5 Places to Watch the Total Solar Eclipse
July 19, 2017
From Nashville to Wyoming, we’ve found five of the best places to watch the August 21 total solar eclipse.
Nashville, TN
As one of the largest cities in the direct path of the eclipse, the Westin Nashville is pulling out all the stops to make sure its guests have the best viewing experience with everything from a Solar Eclipse 2017 package to a Solar Eclipse 2017 Watch Party at L27, Nashville’s highest rooftop bar.
Rates for the Solar Eclipse 2017 package start at $409 per night, and include a minimum 2-night stay, in-room breakfast for two off the SuperFoodsRx menu the morning of the eclipse, and a complimentary Rhapsody Spa welcome gift. In addition, guests will be given access to a complimentary yoga class for two at the L27 Rooftop Bar at 9 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 21st and will receive two tickets to the Solar Eclipse 2017 Watch Party, which begins at 11:30 a.m. with eclipse progression beginning around 11:58 a.m. and ending around 2:00 p.m. During the party, attendees will be treated to live entertainment and complimentary solar glasses for viewing. There will also be beverages, including a specialty cocktail, and a la carte food menu items available for purchase. Regular suite rates start at $559 per night. For more information, call (615) 248-2800 or visit westinnashville.com.
Charleston, SC
To celebrate the total solar eclipse—the first time in 99 years a total eclipse of the sun will be visible from coast to coast—Belmond Charleston Place hotel has created a Solar Eclipse package that includes luxury accommodations and a special dinner with an astronomer to learn more about the 2017 event and solar eclipses’ contribution to the development of modern science.
Guest speaker Dr. Jon Hakkila, the associate dean of the graduate school and a professor of physics and astronomy at the College of Charleston, will take part in the scheduled dinner. Guests can spend their additional day in Charleston enjoying the city’s sites in myriad ways: dolphin- and sunset-watching aboard the Schooner Pride in historic Charleston Harbor, exploring charming neighborhoods sprinkled with galleries and boutiques, or basking and bathing at one of the area’s white-sand beaches.
Rates for the Solar Eclipse package start at $2,475 dbl when using the promo code: eclipse, and includes a 3-night stay in club level accommodation, an exclusive gourmet dinner prepared by award-winning executive chef Michelle Weaver of the Charleston Grill with an eclipse presentation by Dr. Jon Hakkila on August 20, access to a VIP viewing area on the day of the eclipse and viewing glasses. Regular rates in a Deluxe room start at $299 per night. For more information, call (888) 635-2350 or visit belmond.com/charlestonplace.
Bear Lake, UT
Eclipse enthusiasts can enjoy the solar event with a themed visit to Conestoga Ranch in Bear Lake, Utah where this Northern Utah luxury glamping destination is rolling out the red carpet for the eclipse. Conestoga Ranch’s 1-night Eclipse Glamping package includes accommodations in a Conestoga wagon, Grand Tent with en-suite bathroom, or Traditional Tent; a special half moon pizza dinner at the Campfire Grill Restaurant; and an eclipse goodie bag with solar- and lunar-inspired snacks, special eclipse safety goggles; plus morning yoga, breakfast at Campfire Grill Restaurant with fresh carrot juice and an eclipse guide detailing how to best (and safely) experience the eclipse. All-inclusive package rates start at $195 pp dbl. Regular room rates start at $125 per night. For more information, call (844) 464-5267 or visit conestogaranch.com.
Jackson Hole, WY
The new indoor camping site, Snow King Basecamp, which recently opened minutes away from the Grand Tetons in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is providing one of the best-viewing areas in the country with campsites available Aug. 17-21.
The indoor camping area at Snow King is known as “The Basecamp” and is just steps from the Snow King chair lift, Alpine slide, Snow King Resort, and children’s playground with a rock climbing wall. Each campsite allows up to four people giving eclipse-lovers the best of both worlds: the ability to watch the solar eclipse in a stunning location and the experience of “roughing-it” (except visitors will be indoors at the base of Snow King mountain next to a five-star restaurant, one of Jackson Hole’s best bars, WiFi, power charging stations, indoor bathrooms, showers and 24-hour security).
Eclipse viewers can attend other special events in the Snow King area sponsored by Wyoming Stargazing featuring retired NASA Astronaut Scott Altman, author and astrobiologist David Grinspoon, supernovae expert, professor Douglas Leonard and other activities. Rates start at $300 per night; commission is available. For more information, call (877) 299-7506 or visit snowkingbasecamp.com.
Total Eclipse Cruise
And it’s not just by land that your clients can view this once-in-a-lifetime event. Royal Caribbean is offering a 7-night Total Eclipse Cruise on board Oasis of the Seas that will set sail on Aug. 20, 2017 from Port Canaveral (Orlando) and visit Caribbean destinations in the Eastern Caribbean, including Phillipsburg, St. Maarten; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; and Nassau, The Bahamas. Multi-platinum selling band DNCE will headline a live musical performance with a surprise guest during this Royal Caribbean’s bucket-list-worthy solar eclipse viewing party on Aug. 21.
In addition to the viewing party, guests on Oasis of the Seas will be treated to other eclipse-themed activities, including dance parties, trivia, interactive science fun for kids and their families, and tasty cocktails and dishes. Guests booked on the Total Eclipse Cruise can visit Royal Caribbean’s website and reserve their complimentary seats for the concert by logging on to their reservation.
Royal Caribbean’s seven other ships—Allure of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Empress of the Seas, Enchantment of the Seas, Grandeur of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas and Majesty of the Seas—sailing to the Caribbean during the total solar eclipse will provide guests with extraordinary partial views of the phenomenon and special celebrations featuring the cruise line’s onboard entertainment offerings. For more information, call (800) 398-9819 or visit royalcaribbean.com/totaleclipse.