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You don’t have to go far to get away

Richmond, Philly, Rehoboth, Lost River make for memorable regional getaways

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14 years ago

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Richmond rolls out the rainbow carpet

The Richmond Convention & Visitors Bureau — like those of many mid-size cities — has put a lot of effort into enticing the lavender dollar. Virginia may be one of the most anti-gay states legislatively, but Richmond is rolling out the rainbow carpet and has much to offer the discerning gay traveler.

For starters, it’s only two hours from Washington. And taking a comfortable round-trip Amtrak ride from Union Station runs about $50.

LGBT travelers are especially welcome at the Linden Row Inn as well as Maury Place at Monument bed and breakfast.

Linden Row Inn (Blade photo by Michael Key)

The Linden Row Inn offers spacious rooms filled with ornate antiques from the mid-to-late 1800s. The fully restored Greek revival hotel is conveniently located in the center of historic downtown Richmond. Prices range from around $110 per night for a sprawling, well-decorated two-bedroom to around $240 per night for a gracious parlor room. For more information or to reserve a room, go to lindenrowinn.com.

Maury Place (Blade photo by Michael Key)

The gay-owned Maury Place at Monument bed and breakfast offers an intimate setting with meticulous attention to design. The luxury guesthouse boasts a seasonal swimming pool, four suites with sumptuous decor, heated tile floors in the bathrooms and a welcoming-yet-unobtrusive staff. Prices range from around $190 to $290 per night. Go to mauryplace.com to book a room.

There are many great restaurants in Richmond, but Chez Fouchee and the Empress stand out.

Chez Fouchee, a gay-owned restaurant nestled between downtown and the Broad Street arts district, has an affordable-yet-satisfying lunch menu seven days a week and a fine dining dinner on Fridays and Saturdays. For lunch, try an artisan baguette sandwich, the quiche du jour or one of the original salads. Prices range from $7.50 for a baguette or salad to $13.50 for a lunch steak. For the more formal dinner, be prepared to spend more than $20 per entrée. Save room for dessert; the rich lemon butter cake is worth the extra trip to the gym. For menus, reservations and more information, go to chezfoushee.com.

The Empress serves elegant cuisine that any foodie will love. The cozy lesbian-owned restaurant offers scintillating and innovative dishes ranging from bison lasagna to pistachio crusted duck breast. Vegetarian options round out the menu. Prices for entrées range from $10 to $15 and market price for seafood. The Empress serves breakfast and lunch Mondays through Fridays and dinner Tuesdays through Sundays with a brunch on Sundays. Go to theempressrva.com for more information.

There are many things to do in Richmond, and plenty to perk the interest of the LGBT traveler looking for art, history and nightlife.

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (Blade photo by Michael Key)

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is a major attraction for travelers and Richmond residents alike. The glass and stone museum holds 23,000 works of art in its permanent collection and is host to world-class special exhibitions. Go to vmfa.museum for information on exhibits, food, events and more.

The River City is home to several theater companies with shows ranging from the classics to the avant garde. Of special interest to a gay audience is Richmond Triangle Players, an LGBT theater company. James Edwin Parker’s gay-themed “2 Boys in a Bed on a Cold Winter’s Night” is having its Virginia premiere on Thursday and will run through Feb. 4. Go to rtriangle.org for tickets, show times and more information on the company.

Drag cabaret at Godfrey's Restaurant and Nightclub in Richmond. (Blade photo by Michael Key)

To unwind after a long day of exploring, there are many LGBT nightlife destinations. For an action-packed nightlife experience, go to Nations on West Broad Street. The club has two bars, a large dance floor and a drag cabaret. For a more laid back experience, Barcode on East Grace Street offers a friendly atmosphere complete with lunch and dinner specials. The best place to meet women is Babes of Carytown located on West Cary Street. Babes is welcoming to everyone and features live music and a drag show. Godfrey’s Restaurant and Nightclub on East Grace Street transforms from a lively dance club at night to a fun drag brunch on Sunday mornings. Reservations are required for the drag brunch.

There’s an LGBT section at visitrichmondva.com that’s a must-visit site if you plan to go.

MICHAEL KEY

Flowers, photos and more in Philly

As one of the country’s largest metro areas, Philadelphia is always bustling with gay energy but two spring attractions are especially worth noting — lesbian photographer Zoe Strauss has a major exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art that runs through April 22. And time your visit right and you can also catch the Philadelphia International Flower Show slated for March 4-11.

One of the major exhibits at last year’s Philadelphia Flower Show (Photo courtesy Pennsylvania Horticultural Society)

The latter, a tradition since 1829 that now draws about 250,000 visitors each year, is “a fantastic show for anybody interested in flowers, plants and greening but anybody can enjoy it,” says Alan Jaffe, PR manager for the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, which stages the event each year.

This year’s theme is “Hawaii: Islands of Aloha” so expect the usual eye-popping displays built around an exotic theme. LGBT Night Out is March 5 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. and the event always draws plenty of gays including exhibitors, designers, landscape architects and more.

The event is at the Pennsylvania Convention Center (12th and Arch Streets). Visit theflowershow.com for details.

Strauss (Photo courtesy Philadelphia Museum of Art)

Strauss is an unlikely success story. The former babysitter with no formal training in photography launched a 10-year project to display her work for one day each year underneath Interstate 95 in South Philadelphia (she’s a Philly native). Critical acclaim came in time and now she’s the subject of a major exhibition that launched two weeks ago and features several special events as well as 39 donated billboard displays featuring her photos through the spring.

The 41-year-old Strauss, who lives with her wife Lynn Bloom in South Philly, says her lesbian identity is endlessly informing of her work even in non-obvious ways.

“It’s extremely central to it because I’m a lesbian and my work is very personal so it’s central to everything I make whether it’s presented in that moment or not,” she says. “I’m very interested in gender and the fluidity of it, so it’s of great importance to my overall body of work,” she says. “And even if (a particular image) is not directly related to the LGBT community, it still kind of always is because I’m the one making it.”

The Museum is on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway at 26th Street. Visit philamuseum.org for details.

JOEY DiGUGLIELMO

Rehoboth’s off-season appeal

Before the summer rush, there are loads of activities that Washington’s LGBT community will find enticing in Rehoboth Beach, Del.

You can see men in skimpy swim trunks or elaborate costumes plunge into the cold Atlantic Ocean on Feb. 5 in a benefit for Special Olympics Delaware, and a week later, on Feb. 11, you can shop at the Convention Center at the state’s largest indoor garage sale, Merchant’s Attic I. Merchant’s Attic II is scheduled for St. Patrick’s Day.

The Blue Moon reopens Feb. 9, and judging by the dumpsters outside the Moon this winter, there are many upgrades awaiting inside.

Washington’s own Gay Men’s Chorus will join with the CAMP Rehoboth Chorus in concert on Feb. 11 at 7 p.m.

The President’s Day weekend traditionally has CAMP Rehoboth co-sponsor a mini film festival called “Another Take” with the Rehoboth Beach Film Society. This year, the films are the award-winning “Beginners” (Feb. 18), and the Chely Wright documentary, “Wish Me Away” (Feb. 19). Both begin at 2 p.m. and are shown upstairs at the Movies at Midway.

March 3 brings another Rehoboth tradition, as the Convention Center will be filled with the smell of chocolate at the annual Chocolate Festival. March will end with another Convention Center tradition, now in its 15th year, the Resorts Home Expo, showcasing the top home service companies, developers, Realtors and mortgage firms (March 31-April 1).

Camp Rehoboth holds a Women’s Fest each April, this year from April 12-15, and will feature Col. Grethe Cammermeyer and Suzanne Westenhoefer among others.

If you have a summer residence at the beach or are thinking of owning a place, you’ll want to want to check out the Designer Show House (10 Fourth Street) on Fridays through Sundays April 20-May 6.  For the odds and ends that you must have, the very popular annual Spring Sidewalk Sale will be held May 18-20. And do not forget that the second Saturday of each month throughout the year the arts community holds the Mosaic Art Walk.

If you are looking for pure entertainment, most of the bars and restaurants continue to offer specials during the winter and spring and there are theater options at both Clear Space in Rehoboth and Possum Point in Georgetown, or you might want to check out the expanded Proud! Bookstore, which has moved directly across from its former location at Village by the Sea, on the Baltimore Avenue side.

PETER SCHOTT

Big change in Lost River

If you’re more into mountains than beaches, then consider visiting Lost River, W.Va. Curl up with a good book by the fire, enjoy a robust cabernet with friends at the Guesthouse, or go for a brisk winter hike.

After 30 years in business, the gay-owned Guesthouse at Lost River changed ownership earlier this month. New owners Michael Cooley and Gary Robinson promise to continue the gay-friendly traditions of the Guesthouse. They are currently featuring a winter craft beer selection from Frederick’s Flying Dog Brewery in the lounge. The Guesthouse also offers wedding packages and can supply couples with photographers, DJs and everything to make the celebration of your wedding or commitment ceremony memorable. Visit guesthouselostriver.com for more information.

 

 

 

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Real Estate

Convert rent check into an automatic investment, Marjorie!

Basic math shows benefits of owning vs. renting

Published

4 days ago

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January 25, 2026

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Knowledgeable lenders can discuss useful down payment assistance programs to help a buyer ‘find the money.’ (

Suppose people go out for dinner and everyone is talking about how they are investing their money. Some are having fun with a few new apps they downloaded – where one can round up purchases and then bundle that money into a weekly or monthly investment that grows over time, which is a smart thing to do. The more automatic one can make the investments, the less is required to “think about it” and the more it just happens. It becomes a habit and a habit becomes a reward over time.  

Another habit one can get into is just making that rent check an investment. One must live somewhere, correct? And in many larger U.S. cities like New York, Chicago, D.C., Los Angeles, Miami, Charlotte, Atlanta, Dallas, Nashville, Austin, or even most mid-market cities, rents can creep up towards $2,000 a month (or more) with ease.  

Well, do the math. At $2,000 per month over one year, that’s $24,000. If someone stays in that apartment (with no rent increases) for even three years, that amount triples to $72,000.  According to Rentcafe.com, the average rent in the United States at the end of 2025 was around $1,700 a month. Even that amount of rent can total between $60,000 and $80,000 over 3-4 years.  

What if that money was going into an investment each month? Now, yes, the argument is that most mortgage payments, in the early years, are more toward the interest than the principal.  However, at least a portion of each payment is going toward the principal.  

What about closing costs and then selling costs? If a home is owned for three years, and then one pays out of pocket to close on that home (usually around 2-3% of the sales price), does owning it for even three years make it worth it? It could be argued that owning that home for only three years is not enough time to recoup the costs of mostly paying the interest plus paying the closing costs.

Let’s look at some math:

A $300,000 condo – at 3% is $9,000 for closing costs.

One can also put as little as 3 or 3.5% down on a home – so that is also around $9,000. 

If a buyer uses D.C. Opens Doors or a similar program – a down payment can be provided and paid back later when the property is sold so that takes care of some of the upfront costs. Knowledgeable lenders can often discuss other useful down payment assistance programs to help a buyer “find the money.”  

Another useful tactic many agents use is to ask for a credit from the seller. If a property has sat on the market for weeks, the seller may be willing to give a closing cost credit. That amount can vary. New construction sellers may also offer these closing cost credits as well.  

And that, Marjorie, just so you will know, and your children will someday know, is THE NIGHT THE RENT CHECK WENT INTO AN INVESTMENT ACCOUNT ON GEORGIA AVENUE!


Joseph Hudson is a referral agent with Metro Referrals. Reach him at 703-587-0597 or [email protected].

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Autos

Hot rod heaven: Chevy Corvette, Dodge Charger

Two muscle cars strut their stuff

Published

2 weeks ago

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January 18, 2026

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Chevrolet Corvette

Some vehicles age quietly — but not muscle cars. 

For 2026, the Chevrolet Corvette tightens its focus, fixes one glaring flaw (the previously dowdy interior) and flaunts a futuristic design. The Dodge Charger, on the other hand, is loud and proud, daring you to ignore its presence at your peril. 

CHEVROLET CORVETTE

$73,000-$92,000

MPG: 16 city/25 highway

0 to 60 mph: 2.8 seconds

Cargo space: 13 cu. ft.

PROS: Awesome acceleration. Race-car feel. Snazzy cabin. 

CONS: No manual transmission. No rear seat. Tight storage. 

Finally, the Chevrolet Corvette feels as good inside as it looks flying past you on the freeway. That’s thanks to the classy, completely redesigned cabin. Gone is the old, polarizing wall of buttons in favor of a sleeker, three-screen cockpit. There’s a large digital gauge cluster, a wide infotainment screen angled toward the driver, and a marvy new auxiliary display. Everything is modern and a bit glitzy — but in a good way.  

Fit and finish are higher quality than before, and the controls are more intuitive. Chevy’s Performance App is now standard across trims, offering real-time data for drivers who enjoy metrics as much as momentum. And the new interior color schemes, including slick asymmetrical options, let you express yourself without screaming for attention—confidence, not obnoxious bluster. 

As for handling, the steering is quick and sure, body control is exceptional, and acceleration is blazingly fast. A mid-engine layout also delivers sublime balance. 

Three trim options, including the V8-powered Stingray, the E-Ray (also with a V8 but paired with electric all-wheel drive), and the Z06 and ZR1 variants for racing devotees. 

(Note to self: For a truly mind-blowing experience, there’s the new 1,250-horsepower ZR1X all-electric supercar that goes from 0 to 60 mph in less that 2 seconds and is priced starting at $208,000.)

Yes, the ride in any of these Corvettes can be firm. And visibility is, well, rather compromised. But this supercar is a total Dom, not a timid sub. Think Alexander Skarsgard in “Pillion,” and you get the picture. 

DODGE CHARGER

$52,000-$65,000

MPG: 16 city/26 highway

0 to 60 mph: 3.9 seconds

Cargo capacity: 22.75 cu. ft.

PROS: Choice of gas or EV power. Modern tech. Spacious cabin. 

CONS: No V8 engine (yet). Soft steering. Less-than-lithe cornering.

Everything old is new again for the Dodge Charger. The automaker initially was phasing out gas-powered models in a shift to electric vehicles but then quickly pivoted back to include gas engines after yo-yo regulatory changes this year from, well, the yo-yos in the White House. 

Powerful twin-turbo engines in the R/T and Scat Pack trims produce up to 550 horsepower. These models come standard with all-wheel drive but can be switched to rear-wheel drive for classic muscle-car antics when the mood strikes you.

At the same time, Dodge still offers the electric Charger Daytona, delivering up to 670 horsepower and ferocious straight-line acceleration. 

The Charger’s aggressive design, massive digital displays and practical hatchback layout carry over, reinforcing its ability to be both a performance diva and everyday companion. With the larger-than-expected storage space, I appreciated being able to fit a boatload of groceries in the trunk during a Costco run. 

New wheel designs, paint choices and trim variations help you visually distinguish between gas and electric Chargers. But no matter the model, each one feels decisive and deliberate on the road. Commuting in stop-and-go traffic during rush hour is fine, but this street machine excels at high-speed cruising on the freeway. 

The turbo six-cylinder engine delivers muscular torque with less drama than the old V8s, but still with plenty of urgency. The electric Daytona version is a different kind of thrill, with its instant, silent thrust that feels like it could almost launch you to the moon. 

Steering is stable but not exactly crisp, and the Charger’s weight makes it less lithe—and lively—than other muscle cars, especially when navigating tight corners. 

But that’s just fine with me. Like Bea Arthur as Dorothy in “The Golden Girls,” this no-nonsense muscle car is proud to be big, bold and brassy. 

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Real Estate

Top buyer-friendly markets for the LGBTQ community

Home should be a place where you can be fully yourself

Published

2 weeks ago

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January 18, 2026

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LGBTQ-friendly housing markets include Tampa, Minneapolis, and Cincinnati.

Buying or selling a home is one of the most meaningful financial and emotional decisions a person can make. For LGBTQ+ individuals and families, that journey can also come with unique considerations — from finding truly inclusive neighborhoods to working with professionals who understand and respect who you are.

The good news? Across the United States, there are increasingly buyer-friendly housing markets where LGBTQ+ home buyers and sellers can find opportunity, affordability, and community. When paired with the right representation, these markets can offer not only strong financial value, but peace of mind.

For more than 30 years, GayRealEstate.com has been the leading source of LGBTQ+ real estate representation, helping LGBTQ+ buyers and sellers connect with vetted, LGBTQ+ friendly real estate agents who understand the nuances of fair housing, legal protections, and inclusive service.

Below, we explore top buyer-friendly markets for the LGBTQ+ community, along with practical tips to help you navigate the process with confidence.

What Makes a Market Buyer-Friendly?

A buyer-friendly market isn’t just about lower prices — especially for LGBTQ+ home buyers. It often includes:

  • Increased housing inventory (more choices, less pressure)
  • Slower price growth or stabilized pricing
  • Greater negotiating power for buyers
  • Established or emerging LGBTQ+ communities
  • Local protections and inclusive policies
  • Access to LGBTQ+ friendly real estate agents and resources

Markets that combine affordability with inclusivity can be especially attractive for first-time gay home buyers, same-sex couples, and LGBTQ+ families planning for long-term stability.

Top Buyer-Friendly Markets for LGBTQ Home Buyers

1. Austin & San Antonio, Texas

Once known for extreme competition, many Texas metros have shifted into more buyer-friendly territory due to increased inventory.

Why it works for LGBTQ+ buyers:

  • Strong LGBTQ+ communities, especially in Austin
  • More negotiating leverage than in prior years
  • Diverse neighborhoods at varying price points

Tip: Texas does not have statewide LGBTQ+ housing protections, making it especially important to work with an experienced LGBTQ+ friendly realtor through GayRealEstate.com.

2. Columbus & Cincinnati, Ohio

Ohio cities continue to attract buyers looking for value without sacrificing culture or inclusivity.

Why it works:

  • Lower median home prices
  • Growing LGBTQ+ populations
  • Strong healthcare, education, and job markets

These cities are particularly appealing for LGBTQ+ buyers relocating from higher-cost coastal markets.

3. Richmond, Virginia

Richmond has become a standout for LGBTQ+ home ownership thanks to affordability, history, and progressive growth.

Highlights:

  • Inclusive local culture
  • Buyer-friendly price trends
  • Walkable neighborhoods popular with LGBTQ+ professionals

4. Minneapolis–St. Paul, Minnesota

The Twin Cities consistently rank high for LGBTQ+ quality of life and legal protections.

Why LGBTQ+ buyers love it:

  • Strong anti-discrimination laws
  • Stable home values
  • Excellent resources for LGBTQ+ families

Minnesota offers one of the safest environments for LGBTQ+ home buyers and sellers navigating the real estate process.

5. Jacksonville & Tampa Bay, Florida

Florida remains complex for LGBTQ+ buyers, but some metros still offer strong buyer opportunity.

What to know:

  • Increased inventory = more negotiating power
  • Coastal lifestyle at lower cost than South Florida
  • Local LGBTQ+ communities continue to grow

Because statewide protections vary, partnering with a GayRealEstate.com LGBTQ+ friendly real estate agent is essential.

Finding LGBTQ-Friendly Neighborhoods

Not every “affordable” neighborhood is inclusive — and safety, comfort, and belonging matter.

When searching for LGBTQ+ friendly neighborhoods:

  • Look for visible LGBTQ+ organizations, events, and businesses
  • Research local non-discrimination ordinances
  • Ask your agent about lived experiences, not just statistics
  • Talk to neighbors and local LGBTQ+ groups

Agents in the Gay Real Estate Network often provide insight that listing data alone cannot.

The Importance of LGBTQ Real Estate Representation

While fair housing laws exist, LGBTQ+ housing discrimination still happens — sometimes subtly, sometimes overtly.

Working with an LGBTQ+ friendly real estate agent helps ensure:

  • Respectful communication
  • Advocacy during negotiations
  • Awareness of legal protections
  • A safer, more affirming experience

GayRealEstate.com has spent over three decades building the most trusted network of gay realtors, lesbian real estate agents, and LGBTQ+ friendly real estate professionals nationwide.

Federal protections now include sexual orientation and gender identity under the Fair Housing Act, but enforcement and local laws vary.

Before buying or selling:

  • Understand your state and local protections
  • Know how to document discriminatory behavior
  • Work with professionals who take advocacy seriously
  • Use trusted LGBTQ+ real estate resources

GayRealEstate.com agents are experienced in helping clients navigate these realities with confidence.

Tips for LGBTQ Home Buyers & Sellers

  • Get pre-approved early to strengthen your buying position
  • Interview agents and ask direct questions about LGBTQ+ experience
  • Don’t ignore your instincts — comfort matters
  • Plan long-term: community, schools, healthcare, and protections
  • Use LGBTQ+-specific resources rather than generic searches

Buyer-friendly markets create opportunity — but representation creates security.

Whether you’re a first-time gay home buyer, a same-sex couple relocating, or an LGBTQ+ seller preparing for your next chapter, choosing the right market and the right representation makes all the difference.

For over 30 years, GayRealEstate.com has been the trusted leader in LGBTQ+ real estate, connecting buyers and sellers with professionals who understand the importance of inclusion, advocacy, and respect.

Your home should be more than a place to live — it should be a place where you can be fully yourself.


Scott Helms is president and owner of Gayrealestate.com.

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