Austin, Minnesota: SPAM Museum

This by far was the crowning moment of our trip to Minnesota. Growing up on Spam and still eating it today, we had to stop here.

We were very surprised at the size and magnitude of the museum. It was much bigger than we imagined and very informative, even for a Spam-aholic. There is a 15 minute movie on the history of Spam, numerous Spam exhibits including our personal favorite, the Monty Python Spam skit! There are also several hands-on things for the kids to do and a great gift shop. And as if that was not enough, it is free and they give out free samples of Spam.

We never knew there are about a dozen different kinds of Spam, including Spam Lite, Turkey Spam, Spam with garlic, Spam with cheese, Spam with bacon, and my new favorite Hot and Spicy Spam. They offered Hot and Spicy Spam samples while we were there, and we have to warn you....it does have a little kick!

We visited the Spam Museum last June -- it was fabulous! It's like a really great children's museum, except with potted meat products. Employees rove around with spam cubes on trays for people to try. I don't know why, but Spam is actually...okay when served in the museum.

The gift shop is amazing -- we spent over $100 there. The problem? When we left, we craved...Spam. Across the street is a little diner that serves up Spam delights -- well, Spam food, anyway. I haven't craved Spam since, but I still wear my T-shirt!

GO! to the Spam Museum - a clever museum with a great sense of fun. Lots of terrific interactive exhibits with high production values and lots of laughs among the educational facts and figures. Even the billboards leading to the place have self-deprecating charm. One says: "The Spam Museum - even we don't know what to make of it." And another: "C'mon. It's free!"

The Spam Museum had its Grand Opening this week, sort of. Originally scheduled for Sept....