Downtown Napa has seen a resurgence of retail activity lately, but one street in particular is seeing the vacant windows come alive. Not too long ago, First Street had more vacancies than active stores. In the past few months, however, ten businesses have moved onto the street, eight of which are brand new. So that now begs the question, “Who’s on First?” Williamson and Company, a fine men’s clothing store, is temporarily housed on First Street during the renovations of the Napa Center. Long time business The Beaded Nomad relocated from Napa to Petaluma a few years ago, but recently moved back to First Street at the corner of Coombs. After a new facelift to the north side of First at Main Street, Vermeil Tasting Room opened featuring wines by Super-Bowl-winning coach Dick Vermeil (with Paul Smith). Their neighbor, Lucero Olive Oil, a family-owned company that grows their own olives, opened in time for the holidays. Two other tasting rooms opened, NakedWines.com and Cult Following. A couple of women’s clothing stores are adding to the retail mix: Cindy Coffey’s Napa Bella offers European influence fashions for sizes small to 3X, while Lisa Jones urges customers to “Live the Style,” with contemporary women’s fashions at Napa Valley Casual. Boho Lifestyle offers feel-good, eco-friendly unique products sourced from cottage industry manufacturers. Coming soon: a delicatessen to be named, the Napa Cigar Den and another tasting room called CAPP. Who’s still on First? Playful Garden/Playful Digs and West End Napa offer special accents to the home and garden. Open for 30 years on First Street, the Mustard Seed keeps women about town dressed in the finest fashion, while Myamo caters to younger well-dressed women. Wildcat Vintage Clothing is the place to go for retro-meets-classic vintage for someone who wants “Sass and Class.” Inti has international fashions and décor. If art is your thing, there are four options: Quent Cordair Fine Art, Artists of the Valley, Gordon Huether Gallery and Thomas Kincaid Gallery. For more wine tasting, Ceja Vineyards and John Anthony Tasting Rooms offer excellent choices in Napa Valley’s finest. Anette’s, for handmade exquisite chocolates, is another longtime tenant on First Street, as is Shoes on First. Napa Valley Toy Company rounds out the retail options on First Street between Main and School. Not even mentioned is all the wonderful cuisine to be found on First Street. So see for yourself next time you’re in downtown Napa— take a stroll and see “Who’s on First.” OPEN MAP HERE downtown napa news + map W ohno ’ s First? Lisa Jones of Napa Valley Casual
NVLife_Feb_2014
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