Going to South Carolina for the eclipse? Greenville still has spaces.
Local hotels and Airbnb still have vacancies for this town’s 2 minutes 10 seconds of totality
Greenville in upstate South Carolina gets 2 minutes 10 seconds of Totality, and a short drive south down Interstate 85 and most of the way to Anderson will get you another 25 seconds or so of Totality – and that’s TOTALLY worth it. Besides, it wold be wise to be mobile in this part of the Path of Totality because cloud is a frequent problem here during August.
Availability in Greenville now is quite limited, but there are a few options. Airbnb still has options in Greenville; also visitors can find hotels with availability in the city of Spartanburg which is just a 20-30 minute drive from Greenville.
Where to Stay:
Spartanburg Marriott – $161+/night
Hampton Inn & Suites Spartanburg – $155+/night
Courtyard Marriott Spartanburg – $144+/night
What to Do:
For the science lover
Get your learn on with the The Roper Mountain Science Center, which features a historic 23″ refractor telescope, the 8th largest of its kind in the Nation. The Science Center just finished a major renovation in their planetarium and will host an Eclipse Extravaganza – a full weekend of activities leading up to and during the festival – including activities to make a sundial, a solar viewer, a UV detector bracelet and more.
For the outdoors lover
Visit Furman University, one of “America’s Most Beautiful College Campus'” according to Forbes.com, for the celestial event. Furman University is hosting a variety of public events on campus on the day of the eclipse including a guided viewing presentation at Paladin Stadium with thematic activities, concessions, special music and free swag. Furman physics professor David Moffett will narrate a discussion as the eclipse unfolds.
For the kids
Join in the family fun at The Children’s Museum of the Upstate to learn about astronomy, and explore fun activities including an all age story time featuring “When the Sun Goes Dark”, pinhole projectors, moon phase activities and Spark! lab activities focused on women in astronomy.
For the sports lover
Head out to the ball game with Boston Red Sox Class A affiliate, the Greenville Drive; whose game against The West Virginia Power starts at 1pm on August 21. Experience the eclipse from the stadium with hundreds of other fans as the game stops to observe the big event. Tickets start at just $7!
For the social butterfly
NOMA Square, known for throwing live music parties and vibrant festivals, will host a VIP section for Hyatt guests to view the eclipse. The rest of the square will be open to the public to enjoy the live music by Katie & Larry (expect a cover of “Total Eclipse of the Heart”) and soil to city bites and delights from Chef Daniel Dobbs of Roost.
For the lifelong learner
Bob Jones University is hosting eclipse viewing events that include hands-on science activities, telescopes with solar filters and informational talks by BJU science professors. Helpful hint: free eclipse glasses to the first 2,000 registrants!
Photo credit: Roper Mountain Science Center
