Best U.S. Cities After Dark

Miami, Vegas, Austin, New York, Nashville and New Orleans are FANTASTIC after dark. They’re so good they ranked highest in a recent survey by Headline News, Travel + Leisure and CNN.com, “America’s Favorite Cities survey: The results are in.” They collected 60,000 votes from locals and visitors about 25 cities across the country during a three-month period. Between clubbing and live music, these cities are definitely worth the airfare and cover charge.

Speaking of fresh, new, trendy and exciting, you’ll have to be ALL of this if you want to make it through the front door of any club in Me-AH-me. You probably won’t make it through wearing the type of stuff you do to your local club. That’s not a knock against you or your establishment. It’s just that Miami is a special city with stunningly beautiful people with beautiful hair, bodies and clothing. Men and women alike must dress to impress. Use product and own the night. Seriously.

3. New York City

This city has so many options for clubbing that the fun will be endless. To pick where you want to go, just think about where in the city you’ll be because clubs tend to reflect the personality of their neighborhood. The Meat Packing District is super trendy where you’ll find high-end nightclubs and people dressed to impress. West Chelsea, on the other hand, is the home of New York’s art scene. It’s also home to ‘Club Row’ (27th St.) and is frequented by the likes of Fergie, Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan.

A few options:

• Marquee – West Chelsea – This club’s been around for a few years and is still packing them in. It’s huge, hosts celebrities, has eye-dazzling décor, and plenty of space to dance.
• Cain – West Chelsea – South African vibe in décor and great music, but it’s all about seeing and being seen at this establishment.
• Tenjune – Meat Packing District – Three different rooms each with their own “vibe.” The music will keep you dancing but there’s plenty of space and chill and enjoy the night.
• Cielo – Meat Packing District – Award-winning club that specializes in house music. You’ll find the best DJ’s, beautiful décor, sensational lighting and a state-of-the-art sound system.

When they’re not flocking to the latest jazz festival, you’ll find music lovers at such fine establishments as:

• Preservation Hall – Dates back to 1961 and strives to keep the New Orleans-style of jazz alive. Musicians young and old share the stage.
• Tipitina’s - Started as a neighborhood bar and has grown into an international phenomenon. It was originally a venue for performances from Professor Longhair (Henry Roeland Byrd), a legend in the New Orleans jazz community. It now hosts a variety of musicians, including the Toadies, Ivan Neville, Walter “Wolfman” Washington, and Anthony Raney.
• Bourbon Street Blues Company – Live funk and R&B from local bands, dancing and a balcony overlooking Bourbon Street! What more could you ask for?

It’s a city where the college students, the hippy artists, the Harley bikers, and the Austonians of corporate America stand side by side enjoying their favorite beverage and a bowl of Austin queso.

The city is full of intimate venues and outdoor arenas that won’t have you fighting the crowd to see your local favorites:

• The Backyard – This open-air venue shaded by 400-year old oak trees hosts a variety of talent ranging from Lyle Lovett to David Bowie to Norah Jones.
• Stubb’s BBQ – Cold Beer and Live Music – This place is legendary for its delicious food and the incredible range of music acts that have taken the stage. You’ll get everything from the likes of Willie Nelson to Snoop Dogg and Spoon.
• La Zona Rosa – Features local to national musicians performing everything from rock to Latino to jazz! This venue offers two stages so you can get the big concert experience and the small, intimate, just-you-and-me experience. La Zona Rosa has hosted Joss Stone, Patti Smith and Gavin DeGraw.

LAST CALL

Researching your vacation destination options can help you have a fabulous time and help you avoid any disappointment. The cities we’ve listed here of course also offer a ton of stuff to do and see during the day, especially in museums, sightseeing, outdoors, and shopping. So, book your airfare and have a ton of fun!

As always, happy travels!