By Drew Friday for Gayborhood.
We ALL love a good New Year’s Eve extravagnza, but usually everyone’s first thought is that the ultimate destination for the beloved evening is New York City.
So, we felt like it was OUR mission to give you more options to choose from, especially if you love to travel! Here are the top 5 picks for a New Year’s Eve get away to remember:
1. New Orleans, LA
Celebrate NYE in Jackson Square with live music & performances counting down until the traditional fleur-de-lis drops. They also have a legendary firework show above the Mississppi River, and if you wanted to get a closer view you can take a ride on the historical Creole Queen and Steamboat Natchez. Enjoy a dinner cruise that includes live music and an open bar (who doesn’t want endless cocktails? Yassssss, queen!). Now, if partying is more your scene, then head on over to Frenchmen Street where restaurants, bars, and clubs will keep you entertained until the wee hours of the morning!
2. Las Vegas, NV
By now, you’re probably saying “Why is this on the list!?” Well, let me get you TO and GETHER and tell you why! We all know that Sin City is a really GOOD TIME! But, unlike New York, it has much warmer weather. The average high in January is 57 degrees, and in NYC the average high is 36 degrees (with the chance of snow and ain’t nobody gots time fo that). So, the real question is: would you rather be wild and free, or cold and frozen to your empty cocktail glass? They also close the Vegas strip to traffic for a firework show that’s sure to put the ball drop in Time Square to shame. And lastly, did I mention that it’s a city that NEVER SLEEPS and ALWAYS parties until you wake up in the bushes in front of Caesars Palace the following afternoon. And remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas! Go have some fun.
3. Denver, CO
If a family-friendly NYE experiance is more up your alley, then head to the Mile High City! Start your day at the Butterfly Pavilion where over 5,000 beautiful animals call home. You and the family will have an amazing experience with plenty of memories and pictures that you can embarrass the kids with when they’re older. Now, after explorling the tropical rainforst, grab a bite to eat and shop till you drop at the incredible 16th Street Denver Mall!
4. Orlando, FL
Who doesn’t LOVE spending quality time with Mickey & Minnie?! Orlando, FL is the place to be for NYE, especially when both Disney’s Magic Kingdom and Epcot stay open later, to help make ringing in your New Year a truly magical evening to remember. If you prefer partying the night away, dont worry – Orlando has you covered! Go shake your booty at Parliament House with the fierce Bianca Del Rio & fabulous Bob The Drag Queen (divas from RuPauls Drag Race)! Trust me, they’ll help keep you entertained from the moment you walk through the door, to the time they playfully insult your friends, who will later be carrying you to your Uber!
5. Honalulu, HI
Yes, you read that correctly! From the most beautiful beaches, family-friendly resorts, fun activities, and quite affordable flights, Hawaii makes it onto the list! You can spend a relaxing night watching the fireworks on Waikiki Beach or go shake your tail feather at Aloha Tower with live music and bottomless cocktails (can we get a hallelujah!? *in my Madea voice*). Trust me, this beautiful and romantic island wont dissapoint!
So, what are you waiting for? Go book your trip, take loads of pics, and let us know how your NYE night goes!
