Make Millersburg Your Eclipse Base Camp

Even an ordinary day in Holmes County can be a memorable experience. If that day falls on April 8, 2024, it can be the experience of a lifetime! Got your attention? Follow along as I walk you through my four-step plan for taking in the totality of the eclipse at my base camp in the ’Burg.

Step one: Book a room in Millersburg where there are lots of choices. Stay at an award-winning hotel, where you can enjoy breakfast and a dip in the pool; book one of the downtown's adorable B&Bs; or choose a room at one of the longest-operating hotels in the state (Grover Cleveland stayed here). As an added perk, every hotel room booked for the eclipse includes up to four free pairs of solar-eclipse sunglasses.

Step two: Grab some lunch. If you want something to go, pick up a boxed lunch at Trail Side Deli; perhaps some sliced Swiss from Holmes Cheese and Trail Bologna from Troyer’s. Looking for something lighter? Snag a freshly made salad to go. If you’d rather indulge (you might as well a total eclipse doesn’t happen every day … or decade … or century), head to Daybreak Bistro for one of its lauded smash burgers.

Step three: head to the nearby Holmes County Rails to Trails trailhead and walk or bike a short stretch to put some distance between you and the bustle of the ’Burg. Settle in and enjoy the show from the perfect vantage point, whether it’s open fields, along a wooded stream or mid marsh, there will be no buildings to obstruct the view and no exhaust fumes to cloud the sky. Sit back and listen to an orchestra of spring peepers while mother nature dims the lights, dons the “diamond ring” and puts on a show. 

Step four: Head back to town to postgame over dinner and a drink at one of our outstanding pubs while rehashing the events of the day. Enjoy some of Bags Sports Pub’s homemade chips, quaff one of Millersburg Brewing Co.’s award-winning brews or enjoy a creamed chicken sandwich and a milkshake from Miller’s Creamery. Don’t forget the fire-baked pizza from McKelvey’s Pub.

While you’re here, you might as well stay another day. What to do for an encore? Check out the downtown shops: Urban Farmgirl, Jack-pot Pottery & Ceramic Supply or New Towne Gallery, which feature so many interesting and one-of-a-kind finds. After shopping, take a short stroll to the Victorian House to learn some local lore and behold the strange and beautiful artifacts on display. (Insider tip: make it a point to find the "hair" painting. You won’t be able to get the sight out of your head!)

Whatever you decide to do, we look forward to helping you feel welcome here in the ’Burg.