It’s never too late to learn something new. And Westerville offers a wealth of opportunities to broaden your horizons - from a how-to, hands-on project to an experiential learning adventure. Here are just a few ways to enrich and expand your base of knowledge.

Filling your home with a soothing scent is a sure way to calm your senses and enhance your mood. Now imagine that scent was personally created by you to hit all your happy places. That vision becomes a reality at Blend Candle Co., one of the newer Uptown shops that specializes in all things aromatic. Fragrance specialist and shop owner Denise Smith also offers classes where you select your own unique scent from 50+ fragrances and create your very own candle, room mister, reed diffuser or personal care product using 100% US-grown soy and coconut wax and non-toxic oils. Perfect for groups (6 or more requires a reservation), singles or couples, and your DORA (designated outdoor refreshment area) beverage is welcome as well.

Whether or not you possess a green thumb, Hoover Gardens & Gift Center has a workshop for you. Known for custom potting and plant installation, Hoover Gardens also presents workshops and seminars. Upcoming events include a bonsai seminar by expert Mark Passarrello (with a discount on materials to get you started), a fairy garden workshop where kids and adults can create a miniature landscape of tiny plants under a glass dome, and a low light houseplant workshop complete with a Q&A session while you create your own planter filled with low light plants.

Find your inner artist with the David Myers Art Studio & Gallery where noted painter David Myers leads classes that focus on building skills while exploring self-expression. With a degree in art therapy, Myers is uniquely qualified to lead sessions where budding painters can “find their voices and tell their story.” Instruction in mediums that include pencil, chalk, charcoal, oil, watercolor and acrylic paint encourages participants to bring their creative visions to life.

Expand your crafting acumen at Inspiring U, a one-stop-spot for almost any craft you’ve ever wanted to learn or perfect. Quilting? Check. Jewelry-making? Yep. And sewing, crochet, knitting, painting, clay arts, card and paper crafting, macramé, wood-burning, long-arm quilting and cake decorating. Whew! Owner Beth Gabel brings her crafty family up-bringing to Inspiring U, sharing her passion for crafts with kids and adults alike. Each class is taught by a specialist in the field assuring you learn the proper techniques to craft the day away.

Looking for a more active pursuit? Hoover Adventures has you covered with classes designed for kayakers of all skill levels. The Try Kayaking class targets first time kayakers with instruction in paddling and comfort in the water, Little Yakers is for kids 7 and up and Golden Paddlers teaches those 50 and older the basics of a relaxing kayaking experience. Private classes are also available and include Deep Water Kayaking, Paddling for Exercise, and Adaptive Kayaking - a class allowing anyone with a disability to experience the joy of being out on the water.

Let your creativity blossom at Westerville Florist. Groups are welcome to schedule a Blooms & Beverages workshop to learn the art of flower arranging, while singles or couples can channel their flower power at the Bouquet Bar, a stem-by-stem approach to building a bouquet for a special occasion or just to brighten the day.

Dirty hands are encouraged while learning the finer points of clay arts at Uptown Art & Clay where studio space is available for more experienced potters and Create and Sip classes are hosted for the newbies. Upcoming sessions offer an opportunity to create garden mushrooms or fairy houses, bird feeders and wine chillers. All supplies, including glazes and firing, are included; the “Sip” part of the class, however, is BYOB.

Whether you have two left feet or want to sharpen your mambo moves, the Fred Astaire Dance Studios has a class designed for dancers of every age and skill level. Instruction in ballroom dance styles range from a waltz to a tango, foxtrot and even line dancing. Private lessons, group classes and practice parties are offered to students who can rest assured they’ll receive personal attention... and no judgment.

A great way to relax and channel your artistic side, Sip and Sketch at Good Vibes Winery brings two fun activities together: painting and wine! Good Vibes Winery plays host to the bi-monthly Sip and Sketch presented by The Arts Council of Westerville. Local artists lead the classes where a theme for the sketch, like Monet’s garden or snow birds, is the subject for the evening and instruction in “technique and stylized approaches” is offered to each participant. And if painting’s not your thing, The Arts Council of Westerville also sponsors Crafting with the Council once a month (also at Good Vibes Winery) where instruction in a variety of projects run the gamut from terrariums and beaded bracelets to Ukrainian eggs and paper roses. Pre-registration is required (adults only) and all materials for your sketch or crafting session are included, as are two glasses of wine, no doubt to promote inspiration!

For history buffs, the Westerville History Museum offers self-guided walking tours available to download on your phone or computer. The four tours: State Street, Uptown Industry, Main Street and College Avenue - present an overview of the city’s rich local history at multiple stops using vintage images and an audio guide. For those who appreciate the irony of imbibing alcohol while learning about Westerville’s deep roots in the temperance movement, check out the Tipsy Temperance Tours (18+ only) held twice a month during evening hours (through September). This guided tour brings the prohibition era to life while participants who wish to do so can purchase an adult beverage at one of Uptown’s bars or restaurants and enjoy it during the tour which is contained within the DORA.

By: Cynthia Earhart