It’s been a slow, uphill climb, but Novato is finally catching up to well-heeled neighbors like Mill Valley and San Anselmo. Thanks to a $10 million downtown remodel, this once-sleepy bedroom community is fast becoming a town of choice for families who want Noe Valley or Presidio Heights atmosphere, but with wine country views and smaller price tags. The downtown face-lift added welcoming sidewalks and lampposts, and replaced messy olive trees with neat little saplings, all without sacrificing the facades of Novato’s historic buildings. Dive bars have closed up and family-oriented boutiques are moving in, with six opening in the last two months alone. “This is something that’s never happened in Novato,” says restaurateur Henry Hautau, who owns Kitchen at 868 Grant. “It was a wasteland for so long.” Some old-timers are fighting the new development, arguing that Novato will lose its charm, but they’re losing the battle. Most seem to agree with the viewpoint of the Novato Mothers Club member who says, “We want a small-town feel, not a ghost town.”

SHOP FRONTS
Berkeley-based Sweet Potatoes chose Novato for its third location thanks to the town’s baby boom. It’s also mastered the tween-girl market with trendy but tasteful clothes. 857 Grant Ave.

To save themselves a trip to Union Street’s Mudpie, Novato moms visit Bella Bambino for the consummate baby shower gift—perhaps something from the French baby bath line Mustela or a Fleurville diaper bag. 823 Grant Ave.

It’s impossible to keep little monkeys out of Five Little Monkeys, with toys like training chopsticks (attached at the top by a cuddly little animal) and adventure capes for the Super Friend in every child. 852 Grant Ave.

The Feathered Nest offers everything nesters could want, including free decorating tips from owner Pam Garcia. Her daughter, Stacey, owns the adjoining clothing boutique, Mode Marché, so it’s one-stop shopping for Pine Cone Hill linens, vintage furniture, Juicy Couture, and Union Denim. 830 and 834 Grant Ave.


THE TALK
The moms in Novato are go-getters, and they get what they want. With a hard-hitting campaign that included more than 300 letters to Whole Foods in one month and a survey of 700 people about shopping habits related to Trader Joe’s, the mothers convinced both establishments to come to town. The Whole Foods complex will include 125 condos and townhouses as well as park areas. Naysayers complained at town meetings and in the newspaper about the buildings being too high and not in keeping with the character of old Novato. But it looks like the moms have won the day.


THE GRUB
Drawing half of its clientele from outside Novato, Kitchen at 868 Grant put the town on the map with its perfect execution of what its chef calls American bistro fare, such as seared day-boat scallops and star anise–braised short ribs. The staff is small-town warm, and the food is as good as that of any bistro in the city, American or otherwise. 868 Grant Ave.

After wowing us for years at Bay Area farmers’ markets, Flour Chyld Baking Co. has finally opened the first permanent place to get its delectable pastries, such as rustic lemon tortes and mini Scharffen Berger chocolate cakes. They’ve also tweaked the name to add some Old English charm: Flour Chylde Bakery. 850 Grant Ave.

Novato has its fair share of good taquerias and Mexican groceries, but the perfect way to spend a weekend afternoon is sipping margaritas and nibbling mole enchiladas under umbrellas at local favorite Las Guitarras. 1017 Reichert Ave.

Some residents remember being confirmed in the place where they’re now chowing down: the Cacti southwestern restaurant is housed in a former Catholic church (built circa 1937). Cacti’s better-known sister restaurant is Harris’ in the city. 1200 Grant Ave.


HANGOUTS
After the Bit-a-Honey Saloon closed last year, Kitchen’s Henry Hautau, his brother Alex, and Mark Edwards opened up Finnegan’s in its place. Their inspiration was an Irish pub in New Jersey owned by Henry and Alex’s uncle. High-definition TVs, upscale pub fare served late, and live solo acoustic acts have made the place an instant success. 877 Grant Ave.

Conscientious Starb-jecters nibble on “scuffins” (a muffin-scone hybrid) while enjoying their caffeine injections at Dr. Insomnia’s. 800 Grant Ave.


CELEBS
Alas, no celebrity sightings for us, but locals claim that Metallica’s James Hetfield, Journey’s Jonathan Cain and Steve Smith, and Tom Johnston of the Doobie Brothers all call Novato home. Even aging rockers want a quiet place to raise their kids.

ONLY HERE
Open since 1979, Watts is the closest thing the suburbs have to Amoeba. Clerks thoughtfully end each sale by offering to undo those pesky CD wrappers for customers. When two Wherehouse stores opened nearby, Watts’ loyal clientele refused to shop at them. The two chain stores eventually closed, and Watts remains a local favorite. 1211 Grant Ave.