Although collecting seashells is frowned upon by environmentalists nowadays, this mind-boggling compilation of more than 2,000 shells touts itself as the largest of its kind in the world. It's a proud labor of love for the Patamakanthin brothers,

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Although collecting seashells is frowned upon by environmentalists nowadays, this mind-boggling compilation of more than 2,000 shells touts itself as the largest of its kind in the world. It's a proud labor of love for the Patamakanthin brothers, who took more than 40 years visiting the four corners of the globe to amass this dizzying array. Included are rarities like the only left-handed noble volute ever discovered, 380-million-year-old fossils, and one of the world's rarest golden pearls at 140 karats. The well-lit displays are top-notch, housed under glass bubbles or mounted on walls, arranged by species and type. Be sure to check out the "freak shells" exhibit of albinos and hybrid specimens. Even if you are not a beachcomber, you'll still find this museum a fascinating stop.

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