There’s never a bad or wrong time to try or learn something new, but it is typically the arrival of the new year that makes most of us think of changes and fresh starts.
“New year, new you” is always soon to follow after a “happy new year,” with resolutions made in the hopes of taking better care of ourselves and our overall well-being.
With the new year well underway, it’s a great time to discover the “new you” with some fresh ways to spend your time, and to nurture your physical, mental, and emotional health.
Here are just a few hobby ideas to get started with, to help you foster some joy for the “new you”:
A hiking trail cuts through the Southeastern Massachusetts Bioreserve, easy to see in the snow.
Get in shape
How about starting a new sport? Pickleball is popular, and easy to follow, if you’re looking to try something new.
There are free courts around the Fall River area where you can go play, and there are even leagues you can join.
In Fall River, there are free courts at Kennedy Park, Bicentennial Park, and Bristol Community College.
Tennis/pickleball courts at Kennedy Park in Fall River.
Teamworks Somerset, 732 Lees River Ave., offers pick-up pickleball, and the Stoico/FIRSTFED YMCA, 271 Sharps Lot Road, Swansea, has pickleball courts available to members.
The Tiverton Pickle Ballers have a public Facebook group with periodic updates, plus there are dedicated, free courts in town, with reservations available, according to Pickleheads.com.
Hiking clubs are also a great way to get outside and enjoy some exercise. Bonus: nature is beautiful! You don’t have to be an expert either; just make sure you gear up the right way, and that you’re comfortable and have a snack, and then you can hit the trail.
The Appalachian Mountain Club’s Southeastern Massachusetts Chapter is a great resource, plus you can make some connections and find hiking events on their website.
Hikers enjoy a trail in the Southeastern Massachusetts Bioreserve in Fall River, on Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022.
The Westport Land Conservation Trust also offers a variety of walks, for people of all ages.
Right now, check out the upcoming Woods in Wintertime Walk, which will take place on Tuesday, Jan. 28, at 4 p.m. at the Mill Pond Conservation Area, 1 Reed Road.
They’ve got trails and properties for hikers of all skills too. Check out https://westportlandtrust.org/our-properties/ for a detailed map.
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Joining a gym, or even just walking on your own, are also great ways to get moving.
If you’re looking to venture forth on your own, Fall River’s scenic waterfront is a welcome sight at any time of year.
It’s historic too, and you can combine exercise with a boost in your historic knowledge by taking a walk connecting the wayfinders at Heritage State Park. Information is available at the front desk at the Capt. Thomas Hudner Visitors Center at 100 Davol St.
Pick up a new artistic hobby
Looking to hone your craft, or try a new one? Now’s the perfect time to pick up a new artistic hobby.
Here are some upcoming events to help you try some new artsy activities:
The Fall River Public Library, 104 N. Main St., is hosting a Danish woven paper heart craft on Tuesday, Jan. 21, from 6 to 7 p.m. Learn how to create a Danish woven paper heart in this free event, sponsored by the Friends of the Fall River Public Library. Register by calling the adult circulation desk at 508-324-2700, Ext. 2.
Learn how to play music with the Fall River Arts Academy, 347 S. Main St. They offer in-person and online lessons, for children to adults. It’s never too late to learn. For more information, visit https://www.fallriverartsacademy.com/.
Teens and tweens age 10 and older can visit the Somerset Public Library, 1464 County St., for a pottery event on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 6 p.m. Rick Hamelin will give a pottery wheel demonstration, and guests can make their own pinch pot. This event is funded by the Friends of the Somerset Public Library. Registration is required at www.somersetpubliclibrary.org.
On Wednesdays, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., the Westport Free Public Library, 408 Old County Road, hosts the Happy Hobbies and Cozy Crafts Club. Bring a project to work on in a comfortable, creative atmosphere.
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Find your place in the spotlight: you can audition for “Anastasia” with Little Theatre of Fall River on Wednesday, Feb. 5, and Thursday, Feb. 6.
This is the musical adaptation of the story of Anastasia Romanov, the doomed Russian princess. The musical was based upon the immensely popular 90s animated film, “Anastasia,” and features audience-favorite songs like “Once Upon a December,” as well as songs original to the musical.
For more information, follow Little Theatre of Fall River on Facebook or visit littletheatre.net/anastasia.
Cultivate some painting skills, with a paint and sip event at Vanson Leathers Inc., 951 Broadway, Fall River, on Thursday, Jan. 30, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Presented by The Fall River Arts and Culture Coalition, this event will be a fundraiser for The Greater Fall River Art Association.
Led by Lola Blu, guests will be able to paint on Vanson leather while sipping beverages. The night will conclude with a behind-the-scenes tour of the factory.
Stitcher Jose Amado works on a jacket at Vanson Leather Inc. in Fall River on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024.
Tickets are $45 per person.
Sign up at https://tinyurl.com/29shu6cc.
If you’re looking for places to help you get supplies for your new crafty hobby, some local spots include:
Read more books
If you have a reading goal for the year, or just want to get more reading done in general, you can always sign up for a card at your local library, and get free access to physical and electronic books, as well as a whole host of services and groups.
Plus, most of the local libraries in Greater Fall River have book clubs that you can join, to help you stick to your goal, get more reading done, and make some new friends.
Local bookshops, if you want to buy a book, can also get you any title you need, including through bookshop.org.
The Tiverton Farmers Market.
Eat healthier
Local farmers markets are a fun way to eat healthier, with everything from fresh produce to prepared foods. Bonus: you can also usually check out some artisan crafts while you’re there.
The Tiverton Farmers Market is open year-round, and other seasonal markets will be back before you know it.
Other area farmers markets and farm stands include:
This article originally appeared on The Herald News: New year, new you: Learn a new hobby at these Fall River-area places