Pittsburgh’s often been called a big city with a small town feel. We, Pittsburghers, have the best of both worlds because we’re also within easy driving distance of a plethora of charming small towns. Here are 14 small towns near Pittsburgh that offer a glimpse into yesteryear. So, next time you’re looking for a unique way to spend the day, head to one of these friendly small towns.

1. Ligonier
Ligonier, PA 15658, USA
Flickr/Jon Dawson
Ligonier may be considered a small town. But, it offers plenty to do. Bring the whole family along for a day of adventure at Idlewild Park and SoakZone. Explore Fort Ligonier. Or, spend a lovely day shopping and dining in the quaint downtown.
2. Farmington
Farmington, PA 15437, USA
Facebook/Historic Summit Inn
Watch a gorgeous sunset from the old-fashioned porch at the Summit Inn after a lovely day of exploring Farmington. The tiny town, with a population of under 800, lays claim to numerous attractions. Visit Fort Necessity Battlefield, Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, or Laurel Caverns.
3. Oakmont
Oakmont, PA, USA
Flickr/Dave
Just 13 miles from downtown Pittsburgh, the quaint town of Oakmont promises the charm and friendliness of small town America. Spend a leisurely day shopping or dining out. Take in a movie at The Oaks Theatre. Or, go golfing at the Oakmont Country Club. Of course, a trip to Oakmont wouldn't be complete without a stop at the wildly popular Oakmont Bakery.
4. Foxburg
Foxburg, PA, USA
Flickr/Jon Dawson
Experience the friendliness and charm of Foxburg, a tiny town sat along the Allegheny River. Home to less than 200 residents, Foxburg offers plenty to do. Explore the town on foot, on bike, or on a boat cruising down the river. The town boasts Foxburg Wine Cellars, Disvani Chocolate, and the riverside Allegheny Grille.
5. Saltsburg
Saltsburg, PA 15681, USA
Flickr/hhm8
Tucked in Indiana County, the tranquil town of Saltsburg lays claim to less than 900 residents. Saltsburg provides plenty to do for outdoor enthusiasts. Visit Loyalhanna Lake and Conemaugh River Lake, where you can fish or paddle boat. Or, hike along the Westmoreland Heritage Trail.
6. Smicksburg
Smicksburg, PA 16256, USA
Facebook/Smicksburg Specialty Shops
Discover tranquility in the tiny town of Smicksburg. Sixty-three miles from downtown Pittsburgh, Smicksburg is home to both old order Amish and modern American families. Surrounded by lush farmland, the town features an assortment of charming shops - the Amish House and Country Cupboards, for example - and restaurants. Or, visit Windgate Vineyards & Winery or Hillside Farm and Stables.
7. Volant
Volant, PA 16156, USA
Flickr/Doug Kerr
Embrace the sheer natural beauty of the tiny town of Volant. About an hour from downtown Pittsburgh, Volant has less than 200 residents. Spend a few hours shopping in the quaint stores, such as The Kitchen Shoppe and Miss Scarlett's Gift Parlor. Then, explore the outdoors. Go fly fishing at or picnicking by the Volant Dam and drive over the Banks Covered Bridge.

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8. Portersville
Portersville, PA, USA
Flickr/Tiffany Harkleroad
Just over 200 people call Portersville, 45 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh, home. Portersville spans less than one square mile. But, that mile packs a lot of punch to it. Stroll through town for an afternoon of shopping and eating. Brown's Country Kitchen, for example, serves homecooked, old-fashioned country meals. Go hungry (the portions are huge. )
9. Parker
Parker, PA 16049, USA
Flickr/Jon Dawson
Okay, well, fair disclosure. Parker isn't really considered a town. With less than 800 than residents, Parker has earned distinction as the smallest city in the United States. Drive 62 miles from downtown Pittsburgh to reach the small city that offers boating, kayaking, and canoeing on the Allegheny River. Then, sit down for a delectable meal at Bob's Place Restaurant or Riverstone Lounge and Grill.
10. Ohiopyle
Ohiopyle, PA, USA
Flickr/Jon Dawson
Say "Ohiopyle" and, arguably, most people immediately think of the massive Ohiopyle State Park. Perhaps the crown jewel of Ohiopyle, the park offers a slew of activities, including hiking, boating, horseback riding, biking, and camping. The tiny town itself boasts less than 70 residents. Before or after your adventure at the popular state park, stop for a delicious meal at Ohiopyle Bakery and Sandwich Shoppe, Paddlers Pizza, or Ohiopyle Cafe.
11. Mount Pleasant
Mount Pleasant, Mt Pleasant, PA 15666, USA
Flickr/Jon Dawson
Less than an hour from downtown Pittsburgh, Mount Pleasant is the largest of our small towns with more than 4,000 residents. Enjoy a leisurely drive to the small town that's brimming with fun things to do. Stop by the Winery at Sandhill, the Mount Pleasant Glass Museum, or Helltown Brewing. Cap off your day with a double feature at the Evergreen Drive-In.
12. Sewickley
Sewickley, PA 15143, USA
Flickr/Peter Stinson
Roll down the windows and enjoy your 13-mile drive from downtown Pittsburgh to Sewickley. With its charming main street, Sewickley provides an idyllic setting for shopping and eating. Or, visit the first Saturday of every month from April through November and shop for fresh produce and other goodies at the farmers market.
13. Aspinwall
Aspinwall, PA 15215, USA
Facebook/Borough of Aspinwall
Just eight miles from downtown Pittsburgh, Aspinwall sits along the Allegheny River. Grab the kids and spend the day at the 11-acre Aspinwall Riverfront Park, which offers a playground, hiking trails, and gardens. Then, spend some time browsing such adorable shops as A Brush of Whimsy and One Brilliant.
14. Mars
Mars, PA 16046, USA
Flickr/Jon Dawson
Say hello to all the Martians (yes, that's what they're called) when you visit the eclectic town of Mars, 25 miles from downtown Pittsburgh. Home to approximately 1,500 Martians, Mars pays homage to the red planet. Pose for pictures in front of the town's UFO. Other spots to check out include the historic Mars Train Station and The 9/11 Peace Pole.

What are your favorite small towns near Pittsburgh? Join the conversation below. Then, click here to read about Meadville, the perfect destination for a day trip.

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Exploring In And Around Pittsburgh

William Suphan | October 07, 2022

What are some abandoned places in Pittsburgh?

Pittsburgh is a pretty old city and has several historic places that are still standing, yet abandoned. There's a wooden house that was built in 1795 called the Neill Log House and it can be found in Schenley Park. It's considered the oldest log house in Pittsburgh. Being a steel town, it's no surprise to find there are abandoned steel furnaces. The Carrie Furnaces can be explored on a tour and they're an intriguing way to learn about industrial history.

What are the most beautiful parks in Pittsburgh?

This old city is an industrial hotspot, yet there are many gorgeous parks where one can get away from the noise of the city. Schenley Park is a local favorite and its 456 acres of lush trees are a serene respite from all the hustle and bustle. It's a great place to take a swim to cool off during the hot summer months. Birders often bring their binoculars to Frick Park where over 100 species of birds frolic in the branches. If you'd like a mellow stroll through exquisite gardens, Highland Park has that and more. Flower gardens surround a fountain and the scene may make you think you're in France.

Where can one see the strange and unusual in Pittsburgh?

A city that's gone through as many changes as Pittsburgh is bound to contain more than a few oddities to explore. The Living Dead Museum has everything you can imagine about zombies, and Dawn of the Dead was filmed in Pittsburgh's own Monroeville Mall. If you'd like to be tripped out by taxidermy, Trundle Manor has some of the weirdest examples around. The strangely stuffed creatures are displayed in whimsical arrangements with other objects like doll heads, bones, hats, pipes, and all sorts of odd accoutrements.

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