Discover the Unexplored and Unexpected

On the corner of Wiggin Street and Chase Ave, is a Gambier staple, @wigginstreetcoffee ☕️ A sister location to @riverroadcoffeehouse in Newark, Ohio, this location is nestled on the picturesque campus of Kenyon College. This quaint college town has all the charm you could ever want, and not to mention the perfect cozy corner to work or watch the day pass by. Less than a 4 minute bike ride from the Kokosing Gap Trail, this is a must stop for weekenders, trail-users and latte lovers. Once you’re done at Wiggin Street, stop by the @kenyonbookstore for the newest best-sellers and unique treasures, don’t forget about the kids section.📚 #wigginstreetcoffee #visitknoxohio #kokosinggaptrail #gambierohio #newarkohio #riverroadcoffee #onelinecoffee #kenyoncollege #ohiotoerietrail #knoxcountyohio #ohiobookstore @kenyoncollege @onelinecoffee @kokosing_gap_trail @ohio.findithere @ohiotoerietrail cover photo 📸: @nicoleonemiller

The winter weather could bring us the blues, but really it has us searching for some cozy corners. You know those places…where you feel like home, the atmosphere is welcoming and you could spend all day there? Stay tuned; we’ll be spending the next few weeks exploring a few cozy corners around Knox County you’ll want to add to your weekend plans. #paragraphsbookstore #experiencemountvernon #happybean #mountvernonohio #knoxcountyohio #visitknoxohio #ohiofindithere @paragraphsbookstore @experiencemountvernon @happybeanohio

It’s hard to believe the 2022 year is coming to a close! So many exciting events, special memories and unexplored adventures took place in Knox County this year. We want to thank our community partners for the special experiences they create and curate for our guests; and to our guests, thank you for choosing the unexplored and unexpected! If being a curious explorer is on your bucket list for 2023, Knox County is the place for you. #visitknoxohio #knoxcountyohio #ohiofindithere #exploreknoxcountyparkdistrict #mountvernonohio #exploreohio #ohioexplored #gambierohio #kenyoncollege #ohiotoerietrail #railstotrailconservancy #otet #kokosinggaptrail #heartofohiotrail #mohicanvalleytrail

Did you know that Centerburg is the geographical center of Ohio? The literal heart of Ohio! And nestled in the heart of their charming Main Street is a new boutique @marigoldonmain 😍 Family owned and operated, this boutique offers curated gifts, women’s clothing, fine handmade goods and much more. Don’t forget when you shop this season, shop local! #visitknoxohio #knoxcountyohio #centerburgohio #marigoldonmain #ohiofindithere #ohioshopping #shopsmallohio

The holidays are all about giving – and the best gift you can give local businesses is your support. Get out there TODAY and Shop Small this Small Business Saturday® to kick off the season in a meaningful way. We teamed up with our friends at @experiencemountvernon to put together a gift guide for all the explorers, makers, loved ones and more on your list! 🛍🛍🛍 Looking for more shops in Downtown Mount Vernon? Visit their page at experiencemv.org Looking for more experiences to share!? CLICK the LINK in our bio to visit our event calendar!🔗 . . . #experiencemountvernon #mountvernonohio #visitknoxohio #knoxcountyohio #shopsmallsaturday #ohiofindithere #supportsmallbusiness #ohiofindithere #ohiomagazine #shopohiomade #ohiomade @williamsflowersandwine @dancingbeemarket @mountvernonartsconsortium @mountvernoninn @cricketsonsouthma @happybeanohio @north_main_cafe @thewoodwardohio @theblessedlifemv @knoxmemorial @spi.spot @almostfamoussweetsandsodas @nickandmelvinscollectibles @whitscustardmtvernonoh @davescosmicmtv

Typically known for their delicious Brickhouse Mocha, @brickhousegrind is a gem for not only coffee, but for speciality gifts and artisan goods. When you think of shopping local this season don’t forget to explore the unexpected that all of Knox County has to offer! #visitknoxohio #knoxcountyohio #brickhousegrind #fredericktownohio #ohiocoffee #shopsmallbusiness #shoplocalohio #ohiofindithere #ohiomagazine

Situated on the corner of Main and Vine, in Downtown Mount Vernon, sits Williams Flowers and Wine. Lori Amstutz and team greet every guest with a smile and warm welcome, “we love consulting our clients on their special occasions or holidays” says Amstutz. Williams Flowers and Wine celebrated their 100 years of business in October, and they look forward to serving our community for many more decades. “Shopping local is so important to our business and the fabric of downtown, we encourage the community and our guests to think about the impact their holiday shopping has on all of us.” @experiencemountvernon @williamsflowersandwine #experiencemountvernon #mountvernonohio #visitknoxohio #knoxcountyohio #shoplocal #shopsmallbusiness #shopsmallsaturday 📸: @nicoleonemiller

In Gambier, on the corner of Chase Avenue and East Brooklyn Street, you’ll find your self in front of the charming Village Market. Although this is not the original store front, the Village Market has been serving Gambier and @kenyoncollege for over 50 years. With an array of unique food offerings, eclectic snacks, local beer, regional wines and did we mention a deli counter!? Owned and operated by Mount Vernon native, Nick Jones and his wife, Betsy, this market is a treasured gem. Whether you need a fast sandwich for your Kokosing Gap Trail ride, picnic supplies for a quiet afternoon at the @thebfec or a few local brews for your stay; you’ll find what you need here. #visitknoxohio #unexploredandunexpected #ohiofindithere #shoplocal #gambierohio #knoxcountyohio #kenyoncollege #villagemarket #fallinohio #exploreohio #ohioexplored #ohiogrocers #ohiofarms @ohiocraftbeer @ohiomagazine @ohio.findithere @only.in.ohio @ohioexplored

“It seems like fall color has come quickly this past week and the majority of the state now seeing near peak conditions,” said ODNR Fall Color Forester David Parrott. When you’re traveling to or through Knox, find yourself immersed in color and natural beauty. Here is your inspiration traveling from the North, southbound toward Mount Vernon, on scenic State Route 3. Boasting some of the most picturesque views the state has to offer, you’ll pass through the Mohican State Park region and follow the winding hills along the countryside. With plenty of farm stands and local gems along the way, you’re bound to make a stop or two. 🍂🍁🍂#visitknoxohio #ohiofindithere #mohicanstatepark #ohiostateparks #ohioparks @ohiomagazine @ohio.findithere @mohicanstatepark @ohiodnr @your_wild_ohio

Mother Nature is really showing off along the Kokosing River 😍🍁🧡 #visitknoxohio #fallinohio #kokosinggaptrail #kokosingriver #ohiodnr #ohioforestry #hikeohio #bikeohio #ohiotoerietrail #knoxcountyohio

The crisp fall air is here, There’s no better way to celebrate than with a visit to @millersfarmmarket for all you seasonal needs (and more)! Locally grown fresh fruit, veggies,pumpkins, gourds, fresh apple cider…and did we mention homemade pumpkin cookies!? 🎃🥧🍎 Family owned and operated, this place is a must stop!

Apple Valley is known for its beautiful lake, outstanding golf course (@applevalleygolfcourse )and now, it is happy to welcome back the iconic “Pub.” The brothers behind Mazza’s Restaurant (a Knox County staple since 1939) are excited to welcome the community back to The Pub after months of renovations. “We’re East Knox guys at heart, we’re Apple Valley Guys at heart…and this is a place (next to Mazza’s) that really means a lot to us,” said Mike Mazza. Old friends and new guests can expect an exciting atmosphere, a menu full of familiar favorites and just about something for everyone to try. Enjoy a local band on the refreshed patio or catch a Buckeyes game on the weekends, this is a place to feel at home and have some fun! @mazzas1939 @thepubav @applevalleylakeohio @applevalleyohio @ohio.findithere @ohiomagazine @ohiofoodie614 @knoxfoodiesohio #mazzasrestaurant #thepubav #applevalleylakeohio #applevalleyohio #ohiofindithere #ohiofoodies #knoxcountyohio #visitknoxohio #howardohio #knoxfoodie #knoxfoodiesohio

This year’s Knox County Visitor Guide cover star, The Brown Family Environmental Center! Showing off in the evening sun, these 500-acres of green space boast beautiful gardens, 9 miles of trails and is situated right along the Kokosing Gap Trail. Offering year-long public programming like star gazing, full moon hikes and prairie tours, this is the unexpected peace your longing to find. #visitknoxohio #bfec #kenyoncollege #ohiofindithere #knoxcountyohio #gambierohio #kokosinggaptrail #kokosingriver @thebfec @kokosing_gap_trail @ohio.findithere @ohiomagazine @ohiotoerietrail @railstotrails @kenyoncollege @kokosingnaturepreserve @ohiodnr

COMING SOON! @summitaxethrowing is Knox County’s first (and only) axe throwing venue! Located on East Gambier Street in Downtown Mount Vernon, their team is ready to introduce you to a whole new way to #experiencemountvernon 🎉 Official ribbon cutting on September 1st, so book your party today…”you don’t have to be an axe-pert!” Also, did we mention they share a hallway with our friends at @happystreetbeer !?!? 🍻🪓@experiencemountvernon @ohio.findithere @ohiomagazine @ohioexplored

It was a wonderful weekend in Downtown Mount Vernon! 🎶🎨 The @mvmafohio team, along with @experiencemountvernon , did an amazing job of bringing arts and community together for one big celebration. From regional acts to local artisans, the streets were full of talent. We hope to see you next year! Video: @mvmafohio Media Team, Video Edit: Lily Buckley #experiencemountvernon #mvmaf #visitknoxohio #mvac #mountvernonohio #knoxcountyohio

Night two of the @mvmafohio Mount Vernon Music and Arts Festival 🎶@artrageousshow PAINTED the town tonight! 🎨With an epic fusion of music and art, they lead the crowd through an interactive experience that was sure to ignite your creativity; all the while movin’ and groovin’ to chart topping hits of every decade! #mvmaf #mvmafohio #experiencemv #experiencemountvernon #visitknoxohio #knoxcountyohio #mvac #ohioartscouncil #ohioarts #ohiofestivals #ohiofindithere @ohio.findithere @ohiomagazine @experiencemountvernon @mountvernonartsconsortium @ohioartscouncil

Our friends @mvmafohio have kicked off the weekend with perfect weather and even better entertainment in Downtown Mount Vernon! Join us as we honor and celebrate a fusion of art and music all weekend long. How will you #experiencemountvernon !? @experiencemountvernon @mountvernonartsconsortium #visitknoxohio #knoxcountyohio #mountvernonohio #mvmaf #mvac @ohioartscouncil #ohiofindithere #ohiofestivals #ohioartist #ohioart

It’s a gloomy day, so we’re dreaming of brighter days, biking around @arielfoundationpark 🚲☀️ #visitknoxohio #mountvernonohio #knoxcountyohio #arielfoundationpark

They say every seat in the house is great, and we could not agree more! Balcony or floor, @thewoodwardohio brings stunning views to all that attend a performance or event. Did you hear they are bringing @themccartneyproject to the stage September 3rd!? Gracing the stage with over three decades of @thebeatles (and others) greatest hits; this is going to be a performance you don’t want to miss! #thewoodwardoperahouse #visitknoxohio #experiencemountvernon #mvac #mountvernonohio #knoxcountyohio #ohioartscouncil @ohiomagazine @ohio.findithere #ohiofindithere @experiencemountvernon

It’s always a good day when you can enjoy dinner and a show! Our team and other gal pals joined us for a special girls night out. Appetizers, drinks and famously delicious entrées from The Alcove Restaurant and Lounge was the perfect way to kick off our night. After dinner, we enjoyed a stroll downtown to shop and take in the sunset at the square. A short walk up from the square we arrived to the Knox Memorial, where the energy was buzzing and the lights were bright on stage. The award-winning musical adaptation of the classic Dickens novel, Oliver! sprung to life with some of the most memorable characters and songs ever to grace the stage. We were blown away by this local talent; not to mention the beauty of this (almost) 100-year old theatre. 

Tonight, Tomorrow and Sunday is your last chance to check out the show; but we promise there will always be more to experience while you’re here! @experiencemountvernon @thealcoverestaurant @ohioartscouncil @ohiotheatretol @mtvarts.theatre @alcovedinnertheatre @mountvernonartsconsortium #visitknoxohio #exploreknoxohio #mtvarts #mountvernonohio #knoxmemorialtheatre #olivertwist #ohioarts #knoxohioarts #ohioartscouncil #ohiofindithere #ohiomagazine #ohioexplored #experiencemountvernon #ohiotheatre #mvac #mountvernonartsconsortium #knoxcountyohio #artsknoxohio

We hosted our friends from Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission in Mount Vernon yesterday for their MORPC Rural Forum Series. We heard from Central Ohio Trail leaders, state representatives, county and city advocates; all discussing the collective visioning, plans and goals when it comes to implementing the “trail town” mentality and culture in Ohio. We were proud to have Knox County’s own @tombilcze ( @ohiotoerietrail ) give a special tour of the Heart of Ohio Trail, Kokosing Gap Trail, City of Mount Vernon and all the amenities you’ll find along the way. Thank you to our partners at @arielfoundationpark for letting us use your amazing facilities for the day and providing a scenic back drop to our biking tour! #visitknoxohio #mountvernonohio #exploreknoxohio #knoxcountyohio #ohiofindithere #ohiomagazine #ohiotrails #railstotrails #greatamericanrailtrail #exploreknoxcountyparkdistrict #ohioexplored #morpc #ohiodnr @ohiodnr @morpc_ @centralohiogreenways @explore_knoxcountyparkdistrict @experiencemountvernon @railstotrails @greatamericanrailtrail @kokosing_gap_trail @whitscustardmtvernonoh @ohio.findithere @ohiomagazine

The Knox County Chamber of Commerce and The Knox County Park District came to together last week to celebrate the official ribbon cutting of the newest addition to the Honey Run Waterfall Park; the J. Eric Biggs Viewing Deck. Park Director, Lori Totman said, “We can finally answer “yes” when asked if the trail is handicap accessible. It is so important to our community to make trails accessible for all to enjoy…and we are so grateful for Eric and Amy for making this possible.” J. Eric Biggs passed in October of 2011. His loving and generous family solicited donations in Eric’s memory for the Park District through the Knox County Foundation, Knox Parks Fund. With these funds and working with Eric’s wife Amy, the idea to build an ADA compliant parking lot and an accessible walkway and deck at the Honey Run Waterfall is finally a reality. @explore_knoxcountyparkdistrict @knox_dd @ohio.findithere @ohiodnr #explorenoxohio #honeyrunwaterfall #knoxcountyohio #exploreknoxcountyparkdistrict #ohiofindithere #ohioparks #ohiodnr #odnr #exploreohio #hikeohio #ohiostateparks

It’s the last weekend to get out there and reserve your tickets for a stroll through the award winning Schnormeier Gardens! Since 1996, The Schnormeier Gardens have become a focal point of tranquility and inspiration in Knox County. "Over the years they have grown to include over fifty acres of manicured lawns, ten lakes, a variety of discrete garden areas and several waterfalls. Other structures on the property include a Japanese teahouse, garden house, Chinese pavilion and arched bridge. An ever growing collection of unique sculptures are also located on the grounds." Designed with a "bold vision and attention to detail", you don't want to miss your chance to stroll through the unexpected. Open every Thursday-Sunday, throughout June, enjoy a tranquil escape during your summer visit to Knox!🌲🌳🌿🍃🌾

Take a behind-the-scenes look at MTVArts Warehouse 14! Volunteers, actors, musicians, choreographers and producers spend countless hours putting together the big (and small) shows we all love. Susan Brown, MTVArts beloved costume designer, gave us a sneak peek at the costumes and details you can expect during the summer musical, Oliver! The award-winning musical adaptation of the classic Dickens novel springs to life with some of the most memorable characters and songs ever to grace the stage.

The @knoxmemorial will turn into the streets of Victorian England as Oliver! hits the stage July 9th-17th. Click the link in our bio to buy your tickets now! #visitknoxohio #exploreknoxohio #mtvarts #mountvernonohio #knoxmemorialtheatre #olivertwist #ohioarts #knoxohioarts #ohioartscouncil #ohiofindithere #ohiomagazine #ohioexplored #experiencemountvernon #ohiotheatre @ohiomagazine @ohio.findithere @ohioartscouncil @alcovedinnertheatre @ohiothespians @ohiotravelbloggers @ohioexplored @experiencemountvernon @capacolumbus @artmakescbus

Summer is here! And we’re dreaming of an old school summer road trip; the windows down, the music blasting and the sun shining. We hope your summer road trip will lead you down a back road, where you get to discover the unexplored and unexpected of Knox! #visitknoxohio #summeroadtrip #ohioroadtrips #knoxcountyohio #exploreknoxohio #ohiofindithere #ohiomagazine #ohiotourism #ohioart ✏️: @livvvtoth