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5 Best Places to Watch the 2017 Solar Eclipse

Nashville, Tenn.

Eclipse begins at 11:58 AM CDT
Totality begins at 1:24 PM CDT and lasts 1 minute and 55 seconds
Nashville is the biggest American city in the Path of Totality, where more than 1.8 million residents make their home in the metro area. We bet there will be a good crowd walking in the District, taking in the eclipse from the home of Country music. However, other picturesque spots to catch the eclipse would be Cheekwood Botanical Gardens or Centennial Park.

Grand Teton National Park and Jackson, Wyo.

Eclipse begins at 10:16 AM MDT
Totality begins at 11:34 AM MDT and lasts 2 minutes, 15 seconds
Picture standing on the shores of Jenny Lake, looking up at the granite Grand Tetons, then watching them disappear in the moon’s shadow. Grand Tetons are one of the most sublime and distinct skylines in North America. You could easily pair your trip to the Tetons with visits to Yellowstone, rafting the Snake or spending some time strolling down the streets of Jackson. If you’re looking for something a bit more remote, heading out for a hike into the Bridger Tetons wilderness is what we’d suggest.

Charleston, SC

Eclipse beings at 1:15 PM EDT
Totality begins 2:46 PM EDT and lasts 1 minute and 16 seconds
Watching this “American” eclipse in an incredibly charming American city, along the banks of the Cooper River in the French Quarter, could feel like traveling back in time. We can’t want to see the photographs taken here—perhaps the Sun and Moon over the roofs of the shotgun style pastel houses and historic churches. Just bring a sweet tea outside with you—August tends to be a sticky month in South Carolina.

Bonus: Smoky Mountain National Park, NC and Tennessee

Depending on where in the park you are, the exact timing of the eclipse will vary. It will begin close to 1 PM EDT. Totality begins around 2:30 and will last about 2 minutes, 30 seconds. Head out for your hikes early, as traffic at this busy park will surely be even more hectic. Better yet, make it a backpacking trip—just don’t forget your backcountry licenses!

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