A new year calls for new experiences and in Flint and Genesee County many places offer the chance to try something new.

Whatever your resolutions are for the new year, here are some new things you can try:

Learn Something New

Flint and Genesee County is a place for makers. From art to enterprises and everything in between, the area has plenty of places that offer the opportunity to learn.

Glasswork

The Flint Institute of Arts offers glassblowing demonstrations every Saturday and Sunday for those who want to see first hand how glass art is made. Those who want to get hands-on can take glass classes through the FIA Art School.

In Swartz Creek at Stallings Stained Glass, individuals can take classes in fusing glass, mosaic and stained glass to name a few.

Cooking

In Fenton, Feast Gourmet Kitchen Shop offers a variety of cooking classes that teach participants to make a variety of dishes from Traditional Indian to Mexican Soups and Stews. For beginner chefs, the kitchen shop has classes in cooking techniques such as knife skills and cooking with iron and steel.

Music

At the Flint School of Performing Arts, youth and adults can take a variety of classes including show choir, music therapy and world percussion.

Many communities have local music studios where you can learn guitar, piano or violin. In Fenton, A Joyful Noise Music Studio, in Grand Blanc, Miss Em’s Music Studio and in Clio, Clevenger Music Studio all offer music classes.

Experience Something New

There are a variety of activities you can participate in around the county that can provide a new experience in 2020.

Polar Plunge

The Fenton Polar Plunge on February 1 is an event put on to raise money for the Special Olympics. The fundraiser allows participants to plunge into freezing cold water in Lake Fenton.

Ice Skating

If you have never skated on an ice rink, now is the time to try. In downtown Flint, the UM-Flint Pavilion Ice Rink is open Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. In Grand Blanc, Physicians Park ice rink is open to the community every day.

Snowshoeing

For-Mar Nature Preserve and Arboretum offers snowshoeing classes for ages 5 and older. Snowshoeing is a great way to explore trails in the winter-time.

Meet Someone New

Whether you want to extend your network or make new lifelong friends, it’s always nice to meet someone new and there are plenty of ways to do that in Flint and Genesee county.

Young Professionals

Local young professionals in the area can join groups offered through their local Chamber, such as Flint & Genesee Young Professionals or Fenton Young Professionals. Groups put on events and meetups throughout the year to help connect individuals.

Flint First 50

The Flint First 50 is an event to celebrate new pioneers of downtown Flint. The event is open to the public to help celebrate the community.

Book Clubs

Joining a book club is a great way to meet new people. The Flint Public Library and the many branches of the Genesee District Library offer book clubs. Local book stores also offer book clubs including Cottage Used Books in Goodrich and Fenton’s Open Book.