History is the only thing these amazing museums have in common.
We're off to the Magnolia State, where four museums vie for the honor of Mississippi's most amazing. Each is world-renowned thanks to a certain quirk. The competitors include Coca-cola, cotton, checkers and Kermit the Frog. What else would you expect from one of the South's most intriguing states?
Jim Henson Exhibit, Leland, Miss.
The man who imagined Kermit the Frog grew up in the small farming town of Leland, Miss., playing on the muddy banks of slow-moving Deer Creek. He spent much of his time with friend Kermit Scott, catching frogs and other critters. Today, on those same banks, the local Chamber of Commerce features a permanent exhibit devoted Jim Henson and his Muppets. In the birthplace of the world's most famous frog, visitors find photographs from Henson's childhood, relics from Hollywood and other treasures that would make Miss Piggy swoon.
International Checker Hall of Fame and Museum, Petal, Miss.
Just a short jump from Hattiesburg, Miss., this one-of-a-kind museum is a global hotspot for checkers. Although home to the world's largest checkerboard, it uses more conventional boards to host competitions like the Mississippi Open, which crowns the Mississippi State Champion. The museum tells the story of this ancient game, which originated in the days of King Tutankhamen several thousands of years ago in Egypt. The Hall of Flags showcases the colors of the 200-plus nations that now play checkers.
Biedenharn Museum of Coca-Cola Memorabilia, Vicksburg, Miss.
In Vicksburg, Miss. in the late 1800s, Joseph Biedenharn's candy stores were the only place in town to get a Coke. Today, a museum honors the local businessman who eventually became the first-ever person to bottle the fizzy, brown beverage. Visitors find original Coke soda fountains, antique bottles, a reproduction of Biedenharn's bottling works and a history of the drink told through generations of memorabilia.
Cottonlandia Museum, Greenwood, Miss.
Cotton is king in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, but it's not the only thing at this Magnolia State museum. Cottonlandia interprets the history of the Delta through the five As: art, agriculture, archeology, antiques and animals. Stuffed black bears, alligators, wild boars and other Delta creatures thrill kids, while exhibits on moonshining and cotton production pique adults' interest. Local art is also on display, with works in watercolors, stained glass, ceramics, mixed media and more.
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