GRAPEVINE, Texas — Visitors from around the nation and across the globe are arriving in North Texas ahead of Monday’s Total Solar Eclipse of 2024.
Friday evening, historic downtown Grapevine was bustling, and the city expects thousands of visitors to flock to Main Street to witness the once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon. Hotels in the downtown area are nearly fully booked.
Nancy and Martin Eisenberg traveled to North Texas from San Jose, California to witness the total solar eclipse.
“It’s a big deal,” Martin said. “I’ve been watching this for two years, waiting for it to happen. I was looking for hotels two years ago.”
The couple’s longtime friends, Terry and Linda Overby recently moved to Mansfield, Texas, and a reunion was set within the path of totality.
“I’ve never seen a solar eclipse, so no matter what happens, no matter what the weather is, I’ll be happy,” Martin said.
Restaurants and businesses along Main St. are gearing up for the special event by offering eclipse-themed food and special souvenirs.
Dan Weinberger, the owner of Weinberger’s Deli, is offering ‘The Blackout:’ an eclipse-themed sandwich. Already, it’s a big hit among foodies who flock to his restaurant.
“With having the eclipse, how could you not do something that’s as monumental as this is gonna be?” Weinberger said. “We actually have so much product that we bought for it. We think it's gonna be like Y2K, either it's gonna be very big or very bad, or we’re gonna have so many people in town, we’re gonna be selling sandwiches nonstop.”
There will be a ticketed VIP party on Peace Plaza, live music, and festivities.
Grapevine Convention and Visitors Bureau Communications Director Elizabeth Schrack said the historic area offers plenty of parking. Visitors can beat traffic by riding the Trinity Metro TEXRail, which drops people off in the heart of Grapevine’s Historic Main St. District.
“We’ll have thousands of people from all over the world and all over the country, we’re so excited for everyone to be together and share this moment together,” Schrack said. “We have folks from Japan, Switzerland, Norway, the UK, Canada and both coasts.”
Click here for more information about Grapevine’s Eclipse events.