Mount Vernon, North Carolina, is in Rowan County and sits by the South Yadkin River, one of the longest in North Carolina. The river spans 215 miles before joining up with the Uwharrie River to create an entirely new water body: the Pee Dee River. The Yadkin portion has a long history, with its basin originally settled by Siouan-speaking Native American tribes. Eventually, colonial settlers from Scotland, Ireland, Germany, and Britain moved to the area and fought over private land rights there. By the way, that history lives on in the area to this day; the Scotch Irish Fire Department, established in 1953, protects the Woodleaf and Mount Vernon areas.

Today, the state government manages the Yadkin as part of the North Carolina State Trails System because the river includes a 130-miles paddle trail for canoers and kayakers. Swimmers, fishermen, and hikers also recreate there, and there are campsites along the way.

The river isn't Mount Vernon's only attraction. The Historic Mount Vernon Plantation Home was recently recognized as an official landmark in Rowan County. The house has stood since 1822 and is recognized as one of the best-preserved federal plantation seats in Rowan County. It once had a working mill and operated as the post office for the community. Its brickwork, exterior woodwork, and double-pent chimney were characteristic of the era's architecture, earning it a spot on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

Of course, North Carolina is well-known for its barbecue, and it's hard to find some better than you'll experience near Mount Vernon. Frankie's Chicken and Ribs is a good place to start. The restaurant was founded in 1942, and the menu features impressive sizing options like a pound of pork or beef ribs, a whole chicken, and pints of sides like fried okra, baked beans, collard greens, and cabbage. Down-home desserts like sweet potato pie and banana pudding accompany a great meal.

You can get some finger-lickin' food delivered straight to your door from the Soulfully Seasoned Kitchen. Choose a dinner plate with options like chicken quarters or fried pork chop, then couple it with Southern sides like mac & cheese, potato salad, and cole slaw. Try the homemade pound cake or peach cobbler if you're craving something sweet afterward. 

If you aren't in the mood for Southern cooking, you might want to check out Mario's Family Style Diner. This place has baked pasta dishes galore with lasagna, chicken marsala, tortellini, specialty pizzas, and mouth-watering appetizers like fried mozzarella and jalapeno poppers.

If you'd rather cook, you can use locally-grown produce from Wetmore Farms, just down the road. You can find fresh seasonal produce at the market, like tomatoes, apples, peaches, sweet potatoes, and more. Wetmore also sells gorgeous flowers in grand bunches if you need a centerpiece for your home-cooked meal.

As beautiful as Mount Vernon may be, it's not immune to pests. Bugs like termites, bed bugs, mosquitoes, and spiders, are common.

If you are facing a pest problem, you should contract with the local company you know you can trust: At Ease Pest Solutions. Our company is veteran-owned and operated, and we are the top-rated pest control service in North and South Carolina. We'd love the opportunity to help your family or business, so please contact us today for an estimate.