Credit: D Sharon Pruitt via Wikimedia Commons/CC

Look, let’s all pretend that the eclipse is just a thing that happens and has no mythical powers. Instead, it’s a scientific phenomena that holds zero hold over us. So screw those people waiting for it, all cool with their hotel rooms in South Carolina: It’s Gecko season in Gulfport, but screw that, too. There’s plenty to do in town that has nothing to do with geckos. Or the eclipse. It’s just, you know, a fun weekend — and here’s 10 ways to enjoy it.

10. Eat some ice cream at Yummy's.

It's hot. As in, face-of-the-sun hot. Now, we're not complaining — we'll take this over snowstorms and 40º water at the beach any day, but still, ice cream is always nice. Get a cone of pistachio at Yummy's.

9. Have a beef on weck at O’Maddy’s.

Yeah, it was a cool bar a long time ago, but their beef on weck — get it with horseradish — kicks ass. In fact, screw the tasty AF beef on weck and get whatever he puts on special. You won’t regret it.

8. Check out the LGBT collection at the Gulfport Public Library.

Gulfport's a safe place for everyone — always. And it was an LGBT haven before being an LGBT haven was cool. The LGBT collection at the library? It’s kind of a big deal. Go see why.

7. Have proscuitto-wrapped dates at Little Tommies Tiki.

Yes, Tommies. It’s a type of vegetable, not a man’s name. And this place is yummy. Which bring us to…

6. Get a chi-dog at Yummy’s.

Credit: arnold inuyaki / Arnold Gatilao via Wikimedia Commons/CC

Yes, Yummy's again. It's small, but they have more yummy-ness per square foot than most. If you're lucky, they'll have their two chi-dogs for $6 special. And they're real: Sport peppers, poppy seeds, and Vienna beef. They usually have a special with chips and two dogs. Just do it.

5. Go see what’s happening along Artist’s Alley.

Credit: Si Griffiths via Wikimedia Commons/CC

This is kinda a secret squirrel type of thing, but it’s cool — some of Gulfport’s artists have space in these warehouses, and, despite leaky roofs and lack of climate control, they show up everyday and make art.

4. Get a funky beach-themed thing at Gulfport Beach Bazaar.

You don’t know what you want, but you’ll know it when you see it. They have everything — books, painted reclaimed furniture, old liquor decanters — and a cool shop dog.

3. Have some sour orange pie at Pia’s.

This is as close to heaven as you can get without actually dying. Taste it, then taste it again. Also, her lemonades kick ass. Want more food? Her specials are actually special, not just what the kitchen bought too much of. And her vegan food has won our Best of the Bay (as has that pie). We're huge fans.

2. Get a book at a Little Free Library.

Gulfport has plenty, especially for a small town. Find one here (enter 33707 for the ZIP). Don't feel like searching? Check out the one by the Casino.

1. Just hang out at the museum, the beach or in Veterans Park.

Look, there's a shit-ton of things to do here that don't fit into a standard post. Jugglers in Veterans Park, wandering goats and all sorts of randomness we wouldn't even try to define. So park your car, take a walk, and see what you see.

It'll probably be way cooler than the eclipse.

This article appears in Aug 17-24, 2017.