There’s something special about the end of summer. It’s still sweltering outside, but we know that fall is just around the corner. We dress our children in new clothes, equip them with new school supplies and get the feeling that anything is possible. You can practically smell the freshly sharpened pencils. Back to school is an exciting time, and it doesn’t have to be just for kids.
Charlotte has so many opportunities for us grownups to learn and grow. Why not shake up your everyday routine by learning something new? Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn another language, explore your artistic side or discover the pure bliss of a perfectly baked souffle made by your own hands. Whatever it is you yearn to learn, go for it.
Here are just a few of the many classes to choose from in Charlotte.
Create your own art
Hot Glass Alley: This NoDa hot spot is a glass art gallery where you can actually learn how to mold molten glass into your own masterpiece. They offer a variety of classes including a date night package where you can have a glass of wine, nibble on a charcuterie board and make a piece of glass art to take home. There are also weekend classes for anyone nine years old and up where you can make a suncatcher, an ornament or even a ruffle bowl. Go to the Hot Glass Alley website to learn more.
Clayworks: Play with clay at this non-profit studio in Oakhurst. Clayworks hosts artists of all levels of expertise. Its mission is to bring the ceramic arts to the community. They offer everything from two-hour workshops for the pottery curious to 10-week classes on sculpture and many other courses somewhere in between. Go to the Clayworks website to learn more and register for a workshop.
Dust off the old jazz shoes
Open Door Studios: Find what moves you at this Plaza Midwood dance studio. Yes, Open Door offers classes for kids starting at age three. But they also have many drop-in classes for adults where there’s no commitment and no dress code. You could try beginning ballet on Monday, advanced jazz on Tuesday and try out beginning tap on Wednesday. Open Door Studios is known for offering high-quality classes in an inclusive, creative and encouraging atmosphere. Go to the Open Door Studios website to learn more.
Channel your inner Julia Child
Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen: This place in lower South End has won many awards for its popular and high-quality in person and online cooking classes. You can learn how to make your own Chinese take-out, Mediterranean street food, cake decorating and more. They even offer classes and camps for kids and teens. Go to the Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen website for a full listing of current classes.
Johnson & Wales Community Cooking Classes: The acclaimed uptown university also offers classes for us mere amateurs. You can learn how to create a stellar Sunday brunch, Thai seafood or French breakfast pastries. Go to the JWU website to see the classes being offered.
Mixology
The Cocktailery: Learn to make it shaken or stirred at this South End cocktail school. They offer classes in margaritas, spritzes and iconic cocktails from across the U.S. You can meet new friends in a group lesson, arrange a private event in your home or take a virtual class. Go to The Cocktailery website for more information.
Socialize with scribes
The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library: Join a FREE writing workshop or poetry group at your neighborhood library branch. There are workshops for teen and adult writers of all experience levels. There are groups to help you set a goal and stick to it, groups for writing poetry, groups for exploring different genres. Some classes are in person, some are online. All are free. Go to the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library website for more information.
This is just a short list of the many opportunities for personal growth in Charlotte. So, get out there, sharpen your #2 pencils and take a little step outside your comfort zone. You just might find that going back to school was just what you needed.
If your new class is in a fabulous neighborhood you could see yourself in, give us a call.