safely enjoy your self and not worry about driving. Finally make sure to check out some of the studio tours or spend a day at Universal (my tip, spend a little more on the front of the line pass).
Don’t miss: Lunch and shopping on Abbott Kinney in Venice; Drinks at PUMP in WeHo; Warner Brothers Studio Tour in Burbank.
Stay: Beverly Hills Marriott

3. Vancouver

For those looking to get closer to nature, Vancouver not only is a great LGBT destination, it also offers so much to do outside, from hiking in Stanley Park or Whistler to white water rafting or paddle boarding this city has it all. Make sure to check out the Fair at PNE with its rides and Summer concerts and also the many breweries and excellent restaurants.
Don’t miss:  Coast, with delicious seafood and awesome cocktails; Commercial Drive, with its thriving lesbian community.
Stay: Delta Vancouver Suites

4. New York

New York for Labor Day might come to you as a surprise but hear me out. The city quiets down a bit as locals head out of town to the Hamptons or Fire Island, making it easier to score tickets to the newest show on Broadway or a reservation for the hottest restaurant. Walk on the High Line without the big crowds before taking a leisurely stroll from the West Village to Soho where you won’t have to fight crowds while you shop. The city is all yours!
Don’t miss: The Whitney Museum; Big Gay Ice Cream in the West Village (the Salty Pimp is my favorite).
Stay: The Carlton Hotel, Autograph Collection

5. Orlando

If like me you’re a big fan of theme parks and thrills, there is no better city than Orlando to head to with your crew this Labor Day weekend. From Disney World to Universal Studios and more, this is the theme park capital of the world. Earlier this spring, Universal unveiled the newest section of its Harry Potter world, Diagon Alley. One of my favorite ride is Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, a rollercoaster where you can select your own soundtrack. Britney anyone?
Don’t miss: Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts™; The Simpsons Ride; Southern Nights for a fun night out.
Stay: JW Marriott Orlando Great Lakes

Photography and words by Jonathan Ducrest