Bristol LGBTQ City Guide
Jeff Hammerberg
Founder & President @ GayRealEstate.com | LGBTQ+ Representation Nationwide
Bristol is one of New England's most beautiful coastal towns, nestled along Rhode Island’s Atlantic Ocean coastline. It is a smaller town, but one full of friendly people, rich history, and many welcoming neighborhoods. It offers stunning natural beauty and plenty to see and do, and a small, yet vibrant LGBTQ community. If you’re thinking of making a move to Rhode Island, Bristol would make a wonderful place to call home.
A Look at Bristol's History
Until 1854, Bristol was one of five state capitals of Rhode Island. It has always been an important seaport, as well as a center of industry, manufacturing, and education. It remains so to this day. It is a city with a long and rich history, always welcoming to free-spirited, independent, and friendly people. In addition, it is also a warm, welcoming, and diverse city with a smaller, but thriving LGBTQ community, and plenty to offer visitors and residents alike.
A Few Fun Facts About Bristol
· Bristol is home to Roger Williams University, named for Rhode Island’s founder.
· Bristol is home to the oldest continuously running 4th of July Parade in the country – the “Bristol 4th of July Celebration,” which started in 1785.
· Rhode Island is named the “Ocean State” because one can reach the ocean within an hour’s drive from anywhere in the state.
Read more fun facts about Bristol and Rhode Island here.
Bristol’s LGBTQ Community
Bristol is a city that loves and supports its LGBTQ community with a variety of resources, including:
PFLAG Greater Providence is the Bristol area’s local chapter of the national PFLAG organization, which is the largest grassroots organization of its kind in the country. PFLAG is well-known for its mission of supporting LGBTQ people, friends, family, and allies across the country in a wide variety of ways. With 500 chapters and more than 200,000 members in the United States, PFLAG plays a critical role in providing advocacy, support, and resources to the LGBTQ community.
What's the Weather Like in Bristol?
Those who live in Bristol can look forward to experiencing all four unique seasons each year. Over the course of the year, temperatures can range from an average low of 22ºF in January, to an average high of around 82ºF in July. Summers are mild and pleasant, while winters can be quite snowy, with the area seeing an average of 33 inches of snowfall each year. Spring promises beautiful spring blooms, and fall brings the crisp breezes and brightly colored leaves that New England is so well known for.
Can’t-Miss Events in Bristol
Pride Rhode Island is the largest annual LGBTQ pride celebration in the area, and it’s one celebration you’ll definitely want to put on your calendar. This annual celebration includes family-friendly entertainment, plenty of vendors, speakers, excellent performances, delicious food, and plenty of opportunities to meet friends and have fun!
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The Best Neighborhoods in Bristol
Bristol is a smaller city, which means unlike some larger towns, it doesn’t have one specific “gayborhood,” or area where most of the LGBTQ population lives. Instead, the LGBTQ community in Bristol is sprinkled throughout the city, which simply means that there are many wonderful places to choose from. Finding the home and neighborhood that is right for you will largely be a matter of budget and personal preference, and as a result, it can be very helpful and important to find a Bristol LGBTQ realtor who knows and loves the city, and who can point you toward homes that might be a good fit. The current median list price of homes for sale in Bristol is around $525,000.
Arts and Entertainment
The Bristol Art Museum has been delighting Bristol visitors and residents alike for over half a century with its excellent collection of fascinating exhibits. In addition to offering the opportunity to view art that inspires and educates, it also offers the opportunity for visitors themselves to take classes and learn to create their own masterpieces.
The Blithewold Mansion and Gardens is a stunning mansion set on 33 beautiful acres overlooking Narragansett Bay. The historic estate has 45 rooms and dates back to the late 19th century. It is a wonderful place to visit and enjoy and learn about Bristol’s unique history, especially in spring when the beautiful flowers are all in bloom.
Parks and Recreation
Beautiful Colt State Park is a beautiful public open space spanning 464 acres along Poppasquash Neck, located on land once owned by famed industrialist Samuel P. Colt. There are several preserved structures from Colt's former estate throughout the park, adding a unique historical touch. Hiking and cycling trails are offered at the park, as well as a skate park, opportunities for water recreation, picnic sites, playgrounds, and more. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a beautiful day in Bristol!
The lovely East Bay Bike Path stretches between Bristol and Providence and is constructed along the path of an abandoned railroad track. It’s a beautiful path, offering cyclists the opportunity to enjoy exercise and plenty of natural beauty all at once.
Bristol Nightlife
Leo's Ristorante is a true Bristol classic. This very popular restaurant was originally opened in 1948 and has been delighting guests with its excellent food and cozy, welcoming atmosphere ever since. Located in the historic downtown district, it’s the perfect place to stop for a wonderful meal on a night out in Bristol.
Located only a short drive away in nearby Newport, Parlor is a very popular nightspot known for its fun and friendly crowds, excellent food, strong drinks, and welcoming atmosphere. It’s a great spot to enjoy dinner and drinks with old friends, or to make some new ones!
Contact a Bristol Gay Realtor Today
If you're ready to make a move to Bristol, at www.gayrealestate.com, we're here to help you take the first step toward finding an agent who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find a home and a neighborhood you'll love. We're proud to have a network of excellent realtors in Bristol, and we would love to help connect you with the right one. Contact a Bristol gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!