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Arts and culinary workshops

By Erin Byers

All you need is a few hours to restore your mental health. An intensive adult education class or workshop can pull your mind away from the office and open the doors to life's finer pleasures. Explore your inner artist, sharpen your cooking skills, or contemplate the flavor of a well-made Pinot Noir inside one of these professional classrooms.

Truro Center for the Arts at Castle Hill

Housed in a remodeled barn near Provincetown , this community arts center offers classes in painting, drawing, writing, jazz, sculpting and film. Specialized workshops, such as “Design in Black and White” and “Portraiture in Clay,” are taught by experienced art professionals from around the country. Beginner-to-intermediate classes are open year-round, nights and weekends. www.castlehill.org

Snow Farm: The New England Craft Program

Hone your craft-making skills inside this 50-acre farm complex in the Berkshires. Students learn welding, glass blowing, lamp work and weaving, among other trades. Master craftspeople teach daytime, evening and weekend workshops over the course of several weeks. www.snowfarm.org

Wheatleigh Culinary Experience

Chef Bryce Whittlesey teaches the basics of preparing classic gourmet dishes behind the scenes in the restaurant kitchen of the Wheatleigh hotel in Lenox. Set against the rolling hills of Western Massachusetts , the luxurious Italianate villa features one of the state's finest dining rooms. Small, hands-on classes — complete with personalized chef's jackets — make for an intimate experience. This winter will include classes on soups, hors d'oeuvres, soufflés, lobsters and chocolate. www.wheatleigh.com

Westport Rivers Winery Events

This award-winning, family-run winery strives to make wine and food education accessible to all, with daily tastings all year and wine dinners at the Long Acre House in Westport , an on-site food and wine education center. Public events include harvest pairings and winery weekends where chef Kerry Downey Romaniello prepares seasonal dishes to match a variety of wines. www.westportrivers.com