Williamsburg Gay and Lesbian Scene

(Williamsburg, Virginia - VA, USA)

Since the city of Williamsburg, Virginia, is so small and geared towards its rich colonial past, it is not really known for its gay scene. Bars, restaurants and hotels are all quite open-minded when it comes to same-sex LGBT couples, although it is worth noting that when it comes to nightlife, what is on offer is relatively low-key.

Richmond Road is a good place to come for a drink, with a number of bars being based here, such as the Green Leafe. Half-price beer is often available at the Green Leafe, along with television screens showing sports games and plenty of tasty food, including some of the best burgers and pizzas to be found in Williamsburg.

If the evening is drawing in and you are looking to party with a like-minded gay crowd, then it will be necessary to head out of Williamsburg. Those paying a visit to 'nearby' Richmond, to the northwest, will find a number of tempting gay bars and plenty to do after hours.

Gay Pride Festivals

Even though Richmond is far from being the biggest city in Virginia, being the fourth-largest after Virginia Beach, Norfolk and Chesapeake, it is the state capital and does have plenty to offer the local gay crowd, particularly around the neighborhood of Carytown and along Cary Street in particular. And if you have your own set of wheels, it is a mere one-hour drive away from Williamsburg, via Interstate I-64.

For those with a taste for the performing arts, the Richmond Triangle Theater is worth looking out for and regularly stages productions to suit the local LGBT community. On the northern side of Richmond, the Gay Community Center plays host to a number of meetings and events, and also comes with a sizeable gallery space.

Although the bars based in Richmond's neighborhoods of the River District, Shockoe Bottom and Shockoe Slip tend to cater for a straight crowd, gay punters are most certainly welcomed.

Being so close to Williamsburg, Richmond is the place to come for gay pride festivals, playing host to the annual Virginia Gay Pride (VA PrideFest) each September on the Kanawha Plaza, and the Rainbow Over Richmond events (throughout September and October).