Knox County Adventure - 8/26/2023
This week our plan for simply having lunch with mom grew into a day long adventure. Mom suggested that we
go to see the River of Glass in Mount Vernon. Each of us began adding destinations to the itinerary. So
finally we had a full blown Know Country adventure.
Mom, Sarah and I drove to Ariel-Foundation Park in Mount Vernon and were joined by Crissy and Emma. This
250 acre park opened in 2015 and is the site where one of the largest plate-glass factories in the world once
stood. Pittsburgh Plate Glass Works No. 11 operated here from 1951 to 1979.
The PPG plant produced continuous sheets of glass, referred to as 'ribbons of glass'. The art here is a
play on that as a River of Glass.
We took a break from the park for drinks and snacks downtown. While there we stopped at South Main Plaza,
better known as Dog Fountain. The fountain opened in the fall of 2019.
We returned to Ariel-Foundation Park to climb the steps of Rastin Observation Tower. The tower is a
remarkable 280 feet high, with 224 steps to the observation deck at 140 feet. The spiral galvanized steel
staircase built around the smokestack from the old factory has transformed it into a must-see landmark. I
fought my fears and made it all the way to the observation deck with Emma, Sarah and Crissy.
It was just past noon and we headed back to downtown Mount Vernon to find a place to eat. We found North
Main Café just north of Public Square. They were only serving breakfast as they were about to close at
12:30. I had a croissant sandwich with egg and sausage, and a fruit cup, which was an excellent choice.
We drove to the picturesque town of Gambier, just five miles away, home of Kenyon College. The village was
laid out in 1824 and sits atop a hill overlooking the Kokosing River. Kenyon College was also founded in
1824 and has since been named one of the most beautiful college campuses in the world. I had to come see it
for myself. The college's notable alumni include actor Paul Newman, cartoonist and Calvin and Hobbes creator Bill
Watterson, author and YouTuber John Green and three U.S. Supreme Court Justices.
Crissy suggested our next destination, Honey Run Waterfall near Howard. A drive of seven miles and a short
hike of only a few hundred yards and we were at the falls. It was a beautiful sight and Emma enjoyed playing
in the water.
On our way home, Sarah, mom and I stopped just south of Utica in Licking County to visit Velvet Ice Cream. We
walked around the grounds and Ye Olde Mill before getting some ice cream ourselves.
Today really turned out to be a great day of exploring and traveling with the family. The weather was perfect
with mild temperatures and mostly sunny skies.
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