If you don’t frequent Downtown Napa and it’s been a while since you’ve visited for a stroll or for dinner – run, don’t walk – to see what’s happening. Downtown Napa’s “hang out” desirability is off-the-charts and is now arguably the best spot to head to for fun in Napa Valley.
Crowning the transformation in recent years has been the re-development of First Street Napa. With the goal of adding shopping, dining and a spot to connect as a community, First Street Napa has emerged as the place-to-be to bump into your neighbor shopping, your local leaders sitting in the lobby of Archer Hotel for a business meeting, or a tourist looking for advice on where a local would recommend they dine. All winning components, and this project is still on the rise. Slated to continue openings throughout 2018 and into 2019, once complete, this downtown destination will boast 45 shops and restaurants, a boutique Archer Hotel Napa and new class A office space, plus some great outdoor space to simply sit and relax.
Archer Hotel Napa, which opened its doors to their first overnight guests in November 2017, anchors the First Street Napa project. With 143 guestrooms and 39 balcony-clad suites, Archer Hotel has created an unstoppable energy in the heart of downtown. The hotel has not only caught the attention of visitors, but locals have welcomed this addition with open arms as seen by the bustling Sky & Vine Rooftop Bar and Charlie Palmer Steak restaurant and lobby bar where Chef Palmer can often be seen.
Fashion and specialty retailers, innovative restaurants and wine lounges that are currently open include Compline restaurant, wine bar and merchant. Compline is a gathering spot where you can taste and learn about world-class wines, enjoy a delicious meal – the burger is a fan favorite – and purchase a bottle to take home at a smart price. Compline offers several wine classes led by co-owner Master Sommelier, Matt Stamp which are designed for beginners or seasoned pros. Sit on their patio and enjoy the view of First Street Napa’s new Artist Alley artwork, featuring large scale murals from eight local artists.
Eiko’s Modern Japanese Cuisine, a long-time Napa favorite, offers an imaginative twist on Japanese cuisine including signature sushi rolls, modern Asian cuisine, premium cocktails and world-renowned wines. People-watch passers-by on First Street from their newly remodeled patio.
Serving Napa for over 20 years, Napa Valley Jewelers, known for designer and fine jewelry, now carries art glass and has moved to a beautiful new location within the property next to the recently opened Lush Cosmetics. Lush, renowned for their popular “bath bombs,” offers luxurious and ethical skincare, haircare and bath products, as well as unique gifts filled with fragrant and effective products. Locals will love the customer-focused attention that the friendly Lush team extends, so if you’re seeking an easy-breezy gift for kids or adults, this is the place to stop.
Fabulous fashion finds are waiting for those seeking emerging designer brands at State & First, featuring a thoughtfully curated selection of men’s and women’s fashion, footwear, handbags, accessories, sport and vacation essentials as well as locally sourced homeware. Tommy Bahama will have you feeling vacation vibes the minute you walk through their doors. The island-inspired lifestyle brand that defines relaxed, sophisticated style carries men’s and women’s sportswear, swimwear, accessories, footwear and a home furnishings collection complete with beach chairs and day excursion gear.
Overland Sheepskin Co., on the corner of First and Coombs, has 15 retail stores throughout North America offering the highest quality sheepskin coats, leather jackets, luxurious fur and leather accessories, shoes, bags, slippers, and home decor. They carry more lightweight items and seasonal gear for spring and summer months. Just above Overland, Brown Estate has opened their gorgeously designed “Brown Downtown” tasting lounge, pouring their incredible wines and serving up genuine hospitality seven days a week. Reservations are recommended Monday – Friday and required Saturday and Sunday.
Home and garden store, Mecox, has opened their 8th location right on First Street and has quickly caught the attention of Napa Valley homeowners and designers seeking the quality products that Mecox is renowned for. Do we see a summer refresh on the horizon?
Soon to join the growing lineup of shops at First Street Napa are Kalifornia Jean Bar and Napastäk Napa Valley. Kalifornia Jean Bar, with roots in Truckee, CA, will feature the latest California fashions for men and women, offering the best premium brands for denim, tops, and accessories. Napa Valley favorite, Napastäk, will open its second location with an eclectic selection of locally made gourmet food, wine, coffee, sweets, and gifts, as well as unique delectables from around the world, cheeses, charcuterie, ready-to-go salads and sandwiches, pastries, chocolates, candies, oils, vinegars, and jam. Follow First Street Napa on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for the latest news or go to FirstStreetNapa.com to sign up to receive email news – because we have a lot more to share soon!
With the walkability of downtown, shoppers can easily walk about First Street Napa and pop in all the other great shops in the area on surrounding streets in one afternoon. Make it day by parking in one of downtown’s free all-day parking spaces, do some shopping, schedule a tasting at Brown Estate, and grab lunch at any of First Street Napa’s delicious restaurants. Sounds like a date!