LGBTQ+ Travel Experiences - 
A Journey Through Culture and Community

Discover a rainbow of experiences in Virginia, where vibrant culture and welcoming hospitality converge to create unforgettable LGBTQ travel adventures. From the historic streets of Richmond to the serene shores of Virginia Beach, every corner of the state offers a spectrum of attractions and activities tailored to the LGBTQ community.

DAY ONE

In the afternoon, check out the Torpedo Factory Art Center. This venue is a beacon for LGBTQ+ artists and allies alike, offering workshops and exhibitions that celebrate diversity and inclusion. Engage with the art and the artists, diving deep into the stories they tell.

Check into The Lorien Hotel & Spa, known for its luxurious amenities, inclusive atmosphere, and for being a proud partner of the LGBTQ+ community. Spend your first evening enjoying a welcome dinner at Hank’s Oyster Bar, where the acclaimed Jamie Leeds takes the helm, noted “Best Chef” in the Washington Blade’s Best of Gay D.C. Awards for two consecutive years. End your first day in Virginia with a nightcap at King’s Ransom, celebrated for its vibrant music and friendly vibe, or head over to Freddie's Beach Bar & Restaurant just four miles north in Crystal City. Freddie’s has been a home and social hotspot for many Queer east-coasters since 2001, and is known for their weekend buffets, karaoke and Drag shows.

DAY TWO

Savor one more delight in Alexandria as you brunch on the waterfront at Vola’s Dockside Grille before continuing 180 kilometers south to Charlottesville, gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains and a city proud of its vibrant cultural scene and inclusivity.

Celebrated by Wine Enthusiast Magazine as the “2023 Wine Region of the Year,” Charlottesville presents a fabulous opportunity to indulge in some of Virginia’s premier wines against a backdrop of stunning vistas. The LGBT-owned Montifalco Vineyard, part of the award-winning Monticello Wine Trail, welcomes visitors of all backgrounds to enjoy their Old-World traditions with New World terroir.

Back in downtown Charlotteville, the pedestrian-only Historic Downtown Mall stands as the lively core of the city, blending old-world allure with contemporary flair across its historic buildings, unique shops, delectable dining options, and diverse entertainment venues. A stone's throw from downtown, the IX Art Park, home to The Looking Glass, offers Virginia’s pioneering immersive art space. Step into an enchanting forest and a kaleidoscopic cavern where light, sound, color, and interactive installations create a captivating multisensory experience.

The Graduate Charlottesville, the #1 rated city hotel on Misterb&b, with its quirky and colorful décor and friendly atmosphere, will be your home here. Immerse yourself in Charlottesville's vibrant LGBTQ+ nightlife with an evening at the Chinchilla Café, the city's most eclectic queer DIY venue for concerts and movie screenings. This hidden gem's location remains a closely guarded secret, revealed only upon RSVP, offering an air of mystery and exclusivity. The line-up often features incredible bands that truly captivate the audience.

Alternatively, explore the rich cultural tapestry of Charlottesville at Live Arts, a cornerstone of the community theater scene for decades. Here, the stage comes alive with some of the most cherished productions. If your visit aligns, don't miss the chance to attend one of their quarterly Queer Rooftop Happy Hours. These gatherings celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, offering a unique blend of socializing, art, and entertainment under the open sky. Don’t forget to check out the area’s Out & About schedule for more weekly events centered around the LGBTQ+ community.

DAY THREE

No visit to Richmond would be complete without the Godfrey’s Drag Brunch experience. This wildly entertaining meal and a show has been recognized as one of the top 10 Drag brunches in the U.S. by Thrillist.

Travel 157 kilometers to Virginia’s coastal region and your next destination, Norfolk. For over 30 years, this city has been home to the Hampton Roads Pride Festival, uniquely hosting the nation’s sole Pride boat parade right on the waterfront.

Shopping is a must in Norfolk with the Selden Market as a shining gem. Here, you'll be introduced to a rotating lineup of Norfolk’s most innovative concepts in retail, food, and more, offering a taste of the city's dynamic business landscape. Extend your support further by visiting LGBTQ+ owned shops like Velvet Witch and Kitsch, or stumble upon a pop-up market featuring the Norfolk Candle Co. These establishments are not just shops but bastions of the community, with products like the highly sought-after soy candles known for their catchy titles and enticing scents.

No visit to Norfolk would be complete without a stroll through the NEON District. This neighborhood is an open-air gallery, home to over 70 works of public art that range from whimsical murals of oversized bees on bicycles to profound tributes to the local military heritage. Each piece tells a story, contributing to the tapestry of Norfolk’s rich cultural identity.

Nearby is The Glass Light Hotel & Gallery, Autograph Collection, an establishment that mirrors the city's blend of luxury and art and proudly welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities. As the name suggests, the hotel is adorned with exceptional works of glass art by world-renowned artists such as Dale Chihuly, Peter Bremers, and Lino Tagliapietra, which are strategically placed throughout the hotel to engage guests and enrich their stay.

As evening approaches, the vibrant nightlife of Norfolk calls. Start at MJ’s Tavern, a cornerstone of the LGBTQ+ community since 2012. Known for its themed parties, trivia nights, karaoke, and more, it’s a place where friendships are forged, and the community comes together. The night doesn’t end there. Make your way to The Wave, the largest LGBTQ+ dance club in the region and a beacon of diversity, equity, and inclusion. With multiple dance floors, DJs spinning a variety of tunes, and ample space for socializing and dancing, The Wave is the epitome of Norfolk’s inclusive nightlife, where every beat of the music celebrates the joy and freedom of expression.

DAY FIVE

Conclude your excursion with a day at Virginia Beach, just 30 kilometers from Norfolk and perfectly set on the Atlantic Ocean. Each year Pride on the Beach wraps up the Hampton Roads Pride weekend at the famous Virginia Beach Oceanfront.

Kick off your Virginia Beach adventure with a sustainable and locally sourced breakfast at Commune, setting the tone for a day immersed in coastal culture and natural beauty. Just steps away, the ViBe Creative District awaits, offering a vibrant space to shop at local boutiques and marvel at community art. Alternatively, dive into the artistic wonders at the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, known for its award-winning exhibits.

For the adventurer at heart, a scenic horseback ride along the beach offers an unforgettable experience matched with a quaint beach picnic arranged by The VB Picnic Co. Continue your day of outdoor recreation with a unique kayak tour, paddling alongside dolphins for a memorable encounter with Virginia Beach's marine residents.

For the complete beach experience, stay at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort, where the ocean's vastness greets you each morning and the boardwalk is merely steps away.
Elevate your final evening at the Rainbow Cactus, Virginia Beach's premier LGBTQ+ bar and nightclub since 1996, where you can revel in a delicious food menu and endlessly entertaining Drag performances as your trip begins to wind down.

This journey through Virginia is more than a vacation; it's an invitation to connect, explore, and celebrate within the LGBTQ+ community, set against the backdrop of some of Virginia's most charming and inclusive cities.