Top Ten Reasons To Stay Up Late
August 1, 2014
Even if you're an early-to-bed, early-to-rise type, odds are you'll find yourself straying into night owl territory during the summer months. It doesn't help that daylight, despite its name, stays around well into nighttime. The sultry, cicada-soundtracked evenings are warm enough for shorts, even in the wee hours. And thanks to your unreliable window unit A/C, your bedroom's hot enough to give you fever dreams.
The only solution? Skip sleep for now and head out for the night. Whether it's stargazing, picnicking, or a midnight food crawl you're after, there are more than enough reasons to stay up late this summer. If after-hours public transit is scarce, remember Zipcars are open 24/7, plus you can save big time with our overnight special. Pick up at 6 p.m. and return by 8:30 a.m. for less than 40 bucks. Gas and insurance are included. (Jammies are BYO.)
Go stargazing:
For city-dwellers, seeing the stars isn't a regular occurrence so much as a rare luxury. You can sit around bemoaning the effects of light pollution, or you can jump in a Zipcar and head out of town for some grade-A celestial ogling. Say hi to old friends Sirius and Orion, and think about your place in the unfathomably huge universe. Or just chill out, cosmic-style.
Photo courtesy of Thinkstock
Or city gazing: Hesitant to leave city limits? Urban skies may not appear spangled with heavenly bodies, but look a bit closer to Earth: The illuminated cityscape casts out its own beautiful glow. For optimal views, zip after dark when the traffic is light. Many viewing platforms stay open well after public transit slows down for the night (the Empire State Building's observation deck welcomes visitors until 2 a.m., for instance). I can see my house from here!
Photo courtesy of Thinkstock
Have a sunset picnic: Who says picnics are only a lunchtime deal? Try going al fresco in the evening next time. Cool night breezes will keep you refreshed, while the lack of direct sunlight means your cheese won't melt before you have the chance to eat it. Swap sunscreen for bug spray and relax knowing there'll be no imminent fromage emergencies.
Photo courtesy of Thinkstock
See a midnight movie: Whether it's a costumed, sing-along screening of "Rocky Horror," a cult film showing of "The Room," or opening night for the latest summer blockbuster, going to the movies at midnight is one of those summer rites of passage. Bonus points if you go retro and head to your local drive-in.
Photo courtesy of Thinkstock
Go for an after-dark food crawl: Science has yet to uncover why food enjoyed after midnight is that much more delicious than usual. Instead of questioning it, put together your own late-night food crawl and get to gobbling. From hidden yakitori dens to 24-hour hotdog stands, from Chinese holes-in-the-wall that serve perfect roast duck to nocturnal food trucks that cater to the 4 a.m. crowd, there's plenty to whet your appetite after dark.
Photo courtesy of John Joh/Flickr
Catch a show (or several): Want to take in some tunes — or even take your signature shuffle to the dance floor — without dropping a stack of cash? A number of venues around town feature up-and-coming acts performing late into the night. Not all open-mic night artists are destined for future stardom, but you may just discover your new favorite band. See? You really did like them before it was cool.
Photo courtesy of Thinkstock
Hit a gallery opening: Most museums shutter their doors before dinnertime, but if you're looking for some late-night culture, peep your city's gallery listings: Many host openings that are free to the public and go well past typical business hours. And did we mention the odds of free snacks? They're in your favor.
Photo courtesy of Warholian/Flickr
Test your vocal chords at karaoke:Whether you're a naturally talented vocalist or warble like a cat with a sinus infection, karaoke welcomes one and all. Round up a group and reserve a room (or, if you're bold, make a beeline for the main stage) in one of your area's destination karaoke joints. Just make sure you call dibs on your tracks in advance: You don't want someone taking your song.
Photo courtesy of Thinkstock
Night swim at the gym: 24-hour gyms sound like pure masochism (Hit the treadmill at 3 a.m.? No way), but you don't need to spend your evening lifting weights. Instead, think of the gym as your personal, all-night spa. Go for a long soak in the pool before chilling (or steaming, rather) in the sauna and finishing with a long shower. Ahhh, now that's better.
Photo courtesy of Thinkstock
Play outdoor photographer for a night: Indulge your creative side and turn your lens to the endlessly photogenic wildlife landscape — after dark. Fireflies? The moon reflected on a placid lake? A crackling campfire? They look even better on film. Or on Instagram. Whatever your preference.
Photo courtesy of Thinkstock
Go stargazing:
For city-dwellers, seeing the stars isn't a regular occurrence so much as a rare luxury. You can sit around bemoaning the effects of light pollution, or you can jump in a Zipcar and head out of town for some grade-A celestial ogling. Say hi to old friends Sirius and Orion, and think about your place in the unfathomably huge universe. Or just chill out, cosmic-style.
Photo courtesy of Thinkstock
Or city gazing: Hesitant to leave city limits? Urban skies may not appear spangled with heavenly bodies, but look a bit closer to Earth: The illuminated cityscape casts out its own beautiful glow. For optimal views, zip after dark when the traffic is light. Many viewing platforms stay open well after public transit slows down for the night (the Empire State Building's observation deck welcomes visitors until 2 a.m., for instance). I can see my house from here!
Photo courtesy of Thinkstock
Have a sunset picnic: Who says picnics are only a lunchtime deal? Try going al fresco in the evening next time. Cool night breezes will keep you refreshed, while the lack of direct sunlight means your cheese won't melt before you have the chance to eat it. Swap sunscreen for bug spray and relax knowing there'll be no imminent fromage emergencies.
Photo courtesy of Thinkstock
See a midnight movie: Whether it's a costumed, sing-along screening of "Rocky Horror," a cult film showing of "The Room," or opening night for the latest summer blockbuster, going to the movies at midnight is one of those summer rites of passage. Bonus points if you go retro and head to your local drive-in.
Photo courtesy of Thinkstock
Go for an after-dark food crawl: Science has yet to uncover why food enjoyed after midnight is that much more delicious than usual. Instead of questioning it, put together your own late-night food crawl and get to gobbling. From hidden yakitori dens to 24-hour hotdog stands, from Chinese holes-in-the-wall that serve perfect roast duck to nocturnal food trucks that cater to the 4 a.m. crowd, there's plenty to whet your appetite after dark.
Photo courtesy of John Joh/Flickr
Catch a show (or several): Want to take in some tunes — or even take your signature shuffle to the dance floor — without dropping a stack of cash? A number of venues around town feature up-and-coming acts performing late into the night. Not all open-mic night artists are destined for future stardom, but you may just discover your new favorite band. See? You really did like them before it was cool.
Photo courtesy of Thinkstock
Hit a gallery opening: Most museums shutter their doors before dinnertime, but if you're looking for some late-night culture, peep your city's gallery listings: Many host openings that are free to the public and go well past typical business hours. And did we mention the odds of free snacks? They're in your favor.
Photo courtesy of Warholian/Flickr
Test your vocal chords at karaoke:Whether you're a naturally talented vocalist or warble like a cat with a sinus infection, karaoke welcomes one and all. Round up a group and reserve a room (or, if you're bold, make a beeline for the main stage) in one of your area's destination karaoke joints. Just make sure you call dibs on your tracks in advance: You don't want someone taking your song.
Photo courtesy of Thinkstock
Night swim at the gym: 24-hour gyms sound like pure masochism (Hit the treadmill at 3 a.m.? No way), but you don't need to spend your evening lifting weights. Instead, think of the gym as your personal, all-night spa. Go for a long soak in the pool before chilling (or steaming, rather) in the sauna and finishing with a long shower. Ahhh, now that's better.
Photo courtesy of Thinkstock
Play outdoor photographer for a night: Indulge your creative side and turn your lens to the endlessly photogenic wildlife landscape — after dark. Fireflies? The moon reflected on a placid lake? A crackling campfire? They look even better on film. Or on Instagram. Whatever your preference.
Photo courtesy of Thinkstock
