• Where: Allegheny Boulevard's stretch of shops, restaurants and an old-style theater.

• How far: Fourteen miles from Downtown Pittsburgh.

• What to do: All eyes were on the Oakmont Country Club last June for the U.S. Open, but the boulevard along the Allegheny River is a perfect spot for easy strolls on spring afternoons. Take in a 2:30 p.m. matinee at the 430-seat, single-screen, refurbished Oaks Theater (310 Allegheny, www.theoakstheater.com), sip coffee and browse through the 18-year-old Mystery Lovers Bookshop (514 Allegheny, www.mysterylovers.com) and catch an early supper at Hoffstot's Cafe Monaco Restaurant & Lounge (533 Allegheny, www.hoffstots.com). And on May 3, the communitywide Oakmont Garden Party will be held along the boulevard from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to celebrate springtime and to welcome summer.

• Fun factor: 8, especially if you love mysteries.

-- Virginia Linn