Rainy Day Trip Report March 30 through April 1

Question

Our multigenerational family party of 8 in two vehicles from different parts of the San Francisco Bay Area got to our VRBO in the Brush Creek area in Santa Rosa late Sunday afternoon after provisioning ourselves at local Costco and Trader Joe's. Very, very nice place, but it was already raining. We had been tipped off about Betty's Fish and Chips...closes at 6:30 pm on Sunday...11 year old grandchild opted for two pieces and actually finished. Portions were huge. Great, friendly place. Closed promptly around 6:30, but we were not rushed out. Clearly has lots of local regulars.

Monday forecast was cloudy in a.m., rain by afternoon. So we went to Howarth Park....very nice place with a lot of playground equipment and a lake. Carousel, boat rentals not operating. But nice trails. Went to nearby Sarmantine Bakery for great bread and pastries. Home for lunch. Then Charles Schulz Museum in afternoon....superb place. Recognizes ROAM and NARM reciprocity so only paid for two, one a kid.

Tuesday, intermittent rain. Went in two vehicles to Jack London State Park. We oldsters ended early. Bought sandwiches at Glen Ellen Village Market...happened to be senior day. Went home for lunch. Younger group hiked longer. Got hail.

Answer

Thank you for sharing your rainy-day trip report! It sounds like you made the best of the weather and still enjoyed a very classic Sonoma County experience. Here is a detailed, organized summary that captures everything you described, presented clearly for anyone considering a similar itinerary.

Your multigenerational group arrived Sunday afternoon in Santa Rosa’s Brush Creek area and checked into a VRBO after stocking up at Costco and Trader Joe’s. Even though rain had already set in, you found a cozy and satisfying dinner spot at Betty’s Fish & Chips. The portions were generous, the service friendly, and despite the early closing time you never felt rushed. The 11-year-old finishing a two-piece order says a lot about the quality—and the appetite!

On Monday, with rain expected later in the day, you chose a morning outing to Howarth Park. Even with seasonal closures (carousel and boat rentals), the playgrounds, lake, and walking trails offered a relaxing start to the day. A visit to Sarmantine Bakery followed, which provided delicious pastries and bread before returning to the rental home. The Charles Schulz Museum filled the afternoon and was a big hit—especially with ROAM and NARM reciprocity making admission very affordable.

Tuesday brought intermittent rain but you continued exploring. Jack London State Historic Park was your destination, with the group splitting naturally based on stamina. The older adults wrapped up early and grabbed sandwiches at Glen Ellen Village Market—it happened to be senior day, which was a nice bonus—while the younger group continued hiking and even encountered hail.

Overall, you successfully managed unpredictable spring weather with flexible planning, local food finds, and family-friendly attractions. This type of itinerary works well for multi-age groups and offers a great sample of Sonoma County beyond just wineries.

Santa Rosa area is a practical base with lots of lodging and food options.
Rainy-day alternatives like the Charles Schulz Museum and Sarmantine Bakery are excellent choices.
Outdoor sites such as Howarth Park and Jack London State Park remain worthwhile in light rain with proper gear.

Your trip shows that even rainy days in Sonoma County can feel warm, memorable, and full of local charm. Thanks again for sharing the report—it will help many future travelers planning spring visits!

Rainy Day Trip Report March 30 through April 1

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