Austin, Texas: Museum of the Weird

It's definitely weird, although maybe not as weird as I expected. Most of it was a knockoff of "oddities," and that kind of took away from the magic. There were a few really neat items that had good stories (Ask about the skeleton bought at a yard sale). The guide will also brag that Johnny Depp lived there during the 1990s. Outside the museum, you walk up some stairs out back that lead to a live animal exhibit that, honestly, just made me feel sad. Huge lizards in tiny habitats. If you are going to use that as an attraction, you should make it seem less depressing. At the end of the tour, you will be escorted to a little room for a "show." There's a huge King Kong and a mummy you can take pictures with, and then your guide will do freak show things -- hammer a nail through his nose, stick fingers in a bear trap, etc. I have a weak stomach and could have lived without that bit, but if that's your sort of thing, you'll enjoy it.

Fantastic array of oddities, freaks of nature and the like. Capped off with a sideshow performance! If you're into the weird and bizarre, this is a must see!

They recently expanded the museum -- it's now twice as big and you can go outside and upstairs to see a live side show on stage. There's a giant King Kong as well as live lizards and creatures. Definitely worth a visit!

I loved all the exhibits! The Fiji mermaid was one of my favorites. I also really liked the jackolope. Definitely visiting again (the guide said it's constantly updated).