The Best Solar Eclipse Views In New England

By Laurie Wilson Freelance Writer

The 2024 solar eclipse is anticipated to be an epic mass travel event—an impactful celestial experience that is expected to be witnessed by millions. On April 8, 2024, the duration of totality will be up to four minutes and 27 seconds, almost double that of The Great American Eclipse of August 2017, which was viewed by more than 20 million people from Oregon to South Carolina.

In the U.S., totality will begin in Texas at 1:27 p.m. CDT and end in Maine at 3:35 p.m. EDT. Several New England states have bragging rights to lying in the path of totality (and some just outside of the path with deep partial totality) and they’ll be offering star-studded events, amenities and packages—as well as quietude and dark skies for optimal viewing. Here is a sampling of some of the best spots to watch the moon-and-sun eclipse duet in New England.

MAINE

The Pine Tree State will have a front row seat to witness the spectacle. Maine is expecting a surge of out-of-state and in-state eclipse-chaser visitors—in fact, some rural spots, like Houlton, Jackman and Greenville, have been planning since 2021, like Houlton’s tours of the renowned to-scale solar system which runs along Route 1.

The Maine Office of Tourism will provide visitors with solar eclipse glasses.

Www.visitmaine.com

Here are some other ideas.

Rangeley

At 3:29pm, the sun will be completely obscured over Rangeley, and The Rangeley Inn & Tavern, tucked in the heart of Maine’s lakes and mountains, is offering a Solar Eclipse Vacation Package. The package includes breakfast, and the eclipse will also be live-streamed for guests to watch in the hotel’s banquet room. Also, an Eclipse Party will take place (hors d’oeuvres, live music, cash bar).

Millinocket

This village in northern Maine is in the path of totality. Runners alert: The “Millinockeclipse” road race gets going at 2:20:53 pm—exactly when the total eclipse begins (runners will be required to wear headlamps for safety.)

Portland

While this foodie town won’t experience the total eclipse of the sun, it will experience a deep partial which is significant. So, for those who don’t want to travel way up north in Maine, here are some ideas in Portland, about an hour and a half outside of Boston.

Inn by the Sea

Outside the environs of downtown Portland, but only 20 minutes away, the skies are dark in Cape Elizabeth, and perfect for eclipse viewing at this seaside resort. The inn is a steward of the natural environment and is a member of Beyond Green, a collection of 40 curated hotels in 18 countries with the distinction of being the most sustainable on the planet—and the inn has a partnership with the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland (translation: you don’t arrive with a dog, you might leave with one, the best souvenir ever.)

The three-night Green to Gold package includes two nights in a luxury suite, daily breakfast, three-course dinner, beach ecology walk, food walking tour through Portland’s Old Port district and lobster boat trip in Casco Bay.

Kennebunkport Is not in the path of totality, but it’s a shining star in Maine and will experience a deep partial eclipse. Cape Arundel Inn & Resort on Ocean Avenue will welcome guests to gather on the front lawn for the big event— expect themed cocktails and canapés, guided sound bathing and meditation, journaling and, later, a calming turn-down service for sweet celestial dreams.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Pre-gaming will happen on the evening of April 7 at The Wentworth in Jackson, with a meet-and-greet with Paul Winalski, astrologer and secretary of the New Hampshire Astronomical Society—Winalski will also stick around to guide guests through the eclipse viewing. The eclipse is expected to be viewable in 99.15 percent totality around 3:30:01 pM.

The main event on the 8th: An eclipse viewing reception from noon to 4pm with discussions and two telescopes to view the preeclipse in a safe manner. Chairs and roaring fire pits on Alpine Terrace will be set-up for prime viewing and a lunar signature cocktail, themed desserts and small bites representing the areas close to the equator will be served. The Wentworth’s Eclipse Package includes two-night accommodations, daily breakfast for two, $50 resort credit, eclipse eyewear and pre-eclipse and eclipse activities

VERMONT

Burlington is a lucky totality spot. This lovely city in Northern Vermont will experience a total eclipse of the sun for three minutes and sixteen seconds.

Hotel Vermont Burlington will have special programming and packages including complimentary eclipse glasses, a viewing party and tie-in cocktail specials. Also, a speaker session is being planned.

And, the Hilton Burlington Lake Champlain’s Total Eclipse of the Heart will shine with ‘80s nostalgia—dancing, food, themed cocktails and an ‘80s swag gift bag.

Stowe is located in the path of totality and Stowe Mountain Resort and is throwing a Solar Eclipse Soirée. The ticketed event will take place at the Cliff House restaurant—guests can experience the eclipse from Vermont’s highest peak—and includes gondola access, admission to a private viewing, tasting menu, commemorative gift and champagne toast.

Topnotch Resort in Stowe is offering a threenight package, including ten-percent discount on rates and private five-course dinner/wine pairing event at Flannel restaurant following the eclipse. Also, guests will receive a custom solar eclipse tote bag amenity and solar eclipse glasses.

Located in small town Chittenden in Central Vermont, the private 700-acre Mountain Top Resort with views of the Green Mountains has a two-night stay eclipse package from Sunday to Tuesday that includes a three-course dinner for two and resort amenities (that are open during that time of year, weather dependent).

Expect a celestial solar celebration at the historic Woodstock Inn and Resort in Woodstock. The three-day weekend will feature celestial cocktails and culinary specials and “crafternoons” with eclipse-themed crafts and science projects for the kiddos. On Monday afternoon, a Total Eclipse Tea Party will be held to watch the eclipse; viewing glasses will also be available.

RHODE ISLAND

HBO Max’s Gilded Age has put this glamorous coastal spot on the radar for glam and bling. And no doubt the eclipse will be a mood here. Newport will experience a deep partial 90.7 percent of the eclipse. And is there anything more magical than experiencing an eclipse by the water? The town will be busy with eclipse chasers who will also love the opportunities to get out on the water to experience the magic.

These spots are perfect for eclipse weekend stays.

Guests are pampered at The Chanler at Cliff Walk, sitting pretty on the much-celebrated Cliff Walk which hugs the sea and also embraces the hotel—just steps away. The location couldn’t be better to experience a seaside eclipse.

Mill Street Inn A former mill-turned-inn with a plum in-town location, you’ll want to book a room with a gas fireplace (it’s still chilly in this neck of the woods in early April) and a deck to spy the stars—and that eclipse—over picturesque Newport.

The Brenton A perfect in-town location, and with water views from some of the lovely guestrooms, the modern hotel has all the fixings to take in the eclipse—book a balcony room to enhance the eclipse experience over the water.

The Bayberry The classic look of a perfect New England inn, with that requisite porch for eclipse watching and cocktails—guests enjoy daily gourmet breakfast, too.

CONNECTICUT

While The Nutmeg State won’t see a total eclipse of the sun, the partial eclipse at 90-plus percent will be significant enough that visitors will gather to celebrate in Olde Mystick Village that weekend. Happy campers can stay at the Mystic KOA Holiday for the eclipse weekend which will include activities like a Friday night movie and a pinhole viewing box activity.

If you’re not into camping, there are other starry stay options nearby. Hilton Mystic is located across from the Mystic Aquarium, making it a fun and convenient spot for families. The hotel’s courtyard fire pit is a nice spot to gather posteclipse for cocktails, and the hotel is located a mile from the festivities at Olde Mistick Village.

The darling town of Stonington Borough is home to the Inn at Stonington, which sits on the pretty harbor—ideal spot to witness the eclipse. Some guest rooms have Jacuzzis and fireplaces and balconies—for private eclipse viewing.

Just when you didn’t think nearby Essex could be any more charming, there’s

The Griswold Inn, one of the oldest continuously operating inns in the country, with an in-town location and steps from the banks of the Connecticut River. The eclipse will be a deep partial at 91.4 percent. The gas fireplaces in guest rooms set the cozy scene, the lack of TVs in guest rooms complete it. There are several dining spots, including the popular Tap Room and Wine Bar, which will outshine all others that weekend.