When making vacation plans, it's always nice to know what type of night-life options are available in your destination's area. Night-life ToDo's are usually reserved only for night clubs and live bands. But if you select the right vacation spot, you might just strike nocturnal gold. Some cities are no-brainers for 24 hour fun; New York & Las Vegas are two that come immediately to mind. But there are others that might surprise you. Whether you're a night owl looking for vacation destinations to accommodate the nature of your evening-dwelling ways or if you're like me: a traditional sleeper just looking to make the most of every hour of vacation, here is a list of cities I've visited with after-5 happenings.
New Orleans
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A shot of Bourbon Street
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We all know the renowned French Quarter comes alive at night in this city dubbed as America's Most Interesting City. Vibrant, unique and filled with energy and "spirits". This nocturnal atmosphere has bled into quite a few other tourists areas.
| The Big Easy has got you covered for late night feedings. |
When hunger strikes late at night in NOLA, you'll be happy to know there is no lack of late night/ all night eateries. From Gentilly to the Warehouse District, the Big Easy has got you covered. Café Du Monde is only one of many 24 hour restaurants.
I'd be remiss if I didn't mention New Orleans' music scene. Jazz, Blues, Rock, Alternative, and much more; it's all done with Cajun flare until the wee hours of the morning.
Instead of getting tickets to the Theater when the sun sets on the French Quarter, consider a Cabaret or Burlesque Club. You're guaranteed a fun-filled, sexy and sassy evening of entertainment.
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| Bloody Mary's Tours offers the only moonlight cemetery tour in NOLA |
Few other cities offer as many night tours as New Orleans. Tour topics such as historical hauntings, cemetery, romantic, water, or air tours are available during twilight hours.
Gambling is a popular night time event in many cities, where allowed. Luckily, NOLA downtown offers Harrah's. Let's hope Lady Luck works the night shift.
Austin
| Austin, TX downtown skyline |
As a young adult in the 90's, Austin was a great place to be for nightlife. Today, it's even better
All Night Owl vacations in Austin should begin with 6th Street. This seven blocks between Congress and the Interstate are arguably Texas' entertainment mecca.
From fancy to fast, late night is when Austin's grub is at it's finest. Indian, Vietnamese, and French cuisines are just a few options open til 2a.m.
All Night Owl vacations in Austin should begin with 6th Street. This seven blocks between Congress and the Interstate are arguably Texas' entertainment mecca.
If you're lucky enough to be in Austin on a Sunday evening from May through August, plan a picnic dinner to Long Center City Terrace at 7:30 p.m to listen to the Austin Symphony for free.
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| Photo courtesy of naturalpatriot.org |
Every night at dusk, thousands of bats flutter in smoke-like clouds from underneath the Congress Avenue bridge. Any spot on the bridge gets you a close-up view. Combine the spectacle with a seafood dinner and a view from the patio at the Shoreline Grill.
Chicago
With an after dark culture that's well established, The Windy City is a great getaway for any night owl. With so many great things packed into one city, here's a few activities you can reserve to do when the sun goes down on other attractions.
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| Photo Courtesy of Chris Harnish Photography |
The Navy Pier is one of Chicago's most popular attractions. Set right in the Chicago Harbor of Lake Michigan, it's where tourists and Chicagoan alike gather. A playground of 50 acres filled with parks, promenades, gardens, shops, eateries and museums. And the best news, the area is open until at least 10pm or later year 'round.
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| Photo By Jamie Steinkamp |
The night time music scene in Chicago is a vacation in itself. From renowned jazz to soulful blues to world famous symphony orchestras, Chi-town has it all...and all night.
Gazing at the stars in the big city can be hard to do. However, every third Thursday you can do just that at the Adler Planetarium which holds Adler After Dark. There also other museums that host routine after hours exhibits and openings, so check around while you're in town.
Located on the 96th floor of the John Hancock Center there is no doubt that Signature Lounge’s main attraction is the Chicago view instead of the delicious drinks, but the breathtaking views across Chicago offer 360° scene of the entire city skyline. Try the Magnificent Mile Manhattan, I'm told it's delicious. And what better way to experience all that this lounge has to offer at night? Nashville
One reviewer on TripAdvisor reviewer compared Nashville to NYC but "with boots on". Downtown Nashville is indeed a mecca for all things of the night, not just country music. Take an evening stroll and check out the Music City Walk of Fame. You can see the stars in Walk of Fame Park on Demonbreun Street between 4th & 5th Avenues - located at the base of the Music Mile in downtown Nashville.
Whether you're interested in hearing the original songwriters perform at The Bluebird Café or shootin' whiskey at The Wild Horse Saloon, the downtown scene will keep you entertained all night.
Admittedly, even with the plethora of night music, you'll have a hard time finding museums opening after hours. That said, The Frist Center for the Visual Arts is open until 9:00 pm on Thursday and Friday (Martin ArtQuest closes at 5:30 p.m.). For a bit of nighttime nature during the summer, visit Cheekwood Botanical Garden which is open every Friday, May through October, until 10 pm.
Of course there are plenty of late night eateries, many of which offer live music to boot. There are also several late night coffee spots for you to get your after dark java. Café Coco is a 24 hour joint serving coffee and more, JJ's Market provides a low-key coffee experience for the late night intellectual (but only until 11pm).
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