In 2017 my hotel was in the suburbs of St. Louis, just outside the path of totality. Even there, there was a buzz in the air with people talking about the eclipse the day before and day of. With my hotel being in Indy, I'd imagine there will be even more of a buzz in the air. Actually wouldn't be surprised if the vast majority of people at the hotel will be there because of the eclipse.
Gonna sound old, but in this modern, fast-paced society that has become so divided, there are few things that can bring so many people together from all kinds of backgrounds to enjoy something with such a sense of wonder and awe. An eclipse is one of them.