Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, New Orleans, San Francisco and Las Vegas tend to be the firsts on queer travel lists for North America, but Atlanta is a massive city waiting to show its gay visitors that Atlanta should be on the list of best places in the United States for queer people. For one of the best places for LGBT travel you haven’t yet discovered, the next ticket you purchase should be to Atlanta.įor a queer person, it’s common to head to a large city for the melting pot culture and acceptance of people. Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson airport is the world’s busiest for 10 years running, and with just one visit, you’ll see why millions and millions of people are flocking to Atlanta. Atlanta, Georgia is not only the largest city in the state and area, it’s also a queer Mecca. The only thing sexier than a hot, ripped, corn-fed hunk with a Southern accent is the capital of the American South. No matter the occasion, Midtown Moon is a place that can cater to anyone’s needs, and it has made its landing in Atlanta.This article was published on December 5th, 2019 Their efforts have been a monumental success. Marco and Chris have set their sights on striving to demonstrate the positivity that the community embodies rather than dwelling on the past mistakes of others. Midtown Moon flourishes by carrying on the tradition of unconditional love and acceptance no matter your identity, and making progress for the celebration of pride in the city of Atlanta. Earlier in the evening, I saw Marco making rounds with his guests, taking photos, and sharing his appreciation for their decision to spend their evening with them. In the midst of conversation, I noticed that the music came to an abrupt halt - time for the performers to take the stage.Īs I am heading out for the evening, I have the pleasure of running into Marco Penna. “I’m really happy that they came back to save it.” “ cater so much to the community with Oscar’s and now this,” he says. I had the chance to speak with Kevin, a former frequenter of Burkhart’s before its closing. The outdoors is where I begin to make friends. And in the opposite back corner, a more sequestered and personal collection of tables rests against the fence. The trim of the seats has subtle fluorescent lights that give off a sense of serenity, complimenting the rest of the ambiance. A gazebo occupies the center of the courtyard, allowing everyone to gather around and seek a bit of tranquility from the indoor festivities.įriends gather on the wooden benches, clearly delighted, exchanging stories and exposing their smiles. A six-foot crescent moon smiles along the back wall. The summer evening beckons the majority of guests out to the well-kempt patio. Upon every corner, there are exchanges of group hugs and copious amounts of kisses, rejoicing in being reunited with their old friends in a renewed fashion. Guests shout for their long lost friends over the celebratory dance music. The second tier provides a convenient view to the ground level.Īround 11pm, a crowd pours in like rainwater on 14th street, welcoming the vibe the space used to represent. Upstairs, a DJ spins, a small bar is tucked in the opposite corner, and two large billiards tables lounge right by the outside entrance. The central bar is accessible from the spacious dancefloor, a sidebar across from it provides a more intimate setting. Entering the venue, I was entranced by the spinning moon that glistened over the epicenter of the dance floor, reflecting an array of strobe lights and textural movements throughout the deceivingly large venue. Arriving, it’s a multi-faceted gala where you’re friends with everyone. I had the pleasure of making a stop at Midtown Moon on a sweltering Saturday evening. The venue resides in the same space that Burkhart’s previously occupied, a cozy two-story nook in Ansley Square off Piedmont Avenue. The neighboring bar Oscar’s operator, Marco Penna, and owner, Chris McDonald, took the initiative to start from scratch by opening Midtown Moon. But with the opening of Midtown Moon, a new one is on the horizon. Burkhart’s attempted to continue, but it was short-lived. Burkhart’s former owner’s offensive racial remarks opposed everything that the LGBTQ community represents. The reasons for its departure made it even more disappointing. The closing of Burkhart’s in February was an abrupt farewell to the establishment of 28 years.