{"id":3146,"date":"2021-03-05T05:42:36","date_gmt":"2021-03-05T05:42:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/216.117.7.217\/unicdn\/?p=3146"},"modified":"2022-02-19T02:07:42","modified_gmt":"2022-02-19T02:07:42","slug":"driftless-in-2-your-2-day-planner-in-austin-mn","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/driftlessareamag.com\/unicdn\/2021\/03\/05\/driftless-in-2-your-2-day-planner-in-austin-mn\/","title":{"rendered":"DRIFTLESS IN 2 – Your 2 Day Planner In ‘AUSTIN MN’"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

DAY 1<\/strong><\/span>

10:30 AM \u2013 SPAM\u00ae Museum Tour:<\/strong> Please don\u2019t eat the exhibits. Yes, it\u2019s real. The SPAM\u00ae Museum is stuffed with interactive exhibits that bring the iconic history of the SPAM\u00ae Brand to life like you\u2019ve never seen it before! Go behind the scenes and behind the can for an experience adults and kids will savor. See what\u2019s trending in our pork-filled world, email yourself delicious recipes and share your SPAM\u00ae brand story for a chance to become part of our exhibits. Explore the SPAM\u00ae brand across the globe. Travel to Japan, U.K., Philippines, South Korea, Latin America, China and Hawaii. Find out what 6 simple ingredients make SPAM\u00ae classic, then work the assembly line. Learn the history of Hormel Foods Corporation from its inception and stand behind the actual desk of company founder George A. Hormel. Following the tour we will have time to explore the gift shop.

\"\"11:30 AM \u2013 Sweet Reads:<\/strong> Is not your average book & candy store \u2013 it is truly a unique experience. You will find new and used books, local and regional authors, old-fashion candies, frozen treats and a selection of Minnesota and Austin novelty items. Plus, come and witness the world\u2019s largest collection of Berenstain Bear memorabilia.

12:00 PM \u2013 Lunch at Gravity Storm catered by Piggy Blues:<\/strong> Gravity Storm Brewery brews their own beer right here in Austin, MN. The bar area is set up to look like a tiki bar from a tropical paradise, and most of the beers are inspired by Jimmy Buffet songs such as their Pencil Thin Mustache IPA or License to Kill Maibach. Piggy Blues BBQ can cater for groups as small as 5 and up to 2500. Their motto is \u201cWhere you can eat pig or eat like a pig!\u201d Their signature dish is the Pulled Pork Lip Smackin\u2019 Sandwich.

1:30 PM \u2013 Rydjor Bike Shop Museum:<\/strong> Each of the 84 bikes displayed on the 16 foot walls inside the store has its own story. You will witness the evolution of bicycles beginning with the 1868 “Boneshaker” up to one of the late actor Robin Williams\u2019 personal bikes.

2:00 PM \u2013 ArtWorks Center:<\/strong> A space to learn, create, display, and perform in all artistic avenues. The space includes the county\u2019s only public clay studio with kiln, three galleries, an artists\u2019 lounge, and a retail space supporting local artwork. They offer classes for group tours of various artistic opportunities \u2013 painting, glass work, crafts, knitting, fabric art, and more.

3:30 PM \u2013 SuperFresh Garden and Produce Center:<\/strong> A family-owned business providing bakery goods, gifts galore, and a fabulous garden center. They are famous for serving the state\u2019s largest donut. A nice relaxing stop for group tours to sample their cookies and sip on their flavor of the day tea.

4:00 PM \u2013 Check into the Hotel:<\/strong> Austin offers over 400 hotel rooms to relax and rejuvenate. Lodging options in Austin, MN include Holiday Inn, Days Inn, AmericInn, Cobblestone Hotel, Red Carpet Inn, Super 8 and RodeWay Inn & Suites.

5:30PM \u2013 Dinner at The Old Mill:<\/strong> This 1850\u2019s former flour mill is located on the Cedar River and overlooks the Ramsey Dam. It is one of the most historic and well-regarded restaurants in Southern Minnesota. There is a very warm and casual atmosphere where you are able to wine, dine, and relax in the dining room. Group menus arranged through Discover Austin, Minnesota.

7:15 PM \u2013 Paramount Theatre:<\/strong> One of only four remaining atmospheric theatres remaining in Minnesota. The Paramount is designed to represent being in the courtyard of a quaint Spanish Village with twinkling stars and rolling clouds overheads. Group tours available to watch a short film while sipping a soda and munching on some popcorn.

9:00 PM \u2013 Arrive back at the hotel.<\/strong>

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DAY 2<\/strong><\/span>

9:00 AM \u2013 Hormel Institute:<\/strong> Cancer has affected so many people and now you can tour The Hormel Institute, a world leader in cancer research focusing on the study of food agents and cell functions. Experience a 3D simulation of molecules, view into the research labs and see a microscope so large it has its own special space.

10:00 AM \u2013 Jay C Hormel Nature Center:<\/strong> Visit the new 7 million dollar interpretive center which includes exhibits such as Creatures of the Night, Renewable Energy, Climate Change, Forest Ecology, Live Birds of Prey, Soil is Habitat \/ Prairie Exhibit, Pond Ecology &amp; Macroinvertebrates. A geological timeline wraps all the way around the main exhibit space, with images and information about the billions of years of Earth\u2019s history.

11:00 AM \u2013 City Tour:<\/strong> Be introduced to local points of interest and lesser known or quirky sites around the city that may merit further attention! Your step-on guide for the City Tour will stay with you for the rest of your scheduled day PLUS you get a SPAM\u00ae cookbook!

12:00 PM \u2013 Hormel Historic Home lunch:<\/strong> Discover the stately 14-room home of the George A. Hormel family (founder of Hormel Foods Corp). Built in 1871, the home features stained glass windows, decorative woodwork, front pillars imported from Italy, Tiffany light fixtures and a Greek marble fireplace. Following the tour, a group lunch will be provided in the banquet center.

1:00 PM \u2013 Depart Austin<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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TIME TO TRAVEL FROM:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n