Hit the Street: Bellevue
The town with a "beautiful view" is full of quaint shops and eateries whose owners are proud to show off their hamlet.
Photos by John Altdorfer
Bellevue’s Lincoln Avenue offers everything from antique shopping to puffy pastries to a hearty meal to a Fair Trade store.
1. Start your day with a sweet from Lincoln Bakery [543 Lincoln Ave., mylincolnbakery.com]. The nearly 70-year-old institution is known for its doughnuts, cinnamon buns and éclairs.
2. Pair your confection with a cup of coffee — try one of the specialty mixes or the flavor of the day — from the charming Muddy Cup Coffee shop [541 Lincoln Ave.] next door.
3. The Shepherd’s Door [563 Lincoln Ave., theshepherdsdoor.org] has been around since the 1970s. In 2007, Bellevue Christian Church took over the store, staffed it with volunteers and turned it into an independent nonprofit store. You’ll find Christian gift items and books as well as Fair Trade goods ranging from coffee to jewelry. The money goes toward the shop’s maintenance as well as community initiatives such as after-school programs, a resource center and food distribution.
4. Get lost in Antiques and Uniques of Bellevue [494 Lincoln Ave., antiquesanduniquesofbellevue.com]. Owner Joyce Kuruce and her employees are happy to give you the scoop on items in their eclectic collection of merchandise from toys to art to Pittsburgh memorabilia.
5. Enjoy a selection from a wide menu at Joe’s Rusty Nail [560 Lincoln Ave., northborosnews.com]. The homestyle restaurant is cozy, with hearty portions and longtime waitresses who treat you like family.
6. Berry Quool [600 Lincoln Ave., berryquool.com] has opened a branch of its self-serve frozen yogurt emporium that offers about 50 toppings. You can top yogurt flavors including raspberry, cheesecake, chocolate and vanilla with mango bubbles, Mike and Ikes or honey granola — all for only 49 cents an ounce.
While You’re There
Reading Material: Around the Bend Books [174 Lincoln Ave.] is a multilevel used-book store that also carries CDs and DVDs. Take your time — there’s a lot to look through, but odds are you’ll find something to catch your eye among the many shelves.
