While we’re feeling hopeful about the new year, you’re likely to still be spending a lot of time at home this winter. January is National Hobby Month, and it’s the perfect time of year to pick up a new interest or devote a little extra time to a current hobby. Hobbies can help you relieve stress, keep your brain active by learning something new, and fill those long winter days. (They can even offer some safe excuses to get out of the house for a bit!)
That is why celebrating National Hobby Month might be just what you need. Get more involved in a hobby you already have or find a new hobby to enjoy from the list below.
Learn to Cook
Love to cook or still learning your way around the kitchen? There’s a class for that!
The Farm Cooking School
67 Pleasant Valley Road, Titusville
www.thefarmcookingschool.com
The Farm School has reopened with limited capacity and mask/distancing guidelines in place. Upcoming class topics include Knife Skills, Gnocchi, and Mole: The King of Sauces. (More classes added each day.) They’re also offering online classes with the option of picking up ingredients at the school.
Getting the Creative Juices Flowing
Art class doesn’t have to end with childhood. Drawing, painting, working with clay are just as fun in adulthood. Here are several organizations offering classes.
Hunterdon Art Museum
7 Lower Center St., Clinton
908-735-8415
hunterdonartmuseum.org
Drawing, painting, and photography are just a few of the extensive adult classes the museum offers. Note: At this time, all classes are offered online via Zoom.
The Painter’s Loft Art Studio
1 Tree Farm Road, Pennington
thepaintersloft.com
The Painter’s Loft has something for anyone looking to get artsy! They have open studio time for walk-in projects, in-person and virtual classes, canvas painting, paint your own pottery, wine glass painting, mosaics, candle making and more!
Get Moving
Get up on your feet! Here are just a few local businesses that help you get active, have fun, and learn new skills in the New Year.
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.
Hunterdon Ballroom Dance Studio
431 Hwy Route 22 East, Whitehouse Station
908-534-0300
www.hunterdonballroom.com
The Hunterdon Dance Studio specializes in all forms of ballroom and social dancing.
Flemington Pickleball Club
19 Royal Road, Flemington
flemingtonpickleball.com
FPC is a brand new pickleball-only facility that opened during the pandemic. The club features 5 indoor, climate-controlled courts and a spacious member lounge. They host tournaments, private events, open play, lessons and more.
Engage Those Idle Hands
Knitting, crocheting or quilting are a great way to keep hands and fingers busy. Many of the local groups and shops have had to make their meetings and classes virtual for the time being, but you can still take a look to see if you’d like to join.
Knit One Stitch Too
16 N. Main Street, Pennington
609-737-2211
www.k1st2.com/knitting-needlepoint-classes
Hunterdon County Quilting Guild
Readington Reformed Church
124 Readington Road, Whitehouse Station
hcquiltingguild.wixsite.com
Courthouse Quilters Guild
Darcy Masonic Lodge #37
Everittstown Road (Route 513), Frenchtown
www.courthousequilters.org
The Spinnery
33 Race Street, Frenchtown
908-996-9004
spinnery.ajmmobilesolutions.com