Wine

Make It a Special Occasion: Out on the Town in Lodi

By Whitney Butler

Whatever the occasion, there’s always a good reason to celebrate in Lodi. From contemporary craft cocktails to Zinfandel vines that date back to the 1880s, there’s more than one way to raise a glass and salute a special occasion here.

Located in the San Joaquin Valley 90 miles east of San Francisco, Lodi is a charismatic city well known for its award-winning wineries, inspired food scene and dedication to the arts. 

With exclusive daily offerings like kayaking along the Mokelumne river, or an organic honeybee massage, you can have your cake and eat it too, without breaking the bank.

Here are a few tips to help plan your next special event in Lodi, or mix and match your own itinerary for a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t find anywhere else.

Celebrations for Him

For the special fella in your life, Lodi has bars and restaurants featuring some of California’s best craft beers, seasonal menu items and other unique activities he’ll enjoy close to Lodi’s beautiful downtown.

Try Stogies Cigar Lounge on Pine Street—a great place to kick back and watch the game while enjoying a cigar from the walk-in humidor. Great for small groups or just a few buddies, he’ll love the novelty of a good smoke inside paired with select craft beers or local wines.

Brix and Hops is another spot downtown that’s all about good craft beer and wine. Plus, he can bring his favorite food to this popular tasting room, like the specialty foods he’ll find exploring downtown at Cheese Central or Fiori’s Butcher Shoppe.

Turn the day into a beer crawl; the Lodi Beer Company is a great place to start or end the crawling. Beautifully decorated in rich wood, stone and brass finishes, this local microbrewery features a rotating selection of house made beer. If he’s a meat-and-potatoes kind of guy, this is a great place to fuel up. Enjoy brewery favorites like jambalaya, marinated pork chops and, of course, steak and spuds.

Finally, if food isn’t the only way to your man’s heart, there’s plenty of action to enjoy nearby, including several Lodi golf courses.

Celebrations for Her

For a lady who deserves a bit of rest and retail, Lodi has the ideal blend of therapy for her celebration.

Start at Wine and Roses Spa, where she’ll fall head over heels for an organic spa package, or a romantic couple’s treatment like the Couples Interlude, starring a candlelit seawater soak for two, followed by a 90-minute couple’s massage. 

Cellar Door is a fabulous tasting room in Downtown Lodi, and the perfect place to enjoy an afternoon on the patio with friends. Here she’ll enjoy wines from two popular Lodi wineries: Michael David and Van Ruiten Winery.

Her afternoon downtown will be a hit strolling along the shady sidewalks and enjoying Lodi’s one-of-a-kind boutiques. She’ll love exploring the many antique shops here, as well as unique women’s clothing stores, art galleries and specialty food shops.

Once she’s dropped from a day of shopping, warm her spirits with casual evening entertainment at Lodi’s state-of-the-art performing arts theatre Hutchins Street Square. Lodi’s cultural crown jewel features international talent, and is home to many of Lodi’s annual special events.

Weddings and Anniversaries in Lodi

Lodi is a great place to celebrate an anniversary or host a wedding: It’s surrounded by sprawling vineyards and charming old buildings, all nestled away from bustling city life.

For couples looking for unique ways to celebrate, why not celebrate in style with a winery tour a la Vintage Limousine Service? Enjoy a curated selection of wineries while sitting back in your private vintage limousine. Aside from the novelty, you’ll love exploring the country roads leading up to some of Lodi’s most celebrated wineries. 

Lodi is also a popular destination for vineyard-themed weddings. Forget Napa or Sonoma; Lodi has everything you could possibly need to host your dream wedding. Choose from dozens of Lodi wedding venues, many of which offer inclusive packages. Plus, many of these venues host other special occasions, including birthdays, family reunions and anniversaries.

The best part about enjoying a special event in Lodi is that the celebration is only the beginning of your adventure.

Plan your Lodi getaway at VisitLodi.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for news and information on upcoming events.