City Editor Bethany here. Earlier this week, I found myself trying to figure out the best way to cut up a cantaloupe. As I was struggling through the rind, it hit me, "I need to take a knife skills class before I slice off a finger." And thus, this article idea was born.

Whether you're looking to get CPR certified or want to learn how to patch up a sweater that's seen better days, Asheville has a lot to teach you about life.

In the kitchen

The Asheville Kitchen | Learn basic knife skills or how to bake the best chocolate chip cookies for friends or family — classes fill up quickly.
Asheville Mountain Kitchen | Explore themed classes like Principles of the Mediterranean Diet, or sign your kids up for summer cooking and baking camps.
Cottage Cooking Asheville | Gain simple, but impactful skills like how to bake bread or make fresh pasta.
YMCA of WNC and Buncombe County Cooperative Extension | Catch regular classes on eating healthier, cooking nutritious meals, and meal prepping.

In the house

WNC Repair Cafe | Bring damaged kitchen appliances, tools, bikes, clothing, and more, where volunteers will fix your item for free, and maybe show you a trick or two along the way. The next event is on Thursday, April 24 at 5 p.m.
The Asheville Tool Library | The nonprofit organization hosts monthly classes teaching household maintenance skills for items like bikes, lawn mowers, chainsaws, and more.
Remnants Thrift + Sew | This community space in Mars Hill hosts weekly classes, including open sew hours, intro to your machine, and repair events. Use their provided machines or learn how to hand-sew.

In your wallet

OnTrack Financial Education + Counseling | Explore a variety of classes like understanding credit, learning foundational money habits, and homebuyer education. Psst...many of the classes are free.
AB Tech Financial Wellness classes | Learn the money basics in the college's Continuing Education course, like understanding your assets, budgeting, and investing.

In the community

Buncombe Partnership for Children | The local nonprofit offers regular certification classes for adult, child, and pediatric CPR and First Aid training.