Stargazing Tourism: How Charlestown’s Dark Skies Could Boost Our Local Economy

Charlestown’s natural beauty goes beyond our stunning beaches and historic charm. We have something incredibly special—the darkest skies between Boston and New York. This makes our town a perfect spot for a new kind of visitor: astrotourists. Yes, stargazers, astrophotographers, and night-sky lovers are all looking for places just like ours to get a clear view of the cosmos. And guess what? Northumberland, England, which also has beautiful dark skies, makes an estimated €25 million each year from visitors who come just to enjoy the stars. Imagine what a little boost from astrotourism could mean for us here in Charlestown!

Here’s why opening our arms to these stargazers could bring in big benefits.

Local Businesses Get a Boost
Astrotourism isn’t just about people coming to look at the sky; it’s about visitors who will stay overnight, grab dinner, and maybe even do some shopping while they’re here. Whether they’re getting up early for sunrise or heading out to stargaze at night, these visitors spend money, and that means a boost for our local businesses.

• Hotels, Restaurants, and Shops: Visitors will need a place to stay, places to eat, and maybe some keepsakes to remember their stargazing adventure. More tourism dollars in our local businesses can mean more jobs and more opportunities right here in town.

If we could capture just a fraction of the revenue that stargazing brings to Northumberland, Charlestown could see a big difference. Even a modest $2.7 million annually would go a long way in supporting our community’s economy.

Tourism That Works Year-Round
One great thing about stargazing is that it’s good in any season. In fact, fall and winter skies tend to be clearer, making for perfect stargazing weather. This means that astrotourism could help us bring in visitors all year, not just in the summer months. This could be a game-changer, especially for local businesses that tend to get quieter during the offseason.

And since stargazing happens at night, it opens up a whole new “evening economy” in Charlestown. Imagine visitors dining in our local restaurants or grabbing coffee and snacks in the evening before heading out to catch the stars. It’s a way for our town to stay active and engaged, even after the sun goes down.

New Opportunities for Businesses and Experiences
Astrotourism doesn’t just bring people into town; it creates opportunities for new experiences and services. We already have a lot going for us with lighting ordinances and zoning policies to keep our skies clear of light pollution. Here are some ways Charlestown could make the most of what we already have:

• Astronomy Tours and Night Photography Workshops: Locals who know our skies could lead stargazing tours, offering visitors a chance to learn about constellations, planets, and other cosmic wonders. And since night-sky photography is becoming so popular, workshops for budding photographers could be a real draw.
• Shops for Stargazing Essentials: Stores selling items like telescopes, star maps, or even red-light flashlights (the kind that doesn’t mess up night vision) could cater to stargazers looking to make the most of their experience.

These services and shops wouldn’t only benefit visitors—they’d also add something special for our community to enjoy.

Keeping Charlestown’s Skies Pristine
Charlestown has already done a fantastic job preserving our dark skies with lighting ordinances and zoning policies to limit light pollution. This sets us up perfectly to welcome stargazers without losing what makes our skies so unique. Our community could also take steps to make sure we stay a dark-sky-friendly town as more people come to experience it.

These initiatives could include encouraging businesses to use dark-sky-friendly lighting or hosting stargazing events to remind everyone why we love our beautiful night skies. Protecting our skies not only supports tourism but also enhances our quality of life.

Making Charlestown a Destination to Be Proud Of
Astrotourism is a chance for Charlestown to shine (pun intended!). As more people learn about our town’s beautiful night skies, we could attract attention from all kinds of stargazing communities, both near and far. By promoting Charlestown as a top spot for stargazing, we could strengthen our identity as a unique, nature-focused town.

There are also great opportunities for partnerships. We can team up with astronomy clubs, schools, or conservation groups to host public stargazing nights or community events. Not only would this bring visitors, but it would also give locals more chances to enjoy the skies in our own backyard.

A Bright Future for Charlestown
Astrotourism is more than just a trend—it’s a way for Charlestown to share what makes our town special with others, while supporting local businesses and protecting our natural environment. With a little planning, we could make stargazing part of Charlestown’s story, one that brings people here year-round and leaves everyone with unforgettable memories.

So, the next time you look up at the stars, remember: they might just hold the key to a brighter future for our town.

Sarah Fletcher, the author of this post, is a nationally recognized marketing expert with over 30 years’ experience as a creative director, art director, designer, and photographer. Sarah wants to help ensure that Charlestown’s economy can grow and flourish without destroying the character of one of the most beautiful communities on the East Coast. Sarah is the third generation in her family to be raised in Charlestown. You can learn more about Sarah on her profile page.