Matt Kirouac

A transplant to Oklahoma City after two and a half years of RV living, Matt Kirouac is an award-winning travel, culture and food writer with a passion for uncovering hidden gems, exploring national parks and sharing LGBTQ+ stories. Along with his husband, Nathan, he's the co-founder of The Gay Lane, a travel brand dedicated to "celebrating queer culture in unexpected places,” and Kirouac Creative, a queer and allied travel consultancy dedicated to emphasizing inclusion and evergreen Pride. Matt is the senior dining writer of Oklahoma City's 405 Magazine, and in addition to InsideHook, his bylines appear in Travel & Leisure, Thrillist, Condé Nast Traveler, AFAR, Midwest Living, National Geographic and others. A three-time author, including his most recent book, Secret Oklahoma, Matt is also a longtime podcaster, having created and hosted a national parks show for iHeartRadio, Parklandia, along with his current show, The Gay Lane Podcast, that he hosts with his husband. In 2023, Matt was given a Hometown Hero award from Visit OKC for his cultural contributions to Oklahoma City.

All Articles From Matt Kirouac
Three photos of a man visiting national parks on a grey background. Left: walking on a dock, center: kayaking in the water, right: standing next to hot springs

Finding Solitude in National Parks Helped Me Evolve as a Traveler

How a fateful trip to the Badlands changed everything

A glowing sculpture of a Route 66 shield reading "Tulsa" next to swooping metal ribbons shaped like "66," set against a fiery orange and purple sunset sky.

Why Tulsa Calls Itself the Capital of Route 66

As America’s most iconic highway turns 100, 28 miles of Route 66 in Tulsa tell the story of both its past and present

A drag performer in a sparkling yellow-green gown and platinum blonde wig sings into a microphone on the floor of a packed bar, surrounded by a cheering crowd.

The Straight Man’s Guide to Gay Bars

A queer traveler on etiquette, drag brunch tips and why dive bars might be your best entry point.

A man running next to a body of water next to a table with three plates of food and a wine glass

The Best City to Visit Solo Is Also Seriously Misunderstood

If you only know this metropolis as a gateway to Disney, you really don’t know it at all

From Providence to Santa Fe

Eat Your Way Through America’s Best Food Tours

From barbecue trails to taco bike routes, these are the best food tours across the country

The 14 Best US Towns for Solo Travelers

The 14 Best US Towns for Solo Travelers

A guide to the most welcoming spots in the country for exploring on your own

Canyonlands National Park

How to Visit National Parks Responsibly

America’s national parks are facing unprecedented crowds — and unprecedented strain

Disney adults

The Rise of the Disney Adult

Is it a hobby or a form of escapism? One self-proclaimed Disney Adult explains why the theme park's not just for kids.

These small towns prove you don’t need a skyline to live large

Hack the Tourist Traps With These Small-Town Alternatives

From New England to the Russian River Valley

Man's best friend is also man's best travel companion

Everything I’ve Learned From Traveling With My Dog for 12 Years

And why it's been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life

a mule cocktail sitting on top of a wooden barrel at a mini golf course

Pair Putters With Potables at America’s Best Mini Golf Bars

It’s like being a kid again (but way better because beer)

Connecting with community, far and wide.

The Ultimate Gay Road Trip

From rural West Virginia or South Carolina, to the rainbow-clad gayborhoods of Philadelphia and Louisville

Graceland

The Evolution of Elvis Presley’s Graceland

Tennessee's biggest attraction has been open longer than Elvis was alive. How does it stay relevant to younger generations?

three photos of wine bars lined up side by side

We’re Living in the Golden Age of Wine Bars

From coast to coast, these vino-focused watering holes are serving up interesting pours, sans pretension

a vintage desert postcard that says glad you're not here

The Healing Power of Divorce Travel

And finding peace in Colorado amidst upheaval

Magnetic Valley is a masterclass in body positivity

Everything I Learned From My First Clothing-Optional Gay Resort

And how stripping down in Arkansas wound up being one of the most self-affirming experiences of my life