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Note: All travel is subject to frequently changing governmental restrictions—please check federal, state and local advisories before scheduling trips.

Orbitz is celebrating LGBTQ History Month and who better to show us around Austin than Chris Rhodes! Rhodes is a 28-year-old trans man and Texas native who runs LGBTQIA clothing brand, FLAVNT, with his twin sister where 15% of sales are donated to trans folks for their surgeries. On his Instagram page, Rhodes posts about his transition, fashion, food, fitness and travel. This tour, in his own words, features ATX’s best food, fun and even a few outdoor attractions where you can bring Fido.

RELATED: Visit our LGBTQIA travel hub for welcoming hotels, the ultimate queer events calendar, inspiration, and more!

Austin  Motel

Photo courtesy of Motel Austin

This super cute, boutique hotel on Congress Avenue is queer-woman owned with rainbow photo-ops. Austin Motel‘s iconic signs, neon lights in the carport driveway area and awesome restaurant makes it a must-stop.

South Congress 

Photo courtesy of Monica Pedraja

I could pick a spot or two here, but honestly, spend the day exploring. You will find the famous I love you so much wall outside Jo’s Coffee, along with lots of iconic neon signs, shops galore, plenty of great coffee, drink and food options. I recommend grabbing Mañana for coffee, then spend the day shopping and walking, with an early dinner at Perla’s—my favorite date night spot in town.

Barton Springs, Zilker Park 

Barton Springs is a must! But not the pool which is currently not open. I’m talking about the adjacent springs that feed Barton Springs Pool. This side of Barton Springs is free, it’s dog friendly and much more of a vibe.

Cheer Up Charlies

Most of our gay bars in Austin are located off of 4th Street. Although Cheer Up Charlies is not, it’s still one of the most fun and most queer spaces in town. If you ever happen to be in Austin on a night that they’re having their Neon Rainbows event, DJ Boi Orbison (a local queer/trans DJ) will give you a ’90s country night you didn’t know you needed in your life. A room full of gays singing Shania? There’s nothing better. 

Pennybacker Bridge 

Flickr CC: John Feinberg

Also known as the 360 bridge, this landmark is located atop a short hike with an overlook that is breathtaking. This is a very Austin-y place to get outdoors, take your pup and snag a photo to show all your friends the endless Texas skies.

East Side of Austin Breweries

From Zilker to Friends and Allies, Hops and Grain, Blue Owl, Lazarus, to Central Machine Works, there are lots of breweries to explore! You can string together a bunch of great beer drinking on this side of town. 

For more LGBTQIA travel guides from our influencers, be sure to check out:

Gabbi and Shanna’s guide to New York City

Allie and Sam’s guide to Miami

Ravi Roth’s guide to New York City

Visit  Orbitz.com/Pride  for suggestions on LGBTQ-welcoming hotels, travel advice and points of interest and follow  @seethestarsablaze and  @Orbitz  on Instagram for a behind-the-scenes tour of these spots and more.  

Note: Orbitz compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.

 

Tagged: Austin, Texas

Note: Orbitz compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site.

Chris Rhodes

Chris Rhodes

Chris Rhodes

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