12 hobbies for a more interesting you in 2018

Columbus is full of hidden gems that offer a variety of different learning experiences. Whether you’re looking to pick up a new hobby, take a current one to the next level skills-wise, or are just in the mood to learn something new, you can find it all within the confines of the city.

Cultural Arts Center

139 W Main St.

The large but unassuming building just across the street from Milestone 229 is home to a variety of beginner-friendly arts classes, from the typical painting, ceramics, and jewelry making, to the slightly more unusual printmaking, bronze casting, copper enameling, and more.

Woodcraft of Columbus

1077 Bethel Rd.

You love the look of woodgrain home accessories, and you want to make long-lasting gifts for your friends and family, but you have no idea how to use any of the power tools in the hardware store. Don’t risk life and literal limb by going it alone. Head to Woodcraft of Columbus, where you can buy wood, tools, and books to support you on your new journey across the grain.

Glass Axis

610 W Town St.

Who can resist a place whose motto is “Play with Fire?” At Glass Axis, even the novice can create a unique glass blown piece that will dazzle friends and family into thinking they’re a professional gaffer.

Yarn It and Haberdashery

1093 W First Ave.

Knitting is one of those things nearly everyone has picked up to some point—only to quickly put it back down, in frustration. With plenty of beginner classes in knit, crochet, and even drop spindle spinning (plus materials you can purchase on site), Yarn It and Haberdashery will help you turn your abandoned needles and string into an entire project you’ll be proud to have made yourself!

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Garden

1777 E Broad St.

You already knew you could ogle at botanicals and marvel at butterflies there, but did you know you could level up on your cooking skills at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Garden? Sharpen your knife handling skills, learn to make your own chocolate espresso profiteroles, can your own jams, and even learn to prepare classic Indian dishes with a fresh and exciting twist.

West Egg Mixology

909 W Fifth Ave.

Slowly fading are the days where you had to rely on your favorite swanky watering hole to bring you the fanciest drinks in town. Twin sisters Jess and Cole are here to make you the star mixologist of your life—or at least fancy enough to impress your friends at your next get together. Past cocktail classes have touched on seasonal themes such as whiskey-based fall drinks and spiked holiday punch, as well as putting new twists on old classics like the Manhattan.

Columbus Idea Foundry

421 W State St.

The Columbus Idea Foundry exists as a space “where anyone can explore their urge to make things,” but making things isn’t limited to their craftier classes like woodshop or upcycled jewelry. Tech lovers and aspiring tech folks also have a place here.

Girl Develop It (GDI)

Columbus contains just one of 57 chapters of Girl Develop It, an organization originally founded in New York City to empower women to learn coding and build websites and mobile apps. Meetups include “Code and Coffee,” where even beginners who don’t know what they don’t know can grab a drink and link up with others willing to learn, and connect with those in the know.

Columbus Urban Axe Throwing

6124 Busch Blvd.

Remember that thing your mom used to tell you about never throwing sharp objects around? Yeah, forget about it. There’s a whole place dedicated to teaching you how to throw 1.5-pound axes through the air, so grab a group of friends and get to chucking at Columbus Urban Axe Throwing.

Kafe Kerouac

2250 N High St.

Dust off those old poem journals or pick up the pen to create some new pieces to share at Kafe Kerouac’s weekly open mic. Wednesday evenings for just a $5 cover charge, you can practice wordsmithing for someone other than your cat in your living room. You can even grab a drink or two at the bar to take the edge off those nerves before you hit the mic.

Flowers and Bread

3870 N High St.

What’s in a name? In this case, everything. The bakery and café named for two of life’s simplest pleasures, Flowers and Bread, are here to teach you how to create with both. You can channel your inner Martha Stewart with wreath making, floral centerpieces, and fruit and floral arrangement classes inspired by blooms of the season. When you’re done with the florals, try your hand at making your own bread bowls or sourdough.

Thiossane Institute

769 E. Long St.

In the heart of the King-Lincoln District lives the Thiossane Institute, which offers dance classes to the community as just one means of “introducing the richness of West African culture…to create a space of learning and growth in traditional African culture.” Classes offered have no expectation that you have any prior knowledge or experience with African dance; only a willingness to learn and an openness to exploring new movements with your heart and body. •

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