The wonderful partnerships in Austin, allow you, as the group tour leader to let us do the work for you. One simple call to the Austin CVB is all it takes to book your next unique mystery, day or overnight trip. The Austin CVB will handle all of the bookings and reservations needed for your group to all attractions and restaurants in and around Austin. Hotel reservations must be made directly with each hotel. (A small handling fee is added to each bill, based on group size and length of trip.)

Not only do we book and line up your unique and individual itinerary, but also the Austin CVB offers you the ease of payment in one check. Our wonderful staff will prepare an all-inclusive itemized bill for you. One check written to the Austin CVB takes care of your payment needs all day. (Hotel payments are made directly. The Austin CVB does not accept credit cards.) Two complimentary passes and meals are given for the bus driver and group tour leader with groups of 25 or more.

Upon booking the date for your tour, the Austin CVB, the attractions, entertainment and restaurants we represent ask for an estimated number of participants a few weeks in advance and require your final count three days prior to your tour date. (The count given three days in advance is the minimum amount you will be billed for. Numbers may increase.)

The Austin CVB also provides your group with our very personalized service. Every tour group is greeted and treated like royalty by our staff at the CVB. We are here to make sure your day is a smooth and wonderful memory.

The one-stop-tour shop provides you with creative and unique tour ideas and the ease of a one check payment plan. The Austin CVB is structured to make your days in SPAM®TOWN USA memorable, fun and easy for all involved, including you, the group tour planner!

SPAMETTES™
A Las Vegas type show, which can add mystery to the trip. They do several costume changes during the show and involve the audience in their performance. They sing big band music, rock and roll, and country. The group is made up of 4 singers, 3 band members and a sound man. They give prizes away during their performance. A one hour performance is $325.00

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Pacelli Singers
Sixteen high school students from Pacelli High School dressed in black will entertain you with songs that include old swing, jazz, contemporary, religious and dancing. Twenty five minutes of great entertainment. Available during the school year. $125.00

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Second Edition
This sixteen member group will entertain you with musical selections from the 30's to the present. They sing pop, choral, jazz and will oblige the audience with whatever they like to hear. They also include audience participation in their performance. They dress in various outfits to match their performance such as Patriotic, Christmas or any occasion. This group is a take-off from the Hormel Girls group in the 50's. A 30 minute performance is $170.00 and a 45 minute performance is $245.00

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Paramount Trio
Three women that do a wonderful job singing. They enjoy performing in the Paramount Theatre with their excellent sound and piano system. They dress in period outfits ranging from the 30's to 40's, which depicts the original opening years of the theatre. Their singing performance is for 30 minutes for $150.00.

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InSynque
Four women that will entertain you with all kinds of music and do a close harmony but do not do barbershop. They gear music to the audience and do singing and audience interaction. Occasional props are used in their shows. A 30-40 minute performance is $170.00. (Extra is charged if a sound system is needed)

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Terry Jo & Terrence Zinc
Enjoy this beautiful vocal duet sing a melody of dinner music for your enjoyment. Hear some of the old classics along with modern, country or whatever your group enjoys. Terry Jo & Terrence do a 45-60 minute performance. Your group will enjoy listening to this relaxing music, cost $275.00.

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Perfect Fourth
Four young men sing acappella, Billy Joel style music. Their show includes audience participation. A 20 minute performance is $70.00 and a 30 minute performance is $140.00.

Stephanie Kasel
At the age of 11 this dynamic girl will entertain you with a selection of songs and dance. She is a natural on stage, performing since she was three. She has competed in state competition and starred in the performance of Annie. The 30 minute performance is at a cost of $60.00

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Erin Schumacher & Jane Koch
Erin does a beautiful job singing and is accompanied on the piano by Jane Koch. They do 20's, 30's and 40's music, with audience interaction. A 30 minute performance for $220.00.

Al Batt
Nationally known Storyteller, writer, humorist, and gag writer for cartoonists across the United States and Canada. Al was born and raised on a farm near Hartland, Minnesota. He has been featured in the Smithsonian Magazine, the Star Tribune and the St. Paul Pioneer Press. He does commentaries for public radio and writes for various columns on birdying and gardening. A 30-45 minute performance is $125.00.

Murder Mystery Dinner
Enjoy an evening of great food and edge of your seat entertainment! An experience you won't forget. This event is held at the Holiday Inn and runs for approximately 2 hours for the dinner and performance. The cost is $25.00 per person, which includes the meal, beverage, dessert and performance.

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Pasta, Passion & Pistols
The succulent aroma of home cooked pasta is drifting from New York City's most popular Italian eatery, La Speranza, but something else is heating up the kitchen…cold blooded murder! Restauranteur, Pepi Roni, has been shot in the back with his own pistol. Tonight, his family and friends will gather to pay their respects to poor Pepi, but one of the guests won't be shedding any tears. Presented by the 17th Street Players. Decorating suggestions: Italian restaurant, red and white checkered tablecloth. Menu suggestions: Any Italian food…pizza, pasta, garlic toast…etc.

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A Murder On The Grill
It's a cookout with a twist as you go back to 1959 for this mystery. Rock n' roll, hula hoops, pony skirts, hot rods and black leather jackets set the scene. Our guests will find themselves at the Kansas City home of Tom Dooley for a sizzling backyard cookout and some fabulous party fun. Too bad poor Tom gets iced over his hot grill. Everyone is suspect. Presented by the 17th Street Players. Decorating suggestions: Backyard patio and pool party from 1959. Menu suggestions: Grilled chicken burgers, ice cream sundaes….etc.

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Stayin' Alive
Platform shoes…polyester leisure suites..pet rocks..mood rings and more. Take a trip back to the 70's to a trendy Manhattan disco where you can Hustle and Bump your way through a party of nostalgic fun and mystery mayhem. Zany DJ Wolfguy Jack will be there to entertain you, but club owner Jackie Fever, won't…..because she's danced her last dance. She's murdered you see, and one of the guests is the killer! Help find out who the murderer is. Presented by the 17th Street Players. Decorating suggestions: Disco ball, 70's music. Menu suggestions: Sub sandwiches, clam chowder, New York style cheesecake.

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Historic Paramount Theatre
Offers Great Live Entertainment!
Enjoy visiting the great Historic Paramount Theatre and seeing one of their special performances. Entertainment includes swing bands, old time bands, singers, actors, plays, gospel music, modern, blue grass. A great way to end an evening with special entertainment in an historic setting. Call the Austin, Convention and Visitors Bureau for the latest schedule of performances or go on line to www.paramounttheatre.org.

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The 17th Street Players
The 17th Street Players are actors that perform in various venues in southern Minnesota. Most of the cast have been in many theatre productions as performers or directors. Their goal is to make you laugh and hopefully enjoy the participation of embarrassing one of your friends in a fun way. The performers include, Emily Hartley, performer, singer, and social workers. Joanne Fox, performer, singer and grandmother. Gordy Handeland, artistic director, performer, singer, and business owner. Sara Lenn, singer, actor, state manager, director, and teacher. Dick McIntosh, actor, singer and business owner. Janet Oman is a singer, performer and attorney. Jonathan Olson, actor enjoys making the audience laugh and is an attorney. Sara Jane Olson is a veteran of both stage and murder mysteries is also an attorney. Lisa Sturtz, singer also enjoys participating in the murder mysteries and sells plots for a cemetery association. All of these fantastic performers will make your evening one of mystery, laughter and pure enjoyment. The performance is during your dinner hour and the cost is $175.00 and up.

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Jim Jayes Family Entertainer
Jim Jayes can bring the magic of laughter to your group. For over 30 years, Jim has been entertaining with unique combination of magic and puppetry. This Sacramento, California native, who makes all of his own puppets and props, has performed all over the country. He is a designer and inventor of magic effects which are currently in programs of countless performers around the world.
Jim's magic programs are historical and hysterical!! His hand puppets which feature Winnie the Pooh and Friends, Punch & Judy, Jack & the Beanstalk and Wonderful Wizard of Words is a great audience participation event for the entire family. Jim's performances last 30-45 minutes for $85.00 and up.

Jack Koppa
Jack plays the concertina. He will entertain you with polkas, waltzes-just what the older generation love. He usually plays during their cocktail hour or while they are eating. 30 minute performance is $60.

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Jordan Elleby
Great music, comedy and a wonderful personality describes the performance of this young 13 year old. Jordan has been playing banjo since age 9, you will be amazed at his talent. He has performed for all kinds of events including a band from Nashville. He loves to tell jokes and will show off his juggling skills. He even is working on learning the Harmonica. Enjoy this young gentleman; the 30 minute performance is at a cost of $60.00.

 

Poolside Theme Dinners!
AmericInn Austin-featuring Piggy Blues BBQ
A unique and convenient experience! Dine around a candle filled pool; enjoy themed meals and decorations to match, all creating a unique atmosphere and unforgettable experience. Entertainment options are available for an additional cost.

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Murder Mystery Dinner
Enjoy an evening of great food and edge of your seat entertainment! An experience you won't forget. This event is held at the Holiday Inn and runs for approximately 2 hours for the dinner and performance. The cost is $25.00 per person, which includes the meal, beverage, dessert and performance.

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Kathy's Country Catering
Kathy's Country Catering offers bus groups the opportunity to create your own menu. Delicious buffets, formal entrees or even themed dinners, complete with decorations are available. We have many different locations in which Kathy can cater your meal. Menu items include beverage and dessert and are an all inclusive price.

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Lansing Corners
Historic Lansing Corners is a wonderful and unique stop for lunch or supper. The unique atmosphere and famous buffets make Lansing Corners a group tour favorite! Lansing Corners is also a great place to have entertainment with your meal, as their dining and banquet rooms have plenty of space for entertainment and even dancing!! Lansing Corners offers two complimentary meals for groups of 40 or more and one complimentary meal for groups of 20 or more. Prices are all inclusive and subject to change.

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The Old Mill Restaurant
The Old Mill is the ultimate dining experience. It is great for lunch or dinner. The Old Mill Restaurant is a converted historic flour mill that overlooks the Cedar River. When dining at the Old Mill we ask that you choose one menu item for your group. Prices below are for groups only, are all inclusive and subject to change. Two comps are given to groups of 40 or more and one comp for groups of 20 or more.

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Piggy Blues Bar-B-Que
Dinner at Piggy Blues is Austin's original Bar-B-Que experience! This one of a kind restaurant features their famous ribs, prepared fresh everyday. The Smoking process used is hickory and apple wood. Eat them with their homemade sauce or just plain: either way you'll love it! Enjoy the atmosphere of this unique restaurant-with antiques and memorabilia lining the walls. For a small fee you can be entertained by a slide steel guitarist playing selections of blues and old time music. Meal prices are all inclusive.

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SPAM® Café
The SPAM® Café, located in the SPAM® Museum, offers convenience and a great and unique atmosphere to dine in. The café is available for tour groups only. When dining at the café, we ask that you select one menu item for your entire group. Prices are all inclusive and subject to change.

SPAM Museum
Museums are always a "Hot Spot" for groups, however, how many museums can boast having Monty Python, a puppet show, wagon, a ballet, and a cyberdiner, all playing nicely together for a canned meat? That's right, only the "world famous" SPAMMuseum can! (All for FREE!) This 16,500 square-foot facility features sophisticated exhibits, state of the art video screens, and enticing displays. Learn the entire history of this small but incredible "miracle meat" in just an hour and a half.
Your group will be treated to a video presentation of "SPAM® a Love Story" in an auditorium that will accommodate up to 45 people. Continue on the tour by interacting on many different levels including a SPAM® Game Show, where the entire group can play against each other. Finish the tour with the SPAM Shop, where you will find anything and everything SPAM! You could even treat yourself to lunch at the SPAM Café!

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Austin Public Library
The spectacular $4 million dollar library, totaling 26,800 square feet, opened in September 1996. Overlooking the historic Mill Pond and adjacent to Horace Austin Park, the library features more than 90,000 volumes which include a wide variety of newspapers and magazines. Glass-lined reading "porches" on two sides of the structure offers a comfortable and appealing area to relax and read. A beautifully etched granite emblem placed on the floor near the entrance was donated by the Ladies Floral Club, which established the city's first library in 1869. A meeting room for 100 people and a smaller meeting room can be reserved.

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City Tour
Your adventure begins as you pick up the step on guide in costume. She will board your bus with her special friends and let the entertainment begin. You will enjoy a fun time of great jokes, lots of sharing and of course the great history and sites of Austin, Minnesota - SPAM town USA! All participants receive a welcome bag, including a SPAM Cook book valued at $3.00

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Church Tours
Enjoy a tour of Austin's historical churches. The tour features four of the city's most magnificent churches. The complete tour takes two hours or you can choose to see one or two instead.

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Jay C Hormel Nature Center
"The wonderful Hormel Nature Center is not to be missed, as well as the resident naturalist!" Enjoy viewing wildlife at this 278-acre center featuring an Interpretive Building, which enables visitors to see the textures of furs, antlers, bones and fungi and includes living displays that feature snakes, salamanders, toads and an indoor beehive. Another building on site is the beautiful Ruby Rupner Auditorium, which is available for your next group tour. The Naturalist staff also gives programs that include wild flower hikes, cider pressing, maple syruping, astronomy and more. Your group may even learn how to walk and talk like a snipe.

 

 

 

Historic Hormel Home
One of the most magnificent and stately homes in Austin; the Historic Hormel Home was the residence of George A. Hormel from 1901 to 1926. He founded Geo. A. Hormel & Co. in 1891; this is known today as the Hormel Foods Corporation, a multinational meat and food processor. Constructed in 1871 the home is an excellent example of turn-of-the-century architecture. The home was extensively remodeled and modernized by Hormel in 1902. In the fall of 1926, George & Lillian donated their home to the YWCA, and many of the original fixtures, furniture and decorations remained in the residence. August 28, 1981, the Minnesota Historical Society awarded the home certification and placed it on the State Registry of Historic Sites and in 1982; the National Register of historic Places recognized the home.

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The Historic Paramount Theatre
The Paramount Theatre originally opened September 14, 1929, designed for stage theatre and first-run movies. Using a Spanish Colonial Revival style, the structure could accommodate more than 900 people in air-conditioned comfort, the first public facility in Austin to offer this amenity. In 1992, the Austin Area Commission for the Arts (AACA) completed acquisition of the theater and is currently in the process of restoring the theatre as an art and film center. The renovation of the theatre has led to it being placed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is also one of four atmospheric theatres left in Minnesota.

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Mower County Historical Center
The history of Mower County and Austin is preserved in more than 20 individual facilities located on the Historical Center grounds. All tours start at the Administration Building where an extensive research library and the miniature William Tyler Circus are found. Many of the buildings are the originals built around the late 1800's. A few of the attractions include the Hormel Museum, which is the original hog washing building constructed by Geo. A. Hormel & Co. The Fireman's Museum contains Vintage firefighting equipment, the Rahilly Museum, features various horse-drawn carriages, and the Rural School Museum is an original school that housed all ages for District 12. Also on display is a M-4 Sherman tank, that was used in WWII, and several rail cars that were used by the Milwaukee Railroad.

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Greibrok's Mini History Farm and County Fair
Your group will enjoy Greibrok's Farm. There is an extensive collection of more than 700 model tractors trucks, cars, farm machinery, steam engines, airplanes and other toys assembled in various theme areas throughout the unique 39-room farmhouse, owned by the Greibrok family.

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Gerard Mansion
Tour Gerard of Minnesota, the mansion of Jay Catherwood Hormel, son of George and Lillian. This 97 room chateau was designed by Harold H. Crawford, the architect responsible for many prominent buildings in Rochester, MN. Many original pieces still exist in this French style home.

 

Farmer John's Pumpkin Patch
A drive in the country to visit Farmer John's. John and Jan Ulland of rural Austin are proud to tell you about and show you their new but historic barn. While many residents are getting rid of old barns on their property, one rural Austin couple has built a new one that looks old. The Ullands had collected parts of old barns such as the wood, wooden stanchions, scales, horse barn stalls, beams and even hen nests t use in the building of their new barn. John will tell you the special story of this barn.
A visit to the historic house that John and Jan live in. See the very small home that was brought in and attached to their historic home that held a family of 8. You will feel like you are stepping back into time. Enjoy the interesting way that John and Jan have brought in wonderful old pieces to decorate this home. This will be an interesting walk through history. Enjoy a homemade snack with the Ullands. Tour is 1 ½ hour.

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Al-Corn Clean Fuel
Al-Corn produces 30 million gallons of ethanol annually. This requires 10.5 million bushels of corn. You will be able to tour this $19 million plant. See where the corn is unloaded and then transferred to one of the corn silos. From the silo, the corn is transferred into the hammer mill where it is milled into fine flour and transferred to the slurry tank. After the slurry is cooled down the fermentation process begins, ethanol then begins to be produced. This is distilled and ends up being a fuel grade anhydrous ethanol at 200 proof. Each participant will receive hand out information about ethanol and the lay of the plant. The main building is wheel chair accessible. Tour is 1 hour.

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Sunrich
SunRich Food Group is the largest producer of organic and non-GMO soymilk base. They are a fully integrated organic and non-GMO grain grower & ingredient processor. They produce organic and natural oils, corn and rice maltodextrins, custom milled, flour, and spray dried sweeteners. Founded in 1978, SunRich Food Group is a fully integrated producer, supplier, processor and developer for the food industry. You will be able to tour this facility and hear about the great products produced and get a sampling of their products. 1 hour tour.

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Jax Dairy Farm
Experience a dairy farm first hand. Roger, the owner, will step on your bus and give you an educational, guided tour around his 1600 head operation. You will visit the milking parlor, were you will witness the milking of the cows and computer tracking of the cows and their milk production. You will view over 500 cattle in one barn! Jax Farm started operation in 1940, with 23 cows and has now grown to over 1600 head, with 900 cows milked daily. Rogers's family runs the entire daily operation of the farm; it is truly a site to see!

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Zareba Systems
Waters' subsidiary Zareba Systems (formerly American Farm Works) is located in the small town of Ellendale, Minnesota 1 hour south of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Zareba makes electrical fence controllers for animal containment. The company's other, very different, units include Waters Network Systems (local-area networks, modular chassis-based Ethernet and token ring hubs, switches, converters marketed to education facilities and commercial industries), and Waters Medical Systems (whole blood oximetry products, organ preservation equipment, and transplant equipment). You will have a chance to visit Zareba formerly North Central Plastics in Ellendale that has a long history of making fencing products. 1 hour tour.

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Pajolo Alpacas
Imagine gentle animals with large brown eyes, soft muzzles, and luxuries fiber that will surely bring a smile to your face. The Alpaca has three heritages - Chilean, Peruvian and Bolivian decent. Visit the Pajolo Alpaca Farm and Country Store which is located just outside of Austin. The Alpaca's origin is South American but United States importation began in 1984. Current breeders in the United States are 5,000 and current Alpaca's are 45,000. The Pajolo Alpaca Farm was established in 1996.
The Alpaca is an interesting breed that has a life expectancy of 20-25 years. They make excellent companions and have lovable dispositions, easily trained to lead and are gentle with children. Visit the Country Store and see the precious fiber procured by the Alpaca. See the beautifully hand knitted sweaters, hats, mittens and scarves, or purchase yarn so that you can create your own beautiful pieces. 1-1½ hour tour.

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University of Minnesota Southern Research and Outreach Center
The Southern Research and Outreach Center at Waseca is ideally located to represent the soil and climatic conditions of south-central and southeastern Minnesota in its agricultural research. The research center areas include the dairy program, swine research, vegetable crops, and soil science research programs. No cost - 1 hour tour.

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Wagen Trails Ranch
An interesting and unique country living tour of a mammoth donkey, mule, and sheep ranch. Learn about a variety of animals, their history and current uses. Hear the history of the Navajo Churro Sheep flock and learn how the Mammoth donkeys were first introduced to this country as a gift from Spain. You will learn of the Christian legend of the cross on the back of some donkeys and how donkeys are put in pastures with sheep to guard against dogs and coyotes. On display are horse drawn equipment and antique farm equipment. Chuck Wagon lunches are available by request at the Wagen Trails Ranch. 1 hour tour.

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Angora Goats and Mohair
Located in the middle of Amish country, Austin's Angora goat farm is a great stop for your group! Ada, your guide, who calls herself "the old goat woman", will guide you on a tour of her Angora goat farm, which is painted purple! You will be able to touch the fuzzy bundle of the Angora goats while learning the history of the farm and the unique animals. Visit her shop, which has unique homespun products, that you would expect to find in the richest of boutiques!

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McNeilus Wind Turbines
You will get to visit and step inside a Wind Turbine located near Dodge Center,
Minnesota. This area has over 25 wind Turbines & still expanding. The guide
will tell you how the three-bladed wind Turbines are operated and the impact that they are having on producing electricity for our country. Wind power is the fastest growing energy technology in the world - since 1990 wind power has grown in the U. S. at an average rate of 25% annually over the last five years. As of June, 2003, the installed wind energy capacity in 27 states was approximately 4,685 Megawatts - generating enough power to supply electricity to more than 1.1 million average U. S. households. 1 hour tour.

 

 

Nativity Collection
Visit the home of Helen and Bill Holder and see over 540 Nativity scenes. Learn about the precious pieces that have been collected from all over the world, 42 different countries to be exact! Including Venezuela, India, Germany and Mexico. Learn the history of the crèche and be inspired by the beautiful Christmas tradition.

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Christmas at the Hormel Home
Come and see two beautiful homes decorated by local merchants, florists, designers and collectors to kick off the holiday season. The Hormel Historic Home and Gerard of Minnesota, will host this consecutive event with refreshments and dessert. You wont want to miss this extrordinary opportunity to kick off the Christmas Season with beautiful decorations, interesting history and delicous treats.

Quilting Weekend Retreats-Feb. & Oct. Are you a quilter or do you love to sew? We have a fun filled weekend just for you. You can come and sew to your heart's content. Meet new friends, share ideas, see new products and enjoy a weekend away. One low price gets you all you need for the weekend (food, lodging, classes, fun and friends) Contact the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau for more information.

MN Storytelling Festival-March This festival is bringing nationally and regionally known performers to Southern Minnesota for a warm weekend of sharing personal stories, folk tales, and lively concertina music. A dinner theatre, workshop, open stage, storytelling concerts, and church services provide the settings. Tickets can be purchased for entire weekend or for individual events. Contact the Heartland Story Telling Festival Guild for more information. bjjackson@smig.net or 507-373-4748

Birding Festival-May Have you ever wanted to learn more about Bird Watching-the top new sport-this will be your chance. Enjoy many seminars including, local Naturalist Larry Dolphin and Minnesota D and R representatives. Meet Al Batt, the Birder of the Year and fantastic storyteller as well as go on birding tours. See new products and learn more about this wonderful sport of Bird Watching. Contact the Austin Audubon Society for more information. rnsmaby@charter.net or twdorsey@charter.net

Scrap Book Weekend-November Enjoy a fun filled weekend of doing those special scrap book projects. Learn ideas, see new products, and share those special pictures during this fun filled weekend. Contact the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau for more information.

Fourth of July Festival (3 days!) Each year Austin plays host to thousands of visitors for our 3 day festival over the Fourth of July weekend. Several events, including fireworks, concerts, street dances, games, parades and the like help to make this festival top notch every year. For more information or a schedule of events visit www.austincoc.com or contact the Festival Office at spamtown@smig.net or 507-437-3448.

National Barrow Show®-September Americas premier purebred hog show brings exhibitors and buyers from around the world to Austin Minnesota for the 5 day event known as the "World Series of Swine Shows." For more information contact the Mower county Fairgrounds at 507-433-1868, mowfair@smig.net , www.mowfair.com or www.nationalswine.com

Pioneer Days - April - May Pioneer Days is co-sponsored with the JC Hormel Nature Center. This family event integrates crafts and demonstrations from the past with food, music, storytelling, a petting zoo, horse drawn wagon rides and old time games for children. Contact the JC Hormel Nature Center for more information. 507-437-7519

Mower County Fair-August www.mowfair.com

 

Americinn Motel & Suites 1700 8th St. NW 800-634-3444 507-437-7337 www.americinn.com Opened in May 1999. Features 54 rooms which include deluxe double and business king rooms, whirlpool/fireplace and two-room suites and extended stay suites with kitchenettes. Cable television with premium channels. Fax Machine. Spacious two-story lobby with fireside conversation area and beautiful indoor recreation room with swimming pool, whirlpool, sauna and game area. Meeting facilities are available. Free continental breakfast. Located near Perkins restaurant. Guest laundry. Children under 12 stay free with adult in same room. Austin Motel 805 21st St. NE 800-433-9254 507-433-9254 www.mowercounty/austinmotel.com Recently remodeled and conveniently located near the Austin Municipal Airport. 23 single and large family units, many with handicapped accessibility and kitchenettes. Non-smoking rooms available. Public coin operated laundry, fax machine, microwave, refrigerator, TV/cable and winter plug-ins. Motel is within walking distance of Jay C. Hormel Nature Center. YMCA use $6. Children under 12 free, with parent. Small pets allowed. Countryside Inn 3303 Oakland Ave. W 507-437-7774 Recently remodeled 55 units, handicapped accessibility and TV/cable, whirlpool, free HBO, meeting room and continental breakfast. Restaurant and Lounge located adjacent to Hotel. Kids under 12 free with parent. Days Inn 700 16th Ave NW 877-340-2900 507-433-8600 www.daysinnaustin.com Five Sunburst Award Winner for Quality, 59 rooms, 3 suites. Handicapped rooms, non-smoking rooms and extended stay rooms with micro/fridge combinations available. The Days Inn features, first-run movies, expanded cable, with over 70 stations, and individually air conditioned and heated rooms. Second floor rooms have in-room Jacuzzi tubs. Free continental breakfast and large whirlpool for relaxation. Complimentary shuttle service to local destinations. Children under 12 stay free with parents. Holiday Inn and Conference Center 1701 4th St. NW 800-985-8850 507-433-1000 www.hiaustin.com Quality of Excellence Award Winner, 121 guest rooms, 12 suites, kids under 12 stay and eat free with parents. Handicapped rooms, non-smoking rooms, whirlpool suites and extended stay rooms with micro/fridge combinations available. Enjoy Torge's Grille restaurant, room service and specialty menus. Free deluxe continental breakfast daily for hotel guests. Complimentary high speed internet access in all guest and meeting rooms. Complete conference center with 8 meeting rooms and seating for up to 1000 people. Hotel amenities include: indoor pool, whirlpool, kids pool, golf putting green, pinball games, foosball and full exercise facility. Torge's Live, Austin "Hot Spot" is attached to the Holiday Inn. Torge's features karaoke, live entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights, as well as many specialty drinks and food. Sterling Motel 1507 Oakland Ave. W 507-433-1858 30 units, king and queen beds. TV/cable. Free coffee and donuts. Located one block from shopping and restaurant and lounge. Children stay free with parent. Super 8 1401 14th St. NW 800-800-8000 507-433-1801 www.super8.com Exterior of building newly remodeled, 34 units, handicap accessible and TV/cable. Continental breakfast available. VCR rentals and snacks available. YMCA daily use $5