Column: Making plans for summer travel

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With the Fourth of July in the rearview mirror and the weather a bit more comfortable, I decided it’s time start seriously planning a summer vacation. I’ve heard the Spam museum in Austin makes a great getaway, packed with plenty of photo opportunities next to cans of the tasty luncheon meat. I have a feeling my dogs would really enjoy the Spam museum. I can just picture their noses and tails twitching with the hope of a meaty treat.

After hitting up the Spam museum, maybe we could continue the road trip on to the National Mustard Museum in Wisconsin. I think a little spicy mustard is the perfect condiment for a Spam sandwich. Plus, it’s always nice to drive through the rolling fields of Wisconsin and pick up some cheese along the way. There’s nothing like fresh dairy foods to make a road trip complete.

I’ve been perusing the National Mustard Museum’s website, mustardmuseum.com. Aug. 4 is National Mustard Day, so there is still time to plan the perfect getaway for the annual mustard celebration. I’m looking forward to seeing the Oscar Meyer Wienermobile, listening to the Poupon U Accordion Band, and tasting a little mustard custard.

The Wienermobile is truly a site to behold. Trust me; this won’t be the first time I’ve spotted it live and in person. Once I stepped out of the former downtown Econofoods with a big bag of groceries and almost walked right into the Wienermobile. The sun was so blinding that I nearly collided with the massive yellow and orange hotdog. Just in case no one at work would believe I actually saw the Wienermobile in person, I set down the bag of groceries and whipped out my camera phone to take a few pictures. The driver spotted me and she graciously offered to take a picture of me behind the wheel. I treasure that photo.

Summer vacation is a great time for goofy diversions, whether it’s a road trip to the National Mustard Museum, a day at the water park, or even just a silly summer movie. There are only a few short days of good weather sandwiched between the lengthy Minnesota winters, and we need to cherish them. I’m guessing this is why places like the Spam museum and the National Mustard Museum exist. Obviously, no one is so fascinated with Spam that they want to delve into displays on the history of the lunchmeat manufacturing process. (Okay, no one other than my dogs.) I believe people just want an excuse for a road trip, an easy place to visit for a summer vacation.

I ate lunch with a couple of former co-workers yesterday. As we were catching up on old times, one of my pals said that this summer he is going to use every one of his vacation days. He asked all of the people that report to him schedule days off so they use up their vacation as well. He gave one of the best pieces of advice I’ve heard in a while, “Never miss a vacation day.” I’m passing that advice along to you. If you’re lucky enough to have paid vacation, use it this summer. Spend time with your family, your friends, or your pets. Before you know it, winter will be back and summer will be a fond memory. Take a few photos and make enough memories to sustain you through those bleak months ahead.

Tags: opinion, farmington, commentaries