There are so many spectacular choices for stellar viewing experiences when the historic solar eclipse darkens Tennessee on Aug. 21.

We have done our best to pick out a few star options.

Here's our take:

The Mayor's bash (Nashville)

The city of Nashville, its baseball team, and its mayor, Megan Barry, are putting together a party at First Tennessee Park. There will be music from the Nashville Symphony and science demonstrations with hands-on activities from the Adventure Science Center — and everyone gets special solar glasses.

They promise to turn the lights off at the ballpark just before the total eclipse. And then, after looking at the big ball of light (through your glasses, of course), you can catch some baseball (for a separate cost) with a Sounds game at 4:05 p.m.

► More:Complete eclipse coverage

Loosen up and listen to music (Gallatin)

With one of the longest periods of totality in Middle Tennessee at 2 minutes, 39 seconds, Gallatin is a top pick for eclipse viewing. The free Eclipse Encounter at Triple Creek Park offers yoga at 9 a.m., and a list of live music with former American Idol second runner-up and Gallatin High grad Kimberley Locke headlining. Bring a picnic or buy food from vendors on site.

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Eclipse-themed beer on a hill? Yes, please. (Joelton)

When we think of lovely places to view history, a hilltop meadow comes to mind. Lucky for us, that's an option.

Hachland Hill, a venue that opened its doors in 1956 under the legendary Southern chef Phila Hach, is set to host a solar eclipse viewing party — all in the path of totality with no light pollution. Sounds magical. Plus, TailGate Brewery is creating a special eclipse-themed beer available for purchase along with Moon Pies, Astronaut Ice Cream and other treats. The $40 ticket includes eclipse safety glasses, a commemorative "I Blacked Out at Hachland Hill" cup, live music and a post-eclipse dinner with southern and eclipse flair.

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Party at a park in the dark (across Middle Tennessee)

Did you know at least 10 Metro Nashville Parks (Beaman, Bells Bend, Centennial Cedar Hill, Hadley, Peeler, Fort Negley, Shelby Bottoms and Edwin and Warner parks) and 18 Tennessee State Parks will be in the path of totality? We think all are great, but if we are picking our favorites, we recommend:

Warner Parks: The Steeplechase grounds (off Old Hickory Blvd.) offer a wide-open field; Centennial Park: Nashville’s Parthenon could be an incredible backdrop, but be warned there are likely to be lots of international media and big crowds; Hadley Park: A community celebration here will feature poets and speakers focused on peace and unity; Bicentennial Mall: As a bonus, the Italian Lights Festival is also taking place here.

The state parks with the longest totality: Bledsoe Creek in Gallatin and Cumberland Trail at Head of Sequatchie (2:39); Edgar Evins in Silver Point (2:38); Cummins Falls in Cookeville and Burgess Falls in Sparta (2:37).

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On the water, ironically (across Middle Tennessee)

Most of the world is water, and most of the time we miss solar eclipses because they’re out in the middle of nowhere over an ocean. For a sense of irony, put yourself on the water for this one.

Rent a paddleboat, paddleboard or a kayak or canoe of your choosing for an unusual view of this eclipse — without fighting for blanket space in a bustling park.

River Queen Voyages has a special eclipse kayak package with viewing glasses, snacks, beverages and more. You can also check out local marinas like Percy Priest Lake or go big in the General Jackson Showboat's unique eclipse cruise.

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Total eclipse, classic rock (McMinnville)

There is a thing called the Pink Floyd Appreciation Society, and its music-minded members will be playing “Dark Side of the Moon” in its entirety at Blackout 2017: Great American Eclipse Party, a free event in Court Square in downtown McMinnville. Bring a lawn chair and the city provides the viewing glasses and astronomy-themed arts and crafts for kids. NASA’s coverage of the solar spectacle will be live streamed. For full details, go here or check it out on Facebook.

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More to see than the eclipse (Nashville)

A good bet for eclipse spectators with kids, the Nashville Zoo provides a unique opportunity to digitally document more than just darkness. The Nolensville Pike favorite wants visitors to help document whether the eclipse prompts strange behaviors in its animal inhabitants. Documentation tools will be provided, and the first 5,000 guests get free viewing glasses.

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Day drink in the dark (Clarksville)

Sometimes you just want to day drink in the dark, and how often do you get to do that? Not enough! So visit Old Glory Distillery in Clarksville, support a new business born by a Clarksville native and toast the eclipse in style with a $75 VIP package, which includes reserved lawn space, viewing glasses, a T-shirt and a special bottle of booze, Solar Shine.

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A PeayClipse party (Clarksville)

Taking the prize for best portmanteau: The Austin PeayClipse party at the Clarksville university. A weekend of events, including talk and lunch with astronaut Rhea Seddon, are worth checking out. Viewing of Monday’s main event will take place at Fortera Stadium. Parking is $5 and comes with two pairs of solar eclipse viewing glasses.

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Scientific adventureland (Nashville)

For the kids, you can't miss Nashville's Adventure Science Center. Most of the party happens over the weekend with solar telescope viewing stations, speakers from NASA and an awesome planetarium movie.

On Monday, exhibitors will clear out and make room for everyone to watch the sky. If you want to join the hype inside the Science Center, it's not free ($49, ages 13 and older; $29, ages 2-12). Note: The Tennessean is a sponsor of this event.