2023-09-03 10:54:05
Anyone following my vlog will have noticed that I was in the USA in May and visited several cities there. I had already reported on my visit to Las Vegas. After staying in the gambling metropolis, I took the (perhaps) only opportunity to visit the Grand Canyon and then drove along a well-known part of Route 66 in Arizona to Phoenix.
More precisely to Scottsdale in Arizona. I hadn’t heard much regarding the city next to Phoenix before, but I was always amazed when I saw landscapes with huge cacti and great architecture in magazines.
I was all the more curious regarding the queer community in Scottsdale. The city is considered the playground of the rich and famous. No wonder, then, that there are more exclusive spas per capita here than in any other American city.
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Culture, architecture and cowboys
But the local cultural scene is not neglected either. Not only is Scottsdale home to one of the most prestigious arts festivals in the country, but it’s also the former winter home of famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. I am very interested in such architecture.
You can also see pretty cowboys in “the most typical western town in the West”. In addition, the Sonoran Desert, the most species-rich desert on the continent, extends in front of the city gates.
There I was able to fulfill my long-standing dream of a balloon ride. Although for a long time I hesitated whether to do it or not. Finally, I am afraid of heights. It was bearable and an unforgettable experience. I also did an off-road desert tour in a jeep, which was also impressive.
When it comes to LGBTI nightlife, Scottsdale only has one dance bar to offer. There is much more choice in neighboring Phoenix. However, pretty much all the gastronomic establishments were also well attended by the queer community. Especially the shopping malls and the numerous small boutiques in the beautiful Art District.
Legendary pool parties at the W Hotel
The W Hotel in Scottsdale was recommended to me in advance as being very queer friendly and it was really great. I spoke to marketing manager Anna Ly-Luu regarding the advantages of the attractive desert city.
There is no sea in Arizona and anyway few bodies of water. This is why people are more likely to attend large pool parties. I witnessed this at the W Hotel. The party lasted well into the early hours of the morning in some rooms. However – and I found that fascinating – you didn’t notice anything in your room and you might (if you wanted) really sleep in peace.
From Arizona we went on to California to the queer hotspots of Los Angeles and San Francisco. I’ll tell you soon what I experienced there.
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#Queer #Travel #Scottsdale
