Running along the Potomac River across from Washington D.C., the county of Arlington is just a hop, skip, and a jump away from our nation’s capital. While it should be no surprise that gay Arlington County is bustling with just as much energy and excitement as the capital across the river, it is home to a few surprising gems you would not want to miss if you find yourself in the area.
RESTAURANTS
If you’re looking to try something new and eclectic, make sure to swing by Ambar (2901 Wilson Blvd, 22201, Arlington, VA 22201, Tel: (703) 875-9663, http://www.ambarrestaurant.com/home-page-clarendon), a Balkan restaurant with a modern twist. Ambar D.C. is known for delivering a true ‘Balkan Experience’ and has recently surpassed an epic milestone for Eastern European cuisine, catapulting to the top of the international scene according to the Michelin Guide. Meat lovers rejoice, as the menu has a wide array of cured meats and slow cooked rotisserie meals that will make you salivate. Make sure to get the wild boar burger… you will not be disappointed. Not a meat eater? Don’t worry the menu also boasts a large array of vegetarian options to satisfy your cravings. The grilled veggie flatbread with their homemade pesto is a standout.
Hunting for something a little more All-American? Try the Citizen Burger Bar (1051 North Highland Street, Arlington, VA 22201 Tel: (703)-567-7401), a classic burger joint that focuses on the simpler things, a good ol’ burger and beer. The restaurant prides itself on its grass-fed beef and locally grown produce to make sure your dining experience is nothing short of being delicious. Coolers are lined up with a huge, carefully curated collection of beers (110+ and growing, many of them locally born and bred), and with a pretty long craft cocktail list, there’s much to love at the Citizen Burger Bar.
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The port city of Norfolk offers more than meets the eye as a hotbed of local arts culture and a focal point for Virginia’s dynamic culinary scene. On the eve of Hampton Roads Pride, I set out to meet the city beyond the shore. There is the Ghent neighborhood, which thanks to a new wave of hip bars, restaurants, and independent art shops, has made Granby Street home to plenty of young bohemians. Downtown is equal parts old and new, where the lofty high rises stand side-by-side cornerstones of the antebellum era. Steeped in the city’s colonial history is the ever-charming West Freemason, a living portrait of Americana past and present, with grand old homes and winding cobblestone streets.
I set up digs at the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel (777 Waterside Dr., Tel: 757-622-6664. 
We all love Rehoboth Beach, Del. Fire Island remains a popular and iconic destination for gay beachgoers, especially from the New York area. And Provincetown continues to draw LGBT crowds for its laid-back vibe and welcoming atmosphere.
But if you’re looking for something new, there are gay-friendly beach towns off the beaten path. Here are a few within driving distance of Washington.
Colonial Beach, Va.
Chris Adcock and Ted Tait were drawn to Colonial Beach in 2011 for its reputation as a great boating town. Once docked, they discovered its gay life. For those wanting to skip the fast-paced partying and slow-moving traffic of Rehoboth Beach, Del., Tait and Adcock recommend Virginia’s second-largest beach for its quaint, small-town feel and warm acceptance.
“They’re drastic opposite ends of the spectrum in a good way,” Adcock says. “Rehoboth is the new, modern, clubby younger scene where as Colonial Beach is much more sleepy and neighborhoody. Everybody knows everybody.”
Periodically we’ll feature one of our properties here to let our readers know about some great gay friendly places to stay:
The Inn at Sugar Hollow Farm is a country bed and breakfast inn located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains near Charlottesville, Virginia. We are surrounded by hillsides with a view up to The Shenandoah National Park and Skyline drive, near many Virginia wineries and vineyards, and opportunities for hiking and fishing. A 30 minute drive through rolling horse country will take you into the historic Charlottesville Downtown district with unique shopping, restaurants, music venues and nightlife.
In the nearby town of Crozet, will find in addition to several wineries, two local craft breweries, good restaurants, and artisan shops. Just to the south of Charlottesville is the popular historic Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s home. The University of Virginia campus is in Charlottesville, where you can tour the historic Rotunda and Lawn.
Each morning we serve a country style buffet breakfast at 9am, included in your room rate. Early risers can take advantage of continental breakfast option upon arrangement with the innkeeper. During warmer months you may enjoy breakfast on our stone patio overlooking our 70 private acres. Inside during Winter months, our dining areas include our great room with a fireplace. Other common areas include a media room and sun room, upper deck,and main dining room.
We have 2 buildings on our property with guest rooms, the Main Inn built in1995 and the Farmhouse built in 1905. The Main Inn has more convenient access to common areas and the dining room, the Farmhouse has some historic charm. Guests staying the Farmhouse can walk up to the Main Inn for breakfast across our pasture, or drive around as needed. Our Shenandoah Suite is also available as our most luxury and private space, a cottage-like addition to the Farmhouse with a private entrance and private deck.
We keep two dogs on the property and have we dog friendly guest rooms in our Farmhouse.
Periodically we’ll feature one of our properties here to let our readers know about some great gay friendly places to stay.
Periodically we’ll feature one of our properties here to let our readers know about some great gay friendly places to stay.