Craft beer inspired by the eclipse, accessories and decorations, and doughnuts showcasing the sun’s disappearance using buttercream icing.

As April 8’s complete solar eclipse approaches, companies are preparing for the astronomical phenomenon that will darken the skies along a wide path across North America.

There are plenty of unique eclipse-safe glasses available for purchase, along with T-shirts featuring clever sayings and other mementos – similar to the 2017 total solar eclipse.

Hotels and resorts along the prime path are luring in visitors with special packages and Southwest and Delta are selling seats on eclipse-viewing flights. Cities, museums and parks are staging watch parties to draw in tourists as well as residents.

“The current status of the travel industry is thriving,” stated Jie Zhang, a marketing professor at the business school of the University of Maryland. She further commented that the excitement surrounding the eclipse coincides with a trend of consumers increasing their expenditures on novel experiences.

As we approach the day of the eclipse, we can expect an increase in special offerings and advertisements from popular brands. For example, Moon Pie is offering an “eclipse survival kit” which includes four miniature chocolate snacks and two pairs of eclipse glasses.

The path of totality for the eclipse, which spans 115 miles (185 kilometers), seems to be dominated by small businesses. These shops, both online and local, have generated an impressive variety of unique and exclusive items such as earrings, baby clothes, decorations, games, and banners.

For years, a number of cities and entrepreneurs have been eagerly awaiting the celestial occurrence and the large crowds it will bring.

“I made a note on my calendar,” stated Sam McNulty, one of the founders of Market Garden Brewery in Cleveland. The brewery is located in the area where the eclipse will pass over this year, and they are expected to experience almost four minutes of darkened skies.

Last year, McNulty’s team brewed a hazy IPA called “The Totality” to help drum up interest in the eclipse. The on tap debut was a success, and the brewery was soon approached by local grocer Heinen’s to partner for a canned collaboration.

Over the upcoming weeks, McNulty stated that numerous cans will be stocked on store shelves, with a count in the thousands. This decision was made due to the rarity of the upcoming event. It will be a long wait for Cleveland to experience totality again, not until the year 2444.

“I would rather not have to wait 420 years for the next batch of cans to be brewed,” he quipped. “So, this time we went for a much larger one.”

Big Cuppa, a coffee shop located in Morrilton, Arkansas, has expanded their eclipse-themed drink options beyond just beer. Their eclipse menu offers several unique specialty drinks, including the “Moon Pie Frappa” which is a blended beverage flavored with dark chocolate and toasted marshmallow, inspired by the eclipse.

Joseph Adam Krutz, co-owner of Big Cuppa, expressed enthusiasm for meeting customers and the influx of new visitors coming to town next month. Krutz mentioned that his shop, along with other establishments in downtown Morrilton, has been preparing for this event for some time now. Every day, he passes by a countdown clock in anticipation.

“We are ready. Let’s do this,” Krutz stated confidently.

Remember to also get some snacks! The Donut Dude in Butler County, Ohio is offering a unique treat called the “Eclipse Donut Special” featuring stages of the eclipse as the moon covers the sun.

This month, a special will be available for purchase that includes seven filled doughnuts with rolled buttercream, two galaxy-themed cake doughnuts, and safety glasses for customers to use while enjoying the event.

“We are looking forward to having a lot of fun,” said co-owner Glen Huey.

On Mondays when the doughnut shop is closed, Huey is excited to see the show passing over his town, which is situated between Cincinnati and Dayton.

In the United States, Texas is known for its high chances of having clear skies, making it a popular destination for tourists. The town of Grapevine, located in a strategic location, has a variety of dining options available, including a “Blackout Dinner” at Hotel Vin and a “Solar Eclipse Shake” at Son of a Butcher.

Numerous businesses located in the path of totality have planned unique events in anticipation of the solar eclipse.

The Cayuga Lake Wine Trail in New York is advertising a special event called “Sips to the Eclipse” the weekend before April 8. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour 10 wineries and enjoy tastings. Some of the wineries are also providing extra activities, such as a tarot card reading for the night before the eclipse, unique slushies, and half-moon shaped cookies.

The executive director of the wine trail, Katherine Chase, explained that the promotion was organized in preparation for the influx of people visiting the Finger Lakes region for the eclipse.

She stated that the wineries have the freedom to offer incentives, both large and small, to attract visitors.

Source: wral.com