We saw it in Erie and I can say, quite possibly the most amazing thing I’ve seen in my life. When it went black, it was like night, and the sun was this awe inducing ring in the sky.
We watched with the glasses up UNTIL that moment and we were all amazed at the fact that even when mostly covered it still looked normal outside. My kids thought it was kind of cool, taking pics through their glasses - but NOTHING came close to the awe of that final moment.
When it returned the light returned quickly, like a fast sunrise.
I highly recommend seeing one in totality. Sadly, there won’t be one in the U.S. for 20+ years, but there’s actually an eclipse somewhere in the world every 18 months or so.