We spend a lot of time worrying about work—getting a job, keeping that job, being happy at that job. What is often underplayed, however, is how one spends her or his time outside of the office. Leisure time, if spent unwisely, can often lead to boredom. Don’t let it. With 2016’s wide-open arms pulling us through January, take the time to better yourself in one of these local classes. Trust us—no matter what you think your “thing” is, we’ve found a class that will either make you better at that thing or introduce you to something you’ve never considered trying before. From ukulele building to champagne tasting, the Lehigh Valley offers classes on a pleasantly surprising long list of topics.
For Foodies
Adult Cooking Parties at 29 Cooks
Are you looking to increase your culinary knowledge? An adult cooking party at 29 Cooks may be just what you need. Learn how to make things as enticing as assorted goat cheese balls with crostini and hard cider grilled chicken and carrots.
4030 Chestnut St., Emmaus | 484.951.0442 | 29cooks.com
Beer, Wine and Cheese at Keystone Homebrew Supply
Beer and wine are food, right? Probably not, but in addition to beer- and wine-making classes, Keystone Homebrew offers courses in the art of creating cheese. Cheese—that’s definitely food.
128 E. 3rd St., Bethlehem | 610.997.0911 | keystonehomebrew.com
Cupcake Decorating at Sugar Babe Cupcakes
Learn how to make perfectly prepared cupcakes with Sugar Babe. Their cupcake decorating classes teach you how to make incredible-looking and, more importantly, incredible- tasting baked goods.
308 W. Broad St., Bethlehem | 610.714.2252 | sugarbabecupcakes.com
Homemade Caramel at Bev’s Cake& Candy Supplies, Inc.
“Homemade caramel is like no other!” The basics of making caramel from scratch are covered in this delicious course. How to use caramel in other treats is covered, too.
881 3rd St., C-5 Rear, Whitehall | 610.266.2123 | bevscakeandcandyinc.com
Cheesemaking 101 at the Valley Milkhouse
This class teaches you the techniques of cheesemaking and provides you with a simple recipe that can be easily translated to the home kitchen. Step by step instruction and creation culminate in an evaluative cheese tasting of the Valley Milkhouse lineup.
92 Covered Bridge Rd., Oley | 610.816.9813 | valleymilkhouse.com
Wedding Cake at Gail’s Cake & Candy World
Learn how to assemble a wedding cake—something you may have never known you wanted to try—at Gail’s.
Chocolate Candy-Making at Gail’s Cake & Candy World
Molding, dipping, painting and more topics are demonstrated and taught in this class on chocolate candy. From lollipops to peanut butter cups, all of your sweet
curiosities can be satisfied.
1150 Northampton St., Easton | 610.252.6206 | gailscakeandcandyworld.com
Champagne Tasting at Northampton Community College
Spend some time toasting bubbles and sipping on your favorite celebratory drink.
Easy Chinese at Northampton Community College
Enjoy Chinese food? Want to try your hand at creating your own dishes? From steamed dumplings to General Tso’s and kung pao chicken, this non-credit course teaches you how to make the Chinese food you’re (hopefully not too) used to ordering.
3835 Green Pond Rd., Bethlehem | 610.861.5300 | northampton.edu
For Mommies, Daddies & Kiddies (and Grandparents, Too!)
Sign Language for Little Ones at My Smart Hands Lehigh Valley
If you’re looking for sign language specialists, look no further than the helping hands of My Smart Hands Lehigh Valley. They can teach you and your children the best ways to communicate through American Sign Language.
Classes held at Ju-Ju Monkey | dena@mysmarthands.com | mysmarthandslehighvalley.com
Car Seat Checks at Lehigh Valley Health Network
Lehigh Valley Health Network offers a free car seat inspection performed by certified technicians. In this class, they’ll show you how to keep your kids safe by properly installing and keeping up with their car seats.
Grandparenting Workshop at Lehigh Valley Health Network
The grandparents of today grew up in a world much different than the one we see now. Everything has a new look, from cribs to suggested ways to praise your child. This class teaches
grandparents about modern parenting techniques and how to make sure their relationship with their grandchildren is memorable, fun and, most importantly, safe.
Various locations | 610.402.2273 | lvhn.org
Cloth Diapering at Ju-Ju Monkey
“Everything you ever wanted to know about cloth diapers but were afraid to ask!” Learn how cloth diapers can save you money and reduce the chemicals and toxins your baby encounters in his or her early stages.
Babywearing at Ju-Ju Monkey
Strollers are fine, but wearing your child can lead to a greater bond. This teaches you about the benefits for parent and child while babywearing in addition to things like how to nurse in a carrier and carrier safety.
Infant Yoga at Ju-Ju Monkey
This class spends time on the mother and the child, with infant massage and movements in addition to beneficial yoga positions for the mother. Muscle toning, relaxation and bonding
are the highlights of this class.
4755 W. Tilghman St., Allentown | 484.809.9662 | ju-jumonkey.com
Music Classes at Valley Music Together
Music Together offers developmentally-appropriate mixed-age music classes, 60-minute Big Kids classes, baby music classes, classes for high-energy 3- and 4-year-olds and more.
P.O. Box 652, Fogelsville | 484.330.6723 | valleymusictogether.org
For Poets (or Poets at Heart)
Creative Writing with the Greater Lehigh Valley Writers Group
Writers of all genres are welcome to the Writers Café and general workshop classes. Improve your fiction, non-fiction, poems, journal and essay abilities and playwriting skills with a community of other Lehigh Valley writers.
1 Weller Pl., Easton | 610.258.7492 | glvwg.org
Become a Writer at Northampton Community College
This class teaches you how to think and act like a writer in order to become one. You can learn how to “cultivate good habits” as well as how to “establish a confident sense of connection with your future readers.”
3835 Green Pond Rd., Bethlehem | 610.861.5300 | northampton.edu
Journaling at Studio G. Allentown
Gretchen Klinedinst Furst offers highly-regarded classes and workshops in creative writing and personal journaling. Journaling classes include after-school sessions for kids, monthly journal workshops, daytime and evening adult classes and book consultations. Keep your eyes on Studio G.’s website for seasonal class offerings.
1901 W. Allen St., Allentown | 610.570.5118 | studiogallentown.com
For the Hands-On Enthusiasts & Art Lovers
Paper Flowers at Lille Syster
Make paper flowers at Lille Syster. They’re perfect for gift giving, centerpiece creation or even wedding decor. Feel free to BYOB!
140 C Northampton St., Easton | 484.316.0601 | lillesystereaston.com
Jewelry and Pottery Creation at Artists at Heart
Artists at Heart offers both classes in pottery and jewelry making as well as air-dry clay and real clay birthday parties, which are guaranteed fun for all ages. Don’t forget to check out their special classes for Scouts and Seniors, too!
674 Mickley Rd., Whitehall | 484.278.1636 | artistsatheart.com
Glitter, Glitter Everywhere at the Banana Factory
Use glitter in, well, any way possible! Have a “sparkling fun time completing beautiful” pieces of art in glitter.
25 W. 3rd St., Bethlehem | 610.332.1300 | bananafactory.org
Build-It at the Nurture Nature Center
The Nurture Nature Center’sBuild-It series gives you opportunities to create things that benefit the environment. From raised garden beds to hypertufa planters, this instructive series will aid you in keeping our planet happy and healthy.
518 Northampton St., Easton | 610.253.4432 | nurturenaturecenter.org
Needlework at Bloom Creative Studio
Bloom offers a wide variety of classes in knitting, painting (sometimes even canvas bag painting), stitching and more. Look to their website and Facebook page for updated class offerings.
32 Broadway, Bangor | 610.588.4775 | bloomcreativestudio.com
Thread and Yarn at Conversational Threads
Knitting and crocheting have been replaced by hot yoga and Facebook stalking on iPads. Get back to the hobbies of America’s past with classes about how to use thread and yarn at Conversational Threads.
6 S. 4th St., Emmaus | 610.421.8889 | conversationalthreads.com
Individual Photo Classes at Dan’s Camera City
Dan’s offers personal photography instruction as a way to learn at your own pace. Your skill and your needs will be catered to, and you can learn as much about photography as
you would like.
1439 W. Fairmont St., Allentown | 610.434.2313 3812 Easton Nazareth Hwy., Easton | 610.829.2313 | danscamera.com
Amazing Boxes at Tangent Crafts
Try Amazing Boxes, a wooden-box-making class, to better your handywoman skill set and create your own unique treasures.
304 Main St., Emmaus | 484.553.1840 | tangentcrafts.com
Building a Ukulele at The Fab Lab
Whether you like it or not, ukuleles have made a comeback. Students can learn how to make their own ukuleles and, create a unique instrument that they can be proud of.
3D Printing at The Fab Lab
Learn how to calibrate a 3D printer at the Fab Lab. This class teaches you about brands, pricing, filaments, options and more.
Custom Speakers at The Fab Lab
Ever wanted to build your own speakers? From lumber to a sound-pumping system, this class teaches you everything you never knew about speaker creation.
Lettering, Banners, Signs and More at The Fab Lab
Using a vinyl cutter, learn how to make signs, banners, decals, logos, original designs and much more.
Build It and Fly It at The Fab Lab
Yes, drones are terrifying. If you’re able to look past that, learn how to make your own in this new wave of DIY incredibleness.
511 E. 3rd St., Bethlehem | 610.332.8665 | northampton.edu
Spencerian Script Workshop at Calligraphy by Catherine
Learn how to write in the (quite beautiful) Spencerian script. The workshop teaches you all of the unique features of the Spencerian alphabet so you can continue to perfect your skills on your own.
Envelope Addressing at Calligraphy by Catherine
Templates, templates, templates. In this workshop, you’ll receive templates for different envelope sizes as well as instruction on choosing ink and centering as well as non-calligraphic ways to dress up everyday envelopes.
P.O. Box 25, Frenchtown, NJ | 908.996.7325 | calligraphybycatherine.com
The Newbie Drum Class at LV Drum Circle
Ever wanted to learn how to drum? Here’s your chance. You’ll learn how to position your hands, simple rhythms, a sense of time and more! More complex classes are also available.
P.O. Box 541, Bethlehem | 610.428.0544 | lvdrumcircle.com
Crafting at Mercantile Home
Learn a new craft and create something you can keep with Mercantile Home. Try their class on Shibori, a Japanese fabric-dying technique. Look to their website for the current offerings.
140 Northampton St., Easton | 610.258.4046 | mercantilehome.com
For Health-Conscious Folks
For Cold and Flu Prevention at Capital Blue Store
Learn how common colds are contracted in addition to the difference between something being just a cold or a more serious illness. Preventative techniques are also taught.
Food Safety at Capital Blue Store
Sometimes food is more dangerous than we think (they say that raw sprouts are surprisingly hard to clean). This class teaches you how to stay safe by practicing proper food safety techniques.
Healthy Habits for Children & Families at Capital Blue Store
Certain habits are best engrained at an early age. Capital Blue helps you figure out how to improve your child’s future by instructing healthy habits in eating, physical activity and more.
The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley | 855.505.2583 | capitalbluestore.com
Nutrition at Lehigh Carbon Community College
LCCC offers a non-credit nutrition course that covers a broad spectrum of dietary details. From the functions of different nutrients to planning nutritional care for others, this course is great for those looking to become a registered dietitian.
4525 Education Park Dr., Schnecksville | 610.799.2121 | lccc.edu
Secondhand Smoke Seminar at Lehigh Valley Health Network
Secondhand smoke is an often- overlooked health discussion. This seminar teaches you what you and your family need to know about how to stay protected from secondhand smoke.
Eat Well for Life at Lehigh Valley Health Network
This lifestyle improvement program “promotes making healthy choices and adopting the practices necessary to achieve a balanced lifestyle.” Don’t expect a diet plan or to be inundated with weight loss techniques—this class teaches you about better living without dieting.
Various locations | 610.402.2273 | lvhn.org
For the Mind & Oneself
Daily Steps to Less Stress at Lehigh Valley Health Network
“In one way or another, we face stress every day of our lives.” LVHN looks to remedy this in their Daily Steps to Less Stress class, which provides instruction on coping skills, innovative stress management strategies, humor therapy, progressive muscle relaxation and more.
Educational Bereavement at Lehigh Valley Health Network
Loss, grief, mourning and bereavement topics are covered in presentations at LVHN. Learn how to grow through grief, how to heal through journaling, how to thrive in retirement, how to keep your family together through cancer and more.
Various locations | 610.402.2273 | lvhn.org
For the Active & the Outdoorsy
Open Water Scuba with the Lehigh Valley Dive Center
If you’re a proficient swimmer with good judgment and good health, you’re eligible to participate in learning the fundamentals of scuba diving. Skills are mastered
in the pool and in the classroom.
231 Nazareth Pike | 610.746.4016 | lvdive.com
Ice-Skating Lessons at Steel Ice Center
Ice-skating isn’t always as easy as it looks. Learn how to master it by taking lessons at the Steel Ice Center.
320 E. 1st St., Bethlehem | 610.625.4774 | steelicecenter.com
Introduction to Beekeeping with the Lehigh Valley Beekeepers Association
Learn from the masters of beekeeping. This adventurous, hands-on experience teaches you the basics of beekeeping, and some of the tips you learn can be used to eventually create your own bee colony at home.
4184 Dorney Park Rd., Allentown | lehighvalleybeekeepers.org
Adult Gymnastics at Force Sports Academy
“A class for the child still in all of us.” If you’d like to brush up on your strength, flexibility and gymnastic skills, this class is for you! All are welcome.
2146 City Line Rd., Bethlehem | 610.443.2026 | forcesportsacademy.net
Bachata at B Dance & Fitness
Bachata is a fun and improvisational form of dance from the Dominican Republic. Learn this (and a varied selection of other dances) from the great instructors at B Dance & Fitness.
2438 Emrick Blvd., Bethlehem | 610.984.5705 | bdanceandfitness.com
Master’s Swimming at Rodale Aquatic Center
This class is for fitness swimmers looking for a more structured workout. Whether you swim individually or in a group, technical and instructional assistance is available.
100 College Dr., Allentown | 610.606.4670 | cedarcrest.edu
Bird Watching with the Lehigh Valley Audubon Society
The Lehigh Valley Audubon Society sets up educational bird watching trips in various parts of the country. At the cheap price of $20 for a year’s membership, you’ll gain access to members-only events and other bird watching experiences. Check their website for their current offerings.
P.O. Box 290, Emmaus | lvaudubon.org
Starlight Snowshoe with L.L.Bean
Explore the snow-covered outdoors with expert instructors leading the way. Just one of many options on L.L.Bean’s Adventure Calendar, this starlight snowshoeing trip is sure to be both memorable and whimsical.
The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley | 610.798.4400 | llbean.com
