News alert: it’s still February. And while even we’ve been guilty of dreaming of winter getaways and preemptively shopping for bikinis, we think it’s about time we started taking advantage of this season before it’s over for good. Because while yes, we hate the polar vortex as much as you do, we still have winter coats to wear and things to do that we won’t want to do once it’s warm out. So shit, we better get on it now. And some of these winter activities are pretty freaking awesome and it would be a shame to miss them because you were too busy hibernating and planning what you’ll bring to the first Central Park picnic of the year.

So while we agree that it’s cold and we agree it sucks, we’re officially shutting up about it and having fun anyway. And if you’re ready to do the same then get up and check these things off your list ASAP, because hopefully there’s not much time left.

Photo Via The Real Deal

Soon enough it’ll actually be warm enough to enjoy a Mai Tai on the beach, but for now Royal Palms Shuffleboard is about the closest you’ll get. Sorry for that harsh reality, but lucky for you a Saturday at Royal Palms is just about the most fun you can have in the winter in NYC, and really what else do you have to do than drink tropical cocktails and hit the disc around with your friends like you’re 85 and retired in Florida? Nothing. Apologies for the harshness again, we’re just trying to help.

Insider tip: get a group together and book a lane ahead of time. You won’t have to wait and beer is included in your price.

Photo Via Gilt City

The idea of painting with wine is nothing new, but that doesn’t mean it’s gotten any less fun over the years. Think about it, since way back in the day the world’s great artists have been known to toss a few back now and again (this was painted by a guy who’s favorite drink was absinthe…just sayin), so it’s safe to say that a drink or two is proven to make the creative juices flow. So why not get your own buzz on and see what all the buzz is about?

For painting with wine try Paint Nite or The Painting Lounge.

If you’ve already reached your quota for DIY painting fails this month, try Baked in Brooklyn for pottery class instead. On Wednesday’s it’s BYOB pottery making class and on Thursday’s it’s BYOB mosaics. Good stuff all around.

Photo Via Ancient Baths NY

There’s no better way to warm up than by taking a bath, so you should probably go ahead and make it the best bath ever. And at Aire Ancient Baths that’s exactly what you can do. Aire Ancient Baths is a bath complex that originated in the South of Spain (so yeah, it’s sexy already), and you have the option of just bathing, getting a massage, or signing up for the full on Flamenco Acoustic Experience. And since you’ve already trekked all the way in the cold to get there it would be absurd not to get all three.

Photo of Murray’s Cheese via Business Insider

Education is always a good thing (stay in school, kids), but we particularly like it when we can simultaneously eat and drink. And luckily for us and for you there are loads of places offering wine tastings, beer tastings, cheese classes, wine AND cheese classes, and more, so you’ll never have to feel guilty about shoveling hunks of fancy-ass cheese in your mouth while taking a bottle of wine to the face sampling and sipping European delicacies, because it’s all in the name of education. These are “classes” remember? And that picnic basket you’re already preparing for Spring will thank for you for the knowledge.

For the cheese lover head to Murray’s Cheese or Bedford Cheese.

For the beer lover head to The Brooklyn Brewery. Accept no substitutions.

For any and all drinks of choice, check out what’s on at The Astor Center.

For the wine lover, check out when The Brooklyn Winery is offering tours (it varies), or head to New York Vintners for a tasting class.

For the chocolate lover, join a quick 30 minutes factory tour of Mast Brothers Chocolate.

Photo of The Brooklyn Kitchen via nyshuk.com

Another oldie but goodie, we’re guessing this one has been on your list for a while now. If so, we think it’s time to make it happen because cooking classes are looking really, really fun these days. They’re not just about knife skills or learning to butcher a hog (were they ever?), but instead you can learn everything from how to brew to your own beer to how to make your own dumplings, and sure, those are things anyone might like to know. All we’re saying is that that if Juno round 2 comes around and strands us all in our apartments, knowing how to make dumplings might come in handy. Here are our picks for where to sharpen your skills in case that happens:

The Brooklyn Kitchen: Always phenomenal, but you’ve gotta book a month in advance. And if you can’t plan that far ahead, stop in anyway for some fancy groceries.

Haven’s Kitchen: Again, really popular, but really good. And if you can’t squeeze into a class check out their cafe for coffee or lunch. It’s worth a trip on its own.

Home Cooking New York: Great news! They’ll actually have space and this is where you learn how to make dim sum.

Photo Via @loveandpaint

While dinner and movie is good and all, if you’re looking to up the ante with your lover check out Love and Paint. Clearly Alexander Esguerra (the man behind the idea) knows a thing or two about love, so we’d recommend taking his advice, stripping down, and making some art while making some love. It’ll warm you up in no time, for sure.

 

Photo By Daniela Spector for Taste The Style

We can’t lie, here at TTS we know how to enjoy ourselves, and during these cold months we’ve been Staycationing (here and here) and enjoying the shit out of it. Not much else needs to be said for a Staycation other than that you should just do it, like now. Not only does it NOT require going outside but it doesn’t even require leaving your bed. Because if you ARE going to hibernate until springtime you should definitely do it in style. Stay tuned for more TTS staycations to come…

 

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