By Liz Johnson 2019, updated by Michelle Reese 2020
We’re freshly into the New Year when resolutions haven’t quite yet faded into the rearview mirror. Rather than hunkering down under a comfy blanket, it’s a good time to learn a new skill, dabble in some adult playtime or take up a hobby. (In fact, January is National Hobby Month.) Here are a few places to start in Hunterdon County.
Engage Those Idle Hands
Knitting, crocheting or quilting are a great way to keep hands and fingers busy while making new friends. The Hunterdon County Quilting Guild offers lectures, workshops and monthly get-togethers. The Spinnery in Frenchtown hosts weekly knit and chats or a monthly knit and tea. The Courthhouse Quilters offer workshops and charity quilting opportunities along with bi-yearly show at the Prallsville Mill in Stockton. And the Hunterdon County Knitting and Crocheting Guild welcomes anyone looking to take up the practice.
Hunterdon County Quilting Guild
When: Third Friday 9:30 a.m. (except for June and December, and no meetings in July or August)
Where: Readington Reformed Church
124 Readington Road, Whitehouse Station
Courthouse Quilters Guild
When: First Sunday 6:30 p.m.
Where: Darcy Masonic Lodge #37
Everittstown Road (Route 513), Frenchtown
Hunterdon County Knitting and Crocheting Guild
When: Third and fourth Friday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Raritan Township Police Department, Municipal Courtroom
2 Municipal Dr., Flemington
The Spinnery
When: Thursdays 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.; fourth Sunday 2 p.m.-4p.m.
Where: 33 Race Street, Frenchtown
908-996-9004
spinnery.ajmmobilesolutions.com
Indulge Your Inner Eclectic
Winter is a great time to try something completely different. How about a basket weaving or drum making workshop? Learning how to do a voiceover? How to get the best deal at flea markets? How to make a meal in 30 minutes or less? Or even how to speak a new language? Check out the program offerings at these two county institutions:
Hunterdon County Polytech Adult Education
8 Bartles Corner Road, Flemington
908-788-1119
Hunterdon County Parks and Recreation
County Arboretum
1020 Route 31, Lebanon
908-782-1158
Getting the Creative Juices Flowing
Play time doesn’t have to end with childhood. Drawing, painting, working with clay are just as fun in adulthood. Here are several organizations offering classes.
Artyard
62 A Trenton Ave., Frenchtown
908-996-5019
Learn how to make a crankie device or a bird costume or take part in a poetry intensive weekend. Or just stop in for a movie or to view an exhibition. Hunterdon County’s newest artspace is definitely worth a look.
Hunterdon Art Museum
7 Lower Center St., Clinton
908-735-8415
Drawing, painting, photography and pottery are just a few of the extensive adult classes the museum offers.
Get Moving
Frigid temperatures make winter the ideal time to try an indoor activity such as archery, fencing or ballroom dancing. Here are a few Hunterdon County champions who invite beginners to give them a try.
X-Ring Archers School of Archery
287 S. Main St., Lambertville
908-399-9757
www.x-ringarchers.com
Beginner classes are taught by national champion Jon C. Bach.
Manchen Academy of Fencing
547 Route 22 East
Station Center, Unit 9, Whitehouse Station
908-691-3029
manchenfencing.com
Offers private classes and competitions for various age groups.
Ludo’s Ballroom
93 Old Route 28 (above the firehouse), Whitehouse
908-532-3223
www.ludosballroom.com
Tango, cha cha, rumba, foxtrot, waltz, you name it, there’s a class at Ludo’s. In addition, the school hosts practicals and dance socials.
We Are Supported By:
