This year, why not break out of the same old routine and try something new? Whether you want to improve existing skills or explore new ones, there are plenty of opportunities in and around Franklin to do just that—and have fun while you do it. You don’t have to go in for a long-term commitment. Stick your toe in the water and see how it feels to…

WRITE

Image: Pixabay

Is this the year to finally write that novel or nurture your poetic side? Check out Sacred and Sassy: Poetry & Prose Online from Art and Soul Nashville, a nonprofit arts studio dedicated to supporting individual creativity, personal growth, and artistic development. You’re invited to join their circle to tickle your muse’s fancy, connect on a deep level, and explore your inner creative every Monday while safe and cozy from home. Make sure you have a pen and journal or notebook available.

Sacred and Sassy: Poetry & Prose Online Mondays at 7 PM, online. Ages 17 and up. Sign up.

COOK

Image: Black Diamond Culinary

Calling all foodies and foodie wannabes! Learn to cook with confidence in small group setting at Black Diamond Culinary. Try your hand at making Italian pasta, French cuisine, seafood and more or take a more hands-off approach and watch a mouth-watering meal being prepared before your eyes. (Then eat it. Yum.)

Black Diamond Culinary is at 6050 Maysbrook Lane Franklin, TN, 37064. Book a class.

IMPROVISE

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Laugh while you learn at improv classes and build confidence at the same time. Love music? Third Coast Comedy’s Musical Improv track teaches students of all musical backgrounds everything they need to know to improvise full musicals! Maybe you’ve always secretly wanted to be a stand-up comedian…there’s a class for that, too. Make ‘em laugh!

Third Coast Comedy is at 1310 Clinton St, Ste 121, Nashville, TN 37203. Start your journey.

GARDEN

Image: WCMGA

Take your love of plants to the next level and become a Master Gardener. Master Gardeners develop and manage community programs related to horticulture, landscape improvements, therapeutic horticulture projects demonstration and more. The course is organized around weekly lectures, with some workshops, field trips and projects and takes place over 15 weeks beginning in January of each year.

If that sounds like a bit too much of a commitment, check out horticultural events, resources, recipes and more from the Williamson County Master Gardener Association.

CREATE

Image: Hawaii Fluid Art

Let your inner artist out to play with a fluid art class at Hawaii Fluid Art. No artistic experience necessary! You can also opt to make a resin tumbler, paint on glass, or design a one-of-a-kind hat at their Patch Party Hat Bar. There’s something for everyone, so the whole family can join in the fun. All their products are non-toxic, water-based and easy to use.

Hawaii Fluid Art is at 3252 Aspen Grove Dr #10, Franklin, TN 37067.  Pick your project.

ROCK OUT

Image: School of Rock Franklin

It’s never too late to indulge your rock ‘n roll dreams. Anyone from age 6 on up can learn to be a rock star at School of Rock Franklin. Adult students attend a weekly private lesson and a weekly group rehearsal (you’ll be placed in a band and assigned songs). The payoff? Your band will take the stage at a live show at a real rock venue in Franklin! All skill levels welcome.

School of Rock Franklin is at 615 Bakers Bridge Avenue Suite 100, Franklin, TN 37067.  Rock on!

BUILD

Image: Woodcraft of Nashville

Admit it, you’ve watched those celebrity carpenters on renovation shows and thought, “Wonder if I could do that.” Well, with some training from the experts at Woodcraft of Nashville, you probably can. They offer classes for all levels of woodworking expertise, so even if the only jigsaw you’re familiar with is a puzzle (hint: it’s also an actual saw), they can help you start throwing sawdust around with the best of them. They also offer free monthly demos and Date Night projects.

Woodcraft of Nashville is at 209 South Royal Oaks Blvd STE #164, Franklin, TN 37064. Choose a project.

No matter what you’re interested in, there’s probably a workshop, website or course nearby. You don’t have to become an expert or change your career (although you can if you want to). Sometimes it’s just good to give your brain a break from the everyday and try something new.

Happy learning!