With cabin fever peaking in the middle of winter and new goals for the new year, Central Missouri women tend to be looking forward to fresh air and fresh hobbies each January. Get up and get outside in 2023 with new hobbies that will improve your physical, social, and mental health.
Hiking
Take advantage of the local trails in Jefferson City by picking up hiking as a new 2023 hobby. With over 30 miles of trail systems and even more in the surrounding areas and state parks, there is no shortage of options for hiking in Central Missouri.
Try some beginner-friendly hiking by maneuvering your way around Frog Hollow trail or seek some winter solitude out at the peaceful Runge Nature Center loops. The Jefferson City Trail Users group is a community of avid trail users, dog walkers, and hikers in the area that offer friendly get-togethers and advice for trail adventures.
Bundle up and don’t let the crisp weather discourage you from heading out to the trails this winter to explore this new hobby!
Golfing
Hitting the links isn’t just for men.
There are many championship-level courses in the Jefferson City area and surrounding the Lake of the Ozarks. As one of the most popular sports in the country, it is a great hobby to pick up for social and casual fun in the sun.
If you’re new to golf and want to be comfortable playing on the course or if you just want to play occasionally, check out the golf lessons at Oak Hills Golf Center, the only public golf course in Jefferson City.
Oak Hills also offers an open ladies league on Wednesday mornings in the summer where you can socialize and mingle on the course. Many courses offer rental clubs, so you don’t have to invest in a set for yourself until you’ve given golf a swing.
Biking
With a group or by yourself, this hobby is a positive pickup for 2023. The list of health benefits of regular cycling goes on and on, but it is also great for socializing and fun! Living in Central Missouri, we are spoiled with access to the popular Katy Trail. Hop on your bike to head to Hermann, Missouri for a weekend or make the day trip to Hartsburg for lunch. No bike? No problem. Rent a bicycle at the Red Wheel Bike shop to hit the road or the trails.
Jefferson City offers a community bike ride program that is designed for cyclists to explore Jefferson City and become more comfortable navigating their way around town on two wheels. All skill levels are welcome to enjoy a variety of trails, greenways, and bike-friendly roads in Jefferson City. These rides are led by certified Lead Cycling Instructors (LCIs), David Bange and Jim Coleman.
Disc Golf
Add some skill and play to your nature hikes! Disc Golf is a family-friendly sport that can be played by all ages and skill levels. Buy a few discs from the local H.O.B Disc Sports store to get started at one of Jefferson City’s two championship-level, public disc golf courses at Binder Park. Throw the disc from the tee pad and try to make it into the basket in as few throws as possible – simple as that! The tricky part is navigating your disc through the trees and finding the best lines for your disc to travel. Join the women’s disc golf league for a fun and friendly way to learn the sport! The Jefferson City Disc Golf Club hosts leagues and tournaments in the area, as well as weekly meetups for casual rounds of the growing sport.
Pickleball
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing adult sports in the country and you can join in on the fun! Pickleball is a fun sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong in a lively game that can be played in singles or doubles. If you want to gain some familiarity with the sport before playing with others, JC Parks offers pickleball lessons, where you can learn the rules and basic skills of the game. All skills and ages are also welcome to join Jefferson City’s very own pickleball club! You can join this friendly and comfortable atmosphere where there are recreational and competitive opportunities. See what all the buzz is about and paddle your way into pickleball!