Where will you be watching the total solar eclipse this Monday? Hotels, campgrounds, and many viewing along the path of totality in Western North Carolina and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park sold out long in advance of the eclipse. But Karen Chavez of the Asheville Citizen-Times says don't worry if you haven't booked anything, there are still plenty of places you go to see the eclipse. She joined BPR's Matt Bush in our studios to discuss some of the places people can go. They include spots in Andrews, Bryson City, and Brevard where there will be events and festivals going on on Monday. Andrews, in Cherokee County, is on the direct path of the eclipse. It's the only town in North Carolina that is. That means it will be darker longer on eclipse day there than anyplace else in the state.
Chavez does advise though you leave early to get to them on Monday - very early, like at dawn. Many of the roads in the mountains of Western North Carolina are just two lanes, and not equipped to handle the thousands that are expected. For those who don't want to deal with the traffic and don't mind not being in the path of totality, there will be eclipse watching events in Asheville and Buncombe County. From 12 to 3 Monday afternoon there will be a festival in Pack Square. Three high schools - Owen, Roberson, and North Buncombe - will open their football fields to eclipse viewers on Monday. Do remember though Buncombe County is not in the path of totality, meaning it will not get completely dark there.
