5 reasons why ‘Hotlanta’ lives up to its name

The city's queer scene is packed with bars, restaurants, cultural happenings and sporty gatherings for any time of year.

Mark

Nov 21, 2023 - 19:00

0 1

5 reasons why ‘Hotlanta’ lives up to its name

The owners of Virgil's Gullah Kitchen and Bar in Atlanta.

Atlanta is hot. And we don’t just mean the Georgia sun. The city’s queer scene is packed with bars, restaurants (like gay-owned Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen & Bar), cultural happenings and sporty gatherings for any time of year or mark your calendar for one of its signature events like Atlanta Santa Speedo Run or Atlanta Black Pride.

Atlanta continues to chart as one of the US’s most affordable cities, which makes taking your weekend getaway to the next level even more accessible. But when you’re short on time, sometimes a well-informed friend can steer you in the right direction. GayCities takes a look at five of our favorite Atlanta discoveries to get your gay on.

The St. Regis Atlanta

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by St. Regis Atlanta (@stregisatl)

If you love a splurge and looking for a modern take on Gilded Age vibes, book a stay at The St. Regis Atlanta. Well-appointed guest rooms and suites include the brand’s legendary butler service and customized experiences. Who needs to pack/unpack when someone else will do it for you? Especially with nearby shopping in Buckhead. The brand’s Remede Spa features an exclusive Laboratoire Remede skincare line known for its anti-aging therapies, so you’ll look your best when you hit the town.

Future

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Future Atlanta (@futureatlanta)

The Future is now at one of Atlanta’s newest nightclubs and entertainment venues. Future Atlanta opened in 2021, and quickly became one of the city’s must-visit destinations for dancing, dining, and drag. The 14,000-square foot bi-level club presents themed nights and some of the city’s best DJs, while the cabaret room provides a home for the Fantasy Girls, Atlanta’s epitome of Southern drag, led by RuPaul’s Drag Race alum Phoenix.

Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Twisted Soul (@twistedsoulcookhouse)

Atlanta’s rich culinary traditions and queer identity converge under the watchful eye of out chef Deborah VanTrece at Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours. Her modern and global take on traditional Southern soul food goes next level with collaboration from executive chef Robert Butts and mixologist Kursten Berry. We hate to play favorites but we can’t resist the trio of Southern dips and salsa, followed by Kerala-style flounder, sorghum spareribs, and a bourbon peach cobbler for dessert.

Charis Books & More

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Charis Books and More (@charisbooksandmore)

While you may feel like we’re living a real-life version of Ray Bradbury’s post-apocalyptic Fahrenheit 451, but fear not! Plenty of LGBTQ+ authors are finding homes in queer and feminist bookstores. For more than 45 years, Charis Books & More (its name, derived from Greek, means grace, gift, and thankfulness) has provided a home for emerging writers, progressive ideologies, and those seeking community. A packed calendar of events includes everything from trans meet-ups and author readings/signings to moderated panels featuring leading queer and ally voices.

The Fox Theatre

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Fox Theatre (@thefoxtheatre)

Opened in 19, the Fox Theatre‘s construction with originally commissioned by Atlanta’s Shriners organization, but the costly project was soon leased to movie mogul William Fox, who turned it into an epic entertainment venue. Today, the 4,665-seat theater hosts concerts and Broadway national tours, with queer favorites The Wiz and Funny Girl (co-starring extra thirsty Stephen Mark Lukas as Nicky Arnstein) arriving in 2024.