The Elmwood Shopping District on College Avenue is a charming and clean part of Berkeley with exceptionally little graffiti and homeless not too far from Telegraph and the Claremont Resort. Unlike Telegraph Avenue, College Avenue is basically flat so it is really easier to get around. Shop owners keep their storefronts welcoming with potted plants and open doors.
 
There are all kinds of tasty places to eat no matter if your looking for international cuisine, handmade ice cream, or a cup of coffee and a pastry at an inviting bakery, like the Nabolom Bakery. If looking to catch a movie then see what's playing at the Elmwood Theater. Or even if you want to do some wine tasting there's a shop for that.
Like many other liberal towns, along College Avenue one can get a psychic reading if it's in the stars (below middle photo), support a local book store (below left photo), or peruse the pet store specializing in birds only called "Your Basic Bird".