Originally Posted by Mr. Spadoni

If you can get to a spot in totality, go. Near total is NOT the same.
Got to see the Eclipse here in Oregon in 2017. Had to go an hour or so south to get in the path of totality. Why did I make the effort? Heard a NASA rep. talking on the radio. He said the full effects : darkness, winds, quiet animals, etc drop off sharply as you move out of totality and these can be noticed in a very short distance.
Totality was an otherworldly experience, something I’ve made plans to see again. It’s really worth the effort.