Winter Fun…Indoors!
When the weather gets cold, many celebrate the season with outdoor winter activities. However, for those who prefer not to brave the elements (and risk cold fingers and toes) there is still plenty to do this winter. So leave the snow pants at home and try some of these activities:
TRADE IN: Your snowshoes
FOR: Dance shoes
AND HEAD TO:
TC Dance Club PA
6623 Sullivan Trail, Wind Gap
learnballroomlatin.com, 610.881.1000
Formerly the Studio West Dance Club, this club has been around since 1979 and offers a variety of classes including Salsa, Cha Cha, Tango, Swing, Fox Trot, Waltz, Rumba, Samba, Quickstep, Mambo, Merengue and Polka. They offer spots for new members to more experienced dancers as well as private lessons. Attend one of their Club Parties where you meet with other dance club members for music and the chance to show off your newly learned dance moves.
Dance Fusion
7720 Main Street, Fogelsville
studiodancefusion.com, 610.360.4335
If ballroom dancing is not your thing, grab some sneaks and head to their Hip Hop dance class. They offer a beginner level class in street style dancing to pop, funk or hip hop music. Learn moves like the Toprock (movement while standing up), Downrock (movement on the ground), Freezes (acrobatic pauses in movement) and you’ll be a fly girl in no time.
TRADE IN: Your ski poles
FOR: Knitting needles
AND HEAD TO:
Conversational Threads
8 South 4th Street, Emmaus
610.421.8889
Classes are available each month for beginners learning to knit or crochet. If you are currently working on a project and need some knitting support, there is seating available in the store for ‘social knitting’ and knitting help so you never have to knit alone.
The Knitter’s Edge
1601 West Broad Street, Bethlehem
theknittersedge.com, 610.419.9276
In addition to the largest inventory of sock yarns in the area they offer a variety of daytime and evening knitting classes for the beginner to the advanced; crochet classes are offered as well.
Northampton Community College
3835 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem
northampton.edu, 610.861.5300
They offer a knitting class for beginners, teaching you the basic stitches and getting you started on small projects like dish cloths and scarves. Classes start mid-February.
TRADE IN: Your ice skates
FOR: Roller skates
AND HEAD TO:
Independence Family Fun Center
4345 Independence Drive, Schnecksville
familyfunoff309.com, 610.769.5811
Roller skating is a great family outing–but the Independence Family Fun Center also offers rock climbing, mini bowling, laser tag, and a moon bounce–so there is plenty to do for those who don’t want to skate. If you are in the mood for something a bit more thrilling, check out the Lehigh Valley Rollergirls, a women’s roller derby team that holds bouts at the Independence Family Fun Center starting in March.
TRADE IN: Hiking in the mountains
FOR: Rock climbing indoors
AND HEAD TO:
North Summit Climbing Gym
481 Bushkill Plaza Lane, Wind Gap
northsummitclimbing.com, 610.863.4444
Learn the basics of bouldering or challenge yourself with some of the more complicated rope climbing routes–there is something for everyone here, including Kids Belay time on Saturday morning. They have 35-foot walls and new routes to the top are added each week to keep it challenging.
TRADE IN: Snowmobile racing
FOR: Go-kart racing
AND HEAD TO:
Lehigh Valley Grand Prix, LLC
649 South 10th Street, Allentown
lehighvalleygrandprix.com, 610.432.7223
The route is a quarter-mile indoor track and the karts ramp it up on the straight-aways at speeds up to 45 mph. Challenge your spouse to an eight-minute race or just try and best your own race time. There are also leagues–an adult league runs for four weeks and allows for more competitive racing, while the junior leagues provides an eight-week program for 10-15 year olds.
American on Wheels museum
5 North Front Street, Allentown
americaonwheels.org, 610.432.4200
If you prefer a more passive car experience, head to the museum devoted to one-of-a-kind show cars. Take pictures of yourself in front of a hot rod and post it on Facebook–no one needs to know the car isn’t yours.
TRADE IN: Snowball making
FOR: Stringing beads
AND HEAD TO:
The Bead Hive
702 West State Street, Coopersburg
thebeadhive.net, 610.282.9484
The second Thursday of each month is “Bead Addicts’ Night Out”–it’s open to everyone and there is no charge. Bring something to work on and join other beaders for music, snacks and beading camaraderie. They also hold various classes for beginners if you prefer a more structured beading experience.
TRADE IN: Winter stargazing
FOR: Movie-gazing
AND HEAD TO:
Third Thursday Film Club
Victory Firehouse, 205 Webster Street, Bethlehem
southsidefilmfestival.com/community/third-thursdays, 610.882.4300
Support independent films! Join other cinemaphiles on the third Thursday each month for free viewings of high quality indie films and lively discussions courtesy of the SouthSide Film Institute.
