May's balmy weather doesn't just usher in spring planting -- it also marks the start of Pittsburgh's house tour season. First up is the Brighton Heights Chocolate House Tour from 1 to 5 p.m. May 18.

Meant to showcase the diversity of this North Side neighborhood, the self-guided walking tour will feature 10 homes of varying sizes, ages and architectural styles. Most are within a section of the neighborhood known as the Brighton Country Club Plan, a residential development that sprang up in the years just before and after World War I on land that comprised the original Allegheny Country Club.

Each house on the tour will have some sort of chocolate treat for visitors. Donated by local merchants, they'll include two types of drinking chocolate, chocolate-covered espresso beans and samples of Bissingers, the fine French confection.

The tour begins at St. Cyril of Alexandria Church, 3854 Brighton Road, and will cover about six blocks west and north of the church. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 on the day of the tour.

Reservations can be made by calling 412-734-0233, entitling you to pay the reduced rate at the door, and tickets can be purchased online at www. brightonheights.org.