Did you know that some of the biggest names in soft drinks come from the South? You’ve surely heard of Coca-Cola but there are many more. Read on to find out how they came to be and where you can learn more about them.
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Atlanta, Georgia
What we know now as Coca-Cola was invented as a headache remedy by John Pemberton at Jacob’s Pharmacy in downtown Atlanta in 1886. A historic marker signifies its location but most travelers will go to the World of Coca-Cola to learn about the brand and see the vault that holds the secret recipe.
Book your skip-the-line ticket to the World of Coca-Cola in advance.
Biloxi, Mississippi
The Barq’s Brothers Bottling Company started in New Orleans in 1890 before moving operations a few years later to Biloxi. It was here that the famous sarsaparilla root beer was created. It’s now owned by Coca-Cola.
The Biloxi Artesian Bottling Works is a shell of its former glory, but is still worth a quick photo stop. The former offices in downtown Biloxi are being transformed into apartments and retail.
Cedartown, Georgia
Small town Cedartown is the site of the Cedartown Museum of Coca-Cola Memorabilia, not far from the Silver Comet Trail trailhead. What started as a private collection of a local teenager is now a full-fledged museum with rare memorabilia like bottles, glassware, and advertising.
While you’re in Northwest Georgia, make the 45-minute drive to Cartersville, where you’ll find the first hand-painted Coca-Cola mural at Young Brothers Pharmacy, pictured above. Coca-Cola was served here in the early days, and the active pharmacy looks much as it did in decades past.
Columbus, Georgia
Local grocer Claude A. Hatcher started his business in Columbus, bottling ginger ale and root beer in 1905. His company, Chero-Cola and Union Bottle Works, created two popular drinks: NEHI and Royal Crown Cola. The companies changed names over the years, and both are now under Dr. Pepper.
The legacy of both beverages is honored at the Hatcher Family Cola Museum, one of many within the city. It features old signs and calendars.
Corinth, Mississippi
Coca-Cola inventor Pemberton sold off the recipe to Atlanta magnate Asa Candler, who formed what became the company. He set up bottling operations in other parts of the region, including in Corinth, Mississippi.
The Corinth Coke Museum focuses on the area’s connection to the company with artifacts from the soda fountain heyday and vintage soda machines.
Marion, Virginia
It’s up for debate where Mountain Dew actually comes from, as the town it was invented in, Tennessee, in 1940, by Barney and Ally Hartman. But the rights were bought by a Virginia company, which tweaked the recipe. It’s now owned by Pepsi.
In any event, Marion claims the soda as its own. You can pop into Willbeez Country Store & Deli for Mountain Dew-flavored fudge. The Smyth County Museum also has related items like vintage bottles and other items invented by locals.
Monroe, Louisiana
The Biedenharn Museum & Gardens in Monroe is named for one of the first independent bottlers of Coca-Cola, “Mr. Joe” Biedenharn. It features a vintage delivery truck, a replica soda fountain, and memorabilia. You can also get your own bottle of Coke for a nickel while exploring the gardens.
The Coke Museum, which opened in 2008, is only one part of the attraction. This museum also has exhibits on historic Bibles and manuscripts.
New Bern, North Carolina
Coca-Cola may have a massive presence in the region, but when it comes to North Carolina, it’s all about Pepsi. The cola company was started in New Bern in 1893 in Caleb Bradham’s pharmacy to relieve dyspepsia.
The Pepsi Store in town now tells the story of the company’s origins, with vintage advertisements and a replica soda fountain.
Vicksburg, Mississippi
The Biedenharn family also had a presence in the Mississippi Delta in Vicksburg, which claims to be the first bottling site for Coca-Cola. The Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum is set up like an old soda fountain, still pouring Coke floats, with retro candy brands and exhibits with company collectibles.
Winchester, Kentucky
Unless you’ve spent time in Kentucky, you may not know about the drink Ale 8-One. The soda was created in Winchester in 1902 by George Lee Wainscott, who also had a soda named for his wife, Roxanne, called Roxa-Cola.
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