Baltimore, Maryland
Page 3 of 3

Baltimore gay-bar-goers congregate mostly at a handful of mainstays. Yuppies and stand-and-model types flock almost religiously to Grand Central, a large, multi-level complex that consists of a video lounge, dance bar, billiards room, and outdoor deck. Also on-site is the swanky lesbian bar, Sapphos, with its comfy living-room-esque decor and soft lighting. The other major club in the neighborhood is Club Hippo, whose reputation for great music draws a wide mix of revelers, gay, straight, old, and young. It's a great place to cut loose, especially on Thursday and Saturday nights. When it gets late, the party moves to Club 1722, an 18-and-over after-hours club open on Fridays and Saturdays into the wee hours.

The tiki-themed Coconuts Cafe is another Mt. Vernon hangout that's popular with lesbians, while Club Bunns caters heavily to Baltimore's sizable African-American gay community and has a legendary happy hour. Leather aficionados head a few blocks up Charles to the Eagle, which, though lacking any serious back-room action, nevertheless cultivates as racy an atmosphere as any bar in town. A classic dive that's been serving the gay community for more than 60 years (longer, say some, than any bar in America), Leon's is especially popular late on weekend evenings. Nearby Jay's on Read is a classy piano bar, and Club Phoenix is a laid-back neighborhood hangout with a small dance area and some highly entertaining drag shows. In Federal Hill, the Rowan Tree is a friendly neighborhood spot with an eclectic crowd, and over in the up-and-coming Canton section of Baltimore, The Quest caters to fans of go-go dancers.

Baltimore hotels have become slightly more expensive over the years, as the city has become a serious tourist and convention destination, but rates are still much lower than in nearby Washington, D.C. Most visitors choose properties near the Inner Harbor, close to great restaurants and attractions. An excellent option here is the Pier 5 Hotel, a hip and lively boutique property with whimsically decorated, spacious rooms, many directly facing the Inner Harbor. The same owners run the elegant, historic (and allegedly haunted) Admiral Fells Inn in nearby Fells Harbor - this charming old-world property earns kudos for its helpful service, romantically decorated rooms, and afternoon tea and refreshments. In Mount Vernon, the historic 1924 Clarion Peabody Court, with its 104 handsomely outfitted rooms, enthusiastically welcomes gay and lesbian travelers.

You'll also find some impressive smaller properties around town. The quirky Abacrombie Badger B&B is set inside an 1880s town house and lies just a short walk from several gay bars. Other esteemed gay-friendly inns include the six-room Scarborough Fair B&B, in historic Federal Hill just steps from the Inner Harbor, and the gay-owned Inn at 2920, near the waterfront in Canton. This stunner with exposed brick walls and high ceilings has posh rooms with tasteful, sleek furnishings and contemporary bathrooms. These cozy properties offer visitors a great chance to get to know Baltimore's distinctive, close-knit neighborhoods and appreciate one of the city's best assets: its people.

Andrew Collins is the author of Fodor's Gay Guide to the USA and as well as numerous other guidebooks.