Vacation doesn’t always mean booking a flight and traveling internationally. Vacations also include road trips and domestic flights. When you want to stay stateside, but still have a good time in a city that welcomes you, here are the Travel Noire Awards nominees for Favorite Stateside City Vacay for Black Travelers.
Washington, D.C.
The Washington D.C. metropolitan area, also known as the DMV, is a hallmark city for Black travelers and visitors worldwide. If you enjoy history, good food and a beautiful surrounding landscape, D.C. is a great choice for stateside travel. D.C. is home to dozens of great museums that attract both domestic and international visitors.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture provides a comprehensive Black cultural experience. After your visit to the museum, grab a bite at a local restaurant. The flavors of D.C. are diverse sampling cuisine from cultures around the world. Famous outposts, like “Ben’s Chili Bowl,” has been visited by many celebrities.
Venture outside of D.C. to Maryland or Virginia and you’ll find rolling green hills, stunning fall foliage and high-quality wineries and resorts. You also can escape to Salamander Resort, a luxury African American female-owned establishment in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans, affectionately referred to as NOLA, is one of the most unique cities in the United States. The city’s rich history and eclectic culture blends African, French, Creole, Spanish and American influences. Although New Orleans is known for its boisterous party scene during Mardi Gras in the French Quarter, there is a lot more to the city. It is quite family-friendly. Hop on a street car and head to the Garden District to see beautiful Victorian homes, mansions and acres of gardens. Take a river cruise down the Mississippi River to soak in the city’s beauty and romance. Venture out for a gator tour in or outside of the city to experience Louisiana’s swamplands.
While in NOLA feast on dishes, like gumbo, creamy shrimp and grits, fried oysters and beignets. The resilience and spirit of New Orleanians is what makes the city so special. Visit New Orleans on a couples trip, with family or friends when the weather is mild and crowds are thin.
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is “The Black Mecca” because of its abundance of Black excellence and economic growth. The revitalization of Atlanta has drawn in more visitors and has made it a great travel destination.
Atlanta has its roots in the Civil Rights Movement and that history runs throughout the city. While in town, go on Atlanta’s Black History and Civil Rights Tour. It’s a guided tour of key landmarks and neighborhoods in the city’s fight for racial justice. You’ll visit historic places and iconic landmarks.
Atlanta’s wealth of Black-owned restaurants are sure to make your travel itinerary. Several Black celebrities, like American football player Cam Newton and rapper Ludacris, own restaurants in the city. However, it’s the mom-and-pop shops that keep Atlanta thriving. If you’re visiting in the warmer months, stop by Piedmont Park. There are a number of concerts and music festivals taking place.
The finalists are in for the Favorite Stateside City Vacay for Black Travelers. Make sure to get your votes in.
Read more about the Travel Noire Awards and vote for the finalists!
