February 10, 2021
Getting Hitched? 5 Destinations for LGBTQ Honeymoons
Matthew Wexler READ TIME: 2 MIN.
A global pandemic can't stop love. And while Bloomberg reported a shortfall of nearly 340,000 marriages in 2020, those willing to declare their nuptials may still want to celebrate with a domestic and responsibly planned getaway.
Here are five picks to pique your romance:
Fort Lauderdale
Embracing all colors of the rainbow, Fort Lauderdale has long been an LGBTQ hot spot. Recent hotel openings include Cambria Hotel Fort Lauderdale Beach and Hilton's Hotel Maren Fort Lauderdale Beach featuring Riviera, a new restaurant by "Top Chef" alum Fabio Viviani. And when you need to get out of the sun, check out the new NSU Art Museum's latest exhibit (opening February 28) featuring the works of Anna Sui.
Phoenix
Gorgeous sunsets and desert vistas are just the beginning of an Arizona getaway. Tucked in front of mid-century furniture store Modern Manor, the newly opened Valenine offers a love letter to reimagined comfort food like heirloom popcorn, hush puppies, tacos and craft cocktails like a hibiscus Cosmopolitan. (Drink your heart out, Sarah Jessica Parker.)
New York City
The City That Never Sleeps has been in hibernation this winter but is slowly emerging. New York Restaurant Week returns and has been extended to February 28 – perfect timing for visitors arriving after February 12, when limited indoor dining (25%) returns. There's plenty to explore outside, too. Walk the High Line for an elevated view of the city's west side, or head to Queens to check out the Welling Court Mural Project. Governor Cuomo has announced NY PopsUp – a commitment to performing arts beginning February 20 and encompassing more than 300 events throughout the city. New York City hotel deals can be found in nearly every neighborhood, so pack a weekender bag and a mask and head to NYC!
Vermont
Pack your puffer jackets and snow boots for an end-of-season visit to the Green Mountain State, where skiing, snowboarding and other winter activities reign supreme. There's plenty of beer, too, with beer trails across the state, along with cider and cheese, too. And let's not forget about Ben & Jerry's, the ice cream-as-advocacy brand we've grown to know and love.
Austin
The Live Music Capital of the World can't be silenced due to the pandemic. Texas's hippest city continues to roll out new openings like Gati vegan ice cream, Vietnamese barbecue at Smokin Beauty and Lutie's garden restaurant and the gorgeously reimagined Commodore Perry Estate, a new luxury boutique hotel. Outdoor venues hope to present concerts and other special events in the coming months, like Sagebrush and Moody Amphitheater, scheduled to open later this year.
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.
