PLAN FOR A RAINY DAY

Guest Blogger

Martha O'Hayer

Rain does put a damper on outdoor activities, but the locals know there is still fun to be had in Petaluma on a rainy day.

I asked Petalumans what they do on rainy days and they came up with a few unique ideas that illustrate why the Petaluma experience is like no other.

For example, what about bowling on a rainy day?

Likely It’s been some time since most of us ventured into a

bowling alley. Many cities and towns don't have one and sometimes they are located where you'd never find them in the places that do have one. I was pleasantly surprised by the bowling alley treasure in Petaluma. Boulevard Lanes, located at 1100 Petaluma Boulevard South, is easy to find and has something for everyone. Bowling, Pool tables, pinball, video games, a diner and a great bar. Who could ask for more?

There are early bird specials, daily and weekly specials, party specials and something called Extreme Bowling. Ask any of the very helpful staff about how you can entertain a group. Or give that Extreme Bowling a try. Go bowling, it's not something you can do everywhere.

Here’s something else you can’t do just anywhere -- visit a seed bank. Seriously, how could you go wrong and how many towns in America have one? The Baker Creek Seed Bank opened in June in a vintage 1926 Sonoma County Bank building in Historic Downtown Petaluma.

The Seed Bank houses one of California's largest selections of organic and heirloom seeds – 1,200 varieties in all – as well as traditional gardening products. You just have to enter this mammoth building, housing thousands of packets of tiny seeds to get in the mood for gardening and to appreciate the rain. Browsing the Seed Bank is a heck of a good time, no matter the weather.

According to store manager Paul Wallace, Baker Creek chose to locate to Petaluma because 50% of its California mail-order customers live within a one-hour radius of the Historic Downtown location at E. Washington Street and Petaluma Blvd. North.

The LA Times and The Huffington Post both cite the unique pairing of a former bank with the location of the seed bank. Even Fast Company, the magazine with a focus on the most creative individuals sparking change in the marketplace notes that unlike the bank that stood in its place prior, Baker Creek is thriving.

The Baker Creek Seed Bank is at 199 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma, (707) 509-5171. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday; closed Saturday.

 Look for the next blog with insider tips on how to spend a unique day in Petaluma, rain or shine! Contact the Petaluma Visitor Center on the web to find out more.