Craig Smith’s Downtown Talk: Are downtown Napa visitors wearing masks?
When all “this” started, out-of-town visitors didn’t always wear masks. It made for awkward and sometimes tense moments as people were gently reminded that, in Napa, we adhere to the guidelines.
That’s sure changed. If you were downtown over Presidents’ Day weekend, you noticed two things. One is that it was packed. There were people everywhere: on the sidewalks, in the shops and restaurants, or queued up to get into the shops and restaurants.
Happily, second is that they were social distancing, and virtually everybody was wearing a mask. It was almost like a switch was thrown and everybody suddenly got with the program. Refreshing, and welcomed for locals who have been in compliance all along.
Outdoor dining and wine tasting are going well. Many businesses have erected tents, leaving two sides open as COVID law requires, and using heaters to make the experience pleasant. A lot of people are discovering that drinking and dining outdoors are actually good things. Prediction – when this is over, outdoor dining won’t go away. It’s here to stay.
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Early adapter…
Eileen Rinaldi, the owner of Ritual Coffee Roaster in the Oxbow Public Market, had a sense that “this” was going to be a game-changer.
Early on, she had a tall plastic shield built. It sits on top of and completely covers the counter area. The thing is practically bulletproof and means that you can interact with the baristas with complete safety confidence.
She even installed an intercom system so you can talk without having to shout through the plastic. And as always, you get one of the best cups of coffee in town. If you’ve avoided the Oxbow Market for the past year because of how crowded it can get, relax. They limit the number of people who can be indoors at any one time and you’ll have your temperature checked before you enter. Folks who generally don’t like crowds will be pleased.
Events?
People are starting to ask if there will be a Main Street Reunion car show, Blues Brews and BBQ, Christmas parade or anything else this year. The answer is – we don’t know yet. Holding BB&BBQ while social distancing and wearing masks? Ah, no. Besides, lots of things have to come together before we’d even get a green flag to proceed.
The city and county aren’t likely to issue permits for events until it is absolutely, undeniably safe to do so. The board of the Downtown Napa Association will wait as long as they can before cancelling anything. If things look good by June 1, the longest they can wait and still organize the car show and BB&BBQ, they will be a go. Otherwise…
Either way, another prediction: 2022 is going to be a fun year.
See you downtown!
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PHOTOS: CHECK OUT THESE NEW RETAIL STORES NOW OPEN IN DOWNTOWN NAP
C’est La Paire now open in Napa
Deborah Indelicato gives a tour of C’est La Paire at First Street Napa.
Allison in Wine Country
Allison Thompson of Napa has opened a second Allison in Wine Country shop, this one at 1305 First St. in downtown Napa.
Riza Plants
The glorious selection of tropical houseplants at Riza Plants in Napa.
I-ELLE
I-ELLE is located inside the First Street Napa complex across from Napa Valley Jewelers.
The Bennington Napa Valley
Susan Melendez in her new First Street Napa store, The Bennington Napa Valley.
Copperfield’s moves downtown
Copperfield’s Books has relocated from Bel Aire Plaza to First Street Napa or 1300 First St. The new store is located across the street from the Andaz Napa hotel (seen to the left).
Lululemon Opens
Lorraine Shepley, visiting from Boston, shops at the recently opened lululemon store at First Street Napa.
Lusine and Arthur Hartunian of Napastak
Lavender honey from Napastak on First Street in downtown Napa, owned by Lusine and Arthur Hartunian.
Welcome center
Suzi Hubbard with Visit Napa Valley helps a caller at the new Napa Valley Welcome Center. Its now located within the First Street Napa complex.
Milo and Friends
Milo and Friends Pet Boutique opened at First Street Napa on Sat., June 6. The 868 square-foot store is located at Suite 317, across from Compline.
Habituate at First Street Napa
Shackford describes Habituate as a “carefully curated brand of house wares and clothing that style your life.”
Cupcake
Cupcake recently opened with a number of other new stores inside First Street Napa.
Honey Whiskey Boutique
Alexis Macias poses in front of her Napa business, Honey Whiskey Boutique. It’s located inside the First Street Napa complex.
Honey Whiskey Boutique
Alexis Macias (left) and her mother Tara Macias, pose at the opening of Honey Whiskey Boutique. The shop is located inside First Street Napa.
Tay & Grace
Tay & Grace, formerly of Yountville, is now located at First Street Napa. The boutique’s owner is Napa native Kristin Ruffino.
Craig Smith is the executive director of the Downtown Napa Association. Reach him at 257-0322 or craig@donapa.com.
