I live in Virginia Beach and own a PA28 140. Many times I would fly
up to Atlantic City around noon and fly back at night, a trip of about
two hours.
Night flying has some pluses: very smooth air and easy to find
airports and cities with the lights. Only emergency I have
experienced was loss of radio speaker. Had to dig around for my
earphones. Keep one flashlight between your legs and at least another
in the glove box and near by. You do need your artificial horizon at
times. I flew into a cloud one night and came to know the true
meaning of black out. Hey, flying is dangerous. Get used to it.