People often stop at Prantls Bakery in Shadyside to inquire about the alligator-shaped bread in the window. The bakery sells the traditional-shaped loaves of bread and the shelves are full of delicious pastries, cakes and cookies. The house specialty is the burnt-almond torte. Don't forget to try the old-fashioned whipped cream cakes.

Greb's Bakery specializes in ethnic delicacies from Germany and Eastern Europe. The prices seem to come from the Old World as well. The bakery makes delicious nut horns and the pashka bread, filled with raisins or hard-boiled eggs, is also a favorite.

Allegro Hearth Bakery is known for its 18 types of bread. Patrons also love the scones, macaroons, sandwiches and chocolate tortes. The bakery hopes to expand to include every accessory for bread, such as jams, jelly and salsas. Baking schedules are available so patrons will know when their scone is fresh. Gift baskets are also available at the store.

Store of Knowledge has a variety of toys and books for children and carries WQED merchandise, such as the popular video series by local producer Rick Sebak. Sebak takes his cameras to the streets of Pittsburgh, capturing glimpses of life in the Steel City. He has also produced several national programs for PBS on such popular topics as hot dogs and ice cream. The store has locations in the North Hills at Ross Park Mall and in the suburbs at Monroeville Mall.

The Chocolate Moose is every chocoholic's dream. The shelves are stocked with chocolate candies, chocolate pasta and solid chocolate in unique shapes, like racecars and remote controls. The store also has kosher items, sugar-free jellybeans and low-fat chocolate. The store recently purchased a dipping machine, which allows patrons to request anything, from potato chips and Oreo cookies to apricots, dipped in sweet chocolate. Gift baskets and trays are available and are priced from USD12 to USD150.

Since 1932, the Broff family has operated this fine jewelry store. It specializes in antique and estate jewelry, but also deals in coins, stamps and other, more exotic items-because Broff's is also the last pawnshop in the Pittsburgh area. The company is very discreet with their clients, who include the former Pittsburgh Steelers player who cashed in on his Super Bowl ring. The store also recently sold a 30-carat diamond wristwatch, which was a gift to actress Joan Crawford from her fifth husband.

Lilas offers unique merchandise with an old-fashioned touch. The owners carefully shop for interesting items that can be refurbished or reinvented. Customers will find folding screens made from three old doors hinged together, or a pink chaise that was found at a convent. Antique handkerchiefs and twig furniture can also be found here, as well as handcrafted bed pillows and boudoir bears.

Lady Godiva may sell women's lingerie, but it caters to its male clientele. This is the place for men to find that special romantic or sexy gift for his Significant Other. During Christmas and Valentine's Day, the shop hosts a gentlemen-only fashion show. Men line up around the block to see women model the latest designs. The store also has a small section that sells apparel for men, swimwear and accessories.

Since it opened in 1989, Destiny Studios has celebrated ancient cultures with its selection of fine jewelry. Many of the products feature ancient German runic script. These runes can be found on necklaces, earrings, pendants and key chains. They carry a small selection of books that discuss this divine form of writing. The shop also features many Celtic pieces. The jewelry at Destiny Studios is created by local and national artists.

The Attic Record Store is the place to find Doo-Wop music, the music popular in the 1950s for its harmony and vocals. This is the place to look for recordings by national acts like The Cadillacs and Gene Chandler. The store also stocks recordings by Pittsburgh favorites Jimmy Beaumont and the Skyliners and the Marcels. Recordings are available on old-fashioned vinyl albums or modern CDs. Some are original recordings, while others have been reissued.