Gay bars in burlington

It's a great spot to meet friends, have a coffee, and enjoy some of their fantastic baked goods.

7. Both venues’ owners are trying to revive the tradition of such spaces in Vermont — but they’re also rethinking what it means to be an LGBTQ+ bar in the first place.

“Dedicated spaces that you’ll go and find other people in your community and be safe and welcome and prioritized are really challenging to find, or at least I found them really challenging to find,” Fox Market co-owner Liv Dunton said.

Groups like Out in the Open work to connect LGBTQ+ folks in these areas.

What are the top attractions for LGBTQ+ travelers in Vermont?

Here’s where you’ll want to hit up:

• Burlington: Vermont’s largest city has a lively LGBTQ+ scene with welcoming bars, restaurants, and events.

  Located just slightly south of the lgbtq+Q-friendly mecca of Montreal on the eastern shores of Lake Champlain, Burlington is a progressive, welcoming, and diverse city where all can find their place and feel at home.
  
  Burlington is a treasured lakeside city in Vermont attracting the lgbtq+Q community all seasons throughout the year.

  

  It kind of catered to everybody’s needs in that way.”

  Mike Bensel, executive director of the Pride Center of Vermont, is a former customer of the lounge. It's not a gay bar, but it's very popular with the lgbtq+Q+ community. The walls are lined with bookshelves filled with graphic novels and board games.

  On a weekday afternoon in March, the owners’ tiny dog, named Smidge, ran up to greet customers as they walked in.

  Babes isn’t a “queer bar,” or at least it hasn’t marketed itself as such. 

  “But obviously, we’re queer folks,” Daniel-McCarter said. The population of East Montpelier is so small that the owners cannot afford to focus on just one demographic.

  “There’s enough people in the city and enough queer people to go to those bars that you can make it work, and they do, but here there’s just not enough people to do that,” Cain said.

  At the same time, Dunton said the bar prioritized people in the LGBTQ+ community, even at the occasional discomfort of people who may see things like its LGBTQ+-based decor from an outsider’s perspective.

  “I think it’s OK for people to have momentary discomfort and think about that and think about why they have that feeling,” they said.

  With its live-and-let-live vibe, Vermont has plenty of gay-friendly accommodations and gay resorts. Montpelier Pride Fest kicks things off in May, and by June, there are celebrations all over the state. It hosts a range of activities, including health workshops, social gatherings, and advocacy events. Whether you call yourself transsexual, curious, man, bisexual, gal, female, male, fem, boy, drag king, daddy, gurl, guy, butch, cross dresser, boi, leather, girl, drag queen, alternative, questioning, woman, gay, lesbian, bear, homosexual, transgender, or simply human - where to find a fun place to meet or scene to free your life.

  Travel from central, downtown, country, west, uptown, midtown, north, south, east, or city - driving directions from your address to the location of the new Burlington, Vermont gay watering hole.

  “A lot of teachers meet up (here) after school. The event features stunning performances from local and visiting drag artists. The Pride Center of Vermont: This community center offers resources, support, and various events for Vermont's lgbtq+Q+ community. 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.

  Cars whiz along the thoroughfare between Montpelier and the Northeast Kingdom.

  Upon entering the building, patrons have the option to turn right into the market, which features a wall of wines, a selection of cheeses and a few daily deli specials. If you love winter sports and a good party, this is your event.

• Farm-to-Table Dining: Vermont’s food scene is all about local, artisanal goodness, and most restaurants are LGBTQ+ friendly.

• Scenic Drives: The fall foliage drives are legendary, and a hit with all visitors.

• Civil Union/Wedding Destinations: With its history of supporting same-sex marriage, Vermont is a popular spot for LGBTQ+ weddings.

When is the Montpelier Pride Fest and Parade?

Mark your calendar for May 31, 2024.

It’s the perfect time to take in the crisp air and gorgeous views.