When it comes to LGBTQ travel destinations that truly shine with vibrancy and inclusivity, Philadelphia stands out pretty prominently. I had the chance to fully embrace the excitement of their Pride festivities and also take a journey into the Lancaster area, which I found to be surprisingly LGBTQ-friendly as well. This trip made for two fun and interesting spots to check out for LGBTQ travelers visiting Pennsylvania.
From big city fun to small city charm
Philadelphia is renowned for its history, given how important it is to what the USA has become today. With a thriving LGBTQ+ community they have an annual Pride event that celebrates not just the rights movement, but also the solidarity and advocacy found within the community itself. This year they unveiled the largest rainbow Pride flag in America, which was quite cool to experience and help carry along parts of the march. A visit to Lancaster afterwards unexpectantly kept the Pride vibes going in smaller city that beautifully blends tradition and contemporary culture.
A big march and even bigger flag at Philly Pride
The day kicked off with a lineup of speakers representing the LGBTQ community who spoke passionately about the significance of activism and ongoing advancements in LGBTQ rights advocacy efforts. Their inspiring messages paved the way for a Pride celebration that was a march instead of a parade. The festivities emphasized inclusivity by welcoming all to participate in the event, which I did as I walked down the street with many members of the community.
Attendees shouted out passionate chants, showed off signs and banners, and carried the record-breaking 400 foot rainbow flag. The march wrapped up at the Pride Festival where various vendors lined the streets selling a variety of goods ranging from yummy treats to handmade crafts.
Exploring Philadelphia’s history and shopping
I also spent some time discovering the landmarks and communities of Philadelphia. Beginning with Rittenhouse Square, a public park that has served as a popular meeting spot since the late 1600s; Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S Constitution were created; and the Liberty Bell, a lasting emblem of freedom.
Of course a visit to Philadelphia wouldn’t be complete without enjoying a Philly cheesesteak! So I went over to the trendy area of South Street to find that and more. Among the murals and interesting shops I found a variety of interesting spots and then popped over to the Philly AIDS Thrift Store, a nonprofit shop that raises funds for local HIV/AIDS causes.
Finally, I finished off my time in Philly at Love Park – named for the famous LOVE sculpture of course! An iconic spot to take an Instagram picture.
Exploring Lancaster and Amish Country
I left Philly to head to Lancaster (about a 2 hour drive) to visit this city that surprised me with how warm and welcoming it felt. I checked out the Lancaster Central Market, known as the longest running farmers market in the United States. I found a nice assortment of vendors from both Amish and non-Amish backgrounds showcasing an array of foods and handcrafted goods.
In the heart of Lancaster is Gallery Row, a hub of art galleries featuring artists from both near and far. The city’s appeal shines through its array of boutique shops and the lively arts community that beckons visitors to delve deeper into its offerings.
Outside of town I explored Lancaster County, having lunch at Millers Smorgasboard, a buffet that’s been serving diners for almost a century. The variety of offerings from chicken pot pie to baked cabbage gave me tons of options – it was hard not to go overboard!
After lunch I got a chance to experience the Amish way of life by taking a tour with Aaron and Jessica’s Buggy Rides. It was interesting to hear from our buggy driver about life on the farm and get to meet some of the animals who called it home.
I then headed to a town called Intercourse (insert any number of jokes here) to spend some time at the Kitchen Kettle Village with its array of 40 shops and dining spots. I got some delicious baked cookies and jars of yummy spreads made by the local Amish community.
To end my day I drove back to Lancaster for a history lesson at the Zoetropolis Cinema Stillhouse. It was a presentation on prohibition in Lancaster County during the 1930s, offering an enlightening glimpse into the past and an interesting conclusion to my Lancaster exploration.
A tale of 2 LGBTQ-friendly cities
My trip to Philadelphia and Lancaster really highlighted two different LGBTQ+ experiences that can be had in one visit to Pennsylvania. Both cities have their own vibe and cultural heritage. If you plan to go to Philly Pride at some point then adding on a day to Lancaster before or after can be a great way to prepare/unwind from the big city festivities with some unique PA charm.
This experience was provided by Visit PA, but they had no input on my writing.