Alexa & Matthew
Where To Eat & Things To Do
North Main Café
We love this place! Just a short walk from the hotel, this family-owned cafe has tasty coffee and delicious breakfast/lunch foods. Please note that they are closed on Sundays.
Wiggin Street Coffee
Planning on exploring the BFEC? Grab some coffee and a snack from this cute campus coffee joint.
Happy Bean Coffee Shop
Doing some local shopping? Swing into the Happy Bean for some refreshments. This coffee shop is within walking distance from the hotel, too!
Everlasting Cup
Everlasting Cup is a short drive from the hotel, and they have great breakfast and lunch options! Fun fact, Alexa's dad made all of the tables in their dining room and some other woodworking items.
Kenyon Inn & Restaurant
The Kenyon Inn has some of the best food in the area. Located on the always beautiful Kenyon College Campus, this is a great option if you're looking for a fancier nosh.
Green Vibes Juice And More
Hip, new, juice bar located right off the square and within walking distance of the hotel! Stop here if you're looking for a smoothie and/or healthier fare.
R & M Southside Diner
Sucker for greasy diner food and delicious pie? Look no further. This local diner is a short 5-minute drive from the hotel.
Dave's Cosmic Subs - Mt Vernon
Within walking distance of the hotel, this is a great stop for an easy lunch.
Gambier Deli
A New York-style deli on the campus of Kenyon College.
Fiesta Mexicana (High St)
This place is always jumpin'! Fiesta is a solid choice for dinner, and the salsa is delicious.
Mazza's
Established in 1939, this local Italian restaurant has been given new life at this new location just down the road from the venue space!
Stein Brewing Company Taproom
A local favorite, Stein Brewing offers patrons good food and beer! If you missed the welcome event, definitely stop here and grab a beer before heading out of town.
The Mount Vernon Brewing Company, LTD
The MVBC is a brand new microbrewery located just off the square. In addition to their beer selection, they serve cold subs, sandwiches, and wraps alongside bagged chips. They also offer FREE non-alcoholic drinks for designated drivers.
Ron's Pizza
Alexa's family has been ordering Ron's pizza for literal generations. It's a local favorite! (takeout only)
Dirko's Pizza Mount Vernon
Stromboli. Period. (takeout only)
Ariel-Foundation Park
This park is awesome! It is a stunning 250-acre example of adaptive reuse, created on a glass-making factory's former site. It offers architectural ruins, lakes, an observation tower, walking trails, steel sculptures, a museum, and connections to both the Kokosing Gap Trail and the Heart of Ohio Trail.
Brown Family Environmental Center
The Brown Family Environmental Center is a 500-acre preserve located just down the hill from Kenyon College. The BFEC's mission is to conserve natural diversity and engage people of all ages with nature. It's a beautiful area to explore!
Mount Vernon Farmers Market
Located on the town square, just outside of the Mount Vernon Grand Hotel, the Farmers Market is a great place to grab some local goodies!
Kokosing Gap Trail
The Kokosing Gap Trail is a paved, 14-mile recreational trail built on a former Pennsylvania Railroad line with endpoints in Mount Vernon and Danville, Ohio. Visitors will traverse the Kokosing River twice on railroad bridges more than 250 feet long with forests, wetlands, agriculture, and villages along the way. A 1940 Alco 0-6-0 locomotive and a 1924 Chesapeake & Ohio caboose sit next to the Gambier trail, and a wonderful park with a play structure is adjacent to the trail in Howard.
Main Street Makers Market
A quaint and welcoming shop with a variety of handcrafted gifts and unique items, many made in Ohio. Loads of cute finds at this local favorite!
Kudos An Artists Co-op
Kudos is a unique space that features 22 local artists. These folks create pieces for sale ranging from folk art to blown glass.
Almost Famous Sweets And Sodas
Pop in this novelty candy shop for some sweet, sweet nostalgia.
Paragraphs Bookstore
A super cute bookstore that has been serving Mt. Vernon since 1996.
Old Mr. Bailiwick's
Plant-based remedies, Old Mr. Bailiwick's is a turn of the century apothecary offering imported tea, quality bulk herbs, wellness items, and more!
Pine Row Studio
A fully equipped pottery studio and gallery featuring functional and sculptural ceramics.
Woodward Opera House
Catch a show or tour this incredible Opera House. The Woodward is America's Oldest Authentic 19th Century Theater still standing (wow!)
Indian Bear Winery
Just a 20 minute drive away, Indian Bear Winery is Knox County, Ohio's first winery!
Mohican Adventures Canoe Livery & Fun Center
Looking for more outdoor activities? Mohican area’s First & Finest Canoe Livery is just a 30-minute drive away!