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Eclipse Tourists Shocked by Nebraskan Friendliness

Nebraska puts “southern hospitality” to shame according to eclipse tourists.

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2017's Total Solar Eclipse | Photo by Julie Geiser

A Pennsylvania family sent in this rave review of the state after visiting during 2017’s eclipse:

I’m writing to NEBRASKAland to tell you how much I enjoy it. I first subscribed to the magazine in February after I decided I was coming to Nebraska to watch the eclipse.

I thought it might give me some tips on what to do and see in Nebraska. It did, as we enjoyed an outing at Rock Creek Station (Homestead, too) after reading about it in your magazine. Even though our vacation has come and gone I plan to renew my subscription to your magazine.

However, what I really would like to say is thank you to the people of Nebraska.

My wife, youngest daughter (17) and myself traveled to your state to watch the eclipse. While we stayed at a hotel in Kearney on Aug. 21, we watched the celestial event from Ravenna Lake in Buffalo County. 

We also took part in the town of Ravenna’s festivals, from the bands to the vendors. And yes, we spent money! 

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Ravenna was a hot spot during the 2017 Eclipse.

We enjoyed the small-town atmosphere, charm and hospitality to the utmost maximum.

We spent a total of nine days in your lovely state. Nebraska is so big! 

We logged nearly 1,900 miles traveling from the Omaha airport and back again seeing such sights as Homestead to Fort Robinson to Smith Falls and everything in between.

I was surprised at how friendly Nebraskans were and how they were willing to help or give advice on what to do and see to a stranger. 

Even the police officer that pulled me over for speeding in Ogallala ended up offering advice about Ash Hollow.

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Ash Hollow SHP

It turns out that by the end of our stay we could actually tell who was a native to Nebraska and who was not, simply by their friendliness.

You put “southern hospitality” to shame. We also learned of your new state motto, “Nebraska. Nice,” and found it to be perfectly fitting.■

– Letter to the magazine, by Mike Sausser and family of Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania

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