The Best Food Cities To Watch The Total Eclipse
There are many cities to see the solar eclipse from, but why not watch it while munching on something delicious?
On August 21, a section of the country will be plunged into darkness in the middle of the day during a rare event: a total solar eclipse. And while a partial eclipse will be viewable in much of the country, if you want to see the full Monty, you'll need to head to one of the 14 states in the 70-mile-wide swath, called the Path of Totality, which runs in a long, skinny diagonal line from South Carolina up to Oregon.
The Path of Totality offers a lot of viewpoints, making the eclipse yet another reason to squeeze in a food-fueled trip. Just think: You could soon be witnessing one of the solar system's greatest wonders, all while eating biscuits in Charleston, chowing down on ribs in Kansas City or sipping Pinot Noir in Oregon's wine country. Here are your six best bets.
Devorah Lev-Tov is a contributing writer for Tasting Table who travels the globe—and traverses NYC block by block—in search of her next amazing meal. See her latest adventures on her Instagram at @devoltv.
Charleston, South Carolina
You can witness the total eclipse in the northern reaches of Charleston, but the show will last only 90 seconds (versus more than two and a half minutes in other locations). Still, there's never a bad time to visit the grande dame of the Southern food scene; start with breakfast at Hominy Grill, grab lunch from Xiao Bao Biscuit or Butcher & Bee, and book dinner at Husk or The Ordinary, which are both perennial favorites.
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Greenville, South Carolina
Greenville has multiple viewing stations set up, from the Roper Mountain Science Center to NOMA Town Square. Luckily, the city's food scene is also noteworthy; viewers can pick up grab-and-go grub from Caviar & Bananas or Rick's Deli & Market, and indulge in a post-eclipse dinner at Soby's, a quintessential Southern restaurant featuring classics like shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes and she-crab soup. Cap the night at Vault & Vator, a cool, new speakeasy.
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Nashville, Tennessee
The largest city (by population) to experience the total eclipse, Nashville is going all out with viewing parties; catch the event at the Grand Ole Opry, the Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, aboard the General Jackson Showboat or one of the myriad other sites across town. Then, sample Music City's tastiest offerings at Arnold's Country Kitchen, Hattie B's Hot Chicken or Rolf and Daughters. Swing by Biscuit Love the next morning on your way out of town.
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Kansas City, Missouri
You'll have to head to the northernmost part of Kansas City to see the total eclipse, but that doesn't mean you can't eat downtown before and after. Hit up Krokstrom Klubb & Market for casual Scandinavian cuisine, The Antler Room for cocktails and Justus Drugstore in nearby Smithville for farm-to-table fare. Scoot over to the Kansas side to feast on the legendary barbecue at Joe's Kansas City.
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Jackson Hole, Wyoming
This gorgeous city, framed by the Grand Tetons, will be one of the most crowded on August 21. Make time for meals at Snake River Grill, Bin 22 and the newly opened Orsetto. Head to Persephone Bakery or its new sister restaurant, Picnic, for incredible pastries and sandwiches. If you're viewing the eclipse from Teton Village, grab lunch from The Handle Bar at the Four Seasons or pick up provisions at Bodega.
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McMinnville, Oregon
Although this charming Willamette Valley town will get only 56 seconds of totality, the wine-drenched city is well worth much more of your time. Pura Vida Cocina & Arte offers Latin-inspired dishes, La Rambla has Spanish tapas and Nick's Italian Cafe is a James Beard House America's Classic. Enjoy the vintages at wineries and tasting rooms like Maysara Winery, Winderlea McMinnville Tasting Room and Yamhill Valley Vineyards.
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