Gay bars in burlington
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This state is a gem for LGBTQ+ travelers, but the best time to go really depends on what floats your boat. In fact, much of their clientele consists of straight, cisgender people.
Cain said it would not make sense as a business to limit Fox Market’s customer base. The Rainbow Cattle Company in Dummerston shut down years earlier, and the iconic Andrews Inn in Bellows Falls had faded away decades ago.
But when 135 Pearl announced its closure — the owner cited the struggles of owning a small business — no one knew it would take 15 years to fill the gap it left for LGBTQ+ Vermonters.
In that time, the nature of LGBTQ+ rights and identity in Vermont shifted dramatically.
Pride Vermont: This annual event, typically held in September, is a week-long celebration of the lgbtq+Q+ community. They’ll happily chat your ear off and make you feel right at home. Soon after, groups like Outright Vermont (helping LGBTQ+ youth) and “Out in the Mountains” newspaper sprang up.
Major Milestones: In 2000, Vermont was the first state to recognize same-sex couples with civil unions.
The location housed a Papa John’s pizzeria for many years and is now a tea shop.
There’s no LGBTQ+ bar in Burlington today, according to the people VTDigger interviewed, although several bars were noted as being especially welcoming to LGBTQ+ Vermonters, including Red Square and Radio Bean.
Bensel said the Pride Center has worked to connect LGBTQ+ people across Vermont through social events such as potlucks and Pride celebrations.
But it is hard to find a scene of a community that you fit in with” in such a small town.
“What I’ve always wanted to do, since I was very young, was build a space that felt welcoming to my community and felt like it put the community first,” Dunton said.
Greggor Mattson, a professor at Oberlin College who studies LGBTQ+ culture, said his research has found as many as 37% of gay bars shut down across the country between 2007 and 2019.
Mattson found no single factor that shuttered bars across the country, he said. Here’s the scoop on some of the best gay-friendly venues and events across the state:
Gay-Friendly Bars
Red Square (Burlington): A local favorite among the LGBTQ+ crowd.
And don’t forget about the Winter Rendezvous in January—a gay ski week full of fun on and off the slopes.
Winter Festivals: February is prime time for snow lovers. It’s a great time to explore the state as it wakes up from winter.
LGBTQ+ Events: Pride season kicks off in May, so you’ll be right in the middle of the festivities if you visit then.
Summer (June to August)
Outdoor Activities: Summer in Vermont is all about the great outdoors.
It’s free!
Are there any LGBTQ+ ski weeks in Vermont?
Absolutely! You’ll find community centers and resources all across the state.
Gay-Friendly Stays: From cozy B&Bs to resorts like Stowe Mountain Lodge, Vermont has plenty of LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations.
LGBTQ+ Events: Vermont hosts pride events and festivals throughout the year, giving you plenty of chances to connect with the local community.
Safe Spaces: There are several LGBTQ+ safe spaces, especially in cities like Burlington.
Inclusive Businesses: Many local businesses are LGBTQ+ friendly, making it easy to enjoy everything Vermont has to offer.
Rural LGBTQ+ Community: Even in the rural parts, acceptance is strong.
It's a colorful, inclusive event attracting visitors from all over New England and beyond.
2. “And they feel so important.”Finding your place in East Montpelier
Fox Market is located close to the intersection of Route 2 and Route 14 North, just beyond the town’s lone gas station and a general store. I can’t keep my eyes open past 9,” he said.
Groups like the Pride Center of Vermont, founded back in 1999, have been pillars of support for the community.
From the 60s to the 80s: Before things were as open as they are now, LGBTQ+ Vermonters often headed to bigger cities like Boston or Montreal to socialize and march in Pride parades.
“I just could not understand our own discrimination that existed within that community. It proudly flies the rainbow flag and calls itself a “queer bar.”
Babes Bar (Bethel): While not strictly an LGBTQ+ bar, it’s gained a solid reputation for being super welcoming.
Most Gay-Friendly Restaurants in Vermont
Vermont is known for its inclusive vibes, but while you won’t find many places advertising as “gay-friendly,” there are several spots where everyone feels welcome.
Burlington Area
Honey Road: Mediterranean-inspired eats with a warm, welcoming atmosphere right in downtown Burlington.
Leunig’s Bistro & Café: A French-inspired spot that’s popular with the LGBTQ+ community, located on Church Street Marketplace.
The Skinny Pancake: A laid-back crêperie with locations in Burlington and Montpelier, known for its inclusive environment.
Stowe Area
Plate: New American cuisine in Stowe, owned by a gay couple, and a favorite among LGBTQ+ visitors.
Hen of the Wood: Farm-to-table dining with locations in Waterbury and Burlington, where local produce and a welcoming atmosphere take center stage.
Other Notable Mentions
Elixir Restaurant (White River Junction): Enjoy New American cuisine, craft cocktails, and a welcoming vibe.
Gay-Specific Events or Retreats in Vermont
Vermont offers some fantastic gay events and retreats throughout the year:
Gay Men’s Retreats
Willow Vermont Retreat Center hosts several gatherings, centered on gay men’s retreats:
Summercamp – Gay and Bi-Men’s Gathering: A 3-night retreat featuring yoga, hiking, and visits to gay hangouts.
Strawberry Moon – Gay and Bi Men’s Gathering: Another 3-night getaway with similar activities.
Ecstatic Self Summer Retreat: A 6-day retreat focusing on personal discovery and spiritual growth, open to all but tailored for queer men.
Pride Events
Vermont’s Pride events are the real deal.
Montpelier Pride Fest and Parade (May)
Rutland County Pride Festival (June)
Barre Pride Fest (June)
St.
It's a great place to relax with friends and enjoy some local brews.
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