Stock Photo: La Cage Aux Folles By Jim Byers, Arlington Economic Development
Each year, Arlington plays host to thousands of visitors who come to explore our nation's historic and cultural treasures and to celebrate Capital Pride! The monumental views and five bridges connecting to the District of Columbia certainly make for easy access to the festivities downtown. The presence of more than 40 hotels with rates averaging up to 20 percent less than those in downtown D.C. certainly doesn’t hurt.
Each year, Arlington plays host to thousands of visitors who come to explore our nation's historic and cultural treasures and to celebrate Capital Pride! The monumental views and five bridges connecting to the District of Columbia certainly make for easy access to the festivities downtown. The presence of more than 40 hotels with rates averaging up to 20 percent less than those in downtown D.C. certainly doesn’t hurt.
But the Arlington Convention and Visitors Service (ACVS) observes that the underlying reasons are much more basic: a rich tradition of diversity and inclusion.
Arlington ranked first in Virginia on the Human Rights Campaign's2015 Municipal Equality Index. In 2014, Arlington placed #10 on the list of theGayest Cities in America by The Advocate, the nation’s leading LGBT periodical. Of course, the magazine cited gay-friendly venues such Galaxy Hut andFreddie's Beach Bar and Restaurant, Crystal City’s tiki-themed gay bar with popular drag shows and karaoke.
On a deeper level, The Advocate also noted the presence of multiple LGBT elected officials, and a long-established and active Arlington Gay & Lesbian Alliance (AGLA). Beyond the bars, social outlets run the gamut from associations for gay rodeo riders and crew clubs on the Potomac River, to LGBT vintage automobile enthusiasts.
The point is, Arlington offers a plethora of opportunities for the LGBT community to engage at every level – from the civic to the cultural – during Capital Pride and all year around. Here are a few more ways to celebrate Pride in Arlington:
Cultural
Called a hotbed of cultural abandon by The Washington Post, Arlington has nationally acclaimed companies including Tony Award®-winning Signature Theatre (which happens to be staging the hit musical La Cage Aux Folles thru July 10)! Signature, along with other highly acclaimed companies such as Synetic Theater and WSC Avant Bard, offer LGBT-nights during the run of each show. Add to the mix an award-winning collection of public art, visual arts and more.
Exciting
Combining the best of big-city amenities with the warmth of lively neighborhoods, our urban villages offer fun by day and by night, including events, live-music venues, cocktail and hookah lounges, wine bars, coffee houses, sports pubs, dancing, comedy and much more.
Indulgent
From international culinary experiences, to sumptuous spa treatments, to adventures inshopping on a big or boutique scale, you're sure to leave Arlington feeling better than when you arrived! Whether you prefer luxe, laid-back or funky, you'll find your fit here.
Historical
A source of pride for all, American treasures such as Arlington National Cemetery, theNational 9/11 Pentagon Memorial, the Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima), and theAir Force Memorial are here, and Arlington is just minutes from the National Mall, monuments and Smithsonian Museums.
Of course, convenience is an amenity appreciated by all and getting to and from Arlington is a breeze. Home to Reagan National Airport (DCA), Arlington is also within easy reach of Dulles International (IAD), Baltimore/Washington International (BWI), and Washington's Union Station. With 11 Metrorail stations just minutes from the National Mall, Smithsonian Museums and otherD.C. attractions, Arlington has plenty of reason to be Proud during Pride!
Arlington ranked first in Virginia on the Human Rights Campaign's2015 Municipal Equality Index. In 2014, Arlington placed #10 on the list of theGayest Cities in America by The Advocate, the nation’s leading LGBT periodical. Of course, the magazine cited gay-friendly venues such Galaxy Hut andFreddie's Beach Bar and Restaurant, Crystal City’s tiki-themed gay bar with popular drag shows and karaoke.
On a deeper level, The Advocate also noted the presence of multiple LGBT elected officials, and a long-established and active Arlington Gay & Lesbian Alliance (AGLA). Beyond the bars, social outlets run the gamut from associations for gay rodeo riders and crew clubs on the Potomac River, to LGBT vintage automobile enthusiasts.
The point is, Arlington offers a plethora of opportunities for the LGBT community to engage at every level – from the civic to the cultural – during Capital Pride and all year around. Here are a few more ways to celebrate Pride in Arlington:
Cultural
Called a hotbed of cultural abandon by The Washington Post, Arlington has nationally acclaimed companies including Tony Award®-winning Signature Theatre (which happens to be staging the hit musical La Cage Aux Folles thru July 10)! Signature, along with other highly acclaimed companies such as Synetic Theater and WSC Avant Bard, offer LGBT-nights during the run of each show. Add to the mix an award-winning collection of public art, visual arts and more.
Exciting
Combining the best of big-city amenities with the warmth of lively neighborhoods, our urban villages offer fun by day and by night, including events, live-music venues, cocktail and hookah lounges, wine bars, coffee houses, sports pubs, dancing, comedy and much more.
Indulgent
From international culinary experiences, to sumptuous spa treatments, to adventures inshopping on a big or boutique scale, you're sure to leave Arlington feeling better than when you arrived! Whether you prefer luxe, laid-back or funky, you'll find your fit here.
Historical
A source of pride for all, American treasures such as Arlington National Cemetery, theNational 9/11 Pentagon Memorial, the Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima), and theAir Force Memorial are here, and Arlington is just minutes from the National Mall, monuments and Smithsonian Museums.
Of course, convenience is an amenity appreciated by all and getting to and from Arlington is a breeze. Home to Reagan National Airport (DCA), Arlington is also within easy reach of Dulles International (IAD), Baltimore/Washington International (BWI), and Washington's Union Station. With 11 Metrorail stations just minutes from the National Mall, Smithsonian Museums and otherD.C. attractions, Arlington has plenty of reason to be Proud during Pride!
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