In the West, there’s Weho. And anyone and everyone who’s ever visited the Western Part of these gay United States can tell you all about West Hollywood and the gay boys who live there.

But in the East, there’s another place that’s just as gay and just as well-identified. (In fact, the stereotypes about the men in both neighborhoods are quite similar!) The neighborhood is known as Chelsea, and it sits on the West side of Manhattan in one of the most famous cities in the world - New York City.

Chelsea, and the gay boys who live there are so well known, in fact, that they’ve even become the subject of a well-known comic strip. But that’s another story.

Chelsea sits just North of Greenwich Village, the “original” gay neighborhood in New York City. And unlike it’s Southern Sister neighborhood, Chelsea is not a center for bohemian culture. It’s tone is definitely more upscale, and more urban.

The Art Scene

Chelsea has a popular and widely-praised art community, with more than 250 galleries. The West Chelsea streets between 20th and 28th are literally lined with them, and the fact that they are all in such a concentrated area makes them easy to visit, and to tour. These galleries vary widely, but in large part are known (worldwide) for the latest in contemporary art - painting, sculpture, electronic media and photography. Artists, both American and international flock to Chelsea to live, work and sell their work in the Chelsea galleries. There are also a large number of galleries and exhibits in Chelsea that are “gay-focused,” and a number of artists who focus entirely on “gay” themed art with a queer sensibility.

Shopping, Chelsea Style

The Chelsea Market is a food lover’s wonderland - a million square feet of gourmet shops and restaurants, offering everything from meat, produce, wine, cheese, chocolate, bread, flowers, and gift items. It covers an entire block at 75 9th Avenue between 15th and 16th Street. Go for lunch (the entire complex offers free wi-fi), take an afternoon break, or spend the day shopping to your heart’s content.

More in the mood for an old fashioned flea market? Visit the Annex Antique Fair and Flea Markets over at 12 West 25th Street (between 6th and 7th Avenues). Open every Saturday and Sunday from 6:30am to 5pm, it’s got everything from great used furniture and vintage clothes to nifty nic-nacs and antique costume jewelry (for the drag queen in you!).
Still in the shopping mood? Having a fashion crisis? Visit Barney’s Co-op., located at 236 W. 18th Street (near Seventh Avenue). You’ll find edgy and stylish accessories for men. Balenciaga (at 542 W. 22nd Street) is also a great choice for the fashion-minded, with avant-garde clothes from its namesake design house (although the prices are not for folks on an artist’s budget).

I Love (the Chelsea) Nightlife

Chelsea hosts a large and diverse collection of nighclubs, dance bars, cruise bars and local hang-outs. Most are worth a visit, even if only for a drink or two. They include:

Avalon, 660 Sixth Avenue (at 20th), 212-807-7780 Avalon has taken over the old Limelight space - three floors packed with a cute and young crowd, dancing and cruising to the latest beats of top-notch DJs.

Asseteria, 12 W. 21st St.,212-981-8760. The biggest Latin Dance party held every Sunday. Guest DJ’s.

Barracuda, 275 W. 22 St, (between 7th & 8th Avenues), 212-645-8613. Locals spot right in the hottest corner or Chelsea. Crowded on weekends. Smokey and upscale.

The Eagle, 554 W. 28th Street, 646-473-1866. The popular leather-levi bar is world-renowned. Cruising nightly.

G Lounge, 223 W. 19th Street (between 7th and 8th Avenues) 212-929-1085. Beefy boys, attitude and muscles. Trendy. South Beach attitude. Home of the original frozen cosmos.

Heaven, 579 6th Avenue (between 16th and 17th Streets), 212-366-5464. Three floors of fun. Dancing, cruising and lots of locals. (The third floor is dark with red lights.)

Kurfew, 208 W. 23rd St., 212-533-1222. America’s Youngest All Gay Party.

Rawhide, 212 8th Avenue, 212-242-9332. Leather/Levi Bar in the heart of Chelsea. Small and friendly. Pool table.

Roxy, 515 W. 18th Street, 212-645-5156. The longest running Saturday Night Gay dance party in history.

SBNY, 50 W. 17th St. (between 5th and 6th Avenues), 212-691-0073. Very popular and trendy, Splash is now SBNY.

View Bar, 232 Eighth Ave. (at 22nd St), 212-929-2243; Trendy new spot. Happy hour daily. Open 7 nights.

xl, 357 W. 16th Street., 212-995-1400, Ultra modern and high tech. A different DJ each night.