MOUNT VERNON — Winter is somewhat of an odd season for students in Mount Vernon. During the summer, they are off school and have many daylight hours to use playing outdoor sports, hanging out by the pool or even tending to the lawn for their parents. Couple the shortening of the daytime hours with the rigors of school work, finding recreational opportunities in Mount Vernon is a bit of a challenge.
The Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) in Mount Vernon offers opportunities for local youths who wish to exercise their athletic abilities. The YMCA has basketball and racquetball courts, exercise rooms, a swimming pool and organized activities. Swimming lessons are offered by the YMCA, and generally take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The other days are typically available for open and family swimming in the evening. Oftentimes, family swim takes place from about 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. with open swim operating from 7:30 p.m. to close. To find out more specific information on the pool’s hours, call the YMCA at 392-9622.
Another place local teens like to hang out is the Escape Zone in downtown Mount Vernon. The Escape Zone has concerts, youth groups and other events all the time, so stop in to find out what is going on, and when. When the Escape Zone hosts a concert, they generally attract nearly 150 to 200 teens from local high schools, as well as the city’s two neighboring colleges.
One of those two schools, the Mount Vernon Nazarene University, has a building that was developed just for its students’ pleasure. The Prince Student Union at MVNU contains many pool tables, as well as checkerboards and chess sets. There are many televisions with nearly unlimited seating all around. Students can play basketball, and even browse the web in the PSU.
One nice addition to the facility is the 586. The 586 is a cafe and deli that has a menu to suite the tastes of nearly every college student. With specialty coffees and teas, as well as sandwiches, salads and other meals of all sorts, the 586 makes the PSU a place where students can hang out all day.
Despite its size, Mount Vernon does have a few other attractions for students. In addition to the areas mentioned, there are several restaurants and cafes in the area that provide a hangout for kids. A few coffee shops and restaurants offer wireless internet capabilities allowing those with a laptop the opportunity to pass the time surfing the web with a fresh cup of coffee or a sandwich.
Another place to get wireless internet is the Public Library of Mount Vernon and Knox County. Located on Mulberry Street, the library has not only internet connections available, but also the latest reading material any teen would want. From periodicals to reference materials, the library is certain to either have the book they need have access to it through inter-library loan.
When students don’t care about studying anymore, they generally find themselves at Premiere Theatres on Upper Gilchrist Road. The eight-screened theatre has the latest movies that keep youths of all ages entertained.
There aren’t too many other attractions to keep kids busy in Mount Vernon. Oftentimes, they supplement Mount Vernon’s entertainment with attractions in nearby cities. Polaris, Easton and other larger areas keep students entertained when local activities don’t quite make the cut.