According to a study by a vacation rental journal, Harmony is among the nation's best locations for stargazing.
Vacational rental marketplace journal HomeToGo ranked Harmony third on its 2023 Summer Stargazing Index, "Showcasing the top 17 destinations in the U.S. for “astro-nuts” to look up and explore the cosmos this summer stargazing season, which officially kicks off with the Summer Solstice on June 21."
In HomeToGo's own metrics, Harmony, home to at least one annual "Dark Sky" event in the past, scored 32.10 points, just behind Westcliffe & Silver Cliff, Colo., and Dripping Springs, Ariz., but ahead of other famous Arizona nature spots Flagstaff and Sedona. Harmony, which is the only locale in the Southeast United States among the 17 locations on the list, scored well in "Clear Sky" (the historical average cloud cover), "Solitude" (the population per square mile) and "Affordability" (the median price per night of nearby vacation rentals during the summer season).
From the index's description of Harmony:
"Despits its close proximity to major cities, the unincorporated area boats IDA-certified dark skies. This distinction allows residents and visitors to enjoy optimal conditions for stargazing. Over the years, Harmony has hosted Dark Sky festivals and parties, separate from Dark Sky Week, highlighting the town's commitment to preserving and celebrating its pristine night sky."
In 2009, Harmony was recognized by the International Dark Sky Association as the world’s first Dark Sky Development of Distinction, a new award designated to promote subdivisions, master planned communities, and unincorporated townships whose planning actively promotes a more natural night sky.
"With dark sky tourism and astrotourism on the rise as destinations continue to prioritize lowering light pollution, these secluded areas are like distant hidden gems, beckoning travelers to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the night sky,” said HomeToGo Spokesperson Mike Pearce. “We are excited to be identifying these tranquil stargazing havens, providing inspirational gateway ideas for travelers to embark on unforgettable celestial adventures across the country.”
