Gardening

Ok, not exactly new, but if you haven’t tried it out before, there is no time like the present. Fresh air, working with your hands and fresh veggies from your garden to give you the extra confidence you can not only self-isolate, but you also can self-sustain. For supplies, Home Depot, LaValley Building Supply, and Gardener’s Supply. You can still call it in. Don’t have the land? Check for a community garden in your town to sign up for your own plot of theirs.

*All open

Learn to Serve

Pick up a racket and learn to play tennis or for indoor fun try out table tennis! Get equipment online or at local sporting goods shops like Omer and Bob’s or Stateline Sports.

Learn a New Language

If you’ve ever wanted to parler en francais or have been curious about a new language now, the resources are infinite. Apps like Babbel, Duolingo, and Memrise can make it fun to learn and reward you for your progress. Find one that works for you and set reminders to keep it consistent! 

Biking

Biking is great exercise, and the Upper Valley has loads of trails. Go the distance on Rail Trails or hit the rugged terrain on a mountain bike. Come summer; you’ll be riding to your favorite swimming hole in no time. Check out these reviews of local bike shops to figure out where to buy your set of wheels.

*Trails are currently open but please keep a social distance of 6 ft apart.

Paper arts

Creating paper art is a very versatile endeavor! Cut, paste, print, stamp, dye, to create murals or build a sculpture from a kit or fold paper cranes for your loved ones. It’s fun for all ages and levels, and the projects are endless. Let the creativity flow with what you have at home, try your hand at making your own paper, or get supplies at stores like Michaels, Paper source, and Papyrus.

Woodworking

Master the art of woodworking and knock off some of your DIY projects. Here are some beginner projects you can build with recycled or reclaimed wood. Find supplies at local stores like Dan & Whits and Ace Hardware.

Cooking

Learn how to make pasta, the perfect pho, the timing for the perfect medium-rare steak, a great meal prep program, pickling. Whatever your epicurean heart desires, learn it, and do it well. And remember with spring comes spring produce!

Fishing

 A great way to get outside and connect with nature. Vermont offers an abundance of freshwater fishing opportunities as well as year-round trout fishing. Whether you are catching to release or taking it home to cook, fishing is an excellent outdoor hobby to share with friends and family or hit solo. Get licensed and check out these local spots for you and the family. Get your rod and reel at stores like L.L. Bean and Eastern Mountain Sports.

Bullet Journal

Aptly named for a new way of journaling that includes all of your lists, trackers, notes, doodles, and freewriting in one place. They encourage art, mood tracking, stickers, collage, listing, and calendars. You can get supplies locally at POST along with books on how to best set up your bullet journal or order one online.

RollerBlade

It’s back in. (Was it really ever out?) Hit the pavement and cruise, blades on in the sun for a fun way to keep fit. The Bruised Boutique Shop in Nashua is worth the trip for top-notch skates and all your protective gear. Once you get the hang of it, try out or support your Twin State Roller Derby teams.