The Fiber Arts Center of the Eastern Shore in Denton hosts a number of classes in knitting, quilting and painting for those interested in learning more about these traditional art forms. Visit fiberartscenter.com/upcoming/ for class information and availability.
Winter can be a tough time to stay active and maintain morale. The days are short, the winds are sharp, and outdoor activities are few and far between.
Nonetheless, these next few months are a terrific time to take advantage of some local activities that will help you have fun and be creative while staying warm and dry!
Gym membership sales soar in January, and for good reason.
Gyms provide a place for folks to exercise, relax, make new friends, and try new things. For example, the local YMCAs offer rock climbing, dance and spin classes, yoga, pickleball, and personal training, among others.
Do you and your kids need a break from each other? The Y offers monthly “Parents Night Out” events which provide childcare and fun activities for kids while parents enjoy an evening out. Contact your local Y for more information.
The Mid-Shore region is home to many interesting and well-curated museums that would love to have you stop by for a visit! For example, the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park in Church Creek shares the rich history of Tubman’s extraordinary life and legacy.
The Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art in Salisbury hosts a stunning collection of decoys and carvings by the infamous Ward Brothers and offers classes in decoy carving and painting for youth and adults. Visit their websites for a list of events and to purchase tickets (nps.gov/hatu/index and wardmuseum.org).
Deals abound at local thrift shops! There is nothing like the thrill of a good bargain, not to mention a portion of the proceeds will benefit your local community.
Host a “found fashion” party for your friends and family. The rules? Before the party, each guest has $20 and twenty minutes in a thrift store to create an outfit.
To up the ante, have guests draw a theme out of a hat. Will their outfit be retro, wacky, neon? The possibilities are endless.
Prizes for best dressed could be an assortment of treasures sourced from the same thrift shop.
Head to Caroline County for community and creativity. The annual Empty Bowls event starts Jan. 20 with a paint night at The Foundry in Denton.
For $30 you can design and decorate a ceramic bowl that will be kiln-fired and ready for pickup on March 3 at the Chesapeake Culinary Center in Denton, along with your choice of a selection of delicious soups.
Proceeds benefit the Caroline Helping Hands Backpack Program and Aaron’s Place, local charities that help provide food and resources to those in need.
Visit carolinearts.org to purchase tickets or contact Megan Parker, Program Coordinator, via email at megan@carolinearts.org.
Be sure to check out the CACC’s other offerings, such as auditions for a murder mystery play and a Pen and Ink Club for aspiring writers!
Let’s not forget the library.
The public libraries in our area go above and beyond to coordinate a variety of activities and programs for patrons of all ages. Love to read? Join a book club. Interested in researching your genealogy?
They can help with that. From story time to board game night, knitting classes to 3D printing services, they’ve got it all.
Support a local theater. The Church Hill Theater and Avalon Theater are fantastic venues for taking in a play or musical performance.
In addition, the Tred Avon Players are a talented group of performing artists based in Oxford.
They feature several productions each year.
Interested in being on the stage instead of in the audience? More information is available online at tredavonplayers.org, avalonfoundation.org, and churchhilltheater.org.
The Mid-Shore region is blessed with a bounty of activities and community resources to help you stay entertained and engaged while on a budget.
Round up the family, zip up those jackets, and get out of the house to make some memories and try something new.
