A Dozen Great Pastimes & Hobbies for Fall/Winter in Mid Columbia

To get certified (or keep certification) you must complete several different types of dives every few years. Clubs usually schedule these throughout the year. It's a unique hobby and a fantastic way to meet people and do a little traveling around the Northwest.

State Park and National Park cabins are rustic. Bathrooms are often outhouses or shared units surrounded by other cabins. Showers are sometimes non-existent. But light the wood stove, turn on a lantern and get cozy. They're usually the same price as a super cheap hotel room.

Get the basics under your belt in an indoor gym and improve your strength. Then you'll be ready for a real adventure when the weather warms. If you're single, I've never met a rock climber (male or female) who wasn't incredibly attractive.

No matter where you live there is likely a bar/club/tavern nearby with karaoke nights and/or trivia competitions. These are a GREAT place to make new friends. They're so common you may even find one or two within walking distance (then you won't have to worry about having one too many).

I find archery to be more physical, challenging and affordable, but all shooting sports are a fantastic way to spend free time in the fall and winter.

The Three Rivers Adult Hockey League accepts new members and women are invited to join as well. My friend's wife is on an all-women team (not locally) and loves it.

Nearly every night of the week there are games taking place somewhere in Tri-Cities. A new business devoted to games just opened up behind Safeway on George Washington Way. Adventures Underground in The Uptown Center coordinates a lot of gaming so I recommend starting there.

Salsa, ballroom, swing and clogging are the most popular. All over Tri-Cities there are studios offering dance classes for adults.

Visit the website "MeetUp" and type in Kennewick. You'll find a dozen cool groups getting together for outdoors activities, art projects and more.

From what I understand, Jiujitsu is what you want for "real" self defense. It's what MMA athletes, soldiers and female cops study. Tai-Kwon-Do allows you to progress quickly and join tournaments. Many karate dojos let you train with multiple weapons styles (as do Korean-style gyms). Judo is where Ronda Rousey got her start and is considered less violent. Krav Maga is supposed to be great exercise.

Adventures Underground and Hobby Lobby both sell airplane, warship, tank and car model kits to assemble. Remember loving that as a kid? If you're more into miniatures for doll houses or fairy villages try any craft store.

I know, I know, you think if you take up baking you'll get fat. Here's the secret: promise people a pie, or cookies, or tarts and then you're obligated to give it away once done! Seriously though, people get a ton of fulfillment out of baking.