I have been doing some research, and folks, if you are going to just about anywhere to catch the solar eclipse, you are going to open your wallets. First, the bad news. I have contacted several places for campsites. One farm that has a lot of nice events planned on their property wants $500 for dry camping for Saturday and Sunday nights, with departures planned for right after the conclusion of the eclipse Monday afternoon. Orchard Dale Farm has decided not to proceed with dry camping for the weekend. I called the state fairgrounds and left a message, but they have not yet returned my call. The city of Hopkinsville's Trail of Tears Park has electric only campsites, with water availability, and one visit over the weekend for a honey wagon for $75/night, with a 3 night minimum.
Casey Jones Distillery is right on the line for the total eclipse, and they are charging $150 for dry camping Saturday and Sunday nights, $35 per night for each additional night before or after. They will charge $150 even if you can't make it until Sunday, because the space will be reserved. They expect to fill their property, and have arranged with their neighbor to take the overflow at the same rates. Casey Jones Distillery makes moonshine - it's legal now - from a recipe handed down for several generations. To make reservations, contact Peg Hays, phone: 270-839-9988, email: peghays55@gmail.com Peg will arrange for us to camp as a group. My husband and I are planning on going, and I am getting excited. Hopkinsville has activities starting on Thursday, and they haven't finished planning events. I can imagine this is what it will be like for many of the places on the line for the total eclipse.
What Peg told me about the distillery and the property: There will be free tours and tastings - they make several different moonshines, one of which is aged in barrels, similar to bourbon. The property is mostly level. They will be bringing in porta potties - oh joy! There is a pond with picnic tables that she recommends for viewing the eclipse. There is a bar on the property, and they will have lessons on making mixed drinks with moonshine. She said you can bring a raft and float on their pond while watching the eclipse. Hmm... moonshine, floating on the water, eclipse - what's not to like? The distillery is 10 minutes to town.
Tips about the eclipse: NASA sent a spokesperson this summer to help Hopkinsville prepare for the event. State Police are prepared to shut down I-65 and I-24 on Sunday if the roads become clogged. They are expecting people to stop along the interstate for the eclipse. Peg advises coming in no later than Saturday morning, due to the crowds.
Hopkinsville is in the southwestern part of Kentucky, with a population of about 30,000. They are expecting 100,000 people in town for the eclipse. Some links are posted below:
For information about events planned in Hopkinsville:
http://www.eclipseville.comFor the distillery:
http://www.caseyjonesdistillery.comhttp://www.facebook.com/caseyjonesdistillery/
