RAILWAY JOURNEYS
A train can get you on the right track for optimal eclipse viewing next April. Amtrak ran several special solar eclipse train journeys in August 2017 when the Great American Eclipse crossed parts of the country from Oregon to South Carolina. One trip, The Eclipse Express, departed Chicago’s Union Station at 3:00 a.m. for a roundtrip, five-and-a-half hour ride to Carbondale, Illinois, a city that was located in the path of totality. Passengers were given special eclipse-viewing glasses, and also took in the events and activities that day. The train departed at 5:15 p.m. for the trip back to Chicago. Look for similar trips near the 2024 path by visiting www.amtrak.com.
Texas
Everything is big in the Lone Star State, so anticipate big things for the eclipse.
The Texas Eagle Amtrak route will likely get in on the action.
Expect a special eclipseviewing package similar to past Amtrak eclipse trips, including commentary from expert astronomers, complimentary eclipse glasses, and a private lounge car, too.
At the time of writing, exact plans for Texas Eagle have been undetermined for 2024, according to Amtrak spokesperson Jen Flanagan, but more info will be forthcoming so check Amtrak’s site.
La Cantera Resort & Spa, a 550-acre resort located in one of San Antonio’s highest spots, is optimal for eclipse viewing. The resort is partnering with the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) Department of Physics and Astronomy for a Moon Shadow package, which includes a welcome reception, educational presentations under the stars (with telescopes for viewing), space-themed outdoor movies, eclipsethemed dinners, and an eclipse-viewing party. Nice: A portion of the package and event proceeds will benefit a fund dedicated to student success within the UTSA Department of Physics and Astronomy.
www.lacanteraresort.com
The Northeast
The eclipse’s totality path will travel through several states in the Northeast, including Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
“I’d recommend the Empire Service, Lake Shore Limited, and The Vermonter for three Northeast routes with views that should align with the solar eclipse,” says Amtrak’s Jen Flanagan. Again, like the Texas Eagle route, details are yet to be announced at press time, she says.
www.Amtrak.com.
Conway Scenic Railroad will run a Sunshine Limited trip departing from the North Conway, New Hampshire, station to “an open location” that’s ideal for solar viewing. The yet-to-be-announced “open location” will be a spot along the route that has “minimal obstructions from trees, brush, and human development with a comparatively low horizon,” says Brian Solomon, spokesperson for the railroad. “Since Conway Scenic operates in the White Mountains, there are only a few select places that meet this criteria,” he says. Check /www.conwayscenic. com or, for statewide updates, go to
www.visitnh.gov.
Plan to spend a few post-eclipse days in the destination. Traffic delays are anticipated to be epic, especially immediately following the eclipse.