Knox County: Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon is called "America's Hometown" and named "Ohio's Most Livable City" by Ohio Magazine in 1994.

The city was established in 1805 and named after George Washington's home, and is in the process of preserving many of its historic downtown buildings including the Woodward Opera House, the oldest known "free standing" opera house in the country.

In August the city hosts the annual Dan Emmett Music and Arts Festival named in honor of hometown musician Daniel Emmett who is best known for authoring the song "Dixie." Emmett's other better known tunes include: Blue Tail Fly, Ole Dan Tucker, and Turkey in the Straw. The Festival celebrates American music and brings back the nostalgia of our heritage.

During the growing season from the first Saturday in June thru the last Saturday in October, Mount Vernon offers a farmers market in the downtown area with over 50 vendors selling fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, cheeses and meats. The market is open from 9 - 12 each Saturday morning.

Mount Vernon is located in Amish Country so when visiting, be on the lookout for horse drawn vehicles. There are also a number of antique shops in Mount Vernon. Mount Vernon is also home to Mount Vernon Nazarene University that has an enrollment of about 2500 students on a 400 acre campus.

Kenyon College

Just east of Mount Vernon in Gambier, is Kenyon College. Kenyon College is one of the nation's finest liberal arts colleges and a small school where academic excellence goes hand in hand with a strong sense of community. Originally established as a seminary for young men, it developed into a liberal arts college for men and, in 1969, admitted women for the first time.

Kenyon College also as a "no cell-phone zone" where cell phone use is forbidden as students and faculty walk along the Middle Path. It is a self regulating policy and violators will be given warnings from just about anyone. The Middle Path no phone zone is a blessing to many, but an inconvenience to others that don't put much stock in traditions.

First Friday's in Mount Vernon

On the first Friday of each month, from May thru October, downtown Mount Vernon’s South Main Street becomes a pedestrian mall offering visitors a wide variety of entertainment, food, music and shopping. Other attractions include a classic car show, picnics on Public Square and pizza tasting contests round out the fun.

The Drag Strip

Pacemakers Dragway Park located 2 miles south of Mount Vernon on SR3, has attracted motor sports enthusiasts of all ages for over 50 years. The Park roars to life as hundreds of participants fill the parking area every weekend. Since being formed in 1956 by 28 local hot roders, Pacemakers has grown to be one of the finest 1/8 mile drag strips in Central Ohio. The smaller track allows the public to mingle with the drivers and find out more about the cars they see racing on the track.