This will be my first total solar eclipse. Broadly speaking, what types of spots do you all plan on setting up at? I'm trying to decide if I should find a public park, a shopping plaza, a nature area, or just a random rural field to set up at. Should I avoid places with streetlights that might turn on when it gets dark(ish)? Am I crazy for hoping to find a good spot that also has restrooms?
I'm currently staying in Nashville, TN, driving to a cheap motel tomorrow in Staunton, IL. I'm planning to drive to the Carbondale area super early on Monday (maybe leaving around 06:00 if I can conquer my natural night owl rhythm). Hopefully driving in from the north will help with traffic. I can't imagine it'll be that bad, most of the US population has no idea this is even happening.
I'd like to be set up and comfortable before the eclipse begins, without the risk of getting kicked out halfway through. I'll be shooting with 3 cameras (plus my phone) during totality.
It was easier to find a spot in New Mexico for the annular eclipse back in October. I found a spot directly on the centerline near Roswell, and there were only 3 other cars within a mile of me. It was amazing!