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When adventurers Lewis and Clark made their voyage of discovery up the Missouri River in 1804, they paddled by the limestone bluffs and wooded vistas past a spot that would one day become Parkville, Missouri.
Over the years, Parkville grew from a river outpost to a college town, home to Park University and the renowned Park International Center for Music.
Today, historic downtown Parkville is USA Today’s pick for Most Charming Main Street in Missouri.
And it’s a great destination for a summer getaway, whether it’s a day trip or a weekend.
“Parkville is fun. Beautiful. Even magical, all lit up on a summer evening,” says Alisha Blackwelder, executive director of Historic Downtown Parkville. “It’s like a little mountain town on the river.”
What is there to do here? Plenty.
Dine
Wonderful restaurants might lure you to Parkville. For breakfast, lunch, dinner, and everything in between, Parkville has it covered. Joining the popular Café Des Amis and Stone Canyon Pizza are newcomers Prima Facie Bistro and Market, soon to open on first street. Power Plant Social (home of Banana Pudding Egg Rolls and Cheesecake Burritos), in the original power plant for Park University, and soon you can cheers with friends at Parkville Wine House. At The Baker’s Table, you can enjoy a cinnamon roll or seasonal pie, and on the weekends, they offer light meals. Stop in at POPCULTURE for gourmet popcorn or an ice cream cone.
Shop
Vintage and antique finds, unique fabrics, home goods, toys, clothing, foods—each shop offers something a little different. The Greener Home promises zero-waste shopping and a “refillery” for earth-friendly cleaning and personal care products. At The Farmacy, you can create your own “scentsational” products, from candles and linen sprays to car fresheners and body lotions. White Farmhouse Flowers is a florist and gift shop, with Betty the Flower Truck ready to go. KC Cattle Company sells American Wagyu and Black Angus beef as well as Berkshire pork, from ranch to table. Accessorize with permanent jewelry at FH&L Jewelry Boutique, with over 40 chains to choose from you will find the perfect option. Ditch the air guitar and buy a real one at Bentley Guitar Studios.
Play
At The Craic Irish Pub, you can sing along to the live music and dance a reel or two. Play a round of mini golf. Enjoy a hike through the picturesque nature trails, enjoy spectacular views of the river or just let the kids run around at English Landing Park. Take your dog to Barkville Dog Park at Platte Landing. Find the waterfall at Sullivan Nature Sanctuary.
Take selfies and photos against the murals created by local artists at Photo Op Alley on Main Street just north of the railroad tracks. “It’s a cool place to hang out,” says Blackwelder.
Watch the sunset. “It’s spectacular!” says Blackwelder.
Stay
Spend the night at the charming Main Street Bed and Breakfast, an historic home built in 1875 and known for their three-course breakfasts, or at one of the Main Stay Suites. Who wouldn’t want to rise and shine at the prospect of homemade bread and French press coffee delivered to your room, with the rest of a fine dining breakfast awaiting you downstairs?
All good reasons to put Historic Downtown Parkville on your summer to-go list.