By Jennifer R. Demuth
At the geographic center of Ohio, and less than an hour from Columbus, travelers to the Mohican region of the state will be pleased to discover Knox County. Encompassing the charming small-town communities of Mount Vernon, Brinkhaven, Centerburg, Danville, Fredericktown, Gambier and Martinsburg, the county provides a wealth of opportunities to visitors. Everyone from nature enthusiasts to outdoor athletes, and history buffs to music lovers, will find something to love about Knox County, making it easy to see why the county's motto is "Old times here are not forgotten."
According to Pat Crow, executive director of the Knox County Convention & Visitors Bureau, visitors are drawn to the area's natural beauty and wooded countryside, including the meandering Kokosing River and several recreational hiking/biking trails. Visitors will also appreciate the county's historic appeal, including brick streets, several 1830s-era homes and mansions, and the unrestored Woodward Opera House, America's oldest authentic 19th century theater. Knox County also hosts several community festivals throughout the year and one of the best county fairs in the state. "There's a festival in every community," noted Crow.
And, since 2008 marks Knox County's bicentennial, there will be an extra reason for visitors to join in the festival celebrations this year, as each festival will include a bicentennial event as part of its activities. The festivals, which begin in late summer and continue through late fall, include the Dan Emmett Music & Arts Festival (which pays tribute to Knox County native Emmett, who composed "Turkey in the Straw" and "Dixie"), Danville-Howard Turkey Festival, Fredericktown Tomato Show, Gann Autumn Fest, Covered Bridge Festival, Mohican Bluegrass Festival, Oldtime Farming Festival and the Mount Vernon Christmas Walk and Parade.
But there's so much more than festivals in Knox County. Nature lovers from all over Ohio and neighboring states travel to the area to partake of the scenic, paved hiking/biking trails that connect many of the county's communities, and include strolls near the county's two college campuses-Kenyon College and Mount Vernon Nazarene College. Those who like to canoe and kayak can enjoy a memorable experience while paddling down the Kokosing River, one of Ohio's scenic rivers and part of Ohio's first designated water trail.
Finally, no visit to Knox County is complete without a tour through the Knox County Historical Museum, a treat for history buffs and those who appreciate mechanics. Located at 875 Harcourt Road, along Route 3 and U.S. Route 36 at the edge of Mount Vernon, the museum has a fine collection of Cooper Company farm steam engines, including a 70,000 pound Cooper-Bessemer GMV-4 gas line compressor-engine.
With so much to do, it is easy to see why Knox County is the destination of choice for many travelers. "Please come explore nature, engage the outdoor experience and enjoy the beauty and ambiance of Knox County," invited Crow. For more information, visit www.visitknoxohio.org.
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