Solar Eclipse, Part III: South Carolina, Georgia

By now you’ve likely heard — or read since this is part III — that the first total solar eclipse in 26 years will be visible across the United States, with the path of totality in several Southern states. While everyone in the country should be able to see a partial eclipse, only those in the direct 100-mile wide path will witness the total blockage of the sun. The path of totality will cross parts of Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Kentucky and Missouri. The last solar eclipse to cross the continental United States was in 1918 and the next solar eclipse will take place on Aug. 12, 2045. And that next one won’t be as good. So, we suggest you pack some clothes and hit the road to find one of the best places to watch this historic event.

We’ve already mentioned the Smokey Mountains region and Rabun Gap, Georgia, but here are a few more places to consider, thanks to Katie Reeder and Ruth Sykes at Laurie Rowe Communications.

Capital City/Lake Murray Country, South Carolina

This region of South Carolina is conveniently located off several major interstates in the central part of the Palmetto state, so it’s easy to access and an ideal vantage point. Lake Murray will have the largest viewing area, at both park sites of Lake Murray Dam (Lexington and Irmo sides), and Columbia and its surrounding region will have the longest viewing of the eclipse on the East Coast. The path of the eclipse will pass through Lake Murray at 2:30 p.m. and Columbia at 2:41 p.m. for 2 minutes and 30-36 seconds.

Throughout the long weekend of Aug. 18-21, there will be special eclipse-related events. Events include:

·      An old fashion Drive-In Movie night at the Historic Columbia Speedway festival grounds

·      Carolina Fireflies game

·      Benton Brewing’s Carolina Blackout release

·      Congaree National Park wilderness eclipse experience

For more information, visit TotalEclipseColumbiaSC.com and 

www.LakeMurrayCountry.com/things-to-do/events/total-eclipse-weekend

Alpine Helen-White County, Georgia

This quaint little mountain town 90 minutes north of Atlanta resembles something found in Europe, and while you’re enjoying the fun boutiques, restaurants, wineries and Alpine architecture, you can view the eclipse beginning at 1:06 p.m. with the path of totality at 2:35 p.m. for 1 minute and 41 seconds. In nearby Cleveland, the partial phase will begin at 1:06 p.m. and the path of totality will pass through the area at 2:36 p.m., lasting approximately 38 seconds. Special events include:

·      Touring the strasses and platzes of the Alpine Village in a horse-drawn carriage

·      Golfing, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, tubing, rock climbing, zip lining and horseback riding 

·      Helen’s seven wineries and tasting rooms

·      Artisans – quilters, woodcarvers, potters, glass artists.

For more information, visit HelenGA.org.

Blue Ridge, Georgia

Another sweet little village about 90 minutes north of Atlanta is Blue Ridge, with its blend of art, outdoors and great eating. The partial phase of totality will begin at 1:04:55 p.m., with totality starting at 2:35:07 p.m. Plan to catch the eclipse in totality at 2:35 p.m. for 35 seconds. 

The town of Blue Ridge is on the southern edge of the shadow, so totality, when the moon's shadow fully blocks the sun's light, only lasts for 35 seconds.  However north and east of Blue Ridge in Fannin County, in McCaysville and Morganton, the totality lasts longer. In Morganton, the partial phase start will begin at 1:05:05 p.m., with the totality phase beginning at 2:34:45 p.m. and lasting 1 minute and 10 seconds. In McCaysville, the partial phase start will begin at 1:04:43 p.m., with the totality phase beginning at 2:34:08 p.m. and lasting 1 minute and 34 seconds.

Try one of these locations for the best viewing spot:

·      Chamber Visitor Center at 152 Orvin Lance Drive - 55 seconds of totality at 2:34:50 p.m.

·      Lake Blue Ridge Dam - 1 minute 2 seconds of totality at 2:34:50 p.m.

·      Morganton Point Recreation Area - 1 minute 8 seconds of totality at 2:34:50 p.m.

·      Horseshoe Bend Park in McCaysville - 1 minute 31 seconds of totality at 2:34:15 p.m.

·      Downtown McCaysville - 1 minute 35 seconds of totality at 2:34:10 p. m.

·      Ocoee Whitewater Center - 1 minute 46 seconds of totality at 2:33:45 p.m.

After the eclipse, enjoy fresh produce at local orchards and sweet treats from the winners of Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars” and check out the local art scene at the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association and Art Center. The Appalachian Trail is nearby — beginning and traveling through Blue Ridge — but you can also hike the Benton MacKaye Trail, kayak the Toccoa River, boat Lake Blue Ridge or cast a line in the county known as Georgia’s Trout Capital. For more information, visit www.BlueRidgeMountains.com  

Don’t forget to protect your eyes. Find affordable glasses for a safe viewing experience, here: www.Eclipse2017.org/glasses_order.htm.

Cheré Coen is a food and travel writer who loves weird and unusual things, and simply cannot wait until the total solar eclipse.

Yodeling in the Georgia mountains

            Helen,Georgia, is an adorable mountain village. What’s unique is that Helen is not. The entire town is patterned after an alpine village.

            It all began in 1969 when three businessmen brainstormed on how to turn the north Georgia community into a tourist destination. They enlisted the help of artist John Kollock, who sketched visions of Helen based on Bavarian mountain villages he witnessed while in the service in Germany. The idea was adopted and Helen transformed into something right out of the Alps.

            One of the best times to visit Helen is during the holidays, especially if you’re lucky to coincide with a snowfall. Visitors can enjoy the sixth annual Christkindlmarkt, a German tradition where the center of town is filled with booths offering specialty gift items and culinary treats Nov. 29-Dec. 1 and Dec. 7-8 in the Helen Market Platz. Santa and Mrs. Claus Santa sleigh into town via horse-drawn carriage during the Annual Lighting of the Village beginning at 6 p.m. Nov. 29 in downtown Helen.

            The Festival of Trees begins Nov. 27 at Unicoi State Park and Lodge, an affordable and family-friendly state park that offers a lodge, cabins, dining area, hiking trails and plenty of outdoor activities. The festival lasts until Dec. 14.

Joe and Tina Smith
of Serenity Cellars
with Dolce Bello    

            Get a two-for-one on Dec. 7 when the Helen Christmas Parade winds through downtown Helen beginning at 2 p.m. and the Annual Christmas in the Mountains LightedParade at 7 p.m. in nearby downtown Cleveland.

            Sticking true to the German theme is Kinderfest with its activities for children Dec. 7, 14 and 21 in downtown Helen.

            For the shopper, the area offers German-styled Christmas gifts, Appalachian artwork and crafts and several wineries, such as Habersham Winery, Serenity Cellars (make sure you sample the decadent chocolate Dolce Bello) and Yonah Mountain Vineyards, home to Georgia’s only wine cave. For an elegant meal, Bernie’s Retaurant in nearby Sautee Nacoochee serves up fine dining and pairs dishes with locally produced wine.
           To help plan your trip to the Alps of Georgia, visit www.HelenGA.org.

City photos courtesy of Alpine Helen-White County Convention and Visitors Bureau.