A large crowd gathers in front of the Hollywood sign at the Griffith Observatory to watch the solar eclipse in Los Angeles Monday, Aug. 21, 2017. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)
Tourists are coming to Chautauqua County to view Monday’s eclipse – and it’s going to cost them.
Several area hotels have limited availability, and during the eclipse weekend, prices have skyrocketed.
The DoubleTree located at 150 W. Fourth St., has rooms available at a rate of $233 a night or $733 for the weekend (three nights); Clarion Pointe Jamestown – Falconer, 2800 North Main Street Extension room rates are $316 a night; Spencer Hotel & Spa Chautauqua, 25 Palestine Avenue, Chautauqua rates are $372 a night or $1,216 for the weekend (three nights). Note: these stays are refundable, two adult occupancies, and the prices may vary from day to day, according to priceline.com.
“We’re encouraging restaurants and stores to remain open during the eclipse -even if they may normally be closed- to help with the expected influx of people to our area,” said Daniel Heitzenrater, president and chief executive officer of the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce,
However, when food service/restaurants were sampled as to their plans for the April 8 weekend, the responses varied.
Dan Serafin, owner of Serafin’s Food Market, in Erie, Pa., stands in his market on Friday, March 22, 2024. Serafin is stocking up for the crowds that are expected to arrive in Erie on April 8 to view the total solar eclipse. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
“We’re just going to stay open during our normal business hours,” said Patti Larson, owner and operator of Lisciandro’s Restaurant. “Nothing special here.”
“We’re going to add eclipse glasses for anyone who orders our Double Play,” said John Raymond, the owner and proprietor of Honest John’s Pizzeria and Restaurant. “We have extended hours as it is.”
The owner and operator of Paces Pizza stated, “We’re open Wednesday-Sunday, so that covers most of the eclipse weekend, but as far as the day of… we’re going to remain closed, I want our employees to spend it with their family and friends,” said Joe Town.
Additionally, some local boat yards, marinas and campgrounds are scheduled to be open for business for Monday’s eclipse.
“We have our full rental fleet ready to go and our restaurant will be open,” said a staff member with Holiday Harbor Marina-Celoron. “We’re opening way earlier this year – because of the eclipse.”
The KampGrounds of America (KOA) Chautauqua Lake KOA Holiday resort has limited availability for camping accommodations. With several sites booked up or not offered, the average night’s stay is running at $93 per day, with a required stay of Saturday through Monday. For more information visit koa.com
Jellystone Park Chautauqua County will also be opened on a limited basis. The low end of a three night stay is currently running at $99 a night and the high end of three night stay is running at or near $138.60 for a pull-thru, 50 amp. Site. Park model and rental cabins are also available for rent at various rates. There will be no park bathrooms, showers or water hookups will be offered. This is a dry camp only – all RV’s must be self-contained.
For residents of Chautauqua County, governmental officials are urging individuals to ensure that essential items such as food, water, gas, and prescription medications are readily available. Ahead of Monday, April 8, 2024, emergency response assets will be staged countywide and ready ahead of the increased traffic from visitors, read an official press release from the county.
YMCA Camp Onyahsa will be offering a family-style themed camp starting April 6 and ending on Tuesday, April 9. However, there are several, all-inclusive, eclipse viewing packages available, which includes room and board, viewing at the camp’s 150 acres of “forever wild” woodlands. Camp Onyahsa is nestled along the roaming shores of Chautauqua Lake’s Northern Basin. For more information or to register online visit www.onyahsa.org or call 716-664-2802 ext. 238.
“We have a variety of packages available – from one night to the whole weekend,” said Jon O’Brian, the camp director.
The Boys and Girls Club of Jamestown will not offer any special programming but will be open because of the public school system’s closures.
“We will be open for the kids to use the facilities while they are out of school,” said Jeff Kroon, the executive director for the Winifred Crawford Dibert Boys & Girls Club of Jamestown.
The Martz-Kohl Observatory will not be open to the public. However, members may use the facilities. The Observatory will offer lectures April 6 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. For more information email the observatory at martzobservatory@hotmail.com .
“The last solar eclipse which happened in 2017 more than 900 people viewed it from the observatory -stretching the facilities to its maximum usage,” said Tom Traub, NASA Eclipse Ambassador and experienced amateur astronomer.
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