First off, I think that Herndon is a pretty nice place. There has been an illegal immigrant problem, but that doesn't really change the older estabished neighorhoods and certainly not the zip code areas. It's a real town with a real history. The downtown is still intact and the good bones and many the multi-generations of residents are still there. I blame a lot of the "issues" on the western part, i.e. the Loudoun County: Sterling/Sterling Park area where land use issues (cheap, nasty housing) has allowed for a more impoverished element to come in. Herndon is also getting a nice hotel to help revitalize the downtown and a Metro station will eventually service it.
Enter NOVA's second gay bar. Fairfax County's first gay bar builds a following in Herndon . Gay bars are associated with gentrification. They are often located in fringe areas where the affluent alternative lifestyle crowd moves in an improves the area. The obstacle is that I don't think that Herndon is run down en
10-19-2009, 06:57 PM
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I just moved to the Alexandria area of DC and haven't had a chance to make it out much socially so I don't know of any local hangouts. Does anyone recognize where any nice restaurants or local bars that maybe cater to the lesbian/gay crowd where you just sit with friends and maybe make a couple of new ones and have a beverage, be it a beer or coffee? Not looking for a night club really, unless you understand a cool place with a nice drag show! But just a place to hang.
10-19-2009, 07:52 PM
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There are two newspapers, the Washington Blade and MetroWeekly that are likely to list friendly establishments all over the DC area. You may find that the most open and prominent places will be across the river in DC.
10-20-2009, 07:16 AM
Location: Springfield VA
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Ye
Alexandria, VA LGBTQ City Instruction & Gayborhoods
Alexandria is a city of around 150,000, located along the Western Bank of the Potomac River. It is generally considered a part of the larger Washington D.C. metro area, but also offers plenty to watch and do in its own right. It’s a very walkable, friendly, and welcoming area with a historic character and a forward-thinking, progressive perspective. Even better, it has a growing and thriving LGBTQ community where all can feel welcome and at home.
A Look at Alexandria’s History
Alexandria is a city with a lengthy history. It was first established in 1695 by the English as a conglomerate of tobacco fields. Many bloody battles were also fought here during the American Civil War. As the Washington D.C. area began to mature rapidly, so too, did Alexandria, and today it is a city established for its being dwelling to many military families, many involved in politics, and many who simply enjoy being close to the capital and all that is has to offer. Alexandria is truly a wonderful place to call home!
A Few Enjoyable Facts About Alexandria
Dave Grohl, founder and frontman of the Foo Fighters, went to high school in Alexandria.
There a
In Alexandria’s vibrant and eclectic Del Ray neighborhood, a unique pop-up bar framework has become a temporary fixture for the local LGBTQ+ community. In preceding May of this year, Del Ray Pop Up Bar transformed into Event on the Avenue, a lively celebration of diversity, inclusion, and pride. Originally planned to run for the month of June, LGBTQ+ Pride Month, overwhelming support from the society led to an elongation through late August.
Pride on the Avenue is the brainchild of Bill Blackburn and Mike Anderson of Homegrown Restaurant Group (HRG), who also manage several other popular spots in the area. Since its opening in late 2011, the pop-up bar has been a beloved fixture in Del Ray, but its transformation into Lgbtq+ fest on the Avenue has given it new animation and purpose. “Pride [on the Avenue] is a cocktail celebration of the many sexualities in our world as well as a showcase of inclusion and openness in our company, neighborhood of Del Ray, and City of Alexandria,” said Blackburn, stressing the bar’s role in fostering a welcoming environment. The decision to extend Parade on the Avenue’s sprint was influenced by the enthusiastic response from patrons and the pressing call for for