Mindful Pastimes for Creative Expression & Inspiration this Winter

Unplugged Winter Fun

While still full of plenty of festivities and traditions, fall requires reflection on how to best embrace its slower pace. Read on for local interactive hobbies and activities to enjoy this cozy season.

Winter marks a significant but gentle shift in seasons, bringing comforting rhythms and routines. The absence of summer's spontaneity, however, doesn't need to mean dull days doomscrolling and searching for plans. The autumnal energy in New Orleans still invites its own abundance of new activities to explore that can spark artistic expression or inspiration.

Activities in NOLA

Tactile art is a guaranteed way to wind down and engage in creativity. At The Quarter Stitch, owner Chelle Wabrek and her team are passionate about upholding their welcoming community and ability to provide guidance for a range of fellow creatives. Open since 1969, all their canvases are hand-painted and they have partnerships with local artists, including offerings from Alex Beard, Terry Gaskins, and those from Clementine Hunter's estate. As team member Kaitie Vasquez explains, with a local focus being part of their mission, they also feature in town vendors who hand dye their yarns and threads, including Pug Ladies and Sugarplum Circus. Wabrek emphasizes how these mediums, including needlepoint and knitting, provide a "dopamine based rewards circuit," and these hobbies can't help but spark a positive mood.

Self labelled as "an experiment in musical architecture," experience music and performance art in an unexpected way at Music Box Village. This space, managed by New Orleans Airlift, combines outdoor sculpture art with live performances to allow attendees to be fully immersed in an enriching experience. Their calendar provides offerings for concert-goers. Check into their open house days and special events, as well, for fun and new discoveries to be had.

To inspire a holistic, self care lifestyle, Freedom Apothecary offers all natural products and services to bring new definitions to beauty and wellness. In 2013, owner and founder Morrisa Barnes-Jenkins began hand crafting her goods after being inspired by her journey into motherhood. The shop still features her own line of in-house crafted products, amongst other brands, with their services including facials, community events, and a blend bar. Barnes-Jenkins extends the shop's mission in empowering those who walk into that space with both knowledge and ease while incorporating these remedies into their routines.

In a city that loves its coffee, Current Crop is offering even more ways to bring elevated experiences to the everyday cup of joe. Their shop includes over 75 bean varieties with roasting stations available on site. Class offerings and workshops include brew methods, coffee cocktail teachings, and pastry pairings—all to learn more about the art of coffee. With the trend of at home coffee stations on the rise, they offer plenty of tools to equip you with your own perfect café vibes.

The instant cheer a bouquet can bring is only the beginning of creating your own floral arrangements. At The Secret Spot Flowers, located within Junebug, build your own bouquets or take a look at their creative seasonal workshops. These workshops can include Junebug serving seasonal cocktails, while some are in partnership with Independence St. Tarot. Based upon sustainable practices, owner and founder Tey Stiteler instills a welcoming atmosphere and always highlights the ethereal nature of floral arranging.

Many have come to label reading as a revolutionary act, which can ring true as it's a way to spark imaginations and is well served to carve out time for yourself and your interests. Take this solo hobby to a community space by attending a book club through the New Orleans Public Library System, which offers options to suit your schedule and genre interest. Their local author events, twice a month, are another way to embark on a literary journey.

While City Park offers much to choose from, venture to the Singing Oak, which inspires inner peace. Not far from the art museum, off the Zemurray Trail around the Big Lake, this historic oak features wind chimes all set to the pentatonic scale. This scale is in the genres of West African, New Orleans jazz, and gospel hymns, reflective of the vibrant musical history of New Orleans. Sit down to absorb the music with a moment of slow living while inviting in new richness and magic.

Perhaps one of the oldest foods known to humankind, fresh bread is beloved for a reason. Hand crafting all their loaves and with a focus on top-quality ingredients, Bellegarde Barkery champions the art of breadmaking. Their expertise lends well to their workshops, where participants can learn more about the breadmaking process, from grain choices to the best techniques. Now part of the Dickie Brennan and Co. family of restaurants, be sure to check out their new and expanded workshop and menu offerings.

Set the cellphone down and consider picking up a camera in order to explore photography and new perspectives. Offering a local network to support your ventures into this outlet is NOLA Community Printshop and Darkroom. Stop by their open shop hours or attend a monthly meeting to learn more about this collaborative group and how they are making this art medium more accessible. As a volunteer-based organization, this also represents a wonderful opportunity for further community involvement.

Enjoy the dynamic duo of milder winter weather set amongst the city's scenic local parks. Studies have shown that nature can provide both physical and mental health benefits, including decreased stress. Build your own adventure by utilizing the park system, such as exploring Couturie Forest or Bayou Sauvage Urban National Wildlife Refuge. Appreciating nature's beauty and gathering a group together for a hike is a way to catch up with friends and loved ones amongst a tranquil setting.