Whenever we ask you (our readers) what you love about Cola, one of the biggest responses we hear is the range of things to do. From hiking + biking to free art displays + beer tastings – there is always something to do locally. However, what if you want to dive into something on a long-term basis or try something new?

In 2019, 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?

Some of us train for marathons or throw pottery. Others play recreational basketball or take a painting class.

Have the hope to get into something new this year but don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered. And whether you’re into fly fishing or pasta making, there are plenty of hobbies to try this year.

📚Start a book club | Richland Library makes it easy for you by offering a variety of titles that can be reserved for up to 15 copies at a time for 8 weeks.

🎨Learn to paint | Studio Cellar + Grapes & Gallery offer instructional classes of all skill levels – and accompanied by wine, if you choose.

🏐Join a sports league | Join Everplay teams for bowling, cornhole, flag football, minigolf, volleyball + more and meet new friends. Appropriate for ages 21+.

🎣Learn to fly fish | The Saluda Valley Guides teach the techniques + tactics of fly fishing and casting in both private and group lessons.

👩‍🍳Become a better cook | Learn how to cook with Lowe's Foods meal kits (ft. rotating chefs like Trip Chalk of Private Property in Lexington and Vivian Howard from A Chef’s Life) or by taking a cooking class with Let’s Cook Culinary Studio.

📸Indie Grits Labs | Whether you want to get into cinematography, zine-making or cyanotype booking, Indie Grits Labs offers all types of monthly workshops for the community.

🕉Get your vinyasa on | If you’re thinking about taking up yoga, try it out first with Rosewood Market’s free class every Sunday at 2 p.m. on the patio.

🎬Improve your acting skills | Trustus Theatre, Workshop Theatre and Village Square Theatre offer a wide range of both group and private lessons in everything from improv + dance to preparing for auditions + workshops for kids.

💐Get a green thumb | Become a member of the Columbia Garden Club and take part in events like plant exchanges, making better flower arrangements + planting trees around the community.

🚵‍♀️Become a mountain biker | With the Mountain Bike Club of the Midlands monthly meet-ups, you’ll become wheelie good in no time.

The only rule for acquiring a new hobby is that you enjoy whatever it is you take up. That’s it. Whether you’re planning to brew your own IPA or taking on improv classes, a brand-new hobby can elevate your quality of life.

Did we miss your favorite hobby? Let us know by commenting below.

–Sam