Slip away to America’s smallest city, right here in Pennsylvania, for a leisurely day on the river, a stroll through the quaint city, and a delightful meal with the locals. The charming city of Parker, just 62 miles from Pittsburgh, boasts a rich history and promises beautiful scenery and the small city friendliness of yesteryear.
Originally a picturesque village, Parker claimed little more than 1,000 residents when it was originally founded in 1786. Within a century, however, the tiny village would explode as the population grew to 20,000.
Facebook/City of Parker
The population explosion was the result of the oil boom and with the influx of new residents, Parker officially became a city on March 1, 1873.
Flickr/Jon Dawson
Alas, the oil boom didn’t last and eventually residents left the smallest city in America while Parker shrank to its original size.
Facebook/City of Parker
Today, the charming city of Parker, which sits along the Allegheny River, boasts a population of a little over 800 people and provides an idyllic setting for a day trip.
Flickr/Jon Dawson
Spend a leisurely morning or afternoon on the water, boating, canoeing, or kayaking.
Facebook/City of Parker
Or, simply sit back and marvel at the breathtaking beauty of the nature that surrounds this tiny city.
Facebook/City of Parker
Grab a quick bite to eat and strike up a conversation with the locals when you stop at one of the city’s restaurants - Riverstone Lounge & Grill or Bob’s Place Restaurant (pictured below).
Facebook/Bob’s Place
Indulge in a delicious meal, such as the baked ham, chili dogs, stuffed chicken breast, or stuffed pork, and be sure to save room for a piece of homemade pie for dessert.
Facebook/Bob’s Place
Join the Allegheny River Float from Emlenton to Parker - open to former and current military members and their families - on July 22, 2017 between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. The event is hosted by Heroes on the Water of Western PA.
Facebook/Heroes On The Water PA
Watch the sun set behind the Parker Bridge before returning home or checking into the charming Parker House Hotel at the end of the evening.
Facebook/City of Parker
While the smallest city in America should certainly be on any Pennsylvanian’s bucket list, Pennsylvania boasts a plethora of charming small towns that deserve a visit at least once.
Facebook/City of Parker
Flickr/Jon Dawson
Facebook/Bob’s Place
Facebook/Heroes On The Water PA
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