We decorated eclipse cookies as the day began with a bright and beautiful blue sky. BUT around 1pm, grey clouds formed and took over the entire sky. HEY this is Highlands - a temperate rain forest - so no surprise there!! Undaunted Ian, our guest from Virginia who had been tediously checking the cloud cover for the past two days, decided that the best thing to do was drive down the mountain to Franklin. Guests and family members followed him like the Pied Piper, and that was a good decision - they were able to enjoy the full awesome show!!
In Highlands, we didn't fare as well. My sister & I sat through the crickets and the eery 2.5 minutes of darkness here at the Inn, and then suddenly, we heard cheers coming from the crowd that had gathered a few blocks away in the park. The clouds cleared in just the right spot and we whipped out our glasses to view the tiniest crescent of the sun peeking out from behind the dark moon. It was awe-inspiringly beautiful and for the next hour, we had a clear view of the show.
So, the predicted massive numbers of eclipse-chasing day trippers didn't arrive. Highlands didn't need all the rented porta-potties, didn't run out of gas or groceries, and didn't have to block roads or rescue hikers or deal with massive traffic jams or accidents. But there was music all day in the park, the hotels were full, most vacation homes were occupied, and a good time was had by all!!
Join Us to experience Highlands Magic every day of the year at
or
in
Highlands NC 28741
Donna & Chris Alley, Innkeepers Since 1984
(828) 526-2020 10am-10pm
