Downtown Napa is commonly a place for people to find a cheap hotel or a bite to eat on their way up valley to St. Helena and Calistoga. Napa has been going through a lot of change in recent days to draw more people to stay rather than pit stop.

There are a ton of great things to do in Downtown Napa, so let's take a look at a few of them.

Chef's Market is a weekly festival that runs all summer on Thursday nights in downtown Napa. The streets around Veterans Memorial Park and along First Street are closed to cars, so there is a huge area for people to gather, eat and drink. There are local food vendors that represent restaurants all around town, you're bound to find the perfect meal for the evening or snack a little bit from all of them. Wine and beer vendors come from all over the valley and offer tastings (some of them are free!). There are also crafts and activities for the kids. Live music is played throughout the evening, so if conversation is dull go check out the jams!!

Parking is very limited, so get there early or cab/bike/bus which is very easy to navigate in downtown Napa.

While Oxbow Public Market isn't technically downtown Napa, it's only a short walk from there. Oxbow offers restaurants and shopping for your inner-foodie. There is a wine bar, cupcakes, farmstand produce, oysters, and many other vendors.

Come on Tuesday nights for Local's Night specials. Don't worry if you're not a local, no one checks!

Pizzeria Azzurro is a Downtown Napa staple that was once located on 2nd Street, but have recently relocated to their new spot on Main Street.  They specialize in thin-crust pizza, pasta and salads that are served on cooked pizza dough.  Many of the regular menu items remain the same all year long, but many menu items change seasonally and the specials change weekly.  Azzurro has a large wine and beer menu, and a knowledgeable staff that can help you decide what's for dinner.

Don't plan on sharing pizza.  One pizza is a large meal for one person, but not enough to share evenly.  Start with a salad, or bruschetta if you plan on sharing.

They are open for lunch and dinner throughout the week, and open at 5 p.m. for dinner service on the weekends.  Avoid the crowds by going for dinner Monday through Thursday, or right at 5 p.m. on the weekends.  They don't take reservations, so plan to wait if you come during peak times.  No delivery, but you can call your order in to pick it up.

The Napa River Walk is a short "trail" that covers a little less than a half mile one-way. It takes you along the Napa River from First Street to the Napa Mill. It's a great shortcut to cross downtown Napa, avoiding traffic and taking in the view.