Whenever we ask you (our readers) what you love about CHS, one of the biggest responses we hear is the range of things to do. From paddle boarding in Shem Creek to antique shopping on King St.– there is always something to do locally. However, what if you want to dive into something on a long-term basis or try something completely new?

In 2019– in the spirit of ‘new year, new you’– maybe it’s time to branch out a bit, flex those creative muscles + push yourself to do something just for you. DYK: hobbies help enrich our lives by reducing stress.

But how do you know what hobby you should take up this year if you’ve never done it before? Don’t worry– we’ve got you covered. From cooking to photography, to surfing– the Lowcountry is filled with classes + resources to get you trying something new, which you may ultimately end up loving.

👩‍🍳 Learn to cook
With an extensive culinary scene in Charleston, there is no shortage of cooking classes to help you serve up fancy feasts– like the ones you find downtown. Zero George offers classes every Monday + Saturday in their 1804 kitchen carriage house. Learn more here. Or hone your knife skills in your own kitchen with Lowes Foods’ meal kits– featuring rotating, regional chefs.

🎨 Become an artist
From watercolor, to drawing, to painting while drinking wine– local places such as Redux Contemporary Art Studio, For the Love of Art, and Wine & Design offer classes as well as studio space for artists to rent. Once you choose your favorite medium and are ready to hit the drawing board, head to local art store Artist & Craftsman at 143 Calhoun St. for supplies.

🖼 Collect art
Prefer to look at art rather than create it yourself? With over 40 art galleries in the Lowcountry, you’re sure to fill your home or office with new pieces. Needing inspiration? On the first Friday of March, May, October, + December, you can stroll through the galleries as the Charleston Gallery Association hosts their downtown Artwalks. For guided tours, click here.

📸 Take up photography
These days, you don’t need much more than your high-quality iPhone camera to take beautiful photos. But, if you’re looking to be the next Ansel Adams– you’ll want to learn the basics of photography including aperture, shutter speed, ISO, depth of field, etc. Start with a beginners class– such as this one– and then head off to some of the Instagram-worthy places to photograph for practice.

⛵ Become a captain of your own ship
With water surrounding the peninsula and all of the islands, taking up a hobby that allows you to head out to the open sea is a top choice for many locals + visitors alike. DYK you can rent a boat with a captain and set sail for the day? Or, if you’re an experienced boater, you can rent a boat to helm yourself. Click here for our guide to boating clubs. Once you’ve got your vessel, click here to learn how to navigate the Intracoastal Waterway.

🏄‍♀️ Hang ten at the washout– a.k.a. learn to surf
‘The Washout’ at Folly Beach is the surf mecca of South Carolina. Looking to catch a wave? There are professionals right here in town that will show you the swells. Professional surf schools with classes include: Isla Surf School, Carolina Salt Surf Lessons, Sol Surfers Surf Camp, LLC, Shaka Surf School, + Ocean Fitness. Still skeptical? Click here to see the CHStoday team catching waves with Isla Surf School

🚣 Hit the seas via kayak or paddleboard
For a more relaxing (not to mention inexpensive) water experience, purchase (or rent) a kayak or paddleboard to cruise up + down Shem Creek, through the marsh near Folly Beach, along Sullivan’s Island Beach, or through the Charleston Harbor. Here are a few local companies that offer rentals + host tours/lessons : Charleston SUP Safari, Charleston Kayak Company, Sealand Sports, Coastal Expeditions, Odyssey Board Shop + Charleston Outdoor Adventures.

🌷Build a home garden
Whether you live in a condo downtown, an apartment in Mount Pleasant, or have a backyard in Summerville, there are ways for you to garden right at home. Click here for our guide to gardening in the Lowcountry.

🎻 Learn an instrument
Always wanted to learn how to play the harp? With facilities such as the Charleston Academy of Music, East Cooper Music, + Hungry Monk Music– children and adults of all-ages can strive to become the next Jimi Hendrix or Billy Joel. Before you commit– you can even rent an instrument to try before you buy.

🐦 Go birding– a.k.a. birdwatching
Around the Charleston area, bird species include Piping Plovers + Painted Buntings– amongst 250 others. Charleston County Parks hosts birding programs, early morning bird walks, + birding trips for those interested in learning more about the birds native to the area. Click here to for additional information. If you’d prefer to grab your binoculars and travel on your own, you can enroll in Trident Tech’s Birding in the Lowcountry course which starts Feb. 6.

Did we miss your favorite hobby? Let us know in the comments below. ⬇️