Local businesses and groups ready to bask in glow of eclipse

Apr. 5—Ahead of Monday's big celestial event, area business are breaking out eclipse-themed milkshakes, cocktails, breakfasts, and the list goes on.

Businesses and organizations are tapping into the eclipse to get people interested in what they have to offer.

In Jamestown in northernmost Mercer County, Gibson House Manor, formerly called Mark Twain Manor, is presenting a leisurely day for the eclipse that close to a sellout. Friends of the Manor Charitable Trust, a non-profit group, operates the mansion.

"We got the idea from the (Mercer County) Tourist Agency," Anita Brattina, chairwoman of the trust said. "We're right in the eclipse's path."

Those in the further northwestern reaches of Mercer County, running all the way up to Erie, will be able to see a total eclipse.

At the manor, the day starts off at 9 a.m. with a light breakfast. Coffee, water and ice tea are available daylong. Lunch and dinner can be bought at the manor, made by the group's volunteers, she said.

"They can bring a picnic basket, but we ask to keep it outside," Brattina said.

As the afternoon arrives ticket holders can relax in the parking lot to see the eclipse as it begins around 2 p.m.

"We do ask people to bring their own lawn chairs," she said.

Of course all of this depends on good weather.

Buhl Park in Hermitage, Shenango River Lake, and Maurice K. Goddard State Park are hosting areas for viewing. Guests at Pymatuning State Park just north of Jamestown get the full totality experience. The Greenville Sports Complex is hosting a viewing site.

Grove City Premium Outlets in Springfield Township is offering a party pack for the first 200 people who show up for its watch party. The pack will include eclipse glasses, water and snacks. The party starts at 1:30 p.m.

The outlet mall also is offering discounts at some of the stores during the day and a selfie station.

Grove City College is holding a watch event on its quad, with handouts of free glasses, and there will be light-filtering telescopes to provide a closer experience, as well as a live feed from the college's remote telescope in Edinboro. Several professors and students will be on hand to explain the event, which goes from 2 p.m. until 4:30.

ln the Sandy Lake area, Vacationland Campground, at 867 Georgetown Road, will hold its own viewing party. The campground has several activities planned for families with a limited supply of eclipse glasses for people as well.

Erie, in Pennsylvania's northwest corner, is in the direct path of totality during the eclipse, making it a big player. Most of its hotels sold out long ago.

In Mercer County, where the moon won't completely block the sun in most of the area, local hotels also are reporting brisk business.

The Buhl Mansion in Sharon and Tara, A Country Inn, in Clark are sold out, said Laura Ackley, who manages those properties along with Donna's Diner in downtown Sharon.

"We have people coming in from all over the country," Ackley said. "We're promoting other local activities that day, like at Buhl Park."

Both of Tara's bars will be open and meals offered on Sunday and Monday. Ackley recommends reservations. Just for the event special cocktails: moonshine martini, cosmic cosmo and an eclipse margarita will be served.

Donna's Diner will feature special milkshakes — Total Eclipse of the Heart, Moon Shadow and Galactic Brownie.

Hicks on the Square in Mercer is offering a cocktail called "The Total Eclipse" on Saturday. The drink to celebrate the eclipse has pineapple juice, Chambord (a raspberry liqueur), vanilla vodka and Cointreau (an orange liqueur).

Sheetz convenience stores are offering $2 off a doughnut with the chain's rewards card.

PennDOT advises drivers not to stop along major roads or interstates to view the eclipse and reminds drivers to use their headlights during the eclipse.

Frank Jannetti, Mercer County emergency management director, advises people to use common sense and use only approved darkening glasses for eclipse viewing, and not for driving.

"The Department of Transportation and the police are working together because the concern is about the traffic coming back down from Erie and Crawford County," Jannetti said."

Interstate 79 is a particular concern, as it leads north directly to Erie.

"So just take your time, plan ahead and don't pull off the road," he said. "The state police are really going to enforce that. No one is going to be allowed to pull off the road."