A couple guys from Iowa looking south for eclipse viewing - ideas?

[Dingman]

I'm hoping to find a nice spot (rural?) to view the solar eclipse on April 8, 2024 - and it occurs to me that I should check with AK friends in case any of y'all are right on the eclipse line and are willing to let myself and a friend (or two) view from your property?
Meaning, we just want to make sure we're not caught in any sort of "tourist trap" for viewing - we'd be coming from Iowa. We're not terribly concerned with driving distance and honestly, farther south means warmer weather so Texas is not out of the question.

Obviously, we'd be staging from hotel rooms that are hopefully not terribly far away from the viewing area. Two guys, both over 60 yrs old.

LOL, This being AK, I'm willing to trade vintage gear for a sweet eclipse view spot. To start things off, I'll offer up a Sony STR-V4. Post here in the thread or PM me.
TIA!

https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/vis/a000000/a005000/a005073/eclipse_map_full.png

 

[sanford12]

I'd head to southern Illinois. Carbondale is in the path with lot of open area nearby.

 

[Dingman]

I'd head to southern Illinois. Carbondale is in the path with lot of open area nearby.

We're flexible tho we are looking south since the early April weather can be sketchy in the midwest.

 

[sanford12]

If I go I'll hit Carbondale. There's a really good Thai restaurant I'd like to go to if it's still there. Then there's the dispensaries.