Gay Travel Destination: Richmond, Virginia

When it comes to authenticity of place, no destination delivers more than the Richmond Region. The city is old, but the vibe in Richmond is new and its 400 years of history live on through magnificent architecture, monument-lined cobblestone streets, and world-class dining. Richmond boasts big-city amenities without big-city fuss. Its small-town charm combined with exquisite art, elegant architecture, unique boutiques and upscale shopping, lush gardens and a thriving nightlife make it the perfect destination for a weekend or long weekend getaway.

His­toric homes and neighborhoods, Civil War and Revolutionary War sites and museums, gardens and nature centers, science and art museums, sports teams and the James River offer countless things to do throughout the Region. And it’s so easy to get there. The Richmond Region is with­in a day’s drive of more than half of the U.S. population. It’s easily accessible by train and two low-cost air carriers fly into Richmond International Airport, a 10-minute drive to down­town.

Eat: Godfrey's offers popular Drag brunch on Sundays before transforming into night-time hot-spot. Gay-friendly New York Deli is located in funky Carytown just a couple doors down from the historic Byrd Theatre. Catch a movie after dinner for $1.99. Nacho Mama’s in Carytown is gay-owned and offers killer margaritas.

Sleep: TAG-certified Linden Row Inn, housed downtown in old Victorian-era row homes, is a historic urban hotel with a European style. The Linden Row boasts a beautiful winding garden courtyard (where famed Master of Macabre Edgar Allan Poe played as a child) and partners with nearby 1508 gallery to host rotating satellite exhibits. The Maury Place B&B is also TAG-certified and located on Beautiful Monument Avenue (the only street listed on the National Historic Register) in the heart of the Museum District.

Shop: Carytown is Richmond’s nine-block “Mile of Style” where independent shops and restaurants reign. Grab a quick bite at Galaxy Diner, sip lattes and people watch at Bin 22 or peruse the antiques and boutiques. Nearby is Diversity Thrift, an all-encompassing thrift store whose proceeds are used to support the Region's gay community.

Night: Babes has a great patio and great entertainment. Feildens is a private club, but if you know a member, you can go as a guest. Barcode and Godfrey’s downtown are also great night-time spots.

Arts: Virginia Commonwealth University, known for its top-ranked arts programs, serves as the anchor to a thriving arts scene that continues to grow. Home of the largest art collection in the Southeast, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is currently undergoing an expansion that will place it among the top-ten comprehensive art museums in the U.S. When all galleries re-open in May of 2010, the VMFA will welcome the popular traveling exhibit “Tiffany: Color and Light.” Don’t miss Richmond’s many fantastic galleries.

Sweat: The scenic James River distinguishes the Richmond as the only urban setting with Class IV rapids – just one form of outdoor recreation for thrill seekers. Local company Riverside Outfitters offers bike rentals, kayaking, tubing and even tree-climbing excursions.

Scream: Nearby amusement park Kings Dominion this spring will add the Intimidator 305 – all about crazy speed and intense G-forces.

Events: The Gay Pride Festival is an annual celebration held each fall in one of the area's outdoor parks, and each summer, Gay Day is held at Kings Dominion, the area's amusement park. For more gay-friendly events, happenings, and discussion, check out GayRVA.com or the Richmond Metro CVB’s GLBT page.

For more information about the Richmond Region, go to www.VisitRichmondVa.com.