Great ideas for Allegany, Steuben, and Finger Lakes regions
By Andrew Harris, photo from Swain.com
By now you have seen the totality of the events in place for April 8 in Western New York. Hundreds, maybe even thousands of events are planned to celebrate the rare eclipse of the sun by the moon.
The schools are closing at noon, employers like Giant Food Mart are closing down for a few hours to allow employees time to enjoy the event. The NYS Police have warned motorists that traffic will be thick and are asking everyone who ventures out for a prime view to be patient. They also advise packing extra water, snacks, and warm clothing in case of prolonged congestions, accidents, unexpected delays.
I asked our panel of experts, Jim Moore(Chief Finger Lakes Enthusiast,) Bob Confer(Naturalist and the guy behind “Exploring the Western New York Wilds,”) and John Anderson(who knows what is going on everywhere, at all times,) to give readers some advice on where to go for the great conjunction of sun and moon.
The Chief Finger Lakes Enthusiast Jim Moore, also known for his firm Mystic Media Dot Com, gives our Steuben County and Keuka Lake area readers some great insights:
“As I understand the claims made by the wineries on Keuka Lake, they are front row seats for the event. I think the west side of Keuka lake should be a great spot. That would include Heron Hill winery, Azure Hill winery, Barrelhouse 6, Hunt Country Vineyards, Steuben Brewing, Point of the Bluff winery, and any other spot in the area will likely be a great spot.”
Bob Confer knows all the good spots in Western New York, from Gasport to Alma. Here are his keen recommendations:
“I think two prime spots in Allegany County are Allen Lake and Moss Lake. Both have the observer in the heart of nature and afford unobstructed views of the sun over their bodies of water. Allen Lake has the extra incentive of some trout fishing while the whole eclipse takes place. It is known that birds will roost…but what about the fish? Will they bite?”
Omnipresent John Anderson, who hasn’t even decided what state he will view the eclipse from yet, had some good advice for those who plan to view from Wellsville and Hornell, just outside the path of totality.
“Our local libraries have some great programs planned! The Hornell Public Library will be in Shawmut Park with a full-fledged eclipse viewing party! The David A. Howe Library in Wellsville also has a great day set up for kids and adults. Both venues have free glasses!!”
Of all the locations that are available for viewing the event in totality, one stands out in the northern corner of Allegany County. Swain Ski Resort has something special for those who are looking for prime viewing and a great experience!
For a modest fee, ride the ski lifts to the top of the mountain to make an adventure out of the experience. The first 300 registered to ride the lifts will recieve free safety glasses, although you may register to ride the lifts on the day off the eclipse. Glasses are only $2. If you aren’t interested in the ride up the mountain then Swain will be open to the public for viewing at no charge.
Swain will have some great solar eclipse themed food available and don’t forget to bring a lawn chair!! Read more about April 8 at Swain Ski Resort:
