Best of Philly

Best Adult Classes

2023 Best Way to Learn a New Hobby

Sippin’ & Stitchin’

Those paint-while-you-drink classes­ are so 2015. Instead, look to Lea Saccomanno, who has reinvented Grandma’s needlepoint­ with low-key learning­ sessions­ at eateries and breweries in Philly and South Jersey. In two hours, beginners and seasoned stitchers thread needles — and socialize over bevvies — to create modern, vibrant, and sometimes very Philly designs, like a wide-eyed Gritty or a rainbow-colored LOVE statue. Read More »

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2019 Best Literary Hub

Blue Stoop

This newish organization and community platform is uniting local lit nerds like never before with engaging readings, poetry workshops, writing intensives and events with beer. Read More »

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2016 Best Class for Adults

Butchering at Kensington Quarters

Learn how to break down an entire animal from the expert knife-wielders here, and you'll be the envy of all your friends at your next dinner party. Well, except for the vegans. Read More »

1310 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA | 267-314-5086 | Website

2016 Best Language Classes

Lingual Institute

You won't be memorizing conjugations at this school. Its emphasis on practical conversation and interactive lessons in small group classes will get you talking and really learning immediately, so you'll be able to chat away when you visit Madrid (or Paris, or Taiwan) in a couple months. Read More »

100 South Broad Street, suite 622, Philadelphia, PA | 215-564-4040 | Website

2014 Best Classes for Grownups

Philly Art Center

The dual outposts of Philly Art Center are best known for their awesome kids' classes, but the beginner art classes for grown-ups -- seven-week sessions that average eight to 12 students -- offer the same pressure-free, joyful artistic release that the kids enjoy, with instructors who will actually elevate your skill level. Go for drawing, pottery, painting, collaging and more. Read More »

Two locations | 215-765-2787 | Website

2014 Best iPhone/iPad 101 Class

Main Line School Night

Instructor Karen Strauss walks seniors and the tech-phobic through iPhone and iPad setup, app education (what the hell is this Instagram?), and getting the most out of your tech toys. Read More »

260 Gulph Creek Road, Radnor, PA | 610-687-0460 | Website

2014 Best Furniture Making Class

Philadelphia Sculpture Gym

This three-week class focuses on woodworking techniques, but also incorporates whatever refinishing or welding skills you'll need to turn that sturdy piece of driftwood you found in Ocean City into, say, a stool. Read More »

1834 East Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA | 215-880-4904 | Website

2014 Best Sewing Class

Handcraft Workshop

Owner Heather Hutchison Harris gears her Sewing 101 toward the true newbie, but also offers project-based classes in which students learn to make totes, infinity scarves, skirts the types of things that make you feel, if not Martha-esque, at least moderately accomplished. Read More »

7224 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA | 215-247-1440 | Website

2013 Best Grown-Up Classes

3rd Ward

The adult night-school world in the Philly region has been turned on its head by the brand-new outpost of the Brooklyn-based education company, which the New York Times has deemed a DIY utopia. Whether you want to learn how to develop a documentary, fabricate metal structures, cast jewelry molds, build an urban garden, create comic strips or design Web pages that look like they're from 2015 instead of 2005, you can do it here, at the wide-open learning space. Say goodbye to basket-weaving forever. Read More »

1227 North 4th Street, Philadelphia, PA Website

2012 Best Adult Classes

Philly Beer School

Put down that PBR and enroll, so you'll know what you're doing when you tiptoe outside your comfort zone. Read More »

127 South 22nd Street, Philadelphia, PA Website