Mount Vernon - Part 2

Mt. Vernon is a town of many signs, it doesn't matter which side of the street you are on.  Yes, you are now at the intersection of Highways 26 and 395 that carries the distinction of having three megaloads make a turn at this particular crossroad.  I wrote a post in January entitled "The Megaload", including photos of this epic corner maneuver.
Link: http://www.turn-uppatch.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-megaload.html

 

This particular intersection is a great showcase to introduce you to several unique  establishments. Mount Vernon is home to a great little restaurant 
called "The Silver Spur".  You not only get good meals but lively camaraderie is dished out as well!  If you remember the popular sit-com of the '80s and early '90s, Cheers, it has that familiar atmosphere of good humor and playful conversation exhibited in Cheers...only in a restaurant and not in a bar.  Dale Finley is owner and operator of this western style diner and she and her staff can serve up a tasty meal from a delicious hamburger to a steak and lobster cuisine delight.  Since word travels about where to go to for a good restaurant meal, The Silver Spur is on the list of motorcycle and bicycle enthusiasts, with tourists and locals alike who stop by and enjoy.

Mount Vernon also features David Hamilton Winery, an establishment specializing in fruit wine.  The winery is located near this same intersection on Oregon Scenic Byway, "Journey Through Time" on Highway 26.  David makes and bottles the wine on site and has a variety of flavors to choose from.  You can purchase fruit wines such as Cranberry, Huckleberry, Gravenstein Apple, Wild Plum, Kiwi, Elderberry, Pomegrante - to name a few.  My favorite is called "Rugosa Rose".   It is made from rose petals and tastes similar to an ice wine liqueur, simply exquisite!  
For a complete list of wines, check out his website at: http://davidhamiltonwinery.com/
The wine that David makes is processed from organic fruits and contain no sulfites.  The fruits are either hand-picked or obtained at organic fruit farms.  David told me that he began being tutored by his grandfather in the fine art of making fruit wine when he was 9 years old. 

Also at the intersection is a quilt shop, motel and post office.  The post office was established in 1877 and has undergone several renovations since that time.  Of course it is another gathering place for visiting... note the bench in front of the building to accommodate such socializing.  Mt. Vernon City Hall is located along Main Street on Highway 26, complete with the black stallion motif on the building.  
Because space is limited in today's post,  I can't feature all that Mount Vernon and surrounding area offers, but for a little town, you have all the amenities and then some.

 

About a mile east of Mount Vernon on Highway 26 is a lovely recreational site, called "Clyde Holliday State Park". Set up for campgrounds, it is excellent for Recreational Vehicles in beautiful tree-shaded scenery with barbeque pits.  What is unique are several tee-pees that can be reserved for a camp out.  The park has designated picnic areas, restrooms and a paved path close to the John Day River where you may take a walk and enjoy country solitude.

I hope you have enjoyed the 'tour' of Mount Vernon in Parts 1 and 2.  There is much more history to explore and more local talent to share but that will be at a future time.  

Join me in two weeks on Monday, June 23 for another adventure at The Turn-Up Patch.  Until then may your days be sweet and your burdens light.  Here is another great Irish Blessing, which I pass on to you....  

"May God in His Wisdom and infinite Love

Look down on you always from Heaven above.

May He send you good fortune, contentment and peace,

And may all your blessings forever increase."