Women muscle into the 'man cave'
Yeah, dude: When you're not looking, your sports sanctuary may play host to the wife's quilting party.
By Gwendolyn Bounds of The Wall Street Journal


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The big-screen TV is just the start. Check out special items to help trick out your "man cave" or family room.


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Craig Schuelke's Forest Hill, Md., basement is a testament to manliness. There's the Arnold Schwarzenegger pinball machine and about $30,000 of signed University of Michigan and University of Maryland sports memorabilia that the construction superintendent has enshrined on the walls. An air-hockey table commands one corner, flanked by a pool table, shot-glass collection and dartboard. It's a quintessential "man cave," except for one feature: Schuelke's wife, Melanie.

"He doesn't know what we're doing when he's not home," Melanie Schuelke says. "My female friends, we shoot pool, drink beer and throw darts down there."

The man cave has a secret: Women use them, too. Their new interest comes as these spaces have changed from cold garage outposts into tricked-out comfy spreads, complete with flat-screen TVs, fully stocked bars, arcade games and plush (clean!) furniture. (Bing Cube: Peek inside decked-out man caves)

As a result, men are learning to share with the family while combating the inevitable intrusion of scented candles, flowers and children's toys. While couples often cozy up together or party in caves with friends, more women say they retreat there — even holding the occasional quilting party — without the guys.

We're beening invaded