Hope Arkansas and Clinton's Melon
It would be difficult for an ex-President to compete with a local celebrity like the world's largest watermelon, and the Hope Visitor Center and Museum doesn't try to balance the two. Instead, it offers some tantalizing Bill Clinton tidbits such as his naming his dog after his political mentor, Uncle Buddy and leaves the heavy lifting to the Birthplace. Gary told us that the museum used to get angry anti-Clinton visitors, but not much any more, "mostly women who come in while their husband sits in the car." As to why the museum didn't just stick with watermelons, Gary was pragmatic. "Watermelons don't bring in the money. Bill Clinton brings in the money."
Another record watermelon.
You too can stop by the Hope visitor center and witness for yourself - a plaster replica of the watermelon that Bill grew in high school. It won a prize that melon!
Stop by the Hope Visitor Center and Museum for additional exhibits on Hope's most famous native son
they take it all very seriously.
Location:
100 East Division Street Hope, AR 71801
https://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/11282
https://www.nps.gov/places/hope-visitor-center-and-museum.htm