School's out: 5 kid-friendly places to watch the eclipse

It's been 38 years since the moon and the sun crossed paths to create a total solar eclipse in the United States, and Knox County had decided to cancel school for the occasion next month.

Knoxville falls outside the path of totality, meaning the best view for the Aug. 21 phenomenon will be about 30 or 40 miles south or southwest, according to a University of Tennessee expert.

Nearby counties and towns will offer prime viewing the eclipse and many are capitalizing on the natural phenomenon with special events.

Here are five places where you and your family can take in the rare celestial event.

1. Downtown Loudon and Lenoir City

Grab your lawn chairs and head to the bridge on U.S. Highway 11, which overlooks the scenic Tennessee River near downtown Loudon. City officials will open up the bridge for viewing from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., said Rachel Baker, executive director of Visit Loudon County.

In nearby Lenoir City, the museum downtown will host a viewing also from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Officials will greet guests with a Moon Pie, RC Cola and special glasses for viewing the eclipse safely. After the roughly 2 ½ minute eclipse, officials will put on a small fireworks show, Baker said.

Elsewhere in the county, Sweetwater Valley Farm and Tennessee Valley Winery are both inviting guests to view the eclipse on their properties. Sweetwater is selling tickets ranging from $25 to $2.50 to view the eclipse on their farm. The top dollar tickets include a tour of the farm, t-shirt and viewing glasses. The cheapest tickets are for a viewing and glasses only. Bring your own lawn chairs and enjoy lunch from local food trucks.

2. Great Smoky Mountain National Park

While tickets to perhaps the best viewing spot, Clingmans Dome, have sold out, the national park will still offer some prime places to take in the eclipse. On a special eclipse page on the park website is a map that overlays  backcountry camp sites within the path of totality.

In Cades Cove, the park will host an informal event at the historic Cable Mill. Park officials have advised visitors to arrive early and bring their own blankets and chairs. Visitors can also make plans through the Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center, which will host a tour departing for Cades Cove at 9:30 a.m. The $30 fee covers a box lunch and viewing glasses. Space is limited, though.

If the Smokies are too crowded, consider going to the nearby Obed Wild & Scenic River. Also run by the National Park Service, the Morgan County park will offer public viewings at the Obed Visitors Center, Lily Overlook and at the Big South Fork Gateway Visitors Center.

3. Sweetwater, Tenn.

This small Tennessee town, about an hour and 15 minutes down Interstate 75, sits directly in the path of eclipse. City officials have been looking to take advantage of the prime location with a festival aimed at drawing visitors. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the town will have vendors, music and events. Local residents are even renting their homes on Airbnb and shuttles will be available to take visitors back and forth to parking lots.

4. Blount County

Nearly all of Blount County will be in the path of totality for the eclipse and there’s no shortage of places opening their doors to guests. Pellissippi State Community College’s Blount County campus will host a tailgating party for college students and the community from noon to 3 p.m. The Harmony Family Center will host its Great American Eclipse Viewing Party in the Montvale community, with an open pool and basketball courts, food and beer trucks. Experts will be on hand to talk about the rare event.

Dancing Bear Lodge invites its guests and the community to its picnic on the lawn. The $35 tickets include lunch, DJ music and viewing glasses.

For a more low-key viewing, take in the eclipse at Look Rock in Walland. Already a premier view of the Smoky Mountains, the observation tower at Look Rock sits in the path of the eclipse. There’s plenty of parking along the Foothills Parkway.

5. The Cove at Concord Park

Those looking to stick a little closer to Knoxville have been invited to join County Mayor Tim Burchett at his viewing party at Concord Park.

The viewing party will include the food vendor Tootsie Truck and the local band RMS, which will perform classic rock and R&B songs beginning at 11:30 a.m. The party will begin at 11 a.m. and run through 3:30.

The eclipse is expected to begin at 2:33 p.m. in West Knox County and last about 1 minute and 30 seconds. A limited number of glasses will be available.