Train travel along the Northeast Corridor

Kick back and relax along the Northeast Corridor

Wanna get away (from your family, perhaps) for the Holidays? Allow us to suggest a comfortable train-ride along the Northeast Corridor (NEC). The beauty of train travel is you’re free to doze off, eat with your hands, and check your social media, like GayCities on Instagram. Also, you’ll avoid the wild security lines typical during this time of year.

Spread out, relax, and enjoy a glass (or three) of wine as your journey along the beautiful Northeast.

For chilly holiday excursions, check out the excitement offered in these popular stops along the NEC: Providence, RI, Washington, D.C., Boston, MA, Baltimore, MD, Philadelphia, PN, and New York City.

Providence, RI

Eat: CAV, 14 Imperial Pl Providence, RI 02903 

A favorite among RISD students, CAV boasts of a decor made up of antiques and African ceremonial art, offering a full restaurant menu and a smaller bistro menu.

Stay: Annie Brownell House, 400 Angell St Providence, RI 02906

A charming bed and breakfast with a fireplace and a comfortable library, Annie Brownell House serves a home-cooked breakfast each morning.

Play:  The Stable, 125 Washington St Providence, RI 02903

The Stable features premier cocktails, friendly bartenders, billiards, and the occasional independent live music show in a cool, relaxing metropolitan-style setting.

 

Washington, D.C.

Eat: Annie’s Paramount Steakhouse, 1609 17th Street NW Washington, DC 20009

The cavernous interior of Annie’s is the setting for a comfort food menu of huge fries, steaks, and oversized salads. Upstairs find a swanky lounge.

Stay: Carlyle Suites Hotel, 1731 New Hampshire Ave., NW Washington, DC 20009 

The charming Carlyle Suites Hotel, in the heart of Dupont Circle, is within walking distance to the many DC attractions and has gay-friendly vibes.

Play: The Fireplace, 2161 P St., N.W. Washington, DC 20037

The regulars at The Fireplace tend to gather around the cozy downstairs bar at this unassuming D.C. watering hole. And, yes, there’s a real fireplace.

Boston, MA

Eat: Gaslight, 560 Harrison Ave. Boston, MA 02118 

Gaslight, a romantic Parisian-inspired brasserie, offers prix fixe brunch and dinners, and fresh seafood dishes. Get carried away to the cafes of Paris without leaving Boston.

Stay: Nine Zero Hotel,  90 Tremont St. Boston, MA 02108

A sophisticated hotel near many Boston highlights, Nine Zero Hotel offers posh custom bedding and custom bath amenities. Personal shoppers and in-room spa treatments are available.

Play: Trophy Room, 26 Chandler St. Boston, MA 02116

Gay-friendly pub Trophy Room offers a creative menu of craft cocktails, five constantly rotating draft beer lines, and even weekend brunch.

Baltimore, MD

Eat: Mount Vernon Stable & Saloon, 909 N Charles St. Baltimore, MD 21201

Known for an extensive menu and kid-and-elderly friendly atmosphere, Mt. Vernon’s Saloon offers generous portions and playful drinks like “appletinis” and strawberry daiquiris.

Stay: Admiral Fell Inn, 888 South Broadway Baltimore, MD 21231 

Get friendly with other guests at Admiral Fell Inn in the heart of historic Baltimore. This charming inn hosts tea parties, ghost tours, and sea shanty sing-a-longs .

Play: Club Charles, 1724 North Charles St. Baltimore, MD 21201 

Family-owned for more than 50 years, Club Charles’ 1940s-inspired cocktail lounge is steeped in Art Deco style with a scarlet mural and period furnishings.

Philadelphia, PN

Eat: Valanni, 1229 Spruce St. Philadelphia, PA 19107

Popular for happy hour and tapas, Valanni is also known for their delicious, well-proportioned brunch dishes.

Stay: Independent Hotel, 1234 Locust St. Philadelphia, PA 19107

This boutique hotel has 24 rooms (including two suites) and is proximate to Philly’s gay action and theater scene. Enjoy a free bottle of Prosecco after check-in.

Play: Tavern on Camac, 243 S Camac St. Philadelphia, PA 19107 

Sing along at the piano or dance in the club upstairs at Tavern on Camac, the friendly neighborhood bar.

New York City

Eat: Buddakan, 75 Ninth Avenue New York, NY 10011 

Chelsea’s chic Asian hot spot, Buddakan, serves hip signature drinks and a diverse, fun menu.

Stay: GEM Hotel — Chelsea, 300 West 22nd St. New York, NY 10011 

Enjoy comfortable rooms and friendly service at this gay-friendly Chelsea hotel. GEM is the ideal vacation choice for those seeking an exceptional New York experience.

Play: Ty’s, 114 Christopher St. New York, NY 10014

Pop into Ty’s and pop open a cold one. Meet firemen, policemen and the men who love them at this friendly local dive that’s been around since the ’70s.

Additional stops along the NEC include Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and Springfield, Massachusetts. Albany, NY and Richmond, Va.

Don't forget to share:

Your support makes our travel guides possible

We believe that LGBTQ+ people deserve safe vacations that allow them to be their authentic selves. That's why our City Guides aren't locked behind a paywall. Can you contribute today?

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated