Things to Do Nearby

There are many options for a bite to eat within walking distance or a short drive. Our staff likes to pop down to the Ave for a coffee and pastries at Cafe Solstice. You can order a pitcher of beer and play a round or two of darts at the College Inn Pub, a U-District staple for many generations of students and faculty. Portage Bay Cafe, Cultivate, and Chaco Canyon all offer tasty, reasonably priced meals.

If you are looking for a cocktail and nice dinner, head down the hill to check out one of the many restaurants in University Village or the nearby Mamma Melina's or Jak's Grill. Looking towards Wallingford, you will find Westward, the Whale Wins, and Joule within two miles.

Whether it's sunny or cloudy, the Arboretum and UW Botanical Gardens are always beautiful. If it's cherry blossom season, stroll though the UW quad and marvel at blooms. You can also tour the art on campus at your leisure with this campus art walk map.

Feeling like a turn on the water? Rent a canoe from the Waterfront Activities Center and go boating in Union Bay. If it's hot out, bring a swimsuit. Or, take a kayak out from Agua Verde and have a margarita and plate of tacos when you come back. Every Saturday, the University District Farmers' Market merits a wander through the fresh produce and other offerings.

How about a movie? Catch a flick at the Grand Illusion Cinema or if you're ready to head for home, rent a film at Scarecrow Video (they organize their enormous selection of DVDs by director). On the Ave, you can browse the extensive collection of magazines at Bulldog News. Or, head up the street and check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture with the Henry + Burke dollar deal (an additional dollar gets you into the other museum!).