Middle East - 48 hours in Haifa

Assuming a mid-day (Friday afternoon) arrival to a mid-day Monday departure. We've both been there, but not since the early/mid 80s. Ideas to pass the time? Worth hiring a driver to go inland on Saturday? (Alternatively, we have to plan for rain v. no rain activities.) Any suggestions appreciated. I have no idea what might or might not be closed on Shabbat.

I used to live in Haifa.
Give me more of a sense of what you enjoy doing and what season you'll be there, and I can give a ton of ideas.

Just so you know, this is one of the rainiest/snowiest seasons in a while. Thank God, it's been a raining a lot, and there's also been snow throughout the country. Just to keep in mind.

Haifa itself is not the greatest place in Israel for a weekend (my apologies in advance to any city natives :) ) but the Baha'i temple and gardens are very nice, and a short drive south leads to Zichron Ya'akov and from there to the ruins in Caesarea which are impressive (there's some nice restaurants there as well). Going the other direction gets you to the city of Acre/Akko and a possible loop back through Daliat al Carmel. If you get a car, you've got all sorts of options (weather dependent) such as a nice B&B in the Galil, winery tours, Safed (Tzfat), the Kinneret, and so on.

Haifa itself is not the greatest place in Israel for a weekend (my apologies in advance to any city natives :) ) but the Baha'i temple and gardens are very nice, and a short drive south leads to Zichron Ya'akov and from there to the ruins in Caesarea which are impressive (there's some nice restaurants there as well). Going the other direction gets you to the city of Acre/Akko and a possible loop back through Daliat al Carmel. If you get a car, you've got all sorts of options (weather dependent) such as a nice B&B in the Galil, winery tours, Safed (Tzfat), the Kinneret, and so on.

I just got back last week and visited the ruins at Caesarea. Very interesting and beautiful location right on the water. Nice way to spend a few hours.