4,444 Iowans call Mt. Vernon home. It’s a small town between Iowa City and Cedar Rapids with all of the charm, culture, great food, and events to make it the coolest place in the Midwest.

This small community of 4,500 supports a world-class college and an amazing downtown district.
J F/Flickr
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King Chapel is on the Cornell College Campus. It's been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1976 and is built of locally quarried limestone. The main tower is 130 feet high and can be seen from miles away on the hilltop campus.
The Lincoln Winebar has a particular dedication to good pizza.
Lincon Winebar/Facebook
This wonderful little winebar with snacks, live music and great beers also has a one-of-a-kind authentic Italian pizza oven. They use locally sourced ingredients when possible to create the most amazing pizza in the Midwest.
There's no shortage of art here in Mt. Vernon.
East End Art/Facebook
East End Art is a contemporary art gallery with a notable selection of local artists. For a bit of extra fun, try a the DIY (Design it Yourself) Art Party.
Antique lovers in the area know that this small town has some of the best shops.
Rich Herrmann/Flickr
Wolfe's Antiques specializes in handpicked antiques including 18th and 19th century furniture, scientific and musical instruments, early tin toys, vintage firearms, medical oddities, Tramp Art, Railroadianna and a lot of amazing things you've probably never seen before.

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The town has 14 annual one-of-a-kind festivals and events.
Lincoln Winebar/Facebook
Chalk the Walk in early May each year is one of the most popular, featuring the work of over 500 artist. Downtown Mt. Vernon streets are the canvas and they'll use more than a half-ton of chalk.
Mount Vernon’s Farmers' Market is Thursday 4pm-6pm.
Mt. Vernon Farmers' Market/Facebook
All products at this downtown farmers' market are raised, produced, or created by the person selling them at this weekly community event.
There are 36 retail and service businesses in this small town.
Rich Herrmann/Flickr
The Silver Spider offers unique toys and gifts with a healthy sense of humor. Stop in. You'll be happy you did.
You'll enjoy coffee shops, clothing stores, and gift shops.
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When you are ready for a break, Fuel is the place to go for the best cup of coffee. Small world roasters' beans scratch-made baked goods await. This eclectic place is decorated with art and goods from around the world.
There are actually eight restaurants in Mt. Vernon.
Palisades Café Website
You definitely want to try the Grilled Hanger Steak with Japanese eggplant ratatouille at the Palisades Café.

Have you been to Mt. Vernon? What was your favorite thing to do in town?

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