WHAT ARE SOME OF SOUNDS... one hears around Tomales Bay? "Waves gently lapping" seems like an excellent first answer, and "oars dipping into water" absolutely fits here, too. As for the occasional chatty loon or goose or duck? Migratory birds do frequent the area, so eavesdropping upon their interesting bird-to-bird chitchat as they pass overhead is a common occurrence for Bay-side visitors. But if you're near the water's edge around the beginning of December, and you think you hear sleigh bells, or some ho-ho-ho-ery, well, your ears might be pretty darn keen. That's around the time that Santa Claus arrives at Nick's Cove Restaurant, Oyster Bar & Cottages by boat for a delightful day of revelry, gratis snapshots, complimentary confections, and more merriment. The date has been chosen for 2017, so best plan your Tomales Bay getaway for...
SUNDAY, DEC. 3: That's when Kris Kringle will arrive dockside at the charming stay-over spot. The hours are 3 to 5 p.m., and those pose-for-free snapshots in the Boat Shack will be taken by a pro, so wear your glitteriest holiday sweater. But the fun family photos aren't even the sweetest part of the day: Nick's Cove is a drop site for Toys for Tots, which will be "...collecting new, unwrapped toys for local children affected by the Northern California fires." Show with a toy on Sunday, Dec. 3 and Nick's Cove will present you a $50 gift certificate that may be used towards a cottage overnight in January (so, yes, the following month, though keep in mind it can't be combined with other offers). There are some other nice things, too, like "...a small bag of freshly made holiday treats by our pastry chef, Jenna Katsaros," making the chain of giving all the more cheerful.
SANTA IS A GENEROUS SOUL, and that the spirit of generosity will reign during the afternoon of his visit only ups the general sparkle. And while the gift certificate offer is good for Dec. 3 only, do note that the drop site at Nick's Cove will be open and accepting toys from Nov. 5 through Dec. 3, 2017. Make a point to stop by, drop off a toy or several, and send some love during the holiday season to families around the region.
