Your Local Guide to Mount Vernon, Ohio
Mount Vernon, Ohio has plenty to offer beyond Junction Moto Show & Food Truck Festival. Whether you're visiting for the day or making it a full weekend getaway, you'll find scenic motorcycle roads, the beautiful Kokosing River, locally owned restaurants, breweries, shops, historic landmarks, and plenty of small-town charm waiting to be explored.
Our Local Guide features official lodging partners, recommended hotels and campgrounds, favorite restaurants and biker-friendly bars, must-see attractions, and downloadable GPX route files showcasing some of the best motorcycle rides and scenic stops throughout Knox County and Central Ohio.
We're continuing to build this guide as the event approaches, so check back for additional lodging options, local businesses, attractions, and curated motorcycle routes to help you make the most of your weekend in Historic Downtown Mount Vernon.
Places to Stay
Whether you're looking to pitch a tent, park the RV, rent a cabin, or enjoy the comfort of a hotel, we've got you covered. We're proud to partner with Rustic Knolls Campground and the Mount Vernon Grand Hotel to provide great lodging options for Junction Moto Show & Food Truck Festival weekend. Be sure to book early, as rooms and campsites fill up quickly.
Rustic Knolls Campground offers something for everyone with tent camping, RV sites, and cozy cabin rentals just a short drive from Junction Moto Show. Enjoy swimming and fishing lakes, an on-site pizza food truck, clean facilities, and plenty of amenities to make it the perfect home base for the weekend.
Rustic Knolls Campground
Located in the heart of historic downtown Mount Vernon, the Mount Vernon Grand Hotel puts you just steps away from Junction Moto Show & Food Truck Festival. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, modern amenities, and easy access to the motorcycle show, food trucks, local shops, restaurants, and nightlife.
Mount Vernon Grand Hotel
Our Favorite Food Spots
No matter what you're craving, we've got you covered. From breakfast before the ride to lunch, dinner, coffee, and a well-earned scoop of ice cream, these are some of our official partners and favorite local spots. Support the businesses that make our community special and experience Mount Vernon like a local while you're in town for Junction Moto Show & Food Truck Festival.
Breakfast
A true Mount Vernon breakfast staple, Southside Diner serves up classic American comfort food in a nostalgic 1950s-style setting. Whether you're fueling up before a day of riding or just craving a hearty hometown breakfast, you'll find friendly service, generous portions, and all the retro diner charm that makes this local favorite worth a stop.
https://southsidedinermtv.com/
620 S Main St
Mt Vernon, OH 43050
Southside Diner
North Main Cafe has quickly become Mount Vernon's go-to spot for great coffee and breakfast. This small-town café puts an elevated spin on your morning favorites, serving handcrafted coffee, fresh breakfast options, and a welcoming atmosphere that's perfect for starting the day. Whether you're grabbing a quick cup before hitting the road or sitting down for breakfast, it's a stop you won't regret.
https://www.facebook.com/northmaincafe/
108 N Main St.
Mount Vernon, OH 43050
North Main Cafe
Take a scenic ride through the rolling Knox County countryside to the historic Village of Gambier, home to Kenyon Inn & Restaurant. Surrounded by beautiful stone buildings, tree-lined streets, and the campus of Kenyon College, it's one of our favorite short rides from downtown Mount Vernon. Their outstanding brunch and lunch menu, paired with a relaxing patio, makes it the perfect place to enjoy a great meal before heading back out to explore some of Ohio's best roads.
100 W Wiggin St.
Gambier, OH 43022
Kenyon Inn & Restaurant
Lunch/Dinner
Road Hog Willys Real
Pit Bar-b-q
If you're serious about barbecue, Road Hog Willy's is a must-visit. Serving authentic, slow-smoked barbecue that's earned a loyal following, it's easily some of the best you'll find in the Midwest. With a biker-friendly atmosphere, generous portions, and incredible smoked meats, it's an easy choice whether you're stopping in for lunch or wrapping up a day of riding with dinner.
https://roadhogwillysbbq.com/
504 Harcourt Rd B1
Mt Vernon, OH 43050
Bickerdyke Table & Tap
Whether you're looking for a great lunch, a nice dinner, or a place to unwind with a drink, Bickerdyke Table & Tap is one of Mount Vernon's top dining destinations. Enjoy a full menu of elevated pub favorites alongside house-brewed beers in the taproom and brewhouse, or choose from a rotating selection of some of Ohio's favorite craft brews. No matter what you're in the mood for, Bickerdyke delivers a great meal and a welcoming atmosphere.
https://www.bickerdyketable.com/
109 S Main St
Mount Vernon, OH 43050
Panchos Tacos
If you're craving authentic Mexican food, Pancho's Tacos is a local favorite that never disappoints. From traditional classics to creative house specialties with their own unique spin, every dish is packed with fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Whether you're stopping in for a quick lunch or sitting down for dinner after a day of riding, it's a great place to enjoy an authentic meal in the heart of Mount Vernon.
110 Mount Vernon Ave Ext.
Mt Vernon, OH 43050
Local Bars
Looking to keep the evening going after dinner? These are some of our favorite biker-friendly bars around the area to grab a cold drink, catch some live music, shoot a game of pool, or just relax with friends. Whether you're winding down after a day of riding or looking for a little nightlife, these local spots are a great place to end the day.
Flappers Bar & Grille
Looking for a laid-back place to grab a drink and unwind? Flappers Bar & Grille is a classic small-town dive bar that's known for its friendly atmosphere, cold drinks, and regular live music. Whether you're ending the day with friends or looking to catch a local band, it's a great spot to kick back and experience Mount Vernon's local nightlife.
https://flappersbarandgrille.com/
15 W High St.
Mt Vernon, OH 43050
Dutch’s Dive Bar
Recently renovated under new ownership, Dutch's Dive Bar is a classic neighborhood bar with plenty of character. Featuring Harley-Davidson-themed décor, pool tables, live music, and a biker-friendly atmosphere, it's the kind of place where you can grab a cold drink, shoot a game of pool, and swap stories after a day of riding.
70 Columbus Rd.
Mt Vernon, OH 43050
Legends Sports Bar & Grill
If you're looking for a true dive bar with plenty to do, Legends Sports Bar & Grill is worth the stop. With multiple pool tables, regular live music, a large covered patio, beach volleyball courts, and plenty of cold drinks, it's a laid-back spot that's popular with both locals and visitors. Whether you're catching a band or just hanging out after a day of riding, Legends offers a classic small-town bar atmosphere.
110 Mount Vernon Ave Ext.
Mt Vernon, OH 43050