A Texas Hill Country Course in Extra-Curricular Activities Could Earn You an ‘A’ for Fun

Taking courses has not often sounded that appealing to many, but there are some things out there that you just have to buckle down and downright torture yourself to get right. These three Texas Hill Country courses couldn’t be more the opposite and will help you pick up a skill and let you experience something new that maybe you’ve always wanted to try. Learn the ins and outs of a new hobby or skill from the pros here in the Hill Country, and get yourself an “A” in extra-curricular activities.

1. Learn How to Fly Fish.

Photo: Wikimedia

At Hill Country Fly Fishers, author Kevin Hutchison (who wrote “Fly Fishing the Texas Hill Country”) teaches newbies casting theory, basic fly-fishing cast movements, and how to put the concept and movement together into the perfect cast. He’ll come to you if you have riverfront property, or he can meet you at any one of 14 different Hill Country rivers. A two-hour casting lesson with Hill Country Fly Fishers costs are quite reasonable, and all pricing and contact information is available on their website.

2. Learn Glassblowing

Photo: Wikimedia

At the Southwest School of Art in San Antonio, a six-session glassblowing class for beginners allows students to handle hot glass properly, learning to create a finished product under the guidance of their instructor. Use of the school’s clear glass materials, safety equipment, and their studio are covered in course costs, and while you’re there, you may also want to visit their small history museum and grab your lunch at their café. Classes in glass are also offered on beads and marbles, mosaics, and stained glass. They also feature a wide variety of additional creative art programs that might tweak your interest, and details, as well as schedule and course fees, are provided on their website.

3. Learn More About Bat Viewing.

Photo: Flickr/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters

At Bracken Cave in New Braunfels, the largest bat colony in the world makes its home with over 15 million Mexican free-tailed bats in residence. Bat Conservation International (owners of the cave and 2,000 surrounding acres) offers public tours on specially scheduled nights. Through them, they are able to educate participants regarding protecting the bats and their habitat, how undeveloped land can create a safety net for young bats just learning how to fly, and what food sources the bats consume through the course of a summer night. Advanced booking is required, and special events, as well as group camping nights, are available. To learn more, visit Bracken Cave’s website for schedules and how to make future arrangements.