Counties and towns along the North Carolina border expect a tourism boost from next month’s solar eclipse. The Aug. 21 eclipse will be total in extreme north Georgia, and the chance to view such a rare sight is expected to bring both day visitors and those staying overnight.
Around Blairsville, lodging will be scarce the night before the eclipse. Regina Allison, president of the Blairsville-Union County Chamber of Commerce, said rental cabins are fully booked, and most hotels are sold out as well.
“We are expecting both day and overnight visitors to come up and see the eclipse,” she said. The town is hosting a major festival the weekend before the eclipse, and many of those visitors will stay an extra day.
Georgia state parks in the northern part of the state also are expecting a surge of visitors for the event. Visitors wanting lodging in a state park will find camping spots and cabins in short supply in extreme north Georgia. Park officials are directing visitors to parks further south. Viewing locations will be available at many parks, however.
“We are so excited to be part of this monumental occasion and are looking forward to sharing it with our visitors,” State Parks Director Becky Kelley said in a news release. “We know that people will be coming from all over the country to see the eclipse, and we want to make sure that everyone has a safe and memorable experience.”
Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s highest mountain, long has been a favorite haunt of amateur star-gazers, but it may not be the best bet for this event. The mountain has raised its admission fee from $5 to $30 and is limiting visitors. Allison said it is nearly sold out.
In any event, Allison expects this to be a very significant boost to the town’s tourism industry. “We are expecting between 8,000 and 10,000 for this event,” she said. “It is going to make a huge impact.”
The Atlanta area will experience 97 percent blockage, so people can get an impressive look without driving north. Fernbank Science Center will host events throughout the day, including live streaming of the sun during the eclipse.
