Just about everything was within an easy walk. I took the Big Bus sightseeing tour one day to see some of the outlying attractions, but aside from that, I could go everywhere and see most of the highlights of the city without needing to take cabs or public transit. From there, most of the historical sites as well as the LGBT nightlife were just short walks away. Then, it was a 10-minute walk to my hotel, the gay-owned and -operated Alexander Inn. When I arrived last month on one of the new Virgin America flights, I had a short walk to a train that took me to the East Market Station in the heart of the city. Many big cities, including San Francisco, boast walkability but Philadelphia may have them all beat. Plus, Philadelphia tacks on more history per square mile than just about anywhere, and from the LGBT traveler's perspective, may be the most walkable big city in America. Philadelphia has everything LGBT travelers would want in a big city: culture, great restaurants, and abundant gay nightlife. A lot of history, I thought, but with a lot of big-city hassles.īut after visiting last month, I can say I am a true believer and want to go back to see the stuff I missed the first time around. When they Bay Area Reporter first suggested I write about Philadelphia, it was not at the top of my list of places to visit.
