January 15, 2021
Ready to Recharge? Our 5 Favorite Cities for Keeping Resolutions
Matthew Wexler READ TIME: 2 MIN.
We can only hope that 2021 fulfills its promise to outshine last year (which won't take much). For those in need of a reboot, WalletHub's recent report reveals the top U.S. cities for keeping your New Year's resolutions. While you may not feel inclined to pick up and move in the middle of a pandemic, a weekend getaway to one of these beckoning destinations might be just what you need to weather the winter months.
WalletHub used 57 key metrics to determine the following list, along with a few of our own LGBTQ highlights.
Scottsdale, Arizona
The desert awaits in Scottsdale. Hike a trail at McDowell Sonoran Preserve, then swing by the farmer's market in Old Scottsdale. Our favorite dining spot is FnB, which sources local ingredients. The nearby Melrose District of Central Phoenix is where you'll find LGBTQ nightlife.
Salt Lake City, Utah
Whether you want to ski this winter or return in the summer to crash Sundance, Salt Lake City has become a year-round destination. Salt Lake City has a dedicated ski website for all your snowy adventures, and (surprisingly?) a dedicated LGBTQ resource page. The Utah LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce is also a great resource.
Seattle, Washington
Anchored by Pike Place Market, Chihuly Garden and Glass and a drag scene like none other, Seattle sparkles despite the mostly rainy days. Capitol Hill is the queer epicenter, but there's plenty more to explore, including our hopeful return of Seattle favorite Dina Martina's holiday show.
Irvine, California
Plenty of hiking and biking trails weave throughout Irvine, thoughtfully master-planned back in 1960. And it doesn't hurt that the city center is only seven miles from the Pacific Ocean. Head to Bommer Canyon or the 477-acre Irvine Regional Park. If you're looking to relocate, Kaiser Permanente earned a perfect score on last year's HRC Corporate Equality Index and was named Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality. Irvine is also ready to welcome your pup, with plenty of dog-friendly hotel and dining options.
San Diego, California
San Diego boasts more than 30 unique beaches along with plenty of culture, ranging from the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego – La Jolla (slated to reopen after a major renovation in the fall of 2021) to the San Diego Symphony, which will be performing outdoors at The Shell next summer. LGBTQ highlights include plenty of hotel options, such as Hillcrest House Bed & Breakfast and the Porto Vista Hotel in La Jolla.
Matthew Wexler is EDGE's Senior Editor, Features & Branded Content. More of his writing can be found at www.wexlerwrites.com. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram at @wexlerwrites.
