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
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

Welcome to the country’s first LGBTQIA+ bourbon festival

Kentucky’s First Annual “Queer Bourbon Week” Is Potable Pride

Bourbon & Belonging proves there’s room for all in bourbon country

Sleep Tight at These Hotels in Former Psychiatric Hospitals and Jails

Sleep Tight at These Hotels in Former Psychiatric Hospitals and Jails

Or actually, maybe don't

Don't sleep on these trails

The Most Underrated Hikes in America’s National Parks

You've probably heard of Angel's Landing and Half Dome, but what about Alkali Flat and Blue Mesa?

The OG travel influencer

How Ernest Hemingway Became the Original Travel Influencer in Idaho

The author's 22-year love affair with the Gem State began in 1939

Lago di Como, also known as Lario

Lake Como Isn’t Just for the Rich and Famous

It turns out you, too, can live like Clooney at Lario

One man's search for solitude in America's National Parks

Finding Solitude in National Parks Helped Me Evolve as a Traveler

How a fateful trip to Badlands National Park changed everything