Massachusetts has long be at the forefront of LGTBQ rights so it comes as no surprise the city of Northampton is one of the most gay-friendly areas in all of New England. This beautiful, quirky little college town is chockfull of popular nightspots, restaurants and events all catering to the LGBTQ crowd.
Nicknamed the Lesbian Capital of America, Northampton caters heavily to and draws a large female crowd but boasts a large LGBTQ population overall. FitzWilly’s earned a reputation as being one of the gay-friendliest eateries in town and has one of the most extensive menus of comfort food. Of course, you can’t stop in Northampton without sampling the beloved Sylvester’s for breakfast at least once.
At night there are plenty of options available to those who want to mingle with a familiar crowd, though most bars in town are more mixed than traditionally gay. Bishop’s Lounger is a popular hangout along with The Dirty Truth. During the day be sure to check out the Smith College Museum of Art and the nearby Botanic Gardens.
May might be the best time to visit Northampton as that’s when two of its biggest events occur — Northampton Pride and the Paradise City Arts Festival. Both bring thousands of people from around the region and showcase quite the display of visual arts, food and live music that everyone can enjoy.
With Northampton hosting such an eclectic array of restaurants, shops and events that typically coincide with being a college town we’re sure you’ll have plenty of fun visiting no matter the time of year.
Read This Next
6 Eco-Friendly Resorts Honoring Earth Day Every Day
Hotel
Mar 27, 2025#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Mar 31, 2025Which Are the Safest U.S. National Parks?
If you are hesitant to explore U.S. national parks for outdoor adventure this summer as less staffing and other issues could mean potentially greater danger for tourists — and because, yes, most parks experience some guest injury incidents each year, sometimes even fatalities — personal injury law firm Mallow Law Office can ease your worries. The law office crunched the numbers to identify the safest national parks in the country based on fatalities from 2014 to 2023. The results?
Sponsored Content
AmaWaterways’ Specialty River Cruises
When you embark on a river cruise with award-winning AmaWaterways, unpack once and step aboard a world of unparalleled experiences. With enriching excursions, exquisite locally sourced food and wine, nightly entertainment and more included in the fare, you will learn why AmaWaterways has the most returning guests out of any river cruise line.
Hotel
Mar 31, 2025Italian Castle Hotel Unveils Cultural Experiences for 2025
Housed in a 12th-century castle, COMO Castello Del Nero reopened for the season with a host of cultural experiences. This 750-acre estate in the Tuscan countryside invites guests to immerse themselves in the charms of the region.
Destinations / North America
Mar 31, 2025You Should Visit Port Gamble, Washington, This Season: Here’s Why
Just a ferry ride from Seattle is a storybook village with 19th-century, New England-style houses, bay views; boutique shops; and endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. Port Gamble sits on Washington’s Kitsap Peninsula, and spring and summer are perfect times to visit this scenic destination. Here’s why:
Sponsored Content
Madrid: The Charm of an Authentic City
They say Madrid is in vogue for many reasons: its lifestyle, its heritage, its cuisine and all of its new attractions. And it’s true, because Madrid is on the radar of travelers looking for a cutting-edge destination that still holds onto its essence. Join us as we explore its charms.
Hotel
Mar 28, 2025JW Marriott Opens New Resort in the Maldives
JW Marriott just opened its second resort in the Maldives, as of February. The new property, JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort, is a 15-minute boat ride from Velana International Airport, and offers 80 private pool villas, including nearly 50 overwater pool villas. Each villa further features its own terrace, views of the Indian Ocean and water access. A larger residence is available for traveling groups.
ShareThis