Summer - Atlas Obscura
Places near me Random place

65 Items Tagged

Summer

Share Tweet
Sharing nightly ghost stories and other scary tales was a tradition for generations of summer campers—until now.
science

The Tale of the Vanishing Summer Camp Ghost Story

To avoid traumatizing children, many camps are banning scary stories. But can a little fun with fear be a good thing?
Roxanne Hoorn June 21, 2024
Boys practicing various handicrafts at Virginia's Camp Bear Hollow in 1958, a time when summer camps were becoming more focused on leisure than preparing for war.
history

The Anxious History of the American Summer Camp

The annual rite of passage has always been more about the ambivalence of adults than the amusement of children.
Ashley Stimpson June 20, 2024
Because many predators hunt at night, humans evolved to be particularly vigilant in low-light environments.
forests

Why a Night in the Woods Can Scare Even Seasoned Campers

As the sun goes down when you're camping, every sound can seem like a threat. Blame evolution—and our phones.
Suzie Dundas June 18, 2024
The cast of 1980's <em>Friday the 13th</em>, including a not-yet-<em>Footloose</em> Kevin Bacon (second from right).
summer

Why Are So Many Horror Movies Set at Summer Camp?

Isolation and a heady mix of hormones and fear provide the perfect setting for bloody revenge.
Gavia Baker-Whitelaw June 17, 2024
What is the Summer Camp vibe? It's all tents, trails, and campfire tales (with snacks).
summer

Catch the Summer Camp Vibe With Some of Our Favorite Podcast Episodes

Celebrate the season of adventure and savor all summer has to offer.
Gemma Tarlach May 27, 2024
science

This Iowa Summer Camp Is Abuzz With Mosquitoes

But not in the way you're thinking.
Katherine R. Bruna May 27, 2024
Alamosa, Colorado

Medano Creek

A picturesque (all-natural!) beach in a landlocked state.
Fremont Solstice Parade.
List

16 Places to Celebrate the Solstice

Revel in the darkness and the light at ancient astronomical clocks and fiery festivals.
Diana Hubbell December 21, 2023
Our first place winner is Mark Yuan's photograph of an Allen's hummingbird drinking water droplets in Fremont, California.
animals

Our Final Summer Snaps Photo Contest Winners: Wildlife

For the last days of summer, we're going au naturel!
Winnie Lee September 12, 2023
<em>Orfelia fultoni</em> are the only bioluminescent fly species in North America, and the larvae produce the bluest light in the insect world.
caves

Meet the Glowing 'Worms' of the American South

There is a lot to learn about Orfelia fultoni, the only bioluminescent fly in North America, but its larvae put on a show.
Maggie Gigandet August 18, 2023
Our first place winner is Abdul Dremali's photograph of the Milky Way with moai figures on Easter Island, Chile!
photography

Our Second Summer Snaps Photo Contest Winners: Night Views

These magical images from our readers will inspire you to appreciate night vision.
Winnie Lee August 17, 2023
Did landscape architect Jens Jensen design this winding road in Wisconsin's Door County?
architecture

Wisconsin's Long and Winding Road Has a Secret Past

For decades, locals believed landscape architect Jens Jensen designed this twisty stretch of Highway 42—the real history is even more serpentine.
Tea Krulos August 15, 2023
The Milky Way rises above Pakistan's Karakoram Mountain Range.
meteorites

The 8 Best Astronomy Books For Beginners

From Mary Roach’s hilarious look at space travel to astronaut Scott Kelly’s photos documenting a year off planet.
Sarah Durn August 10, 2023
First place: Gary Schatan's photograph of huge alligator and gramophone in San Francisco Bay, California.
roadside attractions

Our First Summer Snaps Photo Contest Winners: Roadside Attractions

May these amazing shots inspire you to hit the road!
Winnie Lee August 1, 2023
Long exposures can be key to capturing the grandeur of the Milky Way, seen here at Hollow Rock in Lake Superior off the coast of Minnesota.
photography

Seeing Stars? Share Your Favorite Shot of a Summer Night and Win!

Show us your best shots from after darkness falls, for Atlas Obscura’s next Summer Snaps photo contest.
Winnie Lee July 19, 2023
We asked readers to share their most magical encounters with wild animals, such as Madeleine Oh's story of playing with a baby fox.
monkeys

9 Incredible Wild Animal Encounters From Our Readers

From playing tag with sea lions to holding hands with an orangutan.
Sarah Durn July 18, 2023
Oxygen in the atmosphere gives auroras over Vik, Iceland, their eerie green glow.
auroras

Auroras Are the Sun's Special Nighttime Light Show

As our day star enters its most active period, look for more opportunities to catch these spectral northern (and southern) lights. Here's how.
Rebecca Boyle July 11, 2023
List

11 Unique Amaros and Liqueurs to Level Up Your Aperol Spritz

This summer, try an artichoke tipple with your soda and sparkling wine.
Sam Lin-Sommer June 29, 2023