Mount Pleasant’s coastal views are always breathtaking, but on Monday August 21, the skies overhead will be awe-inspiring. From, 2:38 – 2:39 ET on Monday, August 21, 207, Mount Pleasant will have a perfect view of a total solar eclipse. Get your protective eclipse glasses (available at numerous local retailers) and experience this once in a lifetime event at one of the many viewing parties and events planned around town.
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum (40 Patriots Point Rd.) is hosting “Eclipse on a Warship,” a full day of science and space-themed events for all ages. Space inspired children’s activities will be offered, as well as presentations by Dr. Christian Iliadis, Chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Dr. Douglas Terrier, Chief Technologist at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. The first 3,000 attendees will receive free eclipse-viewing glasses.
Active sky-watchers can take part in one of Nature Adventure’s (1 Shrimp Boat Lane) stand up paddleboarding or kayaking excursions. Afternoon SUP and kayak trips will be offered during the eclipse in addition to overnight and day trips to Caper’s Island. Whichever you choose, you’ll get to experience history against Mount Pleasant’s most beautiful backdrop.
Patriots Point Links (1 Patriots Point Rd.) is celebrating the eclipse in a big way. Golfers can enjoy a full day on the course, finishing up with a full, unobstructed view of the eclipse. People who don’t care to golf, can join in for the eclipse party too. Starting at 1:00 PM, the links will host a food truck rodeo, bar, live music, and bounce houses for the kids. The first 400 people to attend will get eclipse glasses and a Moon Pie.
Yogis can practice in the sun’s shadow and surrounded by views of Charleston Harbor on the Mount Pleasant Pier (71 Harry M. Hallman Jr. Blvd.). The all-levels class will be taught by Beth Cosi, with live music provided by McKenzie Eddie. Register at www.charlestoncountyparks.com.
The Mount Pleasant Regional Library (1133 Mathis Ferry Rd.) will live-stream the NASA Eclipse Megacast from 11:30 PM-4:30 PM. In addition to light refreshments, the library will distribute glasses for attendees.
Amateur astronomers and passionate starwatchers are invited to attend free educational viewings hosted by the Mount Pleasant Recreation Department and the College of Charleston at the Duffy Baseball Complex (615 Center St.), Park West Recreation Fields (1251 Park West Blvd.), and the Joe Gawrych Baseball Complex (1559 Rifle Range Rd.). Each location will be open to the public and free to all. For those interested in a closer look, the College of Charleston will have telescopes with safe solar filters at all three locations. A limited number of eclipse glasses will also be available. For more information, visit https://sites.google.com/view/cofceclipse2017.
If the eclipse seems like a really good reason to party, head over to Harbor Breeze (176 Patriots Point Rd.). From 11AM – 5PM there will be a full bar, full menu, and outdoor games. Your ticket gets you a “Bloody Moon” cocktail, two sliders, a Moon Pie, eclipse glasses, and guaranteed outdoor seating for a perfect view.
Note: This is by no means a comprehensive list. We encourage you to go online and see what your favorite Mount Pleasant businesses are up to on eclipse day!