It’s small, with just 5,500 people — but Parkville, Missouri, alongside the Missouri River on the state’s western edge, has a historic downtown whose compact charm is something to remember. Main Street shines with character and hospitality, and it’s an appealing place where townspeople and visitors come together to enjoy this welcoming community.

Parkville’s Main Street Association is an active volunteer group that was first formed after a major flood in 1993 to help rebuild and revitalize the community center. The group follows the guidelines of the National Main Street Center, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, as it focuses on conserving and improving the center’s historic appeal while also promoting business growth and economic vitality.

As a result, Main Street is lined with an appealing selection of shops and boutiques, with an emphasis on art, antiques and eclectic shopping. Among the highlights are Northland Exposure Artists’ Gallery, Old Town Sweets and Antiques, and Parkville Coffee. Wines by Jennifer, housed in an early 1900’s historic house on Main Street, is known for its themed wines rooms, representing major wine regions from around the world, and for its tasting room and lower-level art gallery.

There’s no shortage of community gathering spots in Parkville. In the heart of downtown, Pocket Park is a charming place where a number of townspeople have purchased commemorative bricks. On a much larger scale, the beautiful, 140-acre Platte Landing Park offers trails and boat access to the Missouri River.

Parkville Days, a three-day tradition in August, is a festival where families come together and celebrate Parkville’s past, present and future. The celebration features art and crafts, food, music and games. Other highlights on the year’s calendar are Cruise Nights, “Run by the River,” the annual Microwbrew Fest, Parkville’s July 4th Celebration, the local Farmers’ Market and Christmas on the River.

Really, there’s a whole lot for the residents of this little town to celebrate on their memorable Main Street.

Photo courtesy of Don Smith