Ideas for New Year’s resolutions (and how to conquer them)

The biggest step in completing your New Year’s resolution? Show up.

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The ultimate 2023 flex? Learning how to cook Thai Pearl’s “Pad Kra Pao.”

Photo courtesy of Asheville Strong

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Looking to make or meet your New Year’s resolution? From cooking more to carving out space for creativity, check out our local recommendations below.

Cook more meals at home

  • Sharpen your cooking craft with classes at Asheville Mountain Kitchen — or take your knowledge of protein to the next level with a butchery class at The Chop Shop.
  • Take note of these nine farmers markets that stay open through winter and allow goods like fresh pasta, preserved lemons, and artisan goat cheese to inspire you in the kitchen.
  • Sign up for a CSA share from one of the area’s many incredible farmsbecause nothing puts your feet to the cooking fire like a box of beautiful, farm-fresh produce.

Nurture your creativity

  • Get engaged with Asheville’s expansive arts community at Story Parlor. The cooperative arts space offers classes, workshops, and great storytelling events.
  • Try your hand at sewing + fashion design at one of Arteries Mobile Boutique’s group sewing classes.
  • Learn how to make your own ring, charm, or fused glass pendant with one of these River Arts Districts workshops or explore the wide world of crafts with a blacksmithing, beadwork, or basketry class at John C. Campbell Folk School.
House of Kismet overalls

House of Kismet’s inventory is endlessly funky and fascinating.

Update your wardrobe

Start a new sport

  • We know everyone’s been talking nonstop about pickleball as a fun, low-impact sport (which is totally true) — but if that’s not your speed, you could also give the French yard game pétanque a go.
  • Another great way to get moving? Disc golf. Fun fact: Highland Brewery’s disc golf course has been ranked as one the top 10 brewery courses in the nation.
  • For more of a “college intramural team” feel, check out Asheville Sports & Social Club for sports like kickball, dodgeball, volleyball, and bowling.
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