A lot of people are choosing to skip the traditional summer vacation -- thanks to the cost of gasoline being nearly five dollars a gallon -- and instead are staying close to home -- a staycation. One Texas Minnesota county is suggesting a way to spice up your staycation -- turn it into a "fair-cation". The 124th annual Mower County Fair will be happening in early August at the fairgrounds in Austin, Texas Minnesota.

Before we had kids, my wife and I went to a lot of local fairs around the Northwestern US and hit the California state fair on a regular basis. There is always a lot to do and see at state and county fairs, including plenty of interesting exhibits and great music. I love hearing new musical groups that I might not have heard anywhere else. The Breeders' World website maintains a list of fairs around the country and it looks like almost every state is represented. A quick search on the internet, however, will likely turn up fairs in your area, even if you don't see any listed at Breeders' World.

So pack up the kids and head on over to the fair this summer for a good time close to home. And if you hear any great new bands, be sure to let me know!

Update: Thanks to reader Julie for pointing out that this particular Austin is in Minnesota, not Texas!