My mom got Earthbound for herself a long time ago, back when I was like 7 or 8, and from what I remember never got too far. I should ask her if I could dig up the cartridge and play it myself sometime.
Also, if you play it on an emulator, get a USB SNES controller. It will create the most authentic SNES experience you can acheive on a computer. They are made from real, original SNES controllers. The only difference is a bunch of the copy right text on the back is gone and it fits into USB ports (of course).