Experience the Total Solar Eclipse in Murphysboro
On Monday, April 8, you can view the total solar eclipse in Murphysboro. The path of totality just happens to run right through Southern Illinois! We’re anticipating an influx of visitors from all over the world and we’re preparing for the crowds at 17th Street Barbecue, voted “Best Barbecue in Illinois” by Food Network, and at Faye, our coffee/breakfast/lunch/specialty grocery shop.
A total solar eclipse is the only time you can look at the Sun without a filter or special glasses. You won’t see the Sun’s surface, but you’ll see something more astonishing: the corona. We’ll have dozens of safety glasses to distribute to guests on that day.
Planning to be in Murphysboro the first weekend of April? Be sure to put stops at 17ST Barbecue and Faye on your bucket list!
We’re doing our best to prepare for a crowd, but please know these few things: we will sell out of barbecue each day. We pride ourselves on cooking fresh and there will be crowds. On Monday, our concession stand will also be open in our park across the street. You’re welcome to bring blankets and chairs and choose a prime viewing spot.
We’re extending our hours at both restaurants:
17th Street
Saturday/Sunday/Monday 10 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Faye
Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Monday 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Shuttle
We’ll be part of a shuttle bus route traveling between Big Muddy Brewing, Brews Brothers Taproom, Pat’s BBQ, and Pond Ridge Campground. Leave your car at any of these stops and enjoy free ride! The shuttle starts and 12 noon Friday/9:00 a.m. Sat/Sun/Mon and runs until 10:00 p.m. each night.
Quick Tips
Avoid lines at the gas station and keep your tank topped off. In Murphysboro, we have gas at Circle K, Huck’s, Kroger, Motomart, and Shell. We have plenty of parking all around 17th Street Barbecue, Faye, and in the lots in our park across the street from The Warehouse.
There’s a Lot to Do in Murphysboro during the Total Solar Eclipse weekend!
The last time you could view the total solar eclipse in Murphysboro was August of 2017, when we were also in the path of totality. At the time, Nick Kindelsburger, founding editor of Serious Eats Chicago, and former food critic at the Chicago Tribune, did a fantastic round-up of all the great spots in Southern Illinois that one might check out while they were in town for the eclipse. Nick’s list included a lot of our friends, such as Mileur Orchard. Mileur will unfortunately not yet be open for the season when this year’s eclipse occurs. But we can confirm that the fine folks at Scratch Brewing Company would be delighted to see you that weekend. Be sure to check out Daniel Deans men’s clothing across from Faye, Muddy Roots Collective, and pick up a t-shirt or hat from Schwebel Printing, and Silkworm.
Looking for live music with a little bit of outdoor adventure? Consider getting tickets for the Shawnee Cave Total Solar Eclipse Festival. You’ll be able to come and go as you please all weekend for the price of admission.
