Mount Vernon City

Where else can you go to find brick streets, historic homes, recreational trails, camping, elegant bed and breakfast inns, and stunning College campuses—all within reach of your home?  You'll be absolutely delighted when you come to our area to visit, whether it is for business or pleasure.

Beautiful downtown Mount Vernon has one of the most recognizable streetscapes in Ohio with its tall civil war era monument where the soldier is looking to the south in honor of those on both sides of the Mason-Dixon line that fought and died for their beliefs. Tree lined downtown streets are plush with quaint little shops and eateries, a variety for each taste. You can find that special antique that you've been looking for at any one of our many antique and collectibles stores -or did you just need a bolt of that unusual cloth or a spool of ribbon - or unusual, original art?

If it's heritage that sparks your interest, Mount Vernon has two of the finest rural museums in Ohio.  The Knox County Agricultural Museum is a one-of-a-kind, with its large collection of farm and home implements from the 1800s and 1900s.  Next is the Knox County Historical Museum where you can see the authentic memorabilia of two great Knox County performing artists—Dan Emmett, the composer of Turkey in the Straw and Dixie, and world famous comedian Paul Lynde.  We are home to the highly respected Mount Vernon Nazarene College.

Then there's The Woodward - that is the profound un-restored Woodward Opera House, America's Oldest Authentic 19th Century Theater, located in Downtown Mount Vernon.  At the end of the day, you can stay at any one of the many comfortable 19th and early 20th century historic bed and breakfast inns or in one of our fine hotels.

If you just want to take a short walk (or a long one), take a hike on our Kokosing Gap Trail and the Mohican Valley Trail, where you can hike or bike from Mount Vernon to Brinkhaven.  If you like to camp or canoe, just up the road (or up the river) is our great Mohican and Kokosing areas, with ample campgrounds and canoeing on some of the greatest easy-water rivers in the Midwest. 

Throughout the summer and fall, each area community puts on their own festivals and street fairs complete with music, art, shows, great food, and more. There are also many exciting and fun musical and theatrical events all year long. 

Gambier, home of Kenyon College, is located about 4 miles east of Mount Vernon. The college founder, Philander Chase, the first Episcopal Bishop of Ohio, named the college after Lord Kenyon and the village after Lord Gambier. The area is an inviting mix of farming, residential properties and ivy-covered college buildings. The presence of Kenyon College helps to bring many activities and unique experiences to Gambier. The building of Kenyon College in the 1820's brought many English stonemasons. These skilled masons stayed on to contribute to the  county in the construction of many fine homes.  The birth of a unique village began when John Keer was given 50 acres of land on which to settle and start a Grist Mill. The land was given to him by Mr. Sullivant, the founder of Franklinton, which is now known as Columbus. Keer started a mill, constructed a dam and raised a log home on the land. On November 11, 1807 he laid out the town and, in honor of his hometown in Maryland, named this new town Frederick. Forty-three years later, on March 22, 1850, the Village of Fredericktown was incorporated.

While Kenyon College is the backbone of the Gambier community, there are many notable attractions to the community. The Gambier Gallery pays homage to local artistic talents by showing collections of work by various artists in all mediums. Gallery shows change frequently bringing customers and art lovers back time after time. Owner and artist Staci Staats offers pieces of her own creations as well as pottery classes. Each December, local artisans and crafters converge on Gambier to peddle their crafts during the Gambier Craft Show. Traditionally, over 100 artists, vendors and craftsmen sell everything from maple syrup to Christmas ornaments and decorations.

For more information, see the Village of Gambier's website at www.villageofgambier.org.

The largest village in Knox County today, Fredericktown, is a very close-knit community. The spirit of the people in Fredericktown will make any visitor feel like they are being welcomed home.

With many attractions, this village promises excitement and fun for visitors. Fishermen of all ages will enjoy fishing at Knox Lake and the Kokosing Reservoir, both located close to town. There are many ball fields in the town's two parks, Sockman and Merrin, allowing children and adults to participate in extracurricular sports in the spring and summer months. The annual Fourth of July celebration is held at Sockman Park; activities are held throughout the day and the whole community gathers in the evening to watch the spectacular fireworks program.

The Fredericktown Historical Museum holds a variety of items to transport visitors back to times past in Fredericktown. The Historical Society holds meetings periodically to tell stories of Fredericktown's past and the important people that influenced the growth of the community. The museum is open on Sundays from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m., during the Tomato Show, all local events, and private showings by appointment. Appointments can be made by calling (740) 694-8891 or (740) 694-0332.

Nestled in the unspoiled hills of Knox County is Apple Valley Lake, a perfect place for living the American dream.  Beautiful homes line the shoreline or perch on the hills above, offering a view of the sparkling water, winding country roads, and apple trees in bloom. It is said that Apple Valley Lake is the cleanest lake in Ohio.  There are two reasons for this.  First, every lot has county sewer and water available.  No home is connected to a septic tank and, therefore, there is no leaching into the lake.  Secondly, the lake is deep.  At the dam the depth is over 65 feet, most of the lake runs about 50 feet deep in the middle and the average depth is 35 feet over all.  The lake offers superb fishing and recreational opportunities.

Thank you for your interest in Mount Vernon and Knox County.

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