Going to a movie at the Bijou is always a good idea, and in Mount Vernon and Lisbon, there’s a lot more to do before and after the show. Just ask Kelli Kennon-Lane, owner of the Bijou Movie Theater and a true local who’s always out and about in the community.
When she’s not at the theater, Kelli is supporting other small businesses, grabbing her favorite bites, and finding ways to enjoy everything our towns have to offer. So we asked her to share some of her go-to ideas for turning a movie night into a full day of fun! Here’s what Kelli has to say….
After your movie, consider any of the following activities to keep the fun rolling:
- Walk Uptown for lunch at Bigs BBQ, Chameleons, or Scorz. Or get some chips and guac from Si Senor or broasted chicken from Whitey’s.
- Ride your bikes to the theater, then ride to the Nature Park for a hike around the quarry. While on your bikes, follow the paved trail towards Underhill Skate Park.
- Grab a little treat from White Tree Bakery or Fuel. Find a bench to people watch!
- Enjoy a cool drink from Little Scratch (we recommend an Italian soda), and browse the vinyl and plant selection at Hilltop Plants & Records located right next door.
- Browse the books at Wren & Purl, or head to Cole Library or the Lisbon Public Library to check out some books or a STEAM kit to take home.
- Walk to Memorial Park or the playground at Washington Elementary and spend some time playing on the equipment.
- Drive a few miles south on Highway 1 to Kroul Farms for a treat from the farm store and admire the farm animals.
- Take the kids shopping at Silver Spider, or enjoy any of the fun retail shops Uptown: Baumans, Dreads & Threads, Iron Leaf Press, Scarlett Boutique, Abbe Creek Gallery, Vintage 1891, Hill of Deal, Polly Ann’s, The Local, and more!
- Walk a couple blocks to Cornell College and admire the campus, or bring a frisbee for some disc golf.
- Head over to Palisades Kepler State Park for a hike or a walk along the river. Stop by Bass Farms for ice cream or more outdoor play afterwards.
Kelli makes it pretty easy to turn a trip to the Bijou into a full day of exploring, eating, shopping, and just enjoying time around town.
You don’t have to hit every stop (we do challenge you to!), but it’s a great reminder of how much there is to do right here in Mount Vernon and Lisbon. Big thanks to Kelli for sharing her favorites AND for being such a great supporter of our local businesses.
Check out the Bijou’s movie schedule HERE!
