There’s something charming, even mysterious, about an alley. Alleys offer the element of surprise—you never know what you’ll stumble upon. If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, then Downtown Benicia’s alleys can offer the plucky walker  or biker the best or the worst of a residential neighborhood. They can be a place of inspiration for those with an artistic eye—secret gardens, vibrant colors, stately or funky backyards, artistic outbuildings or charming old barns. Searching for these gems is just part of the fun.