The National Yo-Yo Museum

Don't try this at home.

The National Yo-Yo Museum
Chico, CA

This museum boasts as many yo-yoers as a Weight Watchers meeting, and even features a 256-pounder!  I'm referring, of course, to a working 256-pound yo-yo which was once a world record holder.

The National Yo-Yo Museum houses a truly extensive collection of yo-yos, international memorabilia, print ads and other items such as cereal box premiums.  Gather inspiration from performance videos shown on-site or from one of several hobbyists practicing their skills on any given day.  Take some lessons to refine your abilities at Walking the Dog or the Double Gerbil (!); once you've mastered those without clocking your grandmother in the head, consider entering a regional contest in order to work your way up to the National Championship held each October in Chico.

Having difficulty Splitting the Atom?  Keep practicing.  Like yo-yos themselves, life has its ups and downs.