The JA 5: Adventures at WheatonArts (the other 51 weekends a year)

Here's Shen's 5 favorite things-to-see at WheatonArts EVERY weekend of the year! Check 'em out. The Glass Studio – The building - a replica of the T.C. Wheaton Glass Factory – appears to be a many, many, MANY foot-tall brick furnace with a structure around it.  If you have some leisure time on a chilly fall afternoon, you can warm your bones at a glass-blowing demonstration in this very cozy place.  It’s way more interesting than sitting on the couch.

The Museum of American Glass – This lovely building contains one of the finest collections of American glass in the United States, with more than 6,500 pieces, ranging from early bottles and flasks to recent works by contemporary glass artists.  Even if you don’t know much about the history of glass, you’ll find something you like in the museum.

Make Your Own – It’s not exactly a cheap date at $75 plus shipping for a paperweight and $135+ for a vessel.  But a make-your-own session, under the guidance of an experienced glass artist, is definitely a fun and satisfying activity.  Reservations are required.

Retail Therapy – The shopping opportunities at WheatonArts include Brownstone Emporium, the General Store, the AG Paperweight Shop, The Gallery of Fine Craft, and the Christmas Shop.  Customer Appreciation Week, from October 30 thru November 7, will feature discounts, fun activities, door prizes, refreshments and much more.  Shop ‘til you drop!

From A to Z (or B for Blowing to Y for Yoga) – Throughout the fall, WheatonArts offers a wide-ranging selection of multi-session classes, intensives and workshops, and many are open to adults and teenagers.  Can you say multi-generational bonding?