John and Hope Foley moved in two doors down from us this spring. I met them right after the awful April 29 storm that killed power in our neighborhood for almost a week. They were new to Mt. Lebanon, having lived in the northeast and Florida and several other fun places. As if the storm wasn’t inhospitable enough, they also endured our street’s six-month-long gas company line replacement. Although we’re thrilled to have the new infrastructure, it was quite inconvenient for what seemed like forever.

But they didn’t seem to see it that way. They mentioned how they were drawn to our historic homes with real quality and character, lots of perfect places to volunteer, and the chance to be closer to family. After chatting with Hope in the driveway for an hour one night, I suggested the four of us go out to dinner. They had been to a couple local restaurants but we wanted to give them a true Mt. Lebanon evening – we chose Iovino’s on Beverly Road. It’s the third iteration of the restaurant that I’ve been to, and the first time we’d been to the newest version, but I thought it had the mood that would make for a great night.

We had a wonderful time learning about them, their jobs and their families. We found lots in common and my husband and I used the opportunity to try to give them our best local recommendations, including fun things to do.

Somewhere between my halibut and the second glass of wine, the topic of Andy Warhol came up. We mentioned that he was buried just a few miles away. The Foleys were surprised, and frankly, I felt a little skeptical. So after our chocolate cake and coffee, we drove over to St. John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Cemetery off Connor Road in Bethel Park. It was late — probably too late — and the cemetery was not illuminated. But I was determined to prove we were not making it up.

We found the grave (just a bit inside, past the mausoleum) with the mounted camera nearby that livestreams the gravesite. Exiting the cemetery in the dark was more difficult than getting in, but now the Foleys had a story and some pictures to show their kids.

I definitely recommend you check out our local dining scene, maybe with a new friend or two. Before you head out, learn more about Beverly Road in Abigail Schade Gary’s story. Afterwards, you might want to stop by old Andy’s place. Might I suggest the daytime?