Discover the Unexplored and Unexpected

We prefer to celebrate a different kind of green ⛳️While there are plenty of 18-hole courses, we can’t forget about the newly renovated putt putt course at Kokosing Valley Camp and Canoe (Howard, Ohio). Click the link in our bio to learn where you can tee off and hit the links, this spring and summer, in Knox County! 🔗📷: @nicoleonemiller

Have you heard of Amelia Jenks Bloomer? Bloomer is known for her creation of The Lily, a newspaper solely dedicated to women. At first, the newspaper only addressed the temperance movement, however due to demand the bi-weekly paper expanded to cover other news. Bloomer’s most influential work was in dress reform. After noticing the health hazards and restrictive nature of corsets and dresses, Bloomer pushed for women to adopt a new style of dress. The pantaloons, now called Bloomers, not only illustrated a departure from the accepted dress for women, the garments also came to represent activists in the women’s rights movement. The style of dress attracted much ridicule from conservative men and women. In 1854 Amelia and her husband moved to Mount Vernon, where she continued to publish The Lily, the first women’s newspaper in town. Almost 169 years to the date of the sixth publication in Mount Vernon, we are still celebrating great women that advocate, build and strengthen our community everyday. Interested in more local history? Visit the Knox County Historical Society, open Thursday-Saturday, 2PM-4PM located on Harcourt Road, Mount Vernon, OH 43050 #visitknoxohio #womenshistorymonth #knoxcountyhistoricalsociety #experiencemountvernon #mountvernonhistory #knoxcountyohio #thelily #ameliabloomer #ohionewspaper #ohiohistoryconnection #ameliabloomer #ohiohistoryconnection #ohiohistory

It’s #womenshistorymonth and we’ve got some vibrant stories, about vibrant women, to share. Did you know that Marian Anderson, famed opera singer and civil rights pioneer, was the first African-American to perform on the stage at the @knoxmemorial ? In 1939 the Community Music Club (now know as the Knox County Community Concert Association), welcomed Marian to the stage where she performed in front of nearly 1,200 guests. The Mount Vernon News reported the next morning, “Never in the history of performers [on this stage] has there been such a turn out as that which filled every available bit of space in the Memorial Theater last night to hear Marian Anderson.” Marian’s performance opened the door for more black artists (and women)to visit, perform and share their stories on larger stages. Stay tuned all month while we tell more stories about the women who influenced our culture, broke barriers and inspired innovation throughout Knox County. #visitknoxohio #ohiohistoryconnection #knoxmemorial #knoxcountyohio #knoxcountyhistoricalsociety #experiencemountvernon #mountvernonohio #ohiohistory #ohioartscouncil @ohiomagazine @ohio.findithere @experiencemountvernon @mountvernonartsconsortium

Did you know that, in 1925, ten passenger trains passed under the Stone Arch in Howard, Ohio everyday? Ten Pennsylvania Railroad passenger trains, five southbound and five northbound, passed under this arch every day, but only two stopped at Howard daily. The Stone Arch was built in 1874, as a bridge for U.S. Route 36 over the old Cleveland, Mt. Vernon, and Delaware Railroad bed, the now Kokosing Gap Trail. The Kokosing Gap Trail, Heart of Ohio Trail and Mohican Valley Trail (In Knox County) are all part of the larger 326-mile Ohio to Erie Trail system; which is also part of the Great American Rail-Trail network! The Great American Rail-Trail network is the nations first cross-country multi-use trail, spanning over 3,700 miles from Washington State to Washington D.C. Just like the railroads that paved the way for connectedness all those years ago, we are part of something much larger that connects people all across the country. The next time your in Knox, we invite you to be a part of that connectedness, and join us on the trails! #visitknoxohio #knoxcountyohio #kokosinggaptrail #heartofohiotrail #mohicanvalleytrail #ohiotoerietrail #otet #kgt #hoot #railstotrails #railstotrailsconservancy #bikeohio #bikeknoxohio #ohiotoerie #ohioexplored #ohiobiketrails #railroad #ohiorailroad #ohiohistory #ohiohistoryconnection #ohiofindithere @ohio.findithere @kokosing_gap_trail @railstotrails @ohioexplored @ohiotoerietrail

Have you ever explored something that gave you a whole new view point? The Schnormeier Gallery @schnormeiergallery in Downtown Mount Vernon, located at 221 S. Main St., Mount Vernon, on the first floor of MVNU’s Buchwald Center; gives artists, guests and the community a chance to explore creativity in new ways. The most recent installation comes from nationally-celebrated artist, Mille Guldbeck. “The artworks in this exhibition are concerned with exploring the idea of Linguistic Relativity — the inability to perceive something because the word for it does not exist.” Guldbeck is an award winning artist that currently teaches fine arts @officialbgsu Available to the public until February 24th, we invite you to investigate your curiosity by examining Guldbecks process and unique view point. What will the gallery bring next? Stay tuned to our events calendar to find out when the art installations change in both the Schnormeier Gallery @mvnu1968 and the Gund Gallery @kenyoncollege @gundgallery #visitknoxohio #mountvernonohio #schnormeiergallery #gundgallery #mvnu #mountvernonnazareneuniversity #kenyoncollege #gambierohio #ohioartscouncil #ohioexplored #exploreknoxohio #artscommission #experiencemountvernon #ohiofindithere #ohioartist #ohioart

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