Come Monday, the sky will go dark while birds retreat to their nests, a sunset glow encompasses the land and the moon covers the sun. The total solar eclipse or ‘National Eclipse’ is expected to be one of the most viewed and documented solar events in history. At this point, most conversations revolve around, “What are you doing for the eclipse?”

Some will go camping, some will join with others and throw an eclipse party, some will undoubtedly have to work. If you have no eclipse plans yet, don’t worry, these eclipse parties are centered within or around the path of totality (in western North Carolina) and will put you right in the middle of the action while others aren’t in the path but are still planning to celebrate.

  1. Gorges State Park

Flickr / Mike C In the path of totality, Gorges State Park is gearing up to be one of the most popular and largest eclipse viewing spaces. With an eclipse festival taking place over three days, many are planning to get there early Monday morning (we’re talking 5 a.m.) to ensure a great spot. Gorges State Park and the nonprofit Friends of Gorges State Park are throwing the huge (and free) event. Situated just 10 miles from the eclipse’s center line, the park will be immersed in complete darkness with twinkling stars appearing in the middle of the day.

While the state park is expecting around 6,000 attendees, Gorges has plenty of hiking trails, outcroppings, overlooks and waterfalls to catch a great view which allows for a more intimate environment. The main viewing areas include the Visitor Center and Bearwallow Falls picnic area. At Gorges, the eclipse is expected to start around 1:07 p.m. with totality occurring at 2:36 p.m.

  1. Bryson City

Great Smokies The small town smack dab in the Smokies is gearing up to be ’eclipse central’ not just on Monday but all weekend long. For the main event on Monday, different viewing areas include the RR Depot on Fry Street which will have live music from Grandpa’s Cough Medicine (11-1 p.m.) and The Company Stores (1-3 p.m.). Others might find themselves heading out to Swain County Adventure Park for live music, food trucks, and a pair of eclipse glasses included with your parking fee. Other popular spots include Darnell Farms, Nantahala Brewing Company, and Riverfront Park. Nearby events like Great Smoky Mountains Railroad ride to viewing locating and Clingman’s Dome are completely sold out. Oconaluftee Visitor Center (Cherokee) and Cades Cove are allowing free access and parking until spaces fill up. The ‘partial’ phase is expected to begin at 1:06 p.m. with totality occurring at 2:35 p.m.

  1. Cherohala Skyway

Youtube / Killboydotcom While there’s no official party, Cherohala Skyway will be a perfect place to pull off and watch the eclipse since viewers will experience the longest period of darkness at two-and-a-half minutes. Hop on near Robbinsville and find the perfect spot to park your car, rest in the truck bed or lounge on the hood. It’s advised to bring your own food and beverages as you’ll be in the wilderness. Motorists should prepare for heavy traffic in certain areas. Read more about Cherohala Skyway here.

  1. Great American Eclipse Celebration, Andrews

Jimmy Emerson, DVM Andrews has deemed itself ’totality town’ as it’s located right in the centerline of the eclipse. The longest time for totality anywhere on the globe is 2 minutes and 40 seconds; totality will occur in Andrews for 2 minutes and 38 seconds. Hall Park on First Street will be the place to be. There will be plenty of food, live music, beer, wine and prime viewing. The event is in part thanks to Andrews Brewing Company, Calaboose Cellars, Hoppy Trout Brewing Company, and FernCrest Winery Tasting Room.

  1. What if you’re not in the path of totality?

Nasa.gov While Western North Carolina is indeed THE place to be come eclipse time, there are plenty of us who can’t pack up and leave and instead are trying to make the most of it in our own city or town. Asheville is not in the path of totality, but they’ll experience a 99 percent eclipse with a free block party and festival Monday in downtown. Looking for an educational option great for little ones? Morehead Planetarium and Science Center is is holding a free event and viewing for the public. Would you prefer enjoying your eclipse with a cocktail? Several rooftop bars and patios are preparing for not only a rush of customers but eclipse parties and events. For a list of bars and patios in the Triangle, check out this list here. If you’re in Charlotte, City Lights Rooftop is hosting a QC Skyline Eclipse Viewing Party. Piedmont viewers might be situated somewhat far from the path of totality, but the eclipse will still occur and be breathtakingly visible. One event includes the Solar Eclipse Party at the Greensboro Science Center. Last but not least, if you’re down on the coast you can lounge on the beach and watch the moon cover the sun or attend the Solar Eclipse Party at Airlie Gardens.

When making plans it’s important to remember that the North Carolina counties in the path of totality include Cherokee, Graham, Swain, Clay, Macon, Jackson and Transylvania. These mountainous, rugged towns are full of lively Main Streets hosting block parties and Eclipse events as well as national and state parks, hiking trails, overlooks and waterfalls (Rainbow Falls is expected to be a popular viewing spot).

Flickr / Mike C

In the path of totality, Gorges State Park is gearing up to be one of the most popular and largest eclipse viewing spaces. With an eclipse festival taking place over three days, many are planning to get there early Monday morning (we’re talking 5 a.m.) to ensure a great spot. Gorges State Park and the nonprofit Friends of Gorges State Park are throwing the huge (and free) event. Situated just 10 miles from the eclipse’s center line, the park will be immersed in complete darkness with twinkling stars appearing in the middle of the day.

While the state park is expecting around 6,000 attendees, Gorges has plenty of hiking trails, outcroppings, overlooks and waterfalls to catch a great view which allows for a more intimate environment. The main viewing areas include the Visitor Center and Bearwallow Falls picnic area. At Gorges, the eclipse is expected to start around 1:07 p.m. with totality occurring at 2:36 p.m.

Great Smokies

The small town smack dab in the Smokies is gearing up to be ’eclipse central’ not just on Monday but all weekend long. For the main event on Monday, different viewing areas include the RR Depot on Fry Street which will have live music from Grandpa’s Cough Medicine (11-1 p.m.) and The Company Stores (1-3 p.m.). Others might find themselves heading out to Swain County Adventure Park for live music, food trucks, and a pair of eclipse glasses included with your parking fee. Other popular spots include Darnell Farms, Nantahala Brewing Company, and Riverfront Park. Nearby events like Great Smoky Mountains Railroad ride to viewing locating and Clingman’s Dome are completely sold out. Oconaluftee Visitor Center (Cherokee) and Cades Cove are allowing free access and parking until spaces fill up. The ‘partial’ phase is expected to begin at 1:06 p.m. with totality occurring at 2:35 p.m.

Youtube / Killboydotcom

While there’s no official party, Cherohala Skyway will be a perfect place to pull off and watch the eclipse since viewers will experience the longest period of darkness at two-and-a-half minutes. Hop on near Robbinsville and find the perfect spot to park your car, rest in the truck bed or lounge on the hood. It’s advised to bring your own food and beverages as you’ll be in the wilderness. Motorists should prepare for heavy traffic in certain areas. Read more about Cherohala Skyway here.

Jimmy Emerson, DVM

Andrews has deemed itself ’totality town’ as it’s located right in the centerline of the eclipse. The longest time for totality anywhere on the globe is 2 minutes and 40 seconds; totality will occur in Andrews for 2 minutes and 38 seconds. Hall Park on First Street will be the place to be. There will be plenty of food, live music, beer, wine and prime viewing. The event is in part thanks to Andrews Brewing Company, Calaboose Cellars, Hoppy Trout Brewing Company, and FernCrest Winery Tasting Room.

Nasa.gov

While Western North Carolina is indeed THE place to be come eclipse time, there are plenty of us who can’t pack up and leave and instead are trying to make the most of it in our own city or town. Asheville is not in the path of totality, but they’ll experience a 99 percent eclipse with a free block party and festival Monday in downtown. Looking for an educational option great for little ones? Morehead Planetarium and Science Center is is holding a free event and viewing for the public. Would you prefer enjoying your eclipse with a cocktail? Several rooftop bars and patios are preparing for not only a rush of customers but eclipse parties and events. For a list of bars and patios in the Triangle, check out this list here. If you’re in Charlotte, City Lights Rooftop is hosting a QC Skyline Eclipse Viewing Party. Piedmont viewers might be situated somewhat far from the path of totality, but the eclipse will still occur and be breathtakingly visible. One event includes the Solar Eclipse Party at the Greensboro Science Center. Last but not least, if you’re down on the coast you can lounge on the beach and watch the moon cover the sun or attend the Solar Eclipse Party at Airlie Gardens.

Even if you have to work and are currently feeling major FOMO, the next major solar eclipse will occur April 8, 2024 spanning from Mexico, Texas, towards Maine then up to Canada. While many of us won’t be completely in the path of totality, the sky will still go dark and this amazing natural event will be something to remember forever.

For more information on the National Eclipse and in North Carolina, read our guide here. It’s important to note that Clingman’s Dome is completely sold out with access roads closed down come the weekend and ticket holders entering via shuttle.

What are your plans for the National Eclipse?

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