river cruise in ct

Connecticut River Cruise

& charter, llc.

Operating from:

Saint Clement's Castle & Marina

1931 portland cobalt road, portland, ct 06480, captain wheeler(860)559-6745.

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CONNECTICUT RIVER CRUISES

Fares are for the cruise described. Cruises may be tailored to your itinerary, budget and goals. The listed fares may change based on your customization. The fares are PER PASSENGER.

Passengers provide, towels, food, and beverage. Ipod/iphone/USB compatible stereo system is available. Air conditioning, refrigerator, coolers, two burner stove, grill, toaster oven, and microwave are available.

You are welcome to tour Blantyre when planning a cruise.

Captain Wheeler

Call to schedule your cruise and confirm booking.

A single $20.00 dock fee is added to all cruises. Card payments are processed using SQUARE: additional charge is 2.75% +$1.50.

Email: [email protected]

Cruises may change or cancel due to inclement weather, flooding, charters, and maintenance. Fares may change depending on fuel cost.

© Copyrighted, 2024, All rights reserved. Connecticut River Cruise & Charter, LLC

THE 10 BEST Connecticut Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in connecticut.

• Fishing Charters & Tours
• Stand-Up Paddleboarding
• Kayaking & Canoeing
• Boat Rentals
• Speed Boats Tours
• Water Sports
• Surfing, Windsurfing & Kitesurfing
• River Rafting & Tubing
• Scuba & Snorkeling
• Waterskiing & Jetskiing
• Shark Diving
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Couples
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Honeymoon spot
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Argia Mystic Cruises

2. Mystic Boat Adventures

3. Essex Steam Train & Riverboat

4. Adventure Mystic

5. RiverQuest

6. Thimble Island Cruise

7. Mystic Whaler Cruises

8. Mystic River Cruises

9. Connecticut Watersports

10. Sunbeam Fleet

11. Lucky Hook Charters

12. Indian River Marina

13. Tiki Bar Cruises.com

14. Poet's Lounge Sailing Charter

15. Captain Dave's Thimble Island Cruises

16. Mystic Yacht Charter

17. Farmington River Tubing

18. Kingfisher Charters

19. The Mystic Express: Historic Harbor Tour

20. Black Hawk Fishing Boat

21. Clarke Outdoors

22. Hel-Cat II Fishing Boat

23. Longshore Sailing School

24. Quiet Kayak

25. Three Belles Outfitters

26. Scoot & Paddle

27. Joyride Charters LLC

28. Lakeside Watersports

29. Black Hall Outfitters - Old Lyme

30. Sail-Works

What travelers are saying

Oct – Fall Foliage Cruises

• You may bring your own individual food and drink, only small coolers that fit under your seat will be allowed.
• Bring your binoculars (there’s a lot to see!).

When the seasons change on the CT River, Fall becomes very colorful!  While cruising the river we will take in Mother Nature’s beauty from a unique vantage on the water.  We will see resident and migrating wildlife, historical sights and gorgeous views.  Bring along a lap snack and beverage if you would like.

All 90 minute Daytime Cruises, all ages: $30pp ($27 Museum Members)

All 2 hour Afternoon Sunset Cruises, all ages: $40pp ($36 Museum Members)

You must buy tickets online using our “BOOK NOW” button. Thank you.

2024 Dates:

October 1 – 30

Check the Calendar for Days and Times.

• These cruises DO SELL OUT. It is required to book online to secure your spot, if you need help please email us at [email protected]
• You are able to bring your own picnic basket or snacks and your favorite “beverage” to enjoy on this special cruise.  “Lap” food works best! We ask that you not share food.
• Please,  always call ahead to confirm the cruise is going or check our calendar for any changes!  Phone: 860-767-8269
• RiverQuest leaves the dock on time! Please check in at the dock at least fifteen minutes before departure.
• NO ON-LINE BOOKING FOR OVER TEN PERSONS.  Please  email us to discuss if you have more than 10.
• The Captain reserves the right to change the cruise itinerary or cancel a cruise anytime he feels that there may be a weather or safety issue.  We want to remind everyone that this is a nature cruise. The weather can change drastically in minutes. There are times when a cruise may be canceled very last minute. We will of course try to give as much notice as possible. Thank your for your understanding.

From Interstate 91, take Exit 22 (CT Route 9 South). Take CT Route 9 South (26 miles) to Exit 3 (Essex) and follow signs to Connecticut River Museum and Essex Historic Waterfront. The Connecticut River Museum at Steamboat Dock is located at the foot of Main Street on the Connecticut River.

From Interstate 95, take Exit 69 (CT Route 9 North). Take CT Route 9 North to Exit 3 (Essex) and follow signs to Connecticut River Museum and Essex Historic Waterfront. The Connecticut River Museum at Steamboat Dock is located at the foot of Main Street on the Connecticut River.

GPS – We have found that if you enter Connecticut River Museum, Essex CT rather than the address, it will bring you to the Museum. 41.3513382,-72.3859617

A great way to plan your trip!

• Select a State
• Connecticut

The 9 Best Boat Tours in Connecticut!

Take advantage of Connecticut’s 253 gorgeous miles of shoreline while on a river or Long Island Sound cruise. These ten cruises take guests through some of the most picturesque parts of Connecticut, providing unique vantage points of well-known attractions from the comfort of the vessel. In addition to learning more about the history of the ship and coastal sights, several of these cruises offer encounters with Connecticut’s wildlife.

RiverQuest, Haddam, CT

This is the ultimate nature and scenic tour of Connecticut. Float along the Connecticut River with RiverQuest, while the knowledgeable staff point out water birds, such as ospreys, cormorants, and Bald Eagles, as well as famous sights along the lower Connecticut River. Tours vary depending on the season, but numerous offerings are available from February through October, with options for sunset cruises, family-friendly tours, fall foliage viewings, and nature-focused outings.

A post shared by CT RiverQuest (@ctriverquest) on Jul 6, 2018 at 10:40am PDT

Project Oceanology, Groton, CT

Kids and adults alike will get a taste of being a marine biologist with a public boat cruise run by Project O. Summertime cruises allow participants to use oceanographic equipment to monitor the waters of the Long Island Sound, while spring cruises take you to watch the Harbor Seals near Fishers Island. Project O also offers excellent summer camps for children interested in learning more about the environment.

Sabino Steamboat, Mystic Seaport, Mystic, CT

See the Mystic Seaport and downtown Mystic from a different vantage point by taking a cruise down the Mystic River on this historic 1908 steamboat. This ship is considered a National Historic Landmark as it is one of the last operating coal-fired steamboats, making any cruise even more special for visitors. Scenic cruises are offered six days per week, weather permitting, with both afternoon and evening time slots available.

Spirit of the Sound, Maritime Aquarium, Norwalk, CT

Run by the Maritime Aquarium, the Spirit of the Sound is a 64-foot-long catamaran that runs on electric power. Cruise along the Long Island Sound to learn about marine life or enjoy an evening sunset cruise. A variety of other cruising options are available including several history-focused tours that head to New London for Sailest.

Connecticut River Museum, Essex, CT

After viewing the collections and learning about the history of the Connecticut River through the museum’s exhibits, sign up for a cruise along the Connecticut River. Enjoy unrivaled views of the river from aboard the Onrust, a replica of one of the earliest western-style ships built in America. The boat is a marvel in itself, so be sure to view snap a few photos while aboard! In addition to cruises offered five days per week in the summertime, winter cruises are also available for those who are willing to brave cold weather to see Bald Eagles. These winter cruises are operated by RiverQuest, the first cruising company listed in this article.

Argia Mystic, Mystic, CT

Hop aboard the 81-foot Argia schooner for a tour of the scenic Mystic River, from which you’ll enjoy views of downtown Mystic, Mystic Seaport, and quaint lighthouses. If you want to get in on the action while aboard, you can help the crew with the sails. Tours are offered daily and run for approximately two hours. Senior citizen and child prices are also available, lowering the cost for family trips.

A post shared by Will Cruthers (@wcmacmillan) on Nov 22, 2015 at 12:43pm PST

Thimble Islands Cruise, Branford, CT

Learn about the history of the Thimble Islands with a 45-minute tour aboard the Sea Mist. Over the summer, public cruises depart numerous times per day, allowing a cruise to fit into your schedule no matter the duration of your stay in the area. In the Sea Mist, you’ll also cruise in comfort, as ample indoor and outdoor seating is available; a bar and bathroom are both available too.

Sheffield Island Cruise, Norwalk, CT

On a Sheffield Island Cruise, you’ll learn about the history of the island as well as the 150-year-old Sheffield Island Lighthouse, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. And don’t forget to bring along your camera to take photographs of the beautiful Connecticut coastline and the lighthouse. Numerous cruise types are available from acoustic cruises with live music to romantic sunset cruises.

Mystic River Cruises, Mystic, CT

Coast along the Mystic River in a luxury speedboat to enjoy downtown Mystic and the Mystic River Bascule Bridge from a unique vantage point. Snap photos that will get hundreds of likes on Facebook and Instagram, particularly those taken during the sunset cruise. Breakfast and lunch cruises are also available, during which you’re provided a meal to be enjoyed while watching the scenic area float by.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cynthia Lauren (@cynthialsperin) on Oct 4, 2016 at 5:53pm PDT

Fairfield County

• Greens Farms
• Hawleyville
• New Fairfield
• Old Greenwich
• Redding Center
• Redding Ridge
• West Redding

Hartford County

• Broad Brook
• Canton Center
• Collinsville
• East Berlin
• East Glastonbury
• East Granby
• East Hartford
• East Hartland
• East Windsor
• East Windsor Hill
• Glastonbury
• Marlborough
• New Britain
• North Canton
• North Granby
• Plantsville
• South Glastonbury
• South Windsor
• Southington
• Tariffville
• West Granby
• West Hartford
• West Hartland
• West Simsbury
• West Suffield
• Wethersfield
• Windsor Locks

Litchfield County

• Barkhamsted
• Bridgewater
• Cornwall Bridge
• East Canaan
• Falls Village
• Gaylordsville
• New Hartford
• New Milford
• New Preston Marble Dale
• Pine Meadow
• Washington Depot
• West Cornwall
• Winchester Center

Middlesex County

• Centerbrook
• East Haddam
• East Hampton
• Killingworth
• Middle Haddam
• Middlefield
• Old Saybrook

New Haven County

• Beacon Falls
• North Branford
• North Haven
• South Britain
• Wallingford

New London County

• Gales Ferry
• Jewett City
• Mashantucket
• North Franklin
• North Stonington
• North Westchester
• Quaker Hill
• West Mystic

Tolland County

• Mansfield Center
• Mansfield Depot
• Somersville
• South Willington
• Stafford Springs
• Staffordville
• Storrs Mansfield
• Vernon Rockville

Windham County

• Ballouville
• Central Village
• East Killingly
• East Woodstock
• Grosvenor Dale
• North Grosvenordale
• North Windham
• Pomfret Center
• South Windham
• South Woodstock
• Willimantic
• Woodstock Valley

Change State

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Select Nearby Town

Fairfield Southwest

Hartford Central

Litchfield Northwest

Mystic Eastern

New Haven South Central

Sightseeing cruises in connecticut explore state's maritime history.

Sightseeing boat tours and cruises from Mystic, along the Connecticut River, and other points along the Connecticut shore offer a fresh, sailor's eye view of the rich maritime, seafaring, and ship building history of southeastern Connecticut. Join a scheduled cruise or charter a boat for a private party or a fishing excursion. Schedule cruises feature views of lighthouses , nature viewing and bird watching -- including migrating eagles and ospreys on the Connecticut River -- and relaxation at sunset. Individual charters are great for company outings, birthdays, retirements, and bachelor parties.

Argia Mystic Cruises

75 Steamboat Wharf Mystic, CT, 06355 Phone: 860-536-0416

Blackhawk Sport Fishing

Sailing from the Niantic Bay Marina Niantic, CT, 06357 Phone: 860-448-3662 Toll-Free: 800-382-2824

Head out to sea to observe the perfect sunset, frolicking seals, eagles in flight

Essex Steam Train & Riverboat

One Railroad Avenue Essex, CT, 06426 Phone: 860-767-0103 Toll-Free: 800-377-3987

You’ll feel you are traveling back in time when you board Mississippi-style riverboat

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2024 Winter Wildlife Eagle Cruises on RiverQuest

February 9 @ 10:00 am - march 13 @ 2:00 pm.

Experience the beauty and solitude of the lower Connecticut River during this wonderful time of year! It is so different than it is any other time of the year. There are no other vessels on the water, and with no leaves on the trees, our wildlife viewing is easy and fun.

As the river, lakes and ponds to our north freeze, Eagles and others make their way to the lower CT River for their favorite food – FISH. Join us on this approximately 2 hour “on-the-water” cruise to search for eagles and other winter wildlife. In the past we have spotted up to a record 41 eagles, 3 types of grebes, fox, 3 types of swans, 3 types of mergansers, many different gulls, loons, golden eagle, coyote, deer, many hawk species, 3 types of seals, and even a bobcat. We will have Naturalists on board to narrate and make sure you don’t miss a thing!

RiverQuest has a heated cabin, but we suggest that you dress in warm layers since the best views will be from the open decks. Don’t forget your camera and binoculars! …No binoculars? No worries, we have plenty on board for you to borrow! We will also provide complimentary coffee and tea.

Cruises start Friday February 9th continuing through March 13th. Book online now!

• 10:00am – 12:00pm
• 12:30pm – 2:30pm

Saturdays & Sundays:

• 9:00am – 11:00am
• 11:30am – 1:30pm
• 2:00pm – 4:00pm

Wednesdays, March 6th & 13th

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Related Events

Connecticut River Partial Eclipse Cruise

RiverQuest Osprey/Eagle Cruise

Earth Day Cruise

PURCHASE TICKETS

67 Main Street Essex, CT 06426 860.767.8269 [email protected] DIRECTIONS

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Viewing Eagles and Seals

When the waters up north grow too cold or freeze solid, bald eagles and seals migrate south to Connecticut to find the food and comfort they need. Which means you can migrate to several spots in the state to watch them at work and play. Mix and match them in a way that suits your schedule.

Seal Watch Cruises on Long Island Sound

Eagle watch cruises with riverquest, viewing eagles from shepaug dam, project oceanology, groton.

Seals that are native to Maine escape south to Long Island Sound every winter for warmer waters and a somewhat milder climate. Seal Watch Cruises offered by Project Oceanology in Groton take you out onto the Sound beginning in late March. It’s an adventure that will test your hardy soul, but the rewards are memorable.

RiverQuest, Essex

Guests experience the Connecticut River’s ecology, rich history, and wildlife; including osprey, eagles and more. Enjoy each the season’s beauty during RiverQuest ’s winter cruises departing from the Connecticut River Museum in Essex, beginning in early February.

Beginning the third week of December and running into March, the eagle observation post is open at the Shepaug Dam on the Housatonic River in Southbury. Chances are good that you’ll spot an eagle or several here (one great day last winter, 15 made their presence known) and take in educational exhibits and breathtaking photos.  

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Here's a list of eclipse events happening in CT on Monday

A partial solar eclipse is coming to Connecticut on Monday and museums, science centers and observatories around the state are holding events.

The eclipse will begin at slightly different times depending on where you live. A detailed list of times by location is here .

• Bridgeport - Begins: 2:12 p.m., Peak: 3:26 p.m, Ends: 4:37 p.m.
• Hartford - Begins: 2:13 p.m., Peak: 3:27 p.m., Ends: 4:37 p.m.
• New Haven - Begins 2:12 p.m., Peak: 3:27 p.m., Ends: 4:37 p.m.
• New London - Begins 2:13 p.m., Peak 3:28 p.m., Ends 4:38 p.m.

At its peak, more than 90% of the sun will be covered when viewed from Connecticut. Totality is the best experience, but weather permitting, Connecticut’s celestial show will still be worth checking out.

Wherever you view the eclipse, be sure to do it safely .

Here’s a listing of eclipse events across Connecticut.

• Viewing begins Monday afternoon. Plan to bring eclipse glasses.
• Eclipse activities: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Eclipse viewing: 2-4:30 p.m.
• Two-hour eclipse cruise along the Connecticut River 2:30-4:30 p.m.
• 2:30-4:30 p.m. Viewing glasses will be distributed.
• 1:45-4:45 pm viewing outside on Science Building lawn
• 1-4:45 p.m. Food, solar telescopes and activities with UConn Extension, the Connecticut State Library and the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
• 2:30-4:30 p.m. Eclipse glasses available, viewing areas on museum patio
• 1-5 p.m. Yard games and eclipse chalk art. The first 70 people (starting at 1 p.m.) will receive free eclipse glasses with any purchase made at the Apple Barrel Farm Market.

Connecticut Public’s Patrick Skahill and Ray Hardman contributed to this report.

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See inside a new ultra-luxury river cruise line that's charging up to $59,520 per person

• Newcomer Riverside Luxury Cruises wants to break into the growing river cruise market.
• The ultra-luxury cruise line  operates former Crystal ships in popular European rivers like the Danube.
• Riverside's 2024 cruises start at $1,055 per person for four days.

A new ultra-luxury cruise line wants to be the swankiest travel-by-river vacation option.

To do so, it's enticing cruisers with truffle-infused butter, $320-per-person dinners, and butlers that can be beckoned with a simple WhatsApp message.

Affluent travelers , meet Riverside Luxury Cruises.

The budding company first set sail in March 2023. With a year of service under its belt, its three ships are now sailing some of Europe's most popular rivers — starting at more than $260 per person per day.

Riverside is operated by Seaside Collection, a European hotelier.

The firm had its sights set on a river cruise venture since 2018, Jen Halboth, CEO of Riverside Luxury Cruises, told Business Insider.

Ironically, COVID-19 was the reason it got into the business.

Crystal Cruises declared bankruptcy in early 2022 amid the pandemic. Shortly after, Seaside purchased and updated five of the then-defunct cruise line's ships.

Three of these vessels now make up Riverside's fleet. The other two are being leased to competitor Uniworld River Cruises.

River cruising has become increasingly popular as wealthy travelers gravitate to ultra-luxury small-ship vacations.

River cruise ships are much smaller than their behemoth ocean-based counterparts, allowing Riverside to sail in waterways like Europe's Rhine, Rhone, Danube, Main, Moselle, and Saône rivers.

Along the way, guests can explore destinations many giant ships can't easily access — like Budapest, Hungary; Frankfurt, Germany; and Amsterdam — sometimes visiting more than one port in a day.

One of Riverside's shortest and cheapest 2024 voyages starts at $1,055 per person for a four-day Danube River cruise from Passau, Germany, to Vienna.

Alcohol and excursion packages can tack on an extra $75 to $175 per person per night.

Looking to ball out? The most expensive and longest itinerary is $59,521 per person for a three-river, 22-day cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest, Hungary, in the most expensive suite with the most inclusive package.

To compare, the cheapest 2024 voyage with all-inclusive luxury competitor Uniworld River Cruises starts at $2,000 per person for an eight-day Danube River sailing.

River cruisers tend to be over the age of 55.

But the new company is targeting guests 45 years old and older, specifically those who frequent luxury vacations but have yet to try a river cruise.

"New luxury travelers want to be pampered, get off and have an adventure, and come back and be taken care of," the cruise line's CEO said.

"Pampering” they will get.

Of Riverside's three ships, the 394-foot-long, 74-foot-wide Mozart can accommodate the most guests — up to 162, not including the 82 crew.

Yes, it's larger than Uniworld's ships, which range from 32 to 159 guests. But it's also significantly smaller than Royal Caribbean's new 9,950-person Icon of the Seas ocean vessel.

Like most cruise liners, Riverside's three ships have spas, buffets, and plush lounges and bars.

During the day, travelers can enjoy lunch at the open-air grill and relax to live music courtesy of Steinway and Bösendorfer pianos, no less.

At night, they can dine on a seven-course meal at the 295 euros ($320) per-person Vintage Room.

Riverside’s ships have up to 5 restaurants. Vintage Room is the only specialty option.

The cost to dine includes a wine pairing and plates like veal with truffle and chanterelle mushrooms and "surf and turf" with beef sirloin and scallops.

But don't expect a lackluster, rushed meal at the other complimentary options: "This is not a churn-and-burn," the company's CEO said of the ships' Waterside restaurants. "You come in for fine dining."

Infused, whipped butter is apparently one of Riverside's hottest commodities.

Sometimes, it has chiles. Other times, it's infused with citrus. If you're lucky, you'll get one with truffles.

"People were raving about our butter," Halboth said. "Everyone's waiting to see what butter they'll get at dinner each night."

Need to sleep off all that dairy? You're in luck. Every cabin has a king bed.

Riverside's suites range from 194 to 883 square-feet. These high-end cabins include butler service, stocked mini-bars, and espresso machines.

Some suites also have double-sink vanities and walk-in closets, a hallmark of an ultra-luxury cruise vessel .

Does Riverside’s more than $260 per person, per day fare seem reasonable now?

If yes, book soon. It'll only get more expensive from here.

These fares don't offset the amount Riverside is spending on amenities like the upscale food, according to Halboth. To make up for these expenditures, the cruise line plans to raise its prices gradually over the next two years.

The company's CEO said bookings have been 'a little lighter' since the start of 2024.

But the back half of the year is "filling up" thanks to Americans: About 70 to 80% of its guests are from North America, the company said.

Riverside will operate its Mozart, Ravel, and Debussy ships for three years as it 'hones the brand,' Halboth said.

The cruise line's two additional vessels would join its fleet in the next few years.

Given the growing popularity of river cruises , it's a good time for companies like Riverside to start expanding.

However, it could face plenty of incoming competition.

Jamie Loizou, the UK managing director of luxury river cruise line AmaWaterways, is forecasting 2024 as a "pivotal" year for the river cruise industry, noting that 15 new river-based vessels are expected to launch this year, Cruise Critic reported .

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Watch CBS News

Join these solar eclipse events in NYC and across New York state's path-of-totality hotspots

By Renee Anderson , Lori Bordonaro

Updated on: April 8, 2024 / 5:42 AM EDT / CBS New York

NEW YORK --  From New York City to Upstate New York, special events are planned across the state to see the solar eclipse darken the skies on April 8, 2024 .

CBS News New York will  stream live coverage  of the event from 2 to 4 p.m. with  Chief Weathercaster Lonnie Quinn in Lake Placid and  CBS2 News at 5 Anchor Kristine Johnson in Niagara Falls, along with reporters across New York and New Jersey.  

Several places both inside and outside the path of totality are planning watch parties and other ways to celebrate.

New York solar eclipse forecast: See the cloud cover map

Eclipse events in new york's path of totality.

Niagara Falls will be center stage for the big show, and NASA has been running special programming there for weeks leading up. The celebration is set to culminate with a fireworks show Monday, courtesy of Wegmans. Speaking of Wegmans, the Rochester-based grocery chain is closing nearly 50 locations in the path of totality for 30 minutes during the peak, so employees have a chance to watch.

It's going to be a party in Rochester, where the city is throwing a three-day festival, called Rock the Eclipse .

"Every hotel, every museum, every brewery, every restaurant, every bar is completely ready and excited to be having events, holding activities," Debra Ross, chair of the Rochester Eclipse Task Force, told CBS New York . 

Organizers encouraged people to "Take Tuesday Too," as in take Tuesday off and stay another night. Racing home right after the eclipse might not be easy -- with the NCAA Championship Game tipping off Monday night, many hotels have watch parties planned. 

The state's I Love NY tourism site lists several other events from the Chautauqua region along Lake Eerie through the Finger Lakes and over to the Adirondacks, home of the  Olympic Speed Skating Oval in Lake Placid .

Watch the eclipse from the slopes at Gore Mountain or Whiteface Mountain , or from a scenic train ride on the A&A Railroad . For the even more adventurous, have a front row seat from the sky at Skydive the Falls . 

Expand your eclipse knowledge at family-friendly festivals in Tupper Lake, including live demonstrations and live music at The Wild Center and the Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory .

If you're feeling extra social, enjoy the eclipse with thousands of spectators at NBT Bank Stadium . If not, go "lights out" in Lake Eerie Wine Country or "embrace the dark" on Seneca Lake .

Solar eclipse events in NYC

New York City is outside the path of totality but will see the moon cover about 90 percent of the sun.

Many of the city's iconic landmarks are celebrating with special events, like sky-high views from the Empire State Building's observation decks , One World Trade Center's observatory , The Edge at Hudson Yards and the Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center . 

The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is hosting a viewing onboard its flight deck , and the American Museum of Natural History will have educational activities with astronomy experts . The New York Hall of Science is also throwing a family-friendly educational event .

Best places to see today's solar eclipse in NYC, New York state

The Parks Department will hold free watch parties across the five boroughs at Freshkills Park on Staten Island, Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk in Queens, Bowling Green Parade Ground in Brooklyn, Inwood Hill Park in Manhattan and Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx. 

Shirley Chisholm State Park is also throwing a watch party with a hike up to its highest point, and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden will open its lawns for a free community viewing  with eclipse glasses from Warby Parker . 

Watch from the water on the Classic Harbor Line's Solar Eclipse Viewing Cruise , or gather for a gong-bath at Green-Wood Cemetery .

Outside the city, the Cradle of Aviation Museum on Long Island is planning a day of activities, and the Hudson River Museum in Yonkers has been  celebrating with special programming  for weeks leading up, with the help of  retired NASA astronaut Ron Garan . The Liberty Science Center in Jersey City also expects to host thousands for a big party with telescopes and planetarium shows .

Get your free "I Love NY" solar eclipse glasses

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the state would distribute limited edition "I Love NY" eclipse glasses at 30 locations, including welcome centers and service areas. 

Around the New York City area, they are available at Penn Station's Moynihan Train Hall, the Long Island Welcome Center on the Long Island Expressway Eastbound in Dix Hills and the Hudson Valley-Catskills Welcome Center at Woodbury Commons in Central Valley. See the full list. 

• Adirondacks Welcome Center on I-87 Northbound in Glen Falls
• Lake Placid Visitor Bureau on Main Street in Lake Placid
• Capital Region Welcome Center on I-87 Northbound in Hannacroix
• New Baltimore Service Area on I-87 North & Southbound in Hannacroix
• Mohawk Valley Welcome Center on I-90 Westbound in Fultonville
• Southern Tier Welcome Center on I-87 Northbound in Kirkwood
• Mohawk Service Area on I-90 Eastbound in Amsterdam
• Indian Castle Service Area on I-90 Eastbound in Little Falls
• Iroquois Service Area on I-90 Westbound in Little Falls
• Schuyler Service Area on I-90 Westbound in Frankfort
• Oneida Service Area on I-90 Eastbound in Westmoreland
• Chittenango Service Area I-90 Westbound in Canastota
• National Comedy Center on West 2nd Street in Jamestown
• Central NY Welcome Center on Destiny USA Drive in Syracuse
• Finger Lakes Welcome Center on Lakefront Drive in Geneva
• Port Byron Service Area on I-90 Eastbound in Port Byron
• Warners Service Area on I-90 Westbound in Warners
• Junius Ponds Service Area on I-90 Westbound in Phelps
• Clifton Springs Service Area on I-90 Eastbound in Clifton Springs
• Seneca Service Area on I-90 Westbound in Victor
• Western NY Welcome Center on Alvin Road in Grand Island
• Pembroke Service Area on I-90 Eastbound in Corfu
• Clarence Service Area on I-90 Westbound in Clarence
• Hudson Valley | Catskills Welcome Center at Woodbury Commons in Central Valley
• Ardsley Service Area on I-87 Northbound in Hastings-on-Hudson
• Plattekill Service Area on I-87 Northbound in Plattekill
• Modena Service Area on I-87 Southbound in Modena
• Long Island Welcome Center on the Long Island Expressway Eastbound in Dix Hills
• Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station in Manhattan
• North Country Welcome Center on Collins Landing Road in Alexandria Bay

Experts say it is important to  wear protective eclipse glasses , which are 1,000 times darker than sunglasses and adhere to international safety standards.   

"Looking at the sun without proper eye protection can literately cause permanent damage," State Operations Director Kathryn Garcia said in a briefing on March 25. "If you buy a pair of eclipse glasses online or from a store, please make sure they are from a trusted source."

See the American Astronomical Society  for an approved list .

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What’s it like to dine on Tampa’s new riverboat cruise Craft? We took a ride.

• Helen Freund Times staff

TAMPA — We almost didn’t make the boat.

Traffic snarled through downtown Tampa and stretched onto the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway, delaying what would have been a 45-minute drive from St. Petersburg to nearly an hour and a half in stop-and-go congestion.

We had reservations for Craft, Tampa’s brand-new riverboat dinner cruise set to depart at 7:30 p.m. — and a friendly confirmation email reminding us that our purchase was nonrefundable. We’d been encouraged to arrive 45 minutes early, when we would have presumably been able to commence a leisurely boarding, river breeze in our hair, Champagne flute in hand.

Life had other plans. At 7:25 p.m., my dinner date and I swung our car into the Garrison Street parking lot, narrowly avoiding getting struck by an oncoming streetcar.

Following a quick security wand-down (the boat adheres to U.S. Coast Guard rules) and a $30 event-fueled parking fee (Tim McGraw was playing a show at nearby Amalie Arena), crew members greeted us with a quick photograph and a glass of bubbly before sending us on our way.

“Welcome to our maiden voyage!” they exclaimed as we rushed aboard.

Shortly after 7:30 p.m., we were off, out of the Ybor Turning Basin and into the sunset.

Described as a “culinary and cocktail river journey,” Craft debuted its inaugural dinner cruise on March 15. The multimillion-dollar project is the latest endeavor from Jill and Troy Manthey, who also run several other entertainment-on-the-water concepts, including Yacht StarShip, Pirate Water Taxi and the Bay Rocket.

Designed with European riverboats in mind, the 130-foot-long vessel boasts a sleek, white silhouette with less than 11 feet of vertical clearance — meaning it can comfortably drift beneath many of Tampa’s low-lying bridges. But this ship’s real appeal lies in the coupling of an elevated culinary program, contemporary aesthetic and craft cocktails.

A trip aboard Craft includes a two-hour cruise up and down the Hillsborough River and a three-course prix-fixe meal. To start, there are lunch, brunch and dinner trips on deck, but a happy hour option may soon be in the works.

Running any kind of marine operation comes with steep operating costs — including fuel, dock rental fees and staffing — and the experience here is priced accordingly. But it still comes with a good deal of sticker shock. For two people on a Friday evening, we paid $392.59 for the boat ride and the three-course dinner — not including gratuity or drinks.

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I love a fancy boat ride as much as the next person, but the pricing gave me pause.

Would the experience be worth it?

Things were a lot smoother once we got on board.

We entered through the front of the boat, or bow, and were shown to our seats inside a narrow dining room, flanked by windows overlooking the water. Wood paneling combined with slight nautical touches lent the space a warm, industrial-chic vibe.

Servers clad in white collared shirts and gray aprons whisked back and forth between the tables, balancing martini coupes and taking orders. In an attempt to let the crew develop their sea legs, the boat wasn’t fully booked that evening, but the dining room still felt abuzz with excitement and curiosity.

Clutching our Champagne, we glided through Sparkman Channel at dusk, glitzy Harbour Island homes glowing in the evening light as a Maggie Rogers track played softly in the background. We let out a collective exhale as the chaos of the day faded away.

Over the course of the roughly two-hour cruise, the boat steered up the Hillsborough River, passing Riverwalk landmarks including the Tampa Convention Center, Armature Works and Rick’s on the River, before turning around and heading back.

Guests were encouraged to explore the boat. The Bow and Stern bar, beautifully designed and fashioned out of a vintage 1914 cruiser, provided additional seating in the rear for those looking for more of an al fresco experience.

Throughout the evening, the crew moved back and forth between the dining room, the bar and the kitchen, sometimes stepping out on the deck to alert passengers when their meals had been delivered. Guests roamed the boat taking photographs, while patrons inside chatted up their neighbors, much of the voyage illuminated by the lights of downtown Tampa.

Craft’s strongest selling point is its culinary program, and the menu here is a far cry from the goblets of white wine and dry chicken associated with most dinner cruises.

Designed by chef Allison Beasman (formerly of Edison: Food + Drink Lab), the list of contemporary New American dishes runs the gamut from a black grouper served with Little Neck clams and Pernod cream to a Wagyu coulotte with kabocha caramel and a Korean barbecue octopus. As part of the prix-fixe deal, guests are able to pick an appetizer, entree and dessert from a menu of roughly 13 different dishes.

Part of what makes the vessel stand out is the addition of an open kitchen with gas stoves, and the concept’s design allows guests to get a peek of the action if they’re on their way to the bathroom or the bar.

When it came time to order dinner, our server patiently guided us through the menu, pointing out the additional dishes we could choose if we wished to add a little something extra onto our prepaid meal. We opted for the olive oil-marinated sheep and goat’s milk cheese ($18), which was just as tasty as our server touted. It arrived in a rich red pepper-packed pisto, drizzled with a healthy glug of olive oil and served with crusty bread for dipping.

Dishes are made to order and don’t necessarily arrive at the same time as other passengers’ meals. Our appetizers showed up roughly 45 minutes into the trip, a delightful baby kale salad lightly dressed in a white balsamic vinaigrette that was toothsome with chicory and shaved carrots and plumped up with fried baby potatoes and a healthy shaving of ricotta salata. Also good was the hearty tomato bisque with roasted bone marrow and blackened cipollini onions.

For our entrees, a seared duck breast arrived fanned out over silky whipped potatoes and a creamy goat cheese fondue, framed by Brussels sprouts and fat wedges of roasted golden beets. Though the duck was cooked a little past the requested temperature, it was still delicious. A plate of sweet and sour braised short ribs packed powerhouse flavors that paired beautifully together, all served over a sweet and sticky coconut rice sidling bok choy and juicy tangerine segments.

For dessert, we paired a perfect few scoops of pistachio ice cream with a chocolate espresso dacquoise, an intensely rich and sweet layer cake featuring a tart blackberry curd and creamy dark chocolate ganache.

The fine print

The water was calm that night and the entire service appeared well-rehearsed — absent of any major hiccups and even graceful at moments. As far as I could tell, there were no seasick passengers or man-overboard scenarios, which felt like some kind of success, though I did wonder what type of balance or physical dexterity would be required to maneuver trays of wobbling martini glasses over stormier seas.

Though tiered pricing exists for Craft — for different seats, times of day or days of the week — there’s no overlooking that a trip aboard the vessel isn’t cheap.

With neither drinks nor gratuity included in the booking price, if you’re looking to enjoy the evening with a couple of libations, it’s going to cost you. The add-ons can feel excessive, from a $50 king crab leg tray to the preboarding photograph crew members try to sell you at the end of the night. A suggested gratuity is presented on your bill, based on the total sales tallied for the table that evening, including the cost of the original reservation.

Some changes are bound to be expected as the company assesses guest interest and feedback. Even after the first week, it appears some prices have been slightly adjusted. Dinner for two people seated in the dining room with window seats now comes to $369.89 after taxes and marine fees, while weekend brunches for the same seats start at $89.95 per person.

It’s hard to imagine making dining here a regular occurrence, but for a special occasion, an evening aboard Craft can be a real delight.

Next time, though, I’ll remember to leave myself plenty of time to get there.

For Craft reservations and information, go to crafttampa.com/ . The riverboat departs from the dock at 603 Channelside Drive, Tampa.

Helen Freund is the food and dining critic, reporting on and reviewing restaurants throughout Tampa Bay. Reach her at [email protected].

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OU softball vs Texas recap: Longhorns stun Sooners, throw out runner at plate to seal win

Coach Patty Gasso and the top-ranked OU softball team play in the second game of a three-game series at No. 4 Texas beginning at 7 p.m. Saturday in Austin.

The game will be televised on ESPN.

Here's what you need to know about the Sooners (35-1, 13-0 Big 12) and Longhorns (29-6, 9-4):

More: OU softball holds off Texas in Red River opener as Jayda Coleman, Kelly Maxwell shine

OU softball live score updates vs. Texas 

More: Get to know the 2024 Oklahoma Sooners softball team and schedule

OU softball highlights vs. Texas

Final: texas 2, ou 1.

Nicole May takes the loss for the first time since 2022.

Read the OU-Texas takeaways HERE .

End 6th: Texas 2, OU 1 | Baserunning error wipes away two runs for Longhorns

In the sixth, Katie Stewart got McCombs Field rocking with an apparent bases-loaded two-run double with no outs that would’ve put the Longhorns ahead 4-1 and left them threatening more damage.

But Sooners coach Patty Gasso quickly asked for a review and shortly thereafter, the double was wiped off the board.

Victoria Hunter, who had come around to score on the play from second, was ruled to have left early, giving the Longhorns runners on the corners with one out instead.

Karlie Keeney got Stewart to instead pop out to shortstop, then after a walk loaded the bases again, Keeney got Katie Cimusz to ground out to end the threat and keep the Sooners within one.

Longhorns take lead in the fourth

Nicole May seemed poised to cruise through the fourth.

After allowing a lead-off single, May struck out the next two Longhorns hitters to move within one out of throwing yet another scoreless inning.

But Viviana Martinez and Katie Stewart belted back-to-back doubles off of May to put the Sooners in a 2-1 hole.

It’s the first time OU has trailed since March 20 against UT Arlington and the latest they’re trailed in a game since their March 3 loss to Louisiana.

Sooners strike first

It didn't take long for OU to get on the board Saturday.

Tiare Jennings dropped an RBI single into right center field in the first to drive in Alyssa Brito.

The Sooners might've been able to add another, though, but had to settle for one.

On Jennings' hit, Kasidi Pickering held up at second until the ball dropped despite there being two outs and was only able to advance to third.

More: Relive OU softball's run to three straight WCWS titles with our 'Crimson Empire' book

What time does OU softball at Texas  start?  

• Date:  Saturday, April 6  
• Time:  7 p.m. CT  
• Where:  Red and Charline McCombs Field, Austin, Texas

More: Oklahoma softball: Kinzie Hansen 'ready to go' for Sooners' series vs Texas

What channel is OU softball at Texas on today?  

• Television:  ESPN  
• How to watch online:  Watch ESPN ( here's how to stream it live )  

More: Big 12 softball power rankings: Lexi Kilfoyl powers Oklahoma State up in latest poll

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