" Wife and I enjoy the brewery over there. Although I don't drink, it is a "local" establishment that our out of town visitors seem to enjoy. "

" Rhodie when we want to dine out we go to Stockton, I seldom go downtown since there is nothing there that appeals to me. Without putting yourself in a hole, just how many restraunts are there downtown. No fair counting fast food joints, as I don`t consider them good food, just something to fill you up. There are many good sitdown restraunts to choose from in Stockton. Stockton`t Joe`s on Sunday is well worth the ride, good food and a happy hour that can`t be beat. Lodi lacks good sit down places to eat. Now with Mervyns closing down, perhaps a big electronics store could take its place. Lodi is limited to the selection of big screen TV`s along with a large selection of computers and other electronics. Then again this little city wants to stay that way, another reason the locals shop out of town. "

" I like the restraunts downtown but the only other reason we go downtown is for the used book store. "

" lodier: concerning the Wine Stroll, were it not for the Stroll would you be in downtown at all? If you find everything affordable you must be in that over $250,000 a year class that Obama is going to drop the hammer on tax wise if he is elected. Did you really go by the movie theater, if so did you have to put up with the teen group that just "hangs out" talking on cell phones and using bad language, and never goes into the theater and wonders by the LPD tells them not to congregate. If you spent more for items in San Francisco or Sacto, well I guess so, good thing that Lodi has people like you that can afford to keep downtown Lodi in business. "

" Concerning Randy H, while it would be his decession as to where he would open his men`s store, it seems strange he choose Lakewood Mall as opposed to the downtown area. If George Zimmer came to town and opened a Men`s Wherehouse on School Street would Randy cry foul? The men`s wherehouse more than likely would have a greater selection at a much lower price. Something similar as to the downtown merchants complaining about having a Super WalMart to compete with. Ever heard of free enterprise? "

" Missed something?? I guess so!!! My friends and I were at the Wine Stroll last night and had a wonderful time browsing all the different shops! We bought several things and plan on going back this weekend!! There is a beautiful clothing store, huge gift and home accessories shop, shoes, French Antiques and gifts, a fun Vintage store, Chocolatier, two great kids stores, cute shops in the old Woolworth building, jewelry stores, and more!
The food, movie theatre and tasting rooms are a plus for Downtown as well.
Im not sure what you are looking for, but I thought the prices were very reasonable. I know I have spent more fore the same items in San Francisco, and Sac.
If you are looking for a strip mall type shopping experience, Downtown is not for you. Luckily, there is Walmart, Kmart and Target ready and waiting to serve you! "

" Jackie, I could not agree more.

Downtown Lodi shopping is more "specialized" than "general" shopping.

Lodi Cooks has everything under the sun for the kitchen, and they know everything. Fashion Safari is an accessory store for trendy women. Pret is upper end women's wear with a dedicated fan base. Several jewelry stores. A couple photo studios, an outdoor adventure shop, ski & snowboarding, and yes, the many many consignment antique shops. You get my drift.

The one thing you NEVER hear about is a Men's Store. Remember The Toggery & Mike Lapenta? The Baffoni Brothers @ Squire's? Granted, Randy H has opened a very nice store in Lakewood Mall but it is very upper end ($$$) with a small target audience. Where do MEN in Lodi buy their clothes? Stockton, Sacramento, SF? Surely not in the 95240. Polo, Tommy B, nice suits, etc etc. "