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Experiences|Museums

Spanning Two City Blocks, There’s No Shortage Of Things To See At The Union County Heritage Museum In Mississippi    

Union County Heritage Museum in New Albany offers both impressive indoor exhibits and a unique outdoor exhibit area spanning two city blocks.

Published Apr 2, 2021

Written by 

Daniella DiRienzo

A small-town gem that’s bound to make a big impression, the Union County Heritage Museum is a must-visit for residents of all ages. The museum houses some incredible exhibits. And while the museum’s interior is worth exploring, it’s the outdoor exhibit area that will really impress. It spans two city blocks and boasts fantastic life-size displays. Take a look:

Recently named one of the South’s best small towns by Southern Living, there’s a lot to love about New Albany, including the Union County Heritage Museum.

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Since opening in the early '90s, the museum has grown tremendously. Initially, it was housed in a former church sanctuary. Today, it’s housed in a modern facility with six galleries, a library, and gift shop.

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The museum’s galleries play host to an array of permanent and temporary exhibits that focus on Union County history.

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In addition to the plethora of exhibits inside the museum, there’s an expansive outdoor exhibit area known as Frenchman’s Bend.

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Providing an interactive experience like no other, Frenchman's Bend gives visitors a firsthand feel for Mississippi’s rural culture.

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Encompassing two city blocks, it boasts several historic structures.

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In addition to Varner’s Country Store and a caboose, there’s an early 20th century doctor’s office, blacksmith shop, one-room schoolhouse, 1950s auto body shop, and more.

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You can even go inside the buildings!

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The William Faulkner Literary Garden is also part of the Union County Heritage Museum.

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About one block from his birth site, the garden pays homage to the literary legend by bringing the landscape to life with plants that he wrote about.

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For more information, call the Union County Heritage Museum at (662) 538-0014. You can also visit the Union County Heritage Museum website or Facebook page.

So, did you know about this magnificent museum? Ever visited? Know of another great museum? If so, tell us in the comments section.

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Experiences|Museums

This Lesser-Known Mississippi Tourist Attraction Is Worth A Day Trip

Published Jul 8, 2024

Written by 

Megan Todaro

Ahh, one of America's most beloved soft drinks. Coca-Cola is a time-honored drink that to this day, still reigns in popularity. While you can find The World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta, many people might not know that the popular drink is also tied to Mississippi. The Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum is a lesser-known Mississippi tourist attraction, but one that is totally worth the day trip. Come explore this delightful museum and learn all about the history of this soda pop brand.

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The Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum, located in Vicksburg, Mississippi, holds a significant place in Coca-Cola history as the first place where Coca-Cola was bottled.

Historic brick building with large windows, featuring a faded sign that reads "Biedenharn Candy Co."
Tripadvisor Rick B

The museum is housed in the original building where Joseph Biedenharn, a local entrepreneur and candy wholesaler, began bottling Coca-Cola in 1894.

Sign for the Museum of Coca-Cola, featuring history memorabilia and offering ice cream and Coke floats.
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This marked a pivotal moment in the beverage's history, as until then Coca-Cola had only been available as a fountain drink.

A vintage store filled with Coca-Cola memorabilia, featuring customers browsing shelves lined with colorful products.
Google Reviews Zach Green

Visitors to the museum can explore exhibits that detail the early days of Coca-Cola bottling, showcasing vintage bottling equipment, original bottles, and memorabilia related to the brand's evolution.

A museum exhibit featuring vintage Coca-Cola memorabilia and historical artifacts displayed in a well-lit room.
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The museum offers insights into the entrepreneurial spirit of Joseph Biedenharn and his role in popularizing Coca-Cola beyond its initial regional market.

Display case filled with vintage Coca-Cola collectibles, including bottles, cans, and advertising memorabilia.
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In addition to the historical displays, the museum features a soda fountain where visitors can enjoy refreshing Coca-Cola beverages and other nostalgic treats. The restored candy store and office area allows visitors the chance to insdulge in fountain Cokes, Coke floats, and so much more.

A vintage-style café interior with a wooden counter, brick walls, and decorative lighting, featuring small tables and chairs.
Tripadvisor Trypp Adams

This museum is a popular destination for Coca-Cola enthusiasts, history buffs, and families looking to learn about the cultural impact of this iconic beverage.

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Sign for the Coca-Cola Museum displaying history and memorabilia, with American flags and a candy store visible.
Google Reviews Dave Densmore

The Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum provides a unique glimpse into the early days of one of the world's most recognizable brands, set within a charming historic building in downtown Vicksburg.

Faded mural featuring "Biedenharn" with dates 1894 and 1994, and a bottle icon, against a blue sky.
Google Reviews Brenda Owens

What do you think about this lesser-known Mississippi tourist attraction? Have you visited before? Sound off in the comments section!

Looking for more unique things to do in Mississippi this year? Check out the fun adventures available through Airbnb Experiences!

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Experiences|Museums

Delve Into The Intriguing World Of Bridge At This Uncommon Museum In Mississippi

The ACBL Museum in Horn Lake, Mississippi, offers an engaging and interactive experience dedicated to the history and evolution of the game of bridge.

Published Jul 31, 2023

Written by 

Newton Mathews

The bridge museum in Mississippi might not be your typical tourist attraction, but it's intriguing. Just as chess lovers have museums to explore, so do bridge enthusiasts. This uncommon museum celebrates the timeless game of bridge and serves as a treasure trove of its rich history. Whether you're an ardent player or just curious about the game, this place has something to offer everyone. Prepare to delve into an interactive experience beyond your regular deck of cards.

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The ACBL (American Contract Bridge League) Museum, also known as the Bridge Museum, stands proudly in Horn Lake, Mississippi. It is a unique hub dedicated to all things related to the game of bridge. You can expect to find fascinating exhibits showcasing the evolution of this card game over the years.

Sign for the American Contract Bridge League, featuring flowers and greenery, promoting bridge since 1937.
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Among its displays, you will find rare collectibles such as vintage cards, scoring sheets, and bridge equipment.

A museum exhibit featuring portraits, historical displays, and a trophy in a warmly lit room.
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There are even sections dedicated to famous personalities who have significantly influenced the bridge world.

A museum exhibit featuring a lifelike mannequin seated at a desk, surrounded by bookshelves and display panels.
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One highlight of the museum is its interactive exhibits, which bring the game to life in engaging ways.

A modern trophy room featuring glass display cases filled with various trophies and awards, illuminated by overhead lights.
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Visitors can participate in digital games or even observe a live demonstration to understand the intricacies of the bridge better.

Four players engaged in a card game at a tournament, with green tables and spectators in the background.
American Contract Bridge League - ACBL/Facebook

Accessible for all ages, the museum offers a fun and educational outing.

A modern building with a curved roof, surrounded by greenery and a paved pathway on a sunny day.
ACBL Museum/Google

The bridge museum in Mississippi is truly a hidden gem, offering an engaging look into the world of bridge. Its wealth of exhibits and interactive displays make every visit a unique and rewarding experience. You can check out the ACBL Museum website and ACBL Museum on Facebook for more information.

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But the fun doesn't end there. Once you've soaked in the intriguing world of bridge at this uncommon museum, continue exploring the vibrant local food scene. Treat yourself to authentic flavors at Memphis Barbecue, renowned for its mouthwatering dishes. Also, in my Mississippi explorations, I stumbled upon Boomer's Restaurant, a delightful step back in time.

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