LGBTQ: Albuquerque, N.M.

Albuquerque has made quite a name for itself as a growing metropolis with a distinct personality that sets it apart from the crowd. With Southern-inspired flair and music on every corner, it’s a great place for the LGBTQ to explore.

The city earned the name Tamale-wood in recent years due to the growing amount of movies filmed in the area, including Thor, The Avengers and even the TV show Breaking Bad. You can certainly explore on-set locations during your jaunt around town.

Albuquerque itself doesn’t have much of a gay neighborhood, but Nob Hill is easily the liveliest part of town where you’ll find an abundant nightlife and a friendly crowd. Downtown is also the site of the illustrious Route 66 and is lined with delicious restaurants and shops to explore. The area also hosts numerous cultural festivals throughout the year.

If you choose to venture outside the city limits there are four separate casino resorts to enjoy — the Sandia, Santa Ana, Laguna and Isleta Indian Pueblos. Check out the city in October and you’ll find a real treat in the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta where 700 hot-air balloons take to the sky.

Though not a bustling city like New York there’s still enough to see and do in Albuquerque to keep you busy for days. It’s welcoming to the LGBTQ community and should definitely make its way onto your bucket list.