Fog steams off the Monongahela one early morning, obscuring the view of South Side.

The Beehive became American Apparel. Club Laga became an IGA Grocery Store. One by one, off-beat little businesses in Oakland close their doors and a major chain moves in. The most recent case: Kiva Han closed its second location, which will become a Razzy Fresh.

Tables are laden with books and literary journals at the Pittsburgh Small Press Festival. The Festival showcased small journals like 'Weave' and 'Cake Train' plus big-time presses like Autumn House and Creative Nonfiction.

Area actor Bill Holman poses for a headshot. His goal: To star as a Sidney Crosby look-alike in an NHL promo, thanks to Nancy Mosser Casting.

This summer saw a swarm of distinctive-looking beetles. Identified as “brown marmorated stink bugs,” the wave of insects flooded gardens, orchards and private residences. The tiny creatures were accidentally imported from China in 1998, and this year, were a serious nuisance to fruit-growers.

Tables pile high with fresh apples at a farmers market in Oakland, where vendors arrive from all over the region to sell their produce, baked goods and dairy products.

Two undead enthusiasts head to the annual Zombie Walk in Market Square on Oct. 10. The walk was moved from its usual location at the Monroeville Mall, where thousands of zombies in makeup and tattered garments could no longer be contained.

A “Ghost Bike” in Oakland commemorates a cyclist killed by a driver. The Ghost Bike memorial project started in St. Louis, Mo., in 2003. The memorials now stand around the world from California to Ukraine. Pittsburgh was the second city to adopt them in 2004.

Patches of leaves change color in Squirrel Hill. Mid- to late October is considered the peak season for autumnal leaf-peepers in Western Pennsylvania, although this can vary depending on your latitude.

Ranks of bottles are arrayed at the East End Brewery, where guests can taste-test freshly brewed stouts. If you like what you pour, you can walk out with a “growler” jug. The bar is small and there are no chairs, but visitors are wander through the brewery and learn about the brewing process.

Construction along the waterfront in downtown Pittsburgh. The bike trail, sidewalk and stonework have been removed for significant renovations. Bike trails such as the Eliza Furnace and Route 28 trails have received significant work this past month as planners hope to improve connections and circulation.

A father and son from Washington, D.C., admire the empty PNC Park. As the Major Leagues approach its post-season climax, Pirates fans must face a hard fact: 2010 marked the team’s 18th-consecutive losing season.

At Dogtoberfest 2010, an annual celebration of all things canine, visitors are encouraged to guess how many photocopied pug pictures were pasted onto a Volkswagen Bug; in short, “How Many Pugs on a Bug”? Dogtoberfest was presented by CARMAA, Inc., an organization dedicated to pet adoption.

On a sunny Saturday, patrons line up for their chance at paddling. Kayak Pittsburgh offered free rentals for one day only, an event that attracted hundreds of outdoors enthusiasts. Starting at 10 a.m., the line stretched down the riverfront path by 11:15 a.m.

Scores of outdoorspeople camped overnight outside REI Outfitters in the South Side Works. The store’s garage sale has become a hit among gear-heads. Lucky shoppers often walk away with $20 tents and $5 hiking boots.