Experience the Eclipse on Lake Champlain’s Shores
The town of Essex has a weekend full of plans around Eclipse 2024.
On April 8, 2024, the Adirondacks will offer one of the best vantage points in New York state (if not the entire Northeast) to witness a rare and exceptional event - a total solar eclipse.
This is more than a fantastic sight; it is an event that occurs only once every 400 years in the exact location on Earth. Therefore, it's an incredible opportunity that you won’t want to miss.
Fortunately, the town of Essex, located on beautiful Lake Champlain, is planning to provide an unforgettable experience.
Eclipse viewing locations in Essex.
Visitors and residents in Essex will have several options for viewing the total solar eclipse.
Main Street, Essex: The street (between the intersection with Rte 22 and School St) will be closed to traffic from noon to 4 pm so eclipse viewers can set up and watch the event. Enjoy specials and events at Main Street businesses like the Pink Pig, Barn Door Tavern, Essex Ice Cream Cafe, Adirondack Art Association, and The Essex Inn.
Parking for this location includes the town lot near the Belden Noble Memorial Library (across from the Essex-Charlotte Ferry) and along Elm Street, School Street, and Church Street.
Whitcomb's: Watch the eclipse from the beautiful Whitcomb's backyard, next to The Whallonsburg Grange. Enjoy lunch provided by River & Rails Deli, peruse a special art show in Whitcomb's new gallery space, and pop into the Grange to see a magnified live stream of the eclipse on the big screen and learn more about the science behind this significant celestial event.
Additional eclipse weekend events in Essex.
Friday, April 5
The Barn Door Tavern: Piotr Barcz will play ragtime, stride and swing piano from 6–10 pm.
Adirondack Art Association: Hosting a local Adirondack artist showcase.
Saturday, April 6
The Barn Door Tavern: Come down for a game night for all visitors and locals, which includes a special round of Eclipse Trivia.
Adirondack Art Association: Hosting a local Adirondack artist showcase.
The Whallonsburg Grange: The Champlain Film Series presents a showing of Rye Lane at 7 pm.
Sunday, April 7
Adirondack Art Association: Hosting a local Adirondack artist showcase.
Eclipse Day events, April 8, 2024.
Essex Inn
The Barn Door Tavern is open from 10 am to 10 pm. Stop by for street food-style snacks, souvenirs, and the usual beer and wine selection. Live music will be played after the Eclipse.
The Essex Inn: Open from 3–9 pm, it offers to-go options and a special dinner and drinks menu (reservations recommended).
Lake Champlain Yoga and Wellness: Take an outdoor yoga class during the eclipse event. Check back for time and details.
Adirondack Art Association: Check out a unique showcase of local artists from 12–4 pm.
Essex Ice Cream Cafe: Don't miss the debut of the Ice Cream Cafe's exclusive Eclipse Hand Pie.
How long will the Eclipse last in Essex?
The entire Eclipse lasts for approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes in Essex.
Phase one in the Path of Totality—the first contact (aka partial Eclipse) begins at 2:13 p.m. As the moon moves in front of the sun, a small curved section of the sun starts to vanish, indicating the beginning of the partial Eclipse. As the moon continues moving across the sun's face, the environment around you darkens gradually.
The Total Eclipse begins at 3:26 pm — "Totality" is when the moon completely covers the sun, causing a striking and captivating darkness. This marks the beginning of the total Eclipse, an exceptional and unforgettable event that only a few people experience in their lifetime. In Essex, the totality phase lasts 2 minutes and 58 seconds of complete darkness. To experience a full simulation, you can check out this webpage.
Total Eclipse ends at approximately 3:29 pm — After the exciting experience of totality, the moon moves away from the sun, and the return of sunlight begins, marking the end of the total Eclipse. The moon continues moving across the sun until it entirely moves away.
Eclipse 2024 in Essex concludes at around 4:38 pm.
Places to explore near Essex.
