10 Things to do at the Oxbow Public Market in Napa

10 Things Not to Miss at the Oxbow Public Market

The Oxbow Public Market, located in Napa’s lively Oxbow District, is an incredibly popular and often-visited attraction in Downtown Napa. It’s not just for tourists, either. The market has proven very popular with locals as well. It’s a great place to find new culinary tools, fresh local ingredients, and great wine, craft beer, and spirits. It also has a number of delicious eateries. Their outdoor deck overlooking the Napa River makes for a wonderful stop in the warm afternoon sun, too. It’s open 7 days a week, but avoiding weekend crowds is encouraged whenever possible.

At the Oxbow Public Market, you’ll find some big-name establishments from the Bay area, including Gott’s Roadside, Hog Island Oysters, and Kara’s Cupcakes, along with other artisan purveyors showcasing their products. In total, there are 22 unique and independent merchants that call the Oxbow Public Market home. Here are 10 of our favorite things to do at the market:

1. Head to the Napa Valley Distillery, where you can taste up to six quarter-ounce pours of their craft spirits, or sample from more than 400 different cocktail bitters, syrups, and shrubs.
2. Stop in for Happy Hour. There’s a rotating happy hour throughout the week featuring food and drink specials at a variety of vendors. Look at their event calendar for the latest information.
3. Enjoy some of the best tacos around at C Casa. Their made-to-order white corn tortillas are topped with unique ingredients, like seasoned buffalo, rotisserie lamb, grilled prawns, fresh crab, microgreens, goat cheese, chipotle aioli, and Serrano salsa, just to name a few.
4. Browse the goods at Hudson Greens and Goods. They’ve positioned themselves as a year-round farmers market, but they also offer freshly pressed juices from their juice bar, a toast bar with a number of toppings, and so much more. They also host weekly tastings featuring local farmers.
5. Book lovers won’t want to miss a trip through the Napa Bookmine, a delightful book and gift store. They have an incredible selection of travel, wine, culinary, art & design, and lifestyle books, along with a carefully curated selection of vintage and collectible culinary books.
6. Don’t skip the Annex. It’s a group of three shops next to the main market building. Inside, you’ll find incredible offerings like gourmet charcuterie at The Fatted Calf, baked goods at Model Bakery, and a sample of wines at CRU’s tasting room, which features the highly sought after Vineyard 29 wines and other exclusive tastings.
7. Who doesn’t love great wine and cheese? Visit the Oxbow Cheese and Wine Merchant, where you’ll find an exceptional assortment of wines from artisanal producers in Napa and around the world, along with an expansive selection of the world’s best cheeses. Take a seat at their wine bar and enjoy a pairing, or pick up your needed supplies for your picnic elsewhere in the valley.
8. The Olive Press has the distinction of being the very first olive mill in Sonoma and is now known as the most highly awarded olive oil producer in the nation. It’s definitely a stop worth making.
9. Marvel at the colors and smells as you browse the worldly spices at Whole Spice. They offer over 300 different spices, and do custom grinds and blends, ensuring you end up with the best possible product.
10. Treat yourself to a box of chocolates from Anette’s Chocolates, a delicious end to any day in downtown Napa.

When you’re done at the Oxbow Public Market, don’t miss your chance to stop in at the Culinary Insititute of America at Copia. It is next door to the Oxbow Public Market and offers a range of culinary classes and foodie experiences, along with two restaurants, a rare-book library, and an outdoor garden.