Cheese, corn and SPAM!

We got an early start leaving Chicago, which afforded us the time to stop off and see some of the local flavor along I-90.

First stop was the Carr Cheese Factory. Modest by factory-size standards, but overflowing with varieties of gen-u-ine Wisconsin cheese. We walked off with something called Goat Cheddar - delicious.


Then we hit southern Minnesota. There's really only two things that come to mind with this long stretch of interstate: corn and motorcyclists. There were A LOT of both. Not as much motorbikes as corn - that would be just silly - but enough to notice.

Minnesota was just mile after green pillowy mile of corn farms. it was amazing until it wasn't. We grew weary and quiet. Suddenly, a beacon of hope shone in the form of a billboard in classic blue and yellow. Could it be? No...it just couldn't...but it was...The SPAM Museum!

We stopped - obviously - and we're wowed. During the 10 minute Spam appreciation movie a lady with a shock of white hair that matched her official Hormel coat came in to offer SPAM snacks. R bravely opted for the 'original' flavor on a pretzel rod. I passed. R swallowed without chewing, but when in Austin...

The SPAM museum was and may very well be one of the overall highlights. though we may not have made out with any actual SPAM, we did leave with enough paraphernalia to last us through the trip.

Have we gotten you hungry for that salty canned meat? Here's a few museum highlights to wet your whistle:


Spam in Japan:


Looking forward to a low key night in Sioux Falls, we crossed the South Dakota boarder and were welcomed by billboards that quoted Jesus and advertised the local gun shop. Needless to say, we felt at home.

After checking into the Roadway Inn (rustic) we're off see this bustling metropolis - dinner at a restaurant suggested by Dana and then a showing of the Dark Knight. I feel like we're blending.

~L&R