People & Cultures

One of the rewards of traveling through New England’s connected yet distinctly different states is not so much what you see, but rather who you meet. Visitors can find many opportunities here to learn about and celebrate an array of cultures, faiths, races, and identities. Among the benefits of exploring this progressive, welcoming region is that you’ll encounter diverse people who have stories to share—and you’ll feel seen and heard, too.

Larger cities—like Boston, Providence, and Portland—offer the greatest variety of ethnic restaurants, multicultural performances, and shops owned by entrepreneurs of all backgrounds. By contrast, when you want to learn more about New England’s indigenous heritage, which stretches back millennia, or to understand the challenges that African-Americans overcame to build communities and make lasting contributions, you may find yourself on an odyssey to unexpected and fascinating places. This sort of quest is exactly why many of us long to travel the world: to appreciate not only people’s differences but also our shared humanity.

And if you plan your visit to coincide with a festival inspired by a colorful global culture, your time in New England can feel like two trips in one. That’s tremendous value, both in terms of making the most of your vacation and building crosscultural connections that will enrich your life for years to come.

FUN & FRIENDLY LGBTQ GETAWAYS

ANDREW

Collins

Travel writer based part-time in New Hampshire and author of numerous guidebooks, including Ultimate Road Trips USA & Canada

“Boston, Massachusetts, is undisputedly New England’s top LGBTQ urban destination, especially the historic South End, with its hopping gay bars and buzzy bistros—but don’t miss Jamaica Plain, a diverse, slightly offthe-beaten-path neighborhood with cool indie boutiques and cafés. Another great bet for city lovers is Providence, Rhode Island, which puts on an amazing Pride Festival each June; it features one of the world’s only nighttime Pride parades. And near the stately Gothic buildings of Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, you can mingle at Partners and 168 York Street Café, two of the Northeast’s oldest LGBTQ bars.

“Among gay resort towns, Provincetown, Massachusetts, needs no introduction, but keep in mind that the off-season is more appealing if you’re seeking a quiet, romantic escape. My favorite way to explore the stunning Cape Cod National Seashore is on a sunset excursion offered by Art’s Dune Tours. Farther north, the artsy coastal town of Ogunquit, Maine, feels like a mini Provincetown, with its festive beach scene and several LGBTQ-frequented bars and restaurants.

“In the White Mountains, Franconia, Bethlehem, and Littleton New Hampshire, form a cluster of LGBTQwelcoming villages that are minutes from amazing skiing, hiking, and leaf-peeping.

“The pretty mountain getaway of Stowe, Vermont, offers plenty to see and do year-round, but it truly comes alive as an LGBTQ vacation spot during January’s Winter Rendezvous, New England’s biggest gay ski week. Make a side trip to Burlington, which has several inclusive bars and cafés and a stunning waterfront park overlooking Lake Champlain.”