Life
New Year, New Hobby
Cross something off your resolutions list, and start the year off right with a little self-improvement. No matter your interests, there’s a new hobby that’s perfect to dive into.
Written by Sydni Moore
Jan 2017
Cliff Climbing
Location: Zenith Climbing Center,
3534 E. Sunshine St., Suite 3, Springfield
Contact: For pricing and scheduling information, call 417-986-3869 or visit zenithclimbing.com.
The Details: Okay, okay, so there aren’t any real cliffs to climb in 417-land, but you can climb the walls at Zenith Climbing Center, a 12,644-square-foot facility. In a course perfect for new climbers, Climbing 101 teaches you all the basics. Get introduced to the building, and learn the fundamentals of climbing, top-rope climbing and top-rope belay technique. Have fun, brave the heights and get a leg up on your resolution to be more active.
Scuba Diving
Location: DiVentures Scuba and Swim Centers, 5225 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield
Contact: Call 417-883-5151 or visit diventures.net for pricing and scheduling information.
The Details: Scuba diving isn’t just for the saltwater seas. Did you know there’s a boat wreck at the bottom of Bull Shoals Lake that you can explore? Earn your open water certification, and you can do just that. Not ready to dive into certification classes? No problem. Sign up for one introductory class, and learn the basics of scuba gear, blowing bubbles, performing somersaults and swimming through hoops.
Flower Arranging
Location: Martin’s Floral & Home Decor,
3910 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield
Contact: For pricing and more, call 417-883-1125 or visit martinsfloralhomedecor.com.
The Details: If you like getting crafty and are interested in home decor, try out a flower arranging class. They’re perfect for anyone who misses the pretty outdoor colors of spring and summer. The staff at Martin’s Floral can teach you the basics of silk and artificial flower care as well as the care of greenery and replica trees. These classes provide you with a solid set of skills to create your own floral masterpieces at home.
Wine Sipping
Location: Macadoodles Wine Cellar,
1455 E. Independence St., Springfield
Contact: Call 417-883-9000 or visit springfield.macadoodles.com for pricing and scheduling information.
The Details: Don’t let any one persuade you into thinking that wine isn’t a hobby. Macadoodles hosts one wine social every month. Be there January 19 for the first of the year. Meet some new drinking buddies and listen to a true wine expert guide you through the flavors of five specially selected wines—paired with hors d’oeuvres, of course, to enhance the yummy smells and tastes.
Portrait Painting
Location: Springfield Art Museum,
1111 E. Brookside Drive, Springfield
Contact: Call 417-837-5700 or visit sgfmuseum.org for pricing and scheduling information.
The Details: Show off your inner Claude Monet at the Springfield Art Museum. The museum offers adult classes in drawing, painting, ceramics, metalwork and mixed media. Winter classes begin on January 24 and run for eight weeks. Create something you would be proud to frame and hang.
Instrument Playing
Location: Pellegrino’s School of Music & Art,
1269 E. Republic Road, Springfield
Contact: Call 417-887-2800 or visit pellegrinosschoolofmusic.com for pricing and scheduling information.
The Details: C’mon, everyone wishes they knew how to play an instrument. The start of a new year is the perfect time to learn. Pellegrino’s has taught students of all ages—from 5 years to 70 years old. Learn how to play guitar, piano, violin or saxophone, or take a voice lesson, instead. Percussion, flute, brass instrument and woodwind instrument classes are also available. Sign up for your first group or private lesson today, and you’ll be 417-land’s next virtuoso in no time.
Pot Throwing
Location: Crackpot Pottery & Art Studio,
3820 E. 20th St., Joplin
Contact: For pricing and scheduling information, call 417-623-1455 or visit crackpot-pottery.com.
The Details: Classes at Crackpot Pottery in Joplin are beginner-friendly and taught at a “learn at your own pace” progression, meaning you shouldn’t feel the need to keep up with everyone else. During your first class, you learn how to center clay on an electric wheel, how to use basic pottery tools and how to apply glaze to your works. One-on-one teaching is available in addition to group classes. Open studios are an opportunity to get artsy, too. For those in the Springfield area, check out Firehouse Pottery for a similar experience.
Meal Cooking
Location: Mercy Women’s Heart Center,
1235 E. Cherokee St., Springfield
Contact: Call 417-820-3666 or visit mercy.net for pricing and scheduling information.
The Details: Have a resolution for eating out less and munching much better? The Mercy Women’s Heart Center can help you follow through. Nutrition tips, recipes and cooking demonstrations will get you going on the right track. Each class discusses a different cooking topic. January’s topic is breakfast to-go. Apparently, healthy breakfasts can be convenient.
Bread Baking
Location: B + B Boulangerie & Fair-Weather Café,
607 S. Pickwick Ave., Springfield
Contact: Call 417-315-8602 or visit katiemadeit.com for pricing and scheduling information.
The Details: B + B Boulangerie & Fair-Weather Café offers a wide range of classes for people who love to treat their taste buds. Come prepared to get a little messy because these classes are hands-on and full of information. Bring a group of your friends or family, and you’re sure to leave with a handful of yummy goodies. Save your spot quick because these classes fill up fast.
