Columbus and its surrounding ‘burbs often steal the show when it comes to exploring the heart of it all, which is downright criminal given some of the small towns just outside our state’s capital city. Mt. Vernon is one such town. This town of around 17,000 in Knox County is, as Goldilocks would say, just right. From its bucolic beauty to the bustling business district, historic points of interest to hip new attractions, Mt. Vernon, Ohio, is a place where small-town values and big-city amenities meet, making it one of America’s best hidden gems for a weekend getaway in Ohio.

In the heart of Ohio, Mt. Vernon is a true hidden gem. The town is one big historic treasure trove, in fact, with Ohio Historical Marker plaques dotting its streets and buildings. The Knox County Courthouse, for example, is an Ohio icon, while the Woodward Opera House is the oldest opera theater of its kind in the United States.
Nyttend/Wikipedia
Exploring Mt. Vernon on foot is nothing short of delightful, with a colorful and bustling business district full of restaurants and shops. Paragraphs Bookstore is a must-visit for bibliophiles, while Almost Famous Sweets And Sodas is the sweetest shop in town!
Paragraphs Bookstore, 229 S Main St, Mt Vernon, OH 43050, USA
Paragraphs Bookstore/Facebook
(As a side note, isn't "Paragraphs" the best name ever for a bookstore? Be still our book-loving hearts!)
Dining options abound in Mt. Vernon, and visitors will be happily surprised by the variety and cuisines represented in small-town Ohio. Stein Brewing Company is a must-visit for craft beer enthusiasts, while those interested in a fine-dining experience should definitely book a table at The Alcove Restaurant & Lounge.
The Alcove Restaurant & Lounge, 116 S Main St, Mt Vernon, OH 43050, USA
The Alcove Restaurant & Lounge/Facebook
In terms of accommodations, The Mount Vernon Inn is legendary, offering cozy lodging that's pure hygge .
The Mount Vernon Inn, 601 W High St, Mt Vernon, OH 43050, USA
Management/TripAdvisor

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Between the lush gardens, charming terrace, and farm-fresh, made-from-scratch fare, you'd be hard-pressed to find cozier accommodations in Ohio than The Mount Vernon Inn.
The Mount Vernon Inn/Facebook
While its history is certainly impressive, Mt. Vernon is a town that's also infused with whimsy. At South Main Plaza, the Fountain of Dogs is sure to put a smile on your face!
South Main Plaza, 201 S Main St, Mt Vernon, OH 43050, USA
South Main Plaza/Google Local
Just outside of the historic district, Ariel-Foundation Park is easily one of the best-kept secrets in Mt. Vernon... and Ohio. Built on land formerly occupied by a glass factory, this large park covers 250 acres and features walking trails, lakes, terraces, a museum, and public art displays.
Ariel-Foundation Park, 10 Pittsburgh Ave, Mt Vernon, OH 43050, USA
Ariel-Foundation Park/Facebook
The Rastin Observation Tower is, ahem, the high point of the park. Climb 220 steps to the top, and be prepared for some truly jaw-dropping views of central Ohio.
Ariel-Foundation Park/Facebook
Mt. Vernon is one of those charming places that will completely take you by surprise -- in the best possible way. Kind of like the Buckeye State!
Mark Spearman/Wikipedia

Have you visited this beguiling town before? What did you think? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments below — we would love to hear from you!

Mt. Vernon is easily one of the best destinations for a weekend getaway in Ohio, and we’re thrilled to call it ours. For more accommodation options, check out this list of unique places to stay in Mt. Vernon, Ohio.

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More to Explore

Getaways In Ohio

Beth C. | January 24, 2024

What are some of the best hotels and resorts in Ohio?

If you're planning a trip to Ohio, you'll be thrilled to hear that there's no shortage of unique accommodations to enjoy. Below you'll find a list of some of the best hotels and resorts in Ohio:

  • Hotel Indigo Cleveland-Beachwood
  • The White Oak Inn
  • Gaslight Bed & Breakfast
  • Maumee Bay Lodge And Conference Center
  • Salt Fork Lodge
  • Belamere Suites Hotel
  • The Ritz-Carlton
  • Hotel LeVeque, Autograph Collection
  • 21c Museum Hotel
  • The Anchor Inn Boutique Hotel
  • Cedar Point’s Lighthouse Point
  • The Lakehouse Inn Resort

 

Of course, these are just some of the endless options for unique stays in Ohio. If you're curious to learn more about the above destinations, be sure to check out our full guide to the best hotels and resorts in Ohio. You'll find there's something for everyone on the list!

Does Ohio have any haunted hotels?

You bet! Ohio is no stranger to paranormal activity, and nowhere is that more apparent than our collection of haunted hotels:

  • The Golden Lamb Inn (Lebanon)
  • Hotel Lafayette (Marietta)
  • Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza
  • Punderson Manor (Newbury)
  • The Buxton Inn (Granville)
  • The Hackett Hotel (Marietta)

 

Would you dare spend the night in any of the most haunted hotels in Ohio? If you're curious to learn the story behind each, you can check out our full article outlining some of the most haunted places to stay in OH -- if you dare! Looking for even more of the paranormal? Read more about why the historic Park Hotel is also considered an absolutely eerie place to stay. The backstory is chilling to say the least!

 

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