Vernon New YorkATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Vernon, New York.
1. Vernon Downs Casino
GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT CENTER
Vernon Downs Casino is one of the most popular attractions in Vernon, offering visitors a chance to try their luck at various casino games. The venue features slot machines, gaming tables, and live entertainment throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy a complete entertainment experience with dining options and special events held regularly at this prominent Vernon landmark.
2. Utica Rome Speedway
HIGH-OCTANE RACING EXCITEMENT
Utica Rome Speedway delivers heart-pounding racing action for motorsport enthusiasts in the Vernon area. The track hosts various racing events throughout the season featuring modifieds, sprints, and stock cars competing on its dirt oval. Spectators can enjoy the thrilling atmosphere, concessions, and family-friendly entertainment while watching skilled drivers battle for position on race days.
3. The Bull Farm Antiques
VINTAGE TREASURE HUNTING
The Bull Farm Antiques invites collectors and casual browsers to explore its diverse selection of vintage items and collectibles. This charming antique shop offers everything from furniture and home decor to unique memorabilia from bygone eras. Visitors often spend hours discovering hidden treasures and nostalgic pieces that connect them to the rich history of the region.
4. Bartholomew Memorial Park
SERENE COMMUNITY GREENSPACE
Bartholomew Memorial Park provides a peaceful retreat for locals and visitors seeking outdoor recreation in Vernon. The well-maintained grounds offer picnic areas, walking paths, and open spaces perfect for family gatherings and community events. Nature enthusiasts appreciate the park's scenic beauty through changing seasons, making it a year-round destination for relaxation and outdoor activities.
5. Village of Vernon-Vernon Village Hall
HISTORIC CIVIC LANDMARK
The Village of Vernon-Vernon Village Hall stands as a testament to the community's rich heritage and local governance. This historic building features distinctive architecture that reflects the character and history of Vernon. Visitors interested in local history and municipal affairs can appreciate the structure's significance as both a functional government center and a symbol of Vernon's civic pride.
6. Olde Kountry Market
RUSTIC SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
Olde Kountry Market offers shoppers a charming, nostalgic retail experience with its selection of local goods and handcrafted items. The market showcases regional products, homemade foods, and unique gifts that highlight Vernon's local culture and craftsmanship. Visitors enjoy browsing through the quaint displays and interacting with friendly staff who provide insights into the area's traditions and specialties.
7. Vernon Center Green Historic District
PRESERVED COLONIAL HERITAGE
The Vernon Center Green Historic District transports visitors back in time with its well-preserved New England-style green established in 1798. This registered historic site features beautiful maple trees, historic buildings, and a charming Victorian gazebo built in 1902 that serves as its centerpiece. History enthusiasts and architecture buffs appreciate this living monument to Vernon's early American settlement patterns and community design.
8. Vernon Methodist Church
SPIRITUAL ARCHITECTURAL GEM
Vernon Methodist Church stands as a significant religious and architectural landmark in the Vernon community. The historic church building showcases traditional design elements that reflect the spiritual heritage of the region. Visitors admire both the external features and interior craftsmanship that have been maintained throughout generations of faithful service to the community.
9. Vernon Center Presbyterian Church
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS SANCTUARY
Vernon Center Presbyterian Church, now known as This Old Church, represents an important piece of religious history in Vernon. The church is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places for its architectural significance and role in community development. Its enduring presence on the Vernon Center Green continues to serve as a visual anchor for the historic district and a reminder of the area's spiritual foundations.
10. Oneida Indian Burial Ground
SACRED NATIVE AMERICAN SITE
The Oneida Indian Burial Ground honors the indigenous heritage and ancestral presence in the Vernon area. This historic site serves as an important cultural landmark acknowledging the Oneida Nation's deep connections to the region. Visitors show respect while learning about the significant contributions and history of the Oneida people who inhabited these lands long before European settlement.
11. Shopping
RETAIL THERAPY DESTINATIONS
Shopping in Vernon offers visitors diverse retail experiences including the charming Olde Kountry Market and The Bull Farm Antiques. These local establishments provide opportunities to purchase unique items, from handcrafted goods to vintage collectibles not found in typical retail stores. Visitors enjoy the personalized service and distinctive atmosphere that these shopping destinations bring to the Vernon community.
12. Dining
LOCAL CULINARY DELIGHTS
Dining options in Vernon include restaurants at Vernon Downs Casino and local eateries serving regional specialties. Visitors can enjoy everything from casual fare to more upscale dining experiences that highlight local ingredients and culinary traditions. The diverse food scene provides travelers with authentic tastes of central New York while offering comfortable atmospheres to relax after exploring Vernon's attractions.
13. Hiking
SCENIC NATURE TRAILS
Hiking enthusiasts visiting Vernon can enjoy trails around Bartholomew Memorial Park and nearby natural areas that showcase the region's beautiful landscapes. These paths wind through diverse terrain featuring seasonal wildflowers, native trees, and occasional wildlife sightings that enhance the outdoor experience. Hikers of various skill levels appreciate the accessibility of these trails while enjoying fresh air and the natural beauty that surrounds Vernon.
14. Fishing
ANGLER'S PARADISE SPOTS
Fishing opportunities near Vernon attract anglers to local waterways where various fish species can be caught throughout different seasons. The area's streams, ponds, and nearby lakes offer peaceful settings for both casual fishing outings and more serious sport fishing adventures. Visitors appreciate the chance to connect with nature while participating in this traditional outdoor activity that has long been enjoyed by residents of the Vernon region.
15. Camping
OUTDOOR OVERNIGHT ADVENTURES
Camping options in the Vernon area provide outdoor enthusiasts with places to set up tents or park RVs while exploring the natural beauty of central New York. These camping locations offer essential amenities while maintaining a connection to the serene countryside that surrounds Vernon. Overnight visitors enjoy stargazing, campfires, and the peaceful atmosphere that makes camping a popular activity for those seeking to fully immerse themselves in the region's outdoor recreational opportunities.