Itineraries Minnesota - Summer 2008 - (Page 16)

AUSTIN’S SPAM™ FAM – This tour would be ideal in the Autumn months of the year. The Hormel Institute will host the public Grand Opening on October 3rd… that weekend of October 3-5th, 2008 would be a perfect time to schedule your group tour to beautiful Austin! FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3RD 10–11:30 am Begin your day at the world-famous SPAM™ Museum. Here at the 16,500 sq. ft. interactive and FUN museum, you will learn of the history of the Hormel Foods Corporation, how it began in 1891, and what the importance of George A. Hormel’s saying “originate, don’t imitate” is to the company. The self-guided tour takes visitors through a myriad of exhibits and eras in a fun and educational way of sharing the Hormel legacy story. A stop in the Museum gift shop is a “must do”, where you can select your favorite items among over 400 SPAM™ and Hormel Foods logo accessories! 11:45–12:45pm We’ll travel next the short distance over to The Hormel Institute, a world leader in cancer research prevention. The Hormel Institute was established in 1942 by Jay C. Hormel, son of George A. and Lillian, in a philanthropic gesture focused on the vision to help humanity by improving health through medical research. Partnering with University of Minnesota, IBM and Mayo Clinic, their research is conducted through the study of food agents and cell functions. The tour of this impressive facility is very educational. Currently, The Institute is investigating the causes of cancer to develop new basic strategies for its prevention, treatment and cure. The newly renovated building has more than tripled the size of the original structure. You’ll be among the very first to tour the facility after the recent $23.5 million expansion project! 1–2:00 pm Lunch is often the best part of the day for groups, and this day, you will especially find that to be true! Lunch for your special group reservation will be at the new Savory Skillet. The owner ran a very successful catering business for several years, and is well-known for her tasty and homemade menu choices! Your group can reserve the entire diner all for itself, while you feast on your choice of entrees from Kathy Askelson’s selection. Make sure to follow-up your meal with a delectable delight from her repertoire of goodies, (creamy cheesecake with strawberries, homemade pecan pie, Grandma’s carrot cake, to just name a few!) You will be treated like an honored guest here. 2:30–3:30 pm Today’s SPAM™ FAM tours will conclude with a tour of the Hormel Historic Home. A true taste of Austin MUST leave you with the remembrance of the rich, long-lasting legacy that the Hormel family left to Austin. The Hormel Foods Corporation, the Institute, the Hormel Historic Home, and SO MANY other local attractions are here thanks to their foresight in preserving what they had. This Home is a wonderful example of that. Built around the turn-of-the-century, the Hormel Home tells the story of this remarkable family, founders of the food processing giant. The family, consisting of George, Lillian, and son Jay lived in the Home until 1927. The Hormel Historic Home is listed on the MN Register of Historic Places. You’ll want to visit the lovely Peace Gardens off the side of the house, which is lush and colorful in season, and decorated with fall colors during the weekend of this tour! Relax and enjoy your favorite nightlife option this evening, and unwind at your suite at the Austin Holiday Inn and Conference Center. A Quality of Excellence award-winning hotel, you can enjoy all the amenities it has to offer you – from on-site restaurants and lounge, to whirlpool suites, golf putting green, indoor pool, and full exercise facility. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4TH 10–11:00 am You’re ready to learn more about Austin and the surrounding area this morning, when we stop by the Mower County Historical Society, located on our fairgrounds. Here, you’ll find 20 buildings full of historical artifacts, special displays and exhibits, some of which include the railroad museum, the rural school exhibit, the 1004 steam locomotive, the H. J. Williams Indian Collection, and the Hormel Museum structure that was built in the 1890’s. MCHS houses an extensive research library for genealogy study and the William Tyler Circus, a miniature hand-made three ring circus! There’s so much to see and do here, that this trip will allow you just a sampling of all that you can come back to see with your family and friends when you have more time on your own! 11:15–12:15 pm The Historic Paramount Theatre originally opened in September 1929 for stage theatre and first-run movies. Today, it is a site for live concerts, films, festivals, recitals and other events, and is home to the Matchbox Children’s Theatre, too. You can find out all about the other uses it has had when you tour there, and are treated to the video of the restoration and history of this theatre that was built in the Spanish Colonial Revival Style. It’s one of just 4 atmospheric theatres left in the entire state, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. 12:30–1:30 pm Select lunch at any of Austin’s ethnic restaurants, homestyle and fine dining options, or any of the quick eateries here there are many great choices! The Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau can make reservations for you, or you can choose at the last minute and stop wherever looks interesting to you! 2–4:00 pm You’ll get the full effect of the SPAM™ Town USA legacy when you make a stop at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center as your final stop of this tour day. This 507-acre preserve was established in 1971 and is within the city limits of Austin. Some of the special features include restored and remnant prairie, hardwood forest, wetlands and meandering streams. You can hike the seven miles of groomed trails and spot deer, mink, raccoons, salamanders, birds and other native wildlife for your viewing pleasure. If your tour happens to bring you to the Center later in the year, you will be able to ski the trails! Other things you can experience at this beautiful wildlife center will be making handdipped candles with your group (then taking your finished product home), viewing a live birdbanding demonstration, and stopping into the Interpretive Center and identifying various creatures either by their skin, teeth, or bones. Talk about wildlife! You can experience it all, up close and in nature here! As you venture home and leave Austin, take with you all the memories of the fun times and interesting experiences you’ve gained! For more information on Austin or to customize this itinerary especially for your group, contact the Austin CVB at 800-444-5713. AM OW & F AVEL SH UP TR rth GRO reat No 008 G of the 2 Sponsor

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Itineraries Minnesota - Summer 2008

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