" What's the name of that candy store across from where K&B toy store used to be. There have been plenty of nights I wished for a caramel, white chocolate, brown sugar, dipped apple. Oh wait, that might bring the kids downtown and that would scare all the tourists away. Yep, you can't have kids, especially teenagers looking for something to do summer evenings. Especially if they never find it. "

" I'm sorry, but the most kids can probably afford is a single candy. There's absolutely no reason to cater to kids/teens downtown because they can't really buy anything and just make noise and trouble, driving away the socio-economic demographic downtown needs. Yes, we should have things for kids and teens to do in this city, but it doesn't have to be downtown. As for businesses that should stay open later? It really depends on the business. Staying open late every night just isn't smart business, because you have to pay to staff someone. But, perhaps being open late Wednesday through Saturday might be smart? "

" Why would B&B owners want to give out cards to their guests that point out the negatives about our town? (Gee, all the stores are closed at night...there is nothing to do here) Seems they would want to be promoting the positive features, (Lots of great restaurants and wine bars)and not try to drag their guests through a local "dirty laundry" issue. And why would the Downtown Association think such an idea was a "good way to do some free marketing"? Marketing for who and for what? Certainly not for downtown Napa merchants who can not afford to stay open and staff their stores just so a few visitors will have somewhere to browse while they are waiting for their table. Good merchants will be open when it is good for their business. It is a shame the downtown association does not have someone with retail expertise, or at least some common sense, to assist the merchants with meaningful business developement promotions, and not just "sideshow" attractions and activities that detract from the mission. Let the city parks and recreation department handle community entertainment events that benefit only tent vendors. Let the merchants association promote brick and mortar merchants, the ones that are here every day, paying the taxes. "

" Hey, I have an idea... how about just staying open for an extra hour or 2? Not to say that it would make a huge difference but come on... I can not even get off work pick up my son and get downtown fast enough to stop at "ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY" for a nice crisp carmel covered green apple. Not everything in this god for saken town should be geared towards the tourist! UUMMM hello what is the population of Napa now?? Exactly!! Thanks for listening to me rant and rave for a moment. Peace "

" Isn't it sad that I can't think of one store downtown that I'd like to see stay open later? Now get some real stores downtown and I'll be there! "

" ICE "

" If you want some businesses open then why don't you open a business, hire lots of employees, pay for lots of inventory and get an expensive lease...and stay open when no customers are out there! "

" What's the status of the Uptown Theater? It would be nice if it were at least open. "

" First Squeeze!!! "

" Who cares about more stores or boutiques that no one is shopping at, how about a new movie theater, skating rink, and arcade. This would be great for kids, teens and adults. I do most of my shopping online now only because we don’t have any great stores here with great prices even the outlets are still over priced... "

" My teens spend plenty of money downtown they eat at buckhorn's go to Small World, Ben and Jerrys.Mervyns The yogert shop next to Mervyns, the Book store, And there money is my money who care who's spending it...the stores and resturants are still getting there money.Lets see I'm guessing you dont have kids? "

" Taqueria Rosita!! I get cravings for that at 10 at night all the time. "

" I remember when many downtown businesses stayed open until 9:00 on Thursday nights. Looking back, it seemed many "locals" may have planned their after dinner Thursday for a trip downtown. In some way they simply haven't taken that away save for anticipating a tourist trade that simply does not exist in this part of MondaviLand. "

" I would like to see Brewter's stay open later and how about Partrick's Candy? "

" The status of the Uptown is tax write- off. "

" A Tourist told me something I had to laugh at she said" Napa is like Vegas after 3 days here there is nothing to do" She was pertaining going to the wineries,3 days of that and 3 days of gambling do compare don't they,She's right what have we to do in this town? "

" How about a Gap, Banana Republic, Restoration Hardware, an Apple Store, DSW, just to name a few "

" Also would like to see Merrills and Woolworths stay open later... I did a lot of shooping there when I was a teenager on a shoestring budget by gifts and "needs" for my family and friends. Then I would hop the city bus over to Wheelhouse Roller skating rink. OOOHHH Yeah! Good times, good times! "

" Your kids may spend (your) money downtown but it's been my observation that most kids are just hanging around because they have nothing better to do. And while they're hanging around, SOME of them do create an atmosphere that makes others uncomfortable which could be a deterrent to those who might otherwise make downtown an evening destination. Kids don't just need things to do, the ones who are old enough need places to work. That is how my generation (I'm in my mid-forties) and generations before learned to be productive members of the community, how to (and not to) behave in public, and because we earned it, how to respect and value money. Perhaps it's naive, but I'm envisioning local businesses that teens could actually help launch and manage, and that cater to the younger kids - giving them something to do as well as teen role models who have jobs instead of hangouts. I'd be willing to invest in such ventures. Any ideas? "

" It startles me that most of the comments to this question convey a sense of hopelessness, that nothing can be done to improve the vitality of downtown. I don't understand why. A few years ago downtown was much more vibrant than it is now. That was when Accent Interiors and the store at the corner of Main & First was open late on Friday and Saturday night. Cafe Society was open and there were people walking the street in the evening and stopping in the stores. I know, my husband and I were among them and we weren't alone. I think that big changes start small and that it really would only take one or two businesses to take the lead and make a difference. However, customers need to know that the stores are open so there has to be some good marketing. I think that if retailers would capitalize on days and times when diners or opera house visitors were out they can attract some customers. Once locals discover that there are shops open they will take advantage of it. During the holidays, I looked for McCaulou's to be open on Friday so I could do a little Christmas shopping and get a bite to eat on one trip. One season a few years ago we hit several stores on our way to dinner and got several gifts. I loved it! I'd like to see it again. Sadly most of those stores are closed now. I'd be back in a heart beat, they only have to let me know! "

" Brewsters, Merrill's, Woolworth's, Napa Toy Store, The Napa Book Store, Partrick's Candy and so many others that were in town; old town, not what we see today. Though the culinary fragrances permeate the air, who wants to enjoy a nice dinner at an over priced restaurant? To be fair, the rent those restaurants have to pay goes beyond too much. As with PG&E, it is extortion. What Napa once was is gone. The "Opera House"(IXL Toggery) is an atempt to put a facade over what once was. Welcome to MondaviLand. "

" I have lived here for 15 years and Merrill's, Woolworths's etc. haven't been here. Get over it. Obviously they weren't successful, so why should they come back? "

" Fifteen year? Well, Mr. Newbee, since you did not grow up here and didn't see the destruction of our Downtown destroyed by certain large department stores, office supply stores, hardware stores, etc. How could you possibly understand the culture that died along with it? Being a realist, I understand change. Being an old man, I miss the contact with business people who were actual voting citizens in Napa; not to mention neighbors. My question is this. What brought YOU here 15 years ago? "