A 1940s innovation credited to Allegheny County Department of Public Works engineer Joseph White literally put the region on the map with its blend of pragmatism and charm.But the color-coded Allegheny County belt system remains an enigma to most newcomers and even people with roots in the region.Each route – Red, Orange, Yellow, Green and Blue (more about Purple later) – is a tool to take drivers around the county without having to head through Downtown as bus routes do. One takeaway from journeying on the belts is that the ideal way to use them is in short stretches to get from place to place without relying on the many north-south highways that they cross.Word to the wise: Your GPS won’t be of much help when you’re navigating the belt system. You’re going to have to keep an eye on the signs, which pop up frequently. If you don’t see one about each quarter of a mile, you’ve missed a turn. This Google map gives a great overview of all the beltways.Since they weren’t specifically constructed but take advantage of existing roads, the belts also have changed over time as parts have been decommissioned. And despite the name, only the Yellow and Blue belts circumnavigate Downtown. Allegheny County Belt System. Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.What sets the Purple Belt apart? It’s not part of the Allegheny County system and was created in the mid-1990s by the City of Pittsburgh to encourage drivers to explore Downtown and the Cultural District. It’s not included in this roundup, but if you’re Downtown, check it out.If you spend any time traveling the beltways, you will discover that each has its own character (and navigational quirks). For example, the Red Belt rambles through the county’s suburban northern neighborhoods, while the Yellow Belt hits densely populated areas. But all of the belts will bring you past an astonishing number of pizza shops and bowling alleys. (Welcome to Western Pennsylvania.) While there are endless numbers of things to see and do along the beltways, we limited ourselves to five places worth the trip.The county’s colorful belt system may not be as relevant (or understood) as it once was, but if you take the time to explore the belts, you will find many pots of gold along our rainbow.  Charcuterie plate and stuffed hot banana peppers at Magnolia & Pine in Gibsonia. Photos by Jerrelle Boston.Red Belt Location: Seventh Avenue in Tarentum to PA 65 in Leetsdale Length: 33.5 milesThe Red Belt, which is the furthest from Downtown, arches across the northernmost part of Allegheny County. The winding roads are a perfect route for a Sunday drive. It is an amazing trip in the fall when the hillsides burst into color (hopefully lots of red). Aside: If you’re looking for furniture, a decent amount along the Red Belt is free to a good home.Interior at kat’s coffeehouse in Gibsonia. Photo by Brian Hyslop.5 Highlights1. You can’t miss the start of the Red Belt because it’s at the massive Gatto Cycle Shop in Tarentum, which is opportune. After all, the Red Belt is a motorcyclist’s dream.2. Magnolia & Pine in Gibsonia is a great place to stop at about the midpoint of the Red Belt. It has a huge outdoor seating area and a special events space. The contemporary casual environment is almost as inviting as the food. There are crispy and delicious fried zucchini chips, stuffed hot banana peppers and a charcuterie plate.kat’s coffeehouse at 617 Warrendale Road, Gibsonia. Photo by Jerrelle Boston.3. After a meal, a caffeine fix is a good idea, and nearby kat’s coffeehouse has you covered. The atmosphere is welcoming and Instagram-worthy. Happily, the coffee and dessert match the decor and the service is friendly. This would be a good spot to bring your laptop and get some work done. But if you’re in a hurry, there is also a drive-through.4. Pine Community Park is 105 acres that blend greenspace with more amenities than you can believe for a community park: baseball/soccer fields, pavilions and a gazebo, sand volleyball, basketball and bocce courts, batting cages, fishing lake, ice rink, playgrounds and splash pad. There is also the Community Center with a fitness facility. 5. Big Sewickley Creek Brewery is a great place to enjoy an outdoor beer garden with your dog. There also is a taproom when Pittsburgh weather is less welcoming. Lagers are the name of the game.Also check out: Zottola’s Pub & Eatery, Jetter Backyard Theater and Aviva Brick Oven.Jonathan and Rosie Hyslop at Soergel Orchards. Photo by Kathryn Hyslop Photography.Orange Belt Location: Route 51 in Elizabeth Township to Route 88 in Library Length: 92 milesThe Orange Belt is eclectic in that it goes on country roads and the Parkway West, through small towns and commercial stretches. (If you can’t find what you want along University Boulevard and the Parkway West, you haven’t looked closely enough.) Although there is a lot of variety, the 92 miles are too much to do in a day. This is the longest of the belts and travels through almost every part of Allegheny County. Park the car and browse Sewickley and Bridgeville.Aside: The Orange Belt crosses the Youghiogheny River near the entrances to the GAP Trail and Dead Man’s Hollow. Sadly, there aren’t any signs letting you know that.Round Hill Park. Photo courtesy of Allegheny County.5 HighlightsRound Hill Park is a great place to start. While the entrance isn’t directly on the Orange Belt, it’s a minor detour that is worth it to visit the working farm run by Allegheny County. Haunted Hills Hayride in North Versailles is a Halloween attraction that is in its 25th year scaring folks of all ages. Open through Nov. 2. Boyce Park is the second Allegheny County Park on the Orange Belt. In addition to everything you would expect at a county park, standout features include a wave pool and ski slopes. There is always something to do at Soergel Orchards in Wexford, but Fall Fest is a highlight. Still, there is no bad time for fresh produce and pie. Sewickley’s Hope Haven Farm Sanctuary is a rescue facility with shelters, a pond, a walking trail and a fruit orchard. You can plan a tour to see the farm animals up close or attend a special event. While there is a gift shop, there are no public restrooms, so plan ahead. Also check out: Dough Daddy Brewing, Cinderlands, Lucky Signs Spirits. But don’t drink and drive!Emmerling Ice Cream in Cheswick. Photo by Brian Hyslop.Yellow Belt Location: Circles Downtown. Start at Rodi Road and head north. Length: 77.6 milesThe Yellow Belt passes through most of Pittsburgh’s commercial suburbs and thoroughfares, so if you like fast food places and chain restaurants, you’re in luck. This is rarely a leisurely drive, but if utilitarian is what you’re looking for, the Yellow Belt is for you.Aside: Make time to browse through Carnegie, a small-town jewel in Western Pennsylvania.Zone 28 in Harmarville. Photo by Brian Hyslop.5 HighlightsZone 28 in Harmarville is a one-stop entertainment center with bowling, laser tag, an arcade and escape room. It also has food and drink options, including a nice outdoor beer garden. If you’re partial to ice cream shops (who isn’t), Emmerling Ice Cream in Cheswick is worth a stop. The whipped cream is made in-house!  Right outside of North Park is a cluster of outdoor entertainment and dining options: North Park Batting Range, Driving Range, Mini Golf, Tomato Pie Cafe and Chubs Place. The Yellow Belt hits both of the crown jewels of the Allegheny County park system. In North Park don’t miss the Latodami Nature Center. South Park is a home to the Oliver Miller Homestead and the bison at the South Park Game Preserve. RMU Island Sports Center has ice skating, hockey, mini-golf and an indoor driving range. Its Neville Island neighbor is Paradise Island Bowl and Beach. Also check out: Oakmont Bakery, Koala Coffee and Tea House, Montour Trail and Allegheny County Airport. Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve. Photograph by ccbarr on flickr under Creative Commons license.Green Belt Location: Route 148 in McKeesport to Route 65 in Emsworth Length: 38.6 milesThe Green Belt connects with the Yellow Belt at its beginning and the Blue Belt at around the midpoint. Although it passes through some fairly congested roads, it becomes a scenic route in Fox Chapel, Hampton and Indiana Township.Aside: If you like views of the water, you get to drive on long stretches along the Monongahela and Allegheny rivers. Photo courtesy of Kennywood.5 HighlightsMany people think that Kennywood is just a summertime attraction but the amusement park has events well into fall and winter with Phantom Fall Fest and Holiday Lights. In addition to the daily animal exhibits, Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium has a full calendar of special events, including the Jack O’Lantern Extravaganza evenings through Nov. 3. Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, the headquarters of the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania, is unspoiled land in Fox Chapel perfect for hiking and unwinding. It has programs for kids and a store that will let you trick out your yard like a pro. Note: Dogs are not permitted on hiking trails. You already have your favorite pizza shop so we’re not trying to change your mind. But when you’re on the Green Belt in Ross, you’re going to pass the original location of Sir Pizza – and you should stop in. The flat pies have cheese, sauce and toppings to the very edge. Sir Pizza doesn’t use sliced pepperoni; it’s crumbled so that it covers the entire surface. Sunny Jim’s has been a Kilbuck institution since 1934. It has sports on the TVs and a creekside patio where you can bring your dog.Also check out: Emsworth, Pine Creek Golf Center, SpigoloPhoto courtesy of Moonlit Burgers.Blue Belt Location: Circles Downtown. Start at Evergreen Road in Millvale and head north. Length: 38 milesThe Blue Belt cuts through more actual Pittsburgh neighborhoods than any other, even though it is the shortest in the county beltway system. It can seem longer, though, because of the many stop signs and red lights.Aside: It’s worth parking the car in any one of the city-adjacent communities along the Blue Belt, such as Millvale, Crafton, Ingram and Dormont. Mellon Park. Photo by Jennifer Baron.5 HighlightsMr. Smalls is a concert venue, a club, a restaurant – and a good neighbor that takes part in any Millvale celebration. Potomac Avenue in Dormont has a lot of reason to stop: Potomac Station Coffee House, The Dor-Stop, Moonlit Burgers and Potomac Bakery. Page’s is on every list of Pittsburgh’s favorite ice cream shops. Stop at the South Side shop and you’ll know why. If you want a chocolate chip cookie that will change your life, visit Nancy B’s Bakery in West Homestead. Mellon Park doesn’t get the attention of its big sisters (Schenley and Frick) but it should. It’s overflowing with history, including the iconic yellow mansion and the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts. The Walled Garden was part of the original Mellon Estate and is part of the Phipps Garden Center. It also has a playground, spray park, sports fields and a huge tennis bubble so you can play all year long. Also check out: Sandcastle, Highland Park Bike Track, Tree of Life, Ruckus Cafe.The Red Belt (and the beltway road trip) ends at Ohio River Boulevard. Photo by Jerrelle Boston.The post Buckle up and explore Allegheny County’s colorful belt system  appeared first on NEXTpittsburgh.