Wine lovers throughout the 209 know Lodi for not only its large grape production, but its variety of tasting rooms and wine varieties as well.

While visitors to downtown Lodi may enjoy good wine while visiting, there’s much more to not only see but enjoy on School Street and many of its side streets.

Beginning with the 40 foot Lodi Mission Arch and its 23-karat, gold leaf covered state bear, the arch is a true attraction to the downtown area. Located on Pine Street and first constructed in 1907, the Mission Arch is one of the few remaining Mission Revival structures in the state.

Not far from the arch and on the north side of West Pine Street fast food and nostalgia enthusiasts can find a plaque commemorating the location of the birthplace of A&W Root Beer.

Just a little over a decade after the arch was built, Roy Allen served the first A&W frosty cold root beer at the Pine Street location. A visit to the current 216 E. Lodi Ave. location is complete with memorabilia taking visitors through the decades of the century old eatery.

For the visitor wanting to shop, the downtown area of Lodi does not disappoint. From fun and fashionable boutiques to vintage thrift shops and antique stores, School Street alone has shopping for just about everyone.

For the shopper with a sweet tooth a visit to Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory could easily leave one with a cavity or two. From caramel apples, to chocolate covered marshmallows, crispy treats, to decadent chocolates and gourmet toffee, the freshly made treats offer something for everyone.

But Lodi is known for its wine production and downtown embraces that just as well.

Before making a stop to the tasting rooms, however, one might decide to stop for a bite to eat. From pubs, to burger joints, Italian dining and more, there’s something for every diet and taste bud alike.

Both Lodi Beer Company and The Dancing Fox are ideal stops to not only grab a bite but tune up the palate with wine or beer as well. The setting of both locations is both welcoming and unique.

With outdoor café type dining available at both locations, it’s a beautiful way to take in the downtown setting and enjoy the spring weather. The Dancing Fox also offers a beautiful courtyard area, complete with fountain for ambience. The courtyard is reminiscent of several Napa Valley tasting rooms.

For the visitor looking for the tasting room experience, Weibel Family Tasting Room, Jeremy Wine Co. and McKenzie Vineyards and Winery are just three of 13 tasting rooms which offer relaxing surroundings for visitors to sip and savor.

With plenty of permanence to keep travelers visiting downtown Lodi year round, the 209 town also offers a number of seasonal events including a downtown Farmer’s Market every Thursday night beginning May 12, 2022 and running through summer, concluding Aug. 25, 2022.

With so much to offer and such variety, one final and helpful offer in the downtown area is the Lodi Visitors Center at 25 N. School St.; the center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Events and additional information can be found at visitlodi.com.