11 inclusive country music towns to visit in 2021

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

Country music culture has a complicated history when it comes to inclusion and diversity. But as artists such as Lil Nas X, Brandi Carlile, Ty Herndon and most recently, TJ Osborne of the hit band The Osborne Brothers, share their coming out stories while continuing the climb the charts, fans everywhere are embracing a more welcoming country music scene. Which is why travel site Orbitz is sharing its list of 11 inclusive country music cities to visit in 2021. So go ahead and two-step with whomever you please.

Memphis

Home of the Blues and many country crossover artists, like Elvis Presley. Visit Sun Studios, then take a stroll down Beale Street. Dance at LGBTQIA nightclub Atomic Rose. Pride happens in September. Stay at the Peabody downtown (and see the duck walk!).

Nashville

See a show, any show, in the home of country music and visit the Country Music Hall of Fame. Eat at gay-owned joints like Suzy Wong’s House of Yum (located right on the queer bar strip) and the Mockingbird Diner in the trendy Gulch. Take a swim, then catch forty winks at the funky and retro Dive Motel.

Brooklyn

Experience two NY icons in one night. Stay at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge and see a show at Branded Saloon. For country kicks in Manhattan, head to Flaming Saddles.

Dallas

Dive into the vast country music scene in Dallas. Visit Round Up Saloon or Double Wide bar. Stay at Lorenzo Hotel.

Austin

Take a pic with Willie. Eat at LGBTQ-owned Jacoby’s. Stay at the Austin Motel, per local tour guide Chris Rhodes.

Lexington, KY

Take in the bourbon and bluegrass. Lexington is home of Lyric Theatre and popular Woodsongs radio hour. Sleep off a night on the town in trendy digs like the 21c Museum Hotel or Origin Hotel.

Los Angeles

Read about the underground country music scene from PBS, then visit the venues IRL. Queer Latino bar Club Tempo offers a cowboy vibe. Stay at any of these welcoming LA properties.

Denver

Seven Peaks Music Fest is a popular event. Stay in a western-themed room like the Captivating Cowgirl or the Radiant Rancher at the Curtis Park Club in RiNo and make sure you stop at queer country bar Charlie’s Denver.

Bakersfield, CA

If you like the classics, like Buck Owens and Merle Haggard, visit the Crystal Palace and learn about the Bakersfield Sound. End your day with a stay at downtown’s revitalized Padre Hotel.

St. Louis

Art and music go hand in hand in St. Louis. Stay at the Angad Arts Hotel and visit the National Blues Museum.

Birmingham to Muscle Shoals, AL

Take a driving tour from Birmingham to see the FAME recording studio, art and museums in Colbert County. Artists like Carrie Underwood and Bob Dylan recorded there. Stay at the Elyton Hotel in Birmingham.

Tagged: Austin, California, Colorado, Denver, Los Angeles, Memphis, Texas, Top 10 Lists