Community: Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon, a delightful town of just under 5,000 people, lies at the start of the Ozark Mountain Parkway, a scenic drive with views of the Ozark Mountain Range that ultimately leads you to beautiful Table Rock Lake. Mount Vernon is the county seat of Lawrence County, and its carthage stone courthouse, built in 1901, lies in the center of Mount Vernon’s square.

The premier event of Mount Vernon is its Apple Butter Makin’ Days, an annual festival that has been going since 1967, and features—you guessed it—apple butter, cooked using century-old methods in huge copper kettles over open fires. You’ll also enjoy food, games, and entertainment for all ages. Just outside of Mount Vernon you’ll find other stops such as Talbot’s Wildlife Reserve, Williams Creek Lake, and the historic Adamson Cabin, a pre-civil war museum.