FAB FLORIDA From Ft. Lauderdale to Miami to Key West, Florida is an out traveler’s paradise.

MIAMI

Life’s a Drag in Miami

These performances are some of the best we've seen

By Taylor Henderson

When you think of drag queen hubs around the U.S., Florida isn’t usually the rst place that comes to mind. But in Miami, I discovered some of the best shows I’ve ever witnessed rsthand.

Palace South Beach (2) is an iconic Miami Beach bar that’s been around for decades, and when the show starts, you’ll quickly learn why. One queen performed Bon Jovi’s “You Give Love A Bad Name” in the rain, broke into cartwheels in high-heeled boots, and shook her boobs under the pouring water like she was in Flashdance. It was surreal to see women who looked like my Aunties screaming over drag queens right next to a table of exotic dancers throwing ones like their lives depended on it. On top of that, Palace’s servers are so beautiful that it feels like you’re staring directly into the sun as you order your QuesaDiva.

But the highlight of the trip was R House’s drag brunch (1, 3). The line was down the block and entry is $50, but each guest gets bottomless mimosas, a full family-style meal from chef/owner Rocco Carulli, and one of the best shows of your life.

The royal Athena Dion hosted, Morphine Love Dion slammed into splits during her Nicki Minaj medley, Angie Ovahness Pryce twerked in a headstand, and the stunningly beautiful Gadfrie delivered a show-stopping Beyonce Coachella medley that nearly had me in tears.

Later, Gadfrie stripped away reveal after reveal to strut around nearly naked, then straddled a patron and (with consent) poured a full carafe of water over them both. At one point, Dion led the crowd into a conga line that quickly evolved into an all-out twerk-session!

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FT. LAUDERDALE

It’s Always Sunny in Ft. Lauderdale

The Florida beach town has been embracing LGBTQ+ people of all shades since the 1970s.

By Jacob Anderson-Minshall

Fort Lauderdale held its first Pride in 1977, and it was born more from anger than celebration, as LGBTQ+ people spilled onto the streets to protest the state-wide referendum that overturned Miami-Dade County’s landmark gay rights ordinance.

Since then, the Florida beach city has gained a well-earned reputation for inclusion and celebration of queer travelers and the local LGBTQ+ community. Greater Fort Lauderdale is home to more LGBTQ-owned businesses

than any tourist destination in the nation.

There are queer and LGBTQ-embracing hotels for every kind of traveler.

Want a dog-friendly beach-side hotel with one of the best pools in the city? Check out W Fort Lauderdale with WET Deck, the pool ve oors above the ocean. (Insider tip: want to experience the pool while staying elsewhere? Day passes are available.) Want to bring your furbaby

but also hang out at an exclusive, adultsonly gay resort in Wilton Manors? Ed Lugo Resort has adorable renovated 1950s-style Florida bungalows with plenty of privacy. If you’re looking for clothingoptional queer accommodations, the Grand Resort, first opened in 1999, is a few blocks from the beach in a quiet residential area; while Pineapple Point Guesthouse & Resort sits on 2.5 lush tropical acres.

Fort Lauderdale gayborhood Wilton Manor is home to numerous restaurants, including best-breakfast-in-town Shawn & Nick’s Courtyard Café and perennial open-air favorite Rosie’s Bar and Grill.

Stop by Bubbles & Pearls Champagne Raw Bar, where effervescent owner and Top Chef star Josie Smith Malave mingles with regulars and serves delicious small plate creations. The oysters menu is like choosing vintages at a top-notch winery — the flavors are more diverse than you’d imagine, and each oyster has its own notes distinctive to the region where it was harvested.

Straddling the fence between restaurant and nightclub, Georgie’s Alibi morphs into a bar as the day progresses. At Hunters Nightclub Wilton Manors, an eclectic mix of leathermen and bears mingle with beach bunnies. Other local gay bars include The Manor and Village Pub.

Year-round beach weather offers LGBTQ+ travelers plenty of things to do beyond hanging out at Sebastian Beach or visiting Wilton Manors. You could spend days exploring the Intracoastal Waterway, a 3,000-mile maze of natural inlets, saltwater rivers, and canals. KEY WEST

The Key to Unwinding

Florida’s sexiest southernmost island is just what the doctor

ordered. By Barry Hoy

Key West is a true paradise any time of the year and the perfect destination whether you are traveling with friends or looking for a romantic getaway. This lush little island at the tip of the Keys celebrates openness and diversity all year, with a lauded LGBTQ+ scene complete with amazing restaurants, vibrant nightlife, entertainment, and of course, the popular key lime pies. As one of the top LGBTQ+ destinations in the country, Key Westhosts over 300,000 LGBTQ+ visitors annually.

Key West is about a three-and-a-half hour drive from Miami and 90 miles north of Cuba. The ride down from Miami is beautiful with 42 bridges and breathtaking views of both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.

Key West has bountiful options for watersports, sport fishing, snorkeling, or a romantic dinner sailing or sunset cruise. There are endless Insta-worthy spots, but you may be too distracted by the experience to choreograph a photo shoot.

Start your day at Cuban Coffee Queen, the place to go for coffee and breakfast. Stop at Fisherman’s Café for a lunch of the absolutely best fish tacos ever. Settle into a romantic dinner at Azur, a gay-owned Mediterranean restaurant with a delectable menu including Toasted Gnocchi with Pine Nuts, Truffle, and Arugula.

The refreshingly light key lime pie, was first made in Key West with locally grown key limes. Every pastry chef in town has their own interpretation, and it’s worth sampling more than one. But also go for the traditional version, like the one at Kermit’s Key Lime Shoppe.

Key West is known for LGBTQ+ owned and friendly accommodations, so it’s hard to go wrong. But choosing the right accommodations can really have an impact on your experience. Everyone’s idea of a dream vacation is different. Some people love crowds, others love peace and quiet. In Key West, you can find luxury (Ocean Key Resort & Spa), camping (Boyd’s Campground), LGBTQ-owned B&Bs (Alexander’s Guesthouse) and men's clothing-optional stays (Island House).

But The Marker Key West Harbor Resort hits our sweet spot: a quaint petfriendly boutique hotel with luxurious accommodations. In the Historic Key West Seaport District, the modern waterfront hotel is just steps from famous Duval Street, where most of the island’s restaurants and bars are located. Be warned, it’s hard to pull yourself away from The Marker, which features three saltwater pools (one that’s adults only), occasionally serenaded by a live DJ. The resort offers spacious yet cozy rooms or suites with private balconies, on-site yoga, a state-of-the-art fitness center, an open-air restaurant, and so much more.

The Marker embodies what most of us envision when we think of a Key West experience, and it will undoubtedly make your visit one to remember. So, what are you waiting for?