Just a block west of University Way on the corner of 45th St and Brooklyn Ave NE is the University of Washington Tower. At it's base just outside it's lobby, stand the Museum Without Walls. A new outdoor museum dedicated to the U-District's history. The exhibit currently on display is "Open to Question", a group of doors that catalog the history of activism and civil rights movements within the U-District
A great stop for those interested in social justice and local history. Some of the doors are made of chalk boards and welcome visitors to write something about themselves relating to activism.http://www.udistrictmuseumwithoutwalls.org/
After you've had your fill of history and education, stop by Zanadu comics, the local comic and graphic novel shop. The shop's been a part of the U-District since 1987 and since then has focused on bringing it's readers a full selection of lesser-known alternative comics as well as mainstream books. Zanadu is located on NE 45th St and Brooklyn Ave NE.
http://zanaducomics.com/
Now that you're out of the comic shop, it's okay to get your hands a little slimy and smelly. So why not stop by one of the U-District's longest surviving shops, University Seafood and Poultry. Founded in 1945 the shop has not changed much since then, it still provides fresh seafood and poultry to the U's residents. Located on NE 47th St at and Brooklyn Ave NE.
http://universityseafoodandpoultry.lbu.com/
In the mood for an artsy independent movie and want to see it in an independently run theater? Well then you should stop by The Grand Illusion Cinema. They're Seattle's first independently run movie theater, originally opened in 1968 by Randy Findley, who is now the head of "Fox Searchlight Pictures" Fox's indie film division, that's brought us film's like Sideways, and Juno. They specialized in showing foreign and revival films. The theater was so successful it prompted Findley to open the Seven Gables Cinema and start the Seven Gables Theater chain. The Seven Gables theater chain was eventually consumed by the Landmark Cinema Corporation but The Grand Illusion managed to stay out of the deal. You'll find The Grand Illusion at the corner of University Way NE and NE 50th st.
http://www.grandillusioncinema.org/
After walking up and down the University District's famous Ave, you've got to be hungry. There are so many different choices in terms of food on The Ave, but there's a new hamburger joint that all should try. A Burger Place has only been in the U-District for a few months, but they truly represent the essence of high-quality but affordable food that should be found in a place full of students.
Going into A Burger Place, you don't even have to talk to the staff. All you have to do is fill out a a basic ticket, checking which vegetables, sauces, cheeses, and size burger size you want. Along with three kinds of french fires: straight, curly, steak, or onion rings. They also offer chicken breast sandwiches and Salmon burgers. There prices are extremely affordable and the food itself is top notch. You won't find a better burger in the U-District and possibly in all of Seattle.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com
During this brief sample of what the U-District's Ave area has to offer, you've been educated with activism, entertained by comics, picked up some fish for dinner, seen an old revival film, and have tried a new and exciting restaurant. But you've only experienced the tip of the U-District's iceberg. In order to fully experience everything the neighborhood has to offer you have to be there yourself to see and stop by the things that personally call to you. Hopefully, I've peaked your interest just enough to get you out there!
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