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The Big Pasture Lodge - An Elegant Escape in the Woods of East Texas

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Exterior
Exterior
The Big Pasture Lodge in beautiful East Texas!
Dining
Dramatic views through the home welcome nature inside.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms4 bathroomsSleeps 10425 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Fireplace
  • Washer
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

Map
Mt Vernon, TX
  • Lake Bob Sandlin State Park
  • Lake Cypress Springs
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Lake Bob Sandlin
    ‪17 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Heirloom Bedroom

2 Double Beds and 1 Crib

Hunter's Bedroom

1 Double Bed

Master bedroom

1 King Bed

Upstairs King Bedroom

1 King Bed

4 bathrooms

Heirloom Bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Hunter's Bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Master Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only · Jetted bathtub

Upstairs King Bedroom/Bath

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

The Big Pasture Lodge - An Elegant Escape in the Woods of East Texas

The Big Pasture Lodge is nestled on 500 acres of dramatic, landscape in Mt. Vernon, TX. Reading your favorite book on the back deck with sweeping views, fishing, or hiking in the woods, The Big Pasture will be your perfect city escape!
Located only an hour and a half from Rockwall on Interstate 30, The Big Pasture Lodge is only minutes away from Lake Cypress Springs to the south and Mt. Vernon's historic town square (a Texas Treasure city) to the north. But the lodge itself will probably be your main attraction ~~~ featuring a great room with a cathedral ceiling spiraling 22 feet high and anchored by a gorgeous rock fireplace. The view off the back deck beckons relaxation and restoration, as nature shows off each in every season. Each bedroom is beautifully appointed, according to the theme with quality furniture and antiques.
This beautiful property is a natural habitat for deer, hawks, eagles, bobcats, cows, and coyotes. There's a mosaic of natural woodlands, beautifully cleared pastures, lakes, and lots of room for exploration and hikes. Two deep creeks run through the property which usually only have a few inches of water although we have seen it rise 15 feet to overflowing after massive rains. Kids love exploring in the seclusion of nature! All kinds of birds abound, and in the distance, the cows at night sound more like Jurassic Park than the gently mooing cows in children's books!
The Big Pasture is tucked away in nature but very secure. The gated entrance insures your privacy. It is simply a beautiful, natural refuge! If you're from the city, you've probably forgotten what a starry night looks like. You'll rediscover the wonder at The Big Pasture!
The inspiration for The Big Pasture Lodge was Big Cedar Lodge in Branson, MO. ~~~ a premier wilderness resort offering sophisticated elegance in a natural setting. There's an old saying, "nothing welcomes like wood." And there's plenty of gorgeous wood at The Big Pasture, carefully crafted from a family-owned lumber mill in east Texas. The vaulted ceiling is awe-inspiring in it's cathedral effect! In fact, that's probably why several churches and Christian organizations have held planning retreats and leadership weekends here. For sure, you'll be glued to the fireplace in the winter-time and transfixed to the view on the back deck each and every season. Enjoy the fireplace on the back deck, too!
Mt. Vernon, a Texas Main Street City and Texas Treasure designation, has fun shops and GREAT restaurants. The Chop House features fantastic steaks in an historic building on the square. The Bistro at M. L. Edwards, also on the square, is exquisitely perfect for lunch coupled with a little shopping, and Steve-O's Pizza packs the square almost every night of the week. You've got hours of things to do in the heart of this precious, Norman Rockwell, east Texas town.
In need of some serious R and R? The Copper Leaf Spa in Winnsboro is just 15 minutes down the road, south of Mt. Vernon for another jewel in an east Texas small town. Guys, you don't want to miss the fantastic golf course at the Sulphur Springs Country Club, which you passed on your way down from Dallas!
Now, the crown jewel of all east Texas (drum roll, please)... LAKE CYPRESS SPRINGS, located just 5 miles south of The Big Pasture Lodge. . Lake Cypress Springs has been designated "The Most Beautiful Recreational Lake in Texas" by D Magazine so many times that I've lost count. And it is! Gorgeous homes surround the lake and the development has been so tastefully managed that the lake still looks wooded, natural, and absolutely beyond lovely. Enjoy the outdoor dining at The Marina at Lake Cypress Springs which is super fun for parents and kids. Parker's Pizza and Vaugh's Catfish are also close-by and de-licious! You'll want to move to east Texas by the end of your stay! Book The Big Pasture Lodge, and we'll do everything we can to help you have a great "home-away" in quaint, authentic, nostalgic, yet "with-it", Mt. Vernon, Texas!
Special Events:
Franklin County Labor Day Rodeo
Tour de Cypress Bike Race - Spring
CountryFest on the Square: 2nd Saturday in October
Fall Harvest Dinner: an exquisite evening dining experience on the square
Watermelon Mill's Coffee Shop - a special event everyday!


Property manager

Kitty Ramsay

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 27
Check out before 12:00 PM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
The Big Pasture Lodge is a great place for kids.
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
EVENTS might be negotiable, depending on the gathering. Please talk to owner.
Please talk with owner about pets. Prefer no pets, but might make exceptions.
HUNTING is NOT ALLOWED on the property. Fishing is available, but you would probably want to bring your own gear if you are a serious fisherman!

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Mount Vernon

Located in Mount Vernon, this holiday home is in a rural area. Lake Bob Sandlin State Park and Lake Cypress Springs reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Clara Ida Frances, Inc and Beauweevils. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Mt Vernon, TX

What's nearby

  • Lake Cypress Springs - 7 min drive - 4.5 km
  • Lake Bob Sandlin - 17 min drive - 13.9 km
  • Titus Regional Medical Center - 28 min drive - 41.7 km
  • Mount Pleasant Civic Center - 28 min drive - 41.4 km
  • Cooper Lake State Park - 58 min drive - 74.6 km

Getting around

  • Texarkana, AR (TXK-Texarkana Regional) - 83 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Cotton Belt Barbeque - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Texas Barbeque Corral - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Mt Vernon Cafe - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Subway - ‬10 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The Big Pasture Lodge - An Elegant Escape in the Woods of East Texas pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at The Big Pasture Lodge - An Elegant Escape in the Woods of East Texas?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Big Pasture Lodge - An Elegant Escape in the Woods of East Texas?

Checkout is at 12:00 PM.

Where is The Big Pasture Lodge - An Elegant Escape in the Woods of East Texas located?

Located in a rural location, this family-friendly holiday home is within 9 mi (15 km) of Lake Cypress Springs, Lake Bob Sandlin and Lake Bob Sandlin State Park. Clara Ida Frances, Inc and Beauweevils are also within 16 miles (25 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 55 out of 55 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 55 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 55 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 55 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 55 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Bharath K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

We had great fun

We had great fun on stay . Enjoyed view from home . And nice location to spent on weekend
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Robin R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Memorable revisit

The pictures of this treasure do not capture the beauty of this property. Every time my family have visited, we walk in the door and are still in awe. Whether you choose to fish, enjoy both fireplaces,, visit the darling town in Mount Vernon, or do it all, you will leave with wonderful memories. The host, Kitty, is amazing.and very available for anything you may need. However, you won’t need a thing, as Kitty has thought of everything to make your visit something you will never forget.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Curtis P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place to relax and take it all in.

Had a wonderful relaxing trip. The cool nights, mornings were perfect for enjoying the wood fireplace and enjoying our coffee while looking at the great outdoors! A truly wonderful place. Kitty was a wonderful host!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Annual Friends Trip

We had a great time! The property is beautiful and very quite. We enjoyed walking the trails and listening to the wildlife. We will plan a repeat visit!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Colby D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great getaway!

This was a great place for a group of colleagues and friends to get away and work on our business away from the business. Clean and so easy to work with the owner. Views off the back porch are amazing!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Eliska G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect get away.

Rented for family members for a wedding in Mount Vernon and it was perfect. Just needed more time to stay at house and enjoy the porch. Two beautiful sunrises.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lucy's H., Mount Vernon, Texas

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome 5 star stay!!

This rental is an amazing experience. Everything is gorgeous. The property is a dream. This is a must see and must stay kind of place. You won’t be disappointed. We didn’t want to leave!!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Angie S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

We will be back.

This was a stunning property to at was so well appointed. The view from the back porch was amazing. My nature-loving kids had a blast. My 70+ mother felt very comfortable. We cooked and hiked and fished. It was so lovely.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Renee B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Loved it!

The photos do not do this getaway justice! Fantastic views and a gorgeous home. We enjoyed fishing and hiking in the woods. Plus relaxing on the back deck is what we all needed. Thank you, Kitty for the wonderful hospitality.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Melinda W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Had the Best Weekend

We had a great time at The Big Pasture with friends for the long weekend! The back porch is fantastic! Beautiful views and the kids loved exploring outside. The inside was comfy and had plenty of room for adults to visit and kids have their own space to play. Go visit The Meat Market in town - lots of great options for the grill! We will definitely be back!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Orie C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great getaway

The property was clean and accommodating! The pictures do not do it justice. The property is way more beautiful in person. We enjoyed exploring the property, grilling and the back patio. Owners are easy to work with for whatever your needs are. Plenty of room for 8 people and kids. Check out was the easiest of any properties we have stayed in . Would definitely go back !
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Steve B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Pastoral Retreat at the Big Pasture

We were needing a quiet time to encourage, pray, and seek wisdom from the Lord as church leaders and Big Pasture and the owners were just what God ordered. The setting in the splendor of God’s creation coupled with the amenities of the lodge were a gift. Grateful for a place like Big Pasture
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl I.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Can’t Believe They Rent It

Such a spectacular, well appointed, beautiful home. From the gated entry to the tree lined back porch - perfection! Kitty, the hostess, is delightful and most accommodating. If you get the chance to book this property it will undoubtedly be your favorite!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Mary Beth H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

4th of July Family get-together

Our family enjoyed coming together at the Big Pasture to celebrate the 4th of July. Our only regret is we didn’t stay long enough to enjoy all of the hikes around the property. The house worked wonderfully for small kids crawling and exploring. It was so nice having all the space for our family to gather and then enough bedrooms so everyone to relax too. We will definitely be back!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Randy R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

You will not be disappointed

What a beautiful long weekend with our family. We enjoyed great family time, plenty of successful fishing, hiking and games. The house has everything you need. We will definitely return! Kitty was very responsive to our every need.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2020

10/10 Excellent

Deborah R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Getaway!

So many wonderful things to say about The Big Pasture Cabin. My partner and I came here with all our adult children and one 4 year old in the middle of this fun. Kitty met me and gave me a tour and helpful tips. She had firewood delivered and everything we needed was available. The best hostess! We fished, walked the beautiful property, enjoyed the gorgeous view on the back deck, and cooked together in the large kitchen. The beds were comfortable and plenty of linens. This was a true getaway tucked away and private. Anyone that stays here will not be disappointed! 5 STARS!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Incredible getaway!

We held a small gathering of friends here for my brother's 30th birthday - the house was a dream, beautiful in every way and extremely comfortable. Kitty (the hostess) was an incredible blessing - so kind and easy to work with. We loved the chef's kitchen - everything we could ever need was in the cabinets. We also enjoyed relaxing in the main areas and exploring the property. There was a ton of space to enjoy, incredible fall colors, and beautiful nature. The rooms were comfortable, bathrooms spotless, and everything we needed provided. If you're considering booking, don't hesitate - it's an amazing place!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2020

10/10 Excellent

Christy C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quiet Getaway

The Big Pasture Lodge was a wonderful choice for a quiet, relaxing getaway for our group of friends. We enjoyed a bit of hiking, cooking in the well stocked kitchen, chatting into the night while sprawled on comfy couches, playing games around the table and reading peacefully on the porch while looking across the landscape. I highly recommend this property for groups that want some privacy as well, all the bedrooms are situated well away from each other ensuring early risers and night owls both could putter about happily. While we didn't have any difficulties, the host was very communicative and I felt that if I had needed assistance, help would have been on the way!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Veronica J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Siblings

I rent The Big Pasture Lodge for a gathering of my siblings, who live in MA, KS and PA, to celebrate Thanksgiving. There were nine adults in our group. Kitty the Host was very easy to work with. As we began dinner preparation on Thanksgiving, we discovered that there was no gas. I texted Kitty and she assured me that someone would be there soon. About 35 minutes later we had gas. There was plenty of indoor activities as it rained the three days we were there.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Stephen O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

“A much needed retreat”

Our group returned to Big Pasture for another stay. A much needed retreat to the piney woods, if you will. There were six in our group and there was plenty of room for us all. The place is always clean and inviting. We love visiting here with the wood finishes and details that give you a lodge feel. The back deck is a fantastic space that makes you feel like you’re far away from the big city, which is always the goal for us. We tend to spend most of our time either on the back deck taking in the view or in the kitchen area. The kitchen is equipped with everything you could possibly need, not exaggerating. The 4 bedrooms all have a bathroom, comfortable beds and are nicely decorated. Not to be forgotten, Kitty is a very sweet host and a great communicator. We had another extraordinary weekend here and look forward to returning in the future.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Leah P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful, peaceful home and land

We all loved this home and property! This is our favorite out of at least 25 VRBO's with 5 star ratings that we have stayed in. Our family of 5 grown children and one 12 year old gathered to honor one of our daughters having her 4th son. We had a tea/brunch for her with a few of her friends joining us. It was raining so we had the fireplace going. No one wanted to leave. It was so peaceful and comfortable. There were several amazing serving pieces and decorations available that made it the perfect gathering. We loved how the home was decorated. It honored the presence of God. The property was also breath taking. We did not see one piece of trash on our hikes. We didn't have a chance to hike all of the paths; there's a lot of them. We definitely want to go back and do this. Absolutely a wonderful experience with a great host that we'll always remember.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nora V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Haven in the Woods

Our family really enjoyed our stay at The Big Pasture! We had come into the area with 3 generations and a few friends in oder to visit my son, who lives and works in the area. We really enjoyed the spacious big room and kitchen. Just being in that area feels so special. All of the bedrooms were comfortable and the master has a jacuzzi and nice, big shower. We enjoyed walking on the trails on the property and walking through the pastures to see the cows. We watched the sunise on the back porch and laid on the lawn at night to see the stars. And, we were close enough to Lake Bob Sandlin that the college-age kids with us were able to go swimming and enjoyed jumping off of the floating dock. Mt. Vernon was close enough, 7-8 minutes, that I could run over to Brookshires to get groceries. Thank you, Kitty, for renting to us and being available when we needed to talk!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2020

10/10 Excellent

James J., Dallas, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

City Escape to Piney Woods Oasis

Having visited here before with another group of friends, I was aware of how impressive this place is, you really need to see for yourself! I was also aware of how accommodating the owners are, keep a very clean property and are available to answer any questions you might have. The first thing you notice when you walk in the house is the phenomenal architecture and the amazing kitchen. We cooked a lot! The stunning view from the back porch sits above the tree canopy that seems to stretch endlessly off into the horizon, we spent a lot of time sitting out there. The bedrooms are all very nicely furnished with really comfy beds. The stone shower with windows in the master bedroom make you feel like you’re in the middle of the piney woods, love this touch. You will never see more stars at night than you will from the back lawn at Big Pasture, a very nice city escape to a piney woods oasis.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2020

10/10 Excellent

Karen S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect peaceful getaway!!

Imagine having a dear friend allow you to stay in their family home while they are away -- that's what the Big Pasture Lodge feels like! You can feel the family love that has graced this gorgeous property! Properties in a wooded area can sometimes be rustic - from a cleanliness standpoint -- that was certainly not the case here - it was SPOTLESS! Not a cobweb in site! We truly enjoyed our long walks around the massive property - but also felt confident we weren't going to get lost! The kitchen is fully stocked with every pot/pan and gadget you might need and cooking there was a true joy. While this was a much needed weekend rest for just us 2, we definitely want to come back with others. The bedrooms are all spaced apart to allow privacy for family/friends traveling together. We are extremely grateful to have found this quiet place to experience the simplicity of God's glorious creation and have a time of relaxation and reflection for us. Looking forward to returning someday!!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2020

10/10 Excellent

Danna S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing Lodge in the Woods

We had a wonderful weekend at The Big Pasture! The lodge is beautiful and rustic and everything we wanted. We usually go to Colorado once a year and rent a cabin in the mountains but just didn't have the time for it this year. We wanted something that felt like Colorado but wasn't a day's drive away. The Big Pasture was exactly what we were looking for. Only a 2 hour drive from our house (DFW) but we felt like we were not in Texas. My 2 sisters and their families met us there and brought their polaris and we just had a blast exploring the property. The kids and husbands enjoyed fishing the 2 ponds and caught a couple of 8 pounders. We took the kids swimming at Lake Cypress Springs one afternoon and it was clean and beautiful. The back deck is where we enjoyed our evenings and staying up watching the lightning bugs and talking late into the night. We loved everything about our weekend and Kitty is just the best, both accessible and accommodating. Any question we had she replied promptly. We plan on coming back to The Big Pasture!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2020

About the host

Hosted by Kitty Ramsay

Host profile image
My husband and I built The Big Pasture Lodge in 2009 on family land in beautiful East Texas. Our home is in Mt. Vernon, TX, only 10 minutes away. But when we're out here even we feel like we're on vacation. The Big Pasture is a place where family gathers, parties are hosted, and retreats are planned. It's an incredible and beautiful escape from busy lives.
The picture above was taken with my daughter after she had hosted her college friends for a long weekend. The pillow was a gift from them. I am an involved grandmother and community volunteer. My husband is a local attorney, avid golfer, and even more avid Mt. Vernon Tiger fan. He's our family cheerleader and it's all so much fun. We decided to join VRBO to share the beauty of East Texas with you. Just relax and feel the spirit when you visit!

Why they chose this property

This property has been in my husband's family for 80 - 90 years. Lanny and his brother and sisters grew up fishing the lake and having slumber parties in their mother's cabin. The story is that Lanny's dad bought it around the Great Depression for $10.00 an acre and thought it was highway robbery back then. He was a cattleman and had many locations around the county for his herds. But this location was his largest parcel of land, so he would always say, "I'm going down to the big pasture to check the cows." Well, it simply wouldn't be authentic if we called it by any other name. So, it's now, officially, The Big Pasture Lodge. The land is dramatic, with rolling hills, deep creeks, tall pines, "millions" of oaks, and yes, cows. We were going to just build a little cabin, but our son said, "If you're going to do anything, do it up right!" So, we think we did! It was a family project, working with a carpenter who was awesome, patient, and old-school. Beautiful Lake Cypress Springs is minutes away, and Mt. Vernon looks like a Norman Rockwell postcard. Finally, when you're on hundreds of acres in the middle of East Texas, you almost forget there's another world out there!

What makes this property unique

Lake Cypress Springs is just minutes away, but nature will be just outside your door at The Big Pasture. Fish, hike, or relax on the deck, viewing a sweeping east texas panorama. Historic downtown Mt. Vernon is just the most charming small town you'll ever want to see!

Languages:

English
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