Be honest, when you think of small towns, what do you thing of? I think sometimes small towns get stigma put on them. Nothing to do, nothing going on. I’m from a small town here in Pennsylvania. Sure the bigger areas might have more options but that doesn’t mean you can’t find some interesting things in a small town. We sometimes have relatives come to the area and ask what there is to do. One of my fave things to tell people to see is the Johnstown Inclined plane. It’s the steepest vehicular inclined plane in the world and only costs a few dollars for a round trip ride. There are not many vehicular inclined planes in the US so it’s really a unique experience for people visiting my town.
Johnstown was the home of the 1889 flood that killed over 10,000 people. It’s been featured on the history channel and many other educational channels. One time I visited Disney World and started talking to a couple. We told them we were from near Johnstown, PA and they said “oh that’s where that big flood was” So even people in different parts of the country know of it. The Johnstown Flood museum gives some history and insight to visitors and how and why it happened. Only a couple dollars to get in.
Thunder in the Valley is a huge motorcycle rally that happens for a week in June every year drawing more than 100,000 people some years. Bikers from all over the country come in for the bike rally. There is something for everyone including kids’ areas, motorcycle shows, stunt shows, bands, plenty of food and more. You don’t really have to spend a lot of money though. The stunt shows and motorcycle shows are free. The bands are free. It’s a good time
The Cambria County War Memorial has been getting bigger and better acts in. A couple years ago I got to see Alice Cooper and Rob Zombie for a Halloween tour. On March 11, my husband and I are going to see Jay Leno for an anniversary date. I can’t wait. Of course, since we’re a smaller town the tickets don’t cost near as much as going to a more urban area.
What I’ve found is small towns are pretty proud of their beginnings, their friendly atomsphere, their heritage, and what they do have to offer. Don’t discount a small town the next time you drive through. Stop and experience some of the little treasures you’ll find.
This is just a few things of note to see. There’s a lot more. I also put a fun guide together on places that are better seen in your vehicle on a guest post I did. Of course I had to include the Johnstown Inclined Plane.
