It’s going to be a rainy few days, but then the sun will come out over the weekend. Expect a higher volume of rain, dumping almost 10% of Marin’s annual rainfall just in this one storm. But the rain turned to snow in Tahoe, and a lot of it. “Dec. 23-26, could reach 1 to 2 feet at lake level, with 2 to 4 feet possible above 7,000 feet, from Tuesday night through Friday morning.” Drive safe!

After I shared the news that Ounces beer garden in the Northgate Mall (in Terra Linda) had to close for them to start construction, I was curious what other businesses are closing there. Turns out, not many. I dropped by on Saturday and this is what I found:

The mall was actually buzzing with activity, I was shocked. It turns out, on rainy days more people go there for a dry get-out-of-the-house activity. There’s the Jump City bouncy slide area, a gymnastics place, and even an escape room. Yet, turn the corner to the food court and there is just one place open, Daily Recess gelato. I learned a ton talking to Brian (the owner-operator with his girlfriend Kristi), who graciously fed me samples the whole time.

First, the gelato is bomb. You can’t go wrong with vanilla or chocolate, which aren’t simple flavors here. I’m always a bit skeptical of exotic flavors, but the New Mexico Hot Chocolate expanded my consciousness just a skosh. I never knew what a little bit of pepper heat could do to a cold dessert. They rotate their flavors monthly, so get in there soon to try that one. You can also find Daily Recess at the Civic Center Farmer’s Market usually, just not during the winter.

The Northgate Mall development is going to be done in phases, and it seems like nothing else is closing for now. The south end by Sears will be starting in February. I’d imagine this means demolition starts on the Sears, smaller buildings, and maybe even the parking garage right by Ounces.

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There are some great shows at Rancho Nicasio: Zydeco Flames on Friday, Sun Kings (Beatles tribute) on Saturday, and a Jimmy Buffett tribute on Sunday.

There are more free movies at the Marin Civic Center Theater: Paddington and Scrooged on Friday , Happy Feet and March of the Penguins on Sundays.

Mac’s in Fairfax has a couple good options: 90s Hip Hop on Saturday and Sinatra on Sunday.

I’m excited about the movie Marty Supreme with Timothée Chalamet. It looks like it isn’t showing at Larkspur Landing, so your best bet for the luxury loungers is at Cinemark Novato.

Family visiting? They are bound to like yacht rock and will be blown away by these covers. 8pm, $36.

If you want to see streams flowing, this is the time. Just wear the appropriate gear, expect to get wet and muddy. 9am, free.

The Christmas season isn’t over yet! Come see this classic play put on to benefit KWMR radio. 2pm and 6pm showtimes, $5 to $20 tickets.

School break tip: finally do the tour of the Frank Lloyd Wright Civic Center. Tickets are still available for Friday 12/26, Wednesday 12/31, and Friday 1/2.

A 1937 Dipsea Race Medal is listed for $35,000. Do you think they would take $34,000? Found by Marin Dad who is currently the high bidder (and a great follow on IG).

Thanks for reading. If you know of anything interesting going on in Marin, just reply to this email to let us know.

— Allison + Brian