On the afternoon of April 8, 2024, a wide swath of the United States and eastern Canada will experience a total eclipse of the sun. It may seem early to plan your family travel to see it, but lodgings in the center of its path are already getting requests for reservations.
Tourism offices advise hotels and inns to prepare for full capacity and suggest restaurants stay open Monday evening, when they are often closed. It’s definitely not too soon to begin planning, especially if you intend to watch the eclipse from one of the more sparsely settled areas of northern New England or upstate New York, where hotels are fewer and more widely scattered.
These are the regions closest for much of the eastern seaboard, so especially if you need rooms for a family, now is the time to plan.
As the eclipse occurs in the afternoon, you don’t need to stay right in the total zone. In New Hampshire, for example, several towns just south of the region are easier to reach from Interstate highways and have more places to stay. A drive of less than 15 minutes will put your family into prime viewing positions.
The luxury Adair Country Inn in Bethlehem, New Hampshire, perfect for a couples’ getaway, is two minutes from I-93 (and already has reservations for the eclipse dates). The Sunset Hill House in Sugar Hill is only a few minutes farther from I-93 and a good choice for families. Close to I-91 in Vermont and within the 100 percent eclipse zone is the family-friendly Wildflower Inn.
Northern Maine is a longer trip for most viewers, but the town of Houlton, in the direct center of the eclipse path, is going all out with a four-day festival. Along with live music, entertainment and activities for the whole family, the best spots for watching the eclipse have been designated as Star Parks, with safe parking and facilities for visitors.
The northeast isn’t the only region in the path of the eclipse: The eclipse will cover a band from Texas to Canada’s Atlantic Provinces. To find the region nearest you to begin planning early, see the map produced by NASA.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedMultigenerational
Mar 5, 2024Puro Sound Labs Upgrades PuroQuiet Kids Headphones
Puro Sound Labs, a manufacturer of children’s headphones, recently introduced the new PuroQuiet Plus headphones, following the success of the PuroQuiet, consistently named a top choice for kid’s headphones. The PuroQuiet Plus features a USB-C connector and comes in two new colors — purple and teal. Grab a set for your kiddos before your next round of family travel!
Sponsored Content
Travel Tips to Help Protect Your Health and Your Trip
Five Tips to Help Minimize Potential Travel Problems
Multigenerational
Mar 4, 2024Hilton’s Top Spring Break Resorts for Families
Home to leading kids’ clubs, thrilling waterparks with massive slides and educational workshops, Hilton properties lead the way for immersive, fun-filled resorts this spring break for family travelers. Not sure where to look? These six Hilton resorts promise non-stop excitement for the whole family.
Parents
Feb 22, 2024Tiny Traveler: A Safer Way to Travel with a Baby
Are your upcoming family travels taking you on a road trip? It’s not always easy trying to keep an eye on the little ones while also keeping an eye on the road, but with Tiny Traveler, parents can have peace of mind about their child's safety on the road. This safe companion monitors the kids and can even record precious moments for eternity.
Sponsored Content
Interior Upgrades Begin Rolling Out Across United Fleet
United Airlines is in the midst of a major initiative to modernize its fleet over the next several years. After first announcing the plan in 2021, planes fitted with United’s signature interior are finally beginning to appear across the airline’s narrowbody fleet of Boeing and Airbus planes. United flyers are sure to notice these enhancements from the moment they step on board: Each new or updated plane sports remodeled seats, seatback entertainment screens for everyone, Bluetooth connectivity and more, all adding up to a better experience on every journey.
Kids
Feb 22, 2024Sleep Chair for Children and Parents
Did you know March 10–16 is National Sleep Week? Parents everywhere know it’s vital for children to receive good sleep to help them grown and develop mentally and physically. Tum&Bum sleep chair helps children sleep better, especially if they experience a cough, congestion and allergies. It could also aid in sleep in an unfamiliar location on family travel.
ShareThis