The One Tennessee Airbnb You Need to Book for Epic Dark Sky Views

Seeing the night sky without the light pollution from big cities is a moment you won’t forget. The first time I experienced it was in northwest Massachusetts in the middle of the Berkshires (during a meteor shower!). That was over a decade ago, yet I still find myself seeking out rural places to spend my nights stargazing. If you’re looking to spend a weekend gazing up at the heavens, then you’ll want to book a stay at this Tennessee Airbnb stargazing.

Sparta, Tennessee, is a peaceful town in White County with about 5,000 residents. Known for its Bluegrass heritage, historic downtown area, and abundance of outdoor recreation, it truly offers something for everyone.

Cloudwatch is a geodesic dome in Sparta that’s the perfect place to call home while you explore the area. The dome sits high on a bluff and offers some truly mesmerizing views during the day. You’ll need those unobstructed views at night when you’re looking to do a little stargazing. 

The dome is fully insulated and designed for year-round temperatures. It’s a studio-style layout, with a kitchen, a dining area, a seating area, and a bed all in one space. There is a full bathroom in the dome, plus amazing views from everywhere in the dome. 

Outside, guests will find more seating, a grilling area, and a private hot tub to kick back and relax in. After a day of hiking trails and exploring all of the things to do in Sparta, this hot tub is the perfect way to end the day. 

When it comes to stargazing, you’ll have a front row seat from the hot tub, deck, or even inside the dome! Now, we can’t help you with any clouds that ruin your view, but there are a few tips for stargazing. First, you’ll want to turn off all of the lights and stay off your phone. Give yourself 15-20 minutes in the dark to get your night vision. On a cloudless night, you’ll be able to see hundreds of stars in the sky!

If you can time your visit around the new moon (when the night sky is darkest), you’re in for a treat. Put your phone on a tripod if you want to take some photos of the starry night. You’ll need a tripod for those long exposure shots, but if you don’t have one, get creative! I’ve used water bottles, rocks, my backpack, really whatever I can find in the moment. 

Since we can't predict the weather, we recommend staying for at least two or three nights. This gives you the best chances for getting at least one night without clouds or the weather interrupting your stargazing.

Visit the Airbnb listing of Cloudwatch to scroll through all of the photos, read the reviews, and book your Tennessee Airbnb stargazing getaway today. Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner. Be sure to add this hiking trail near Sparta to your itinerary!