SPACE TRAINING IN ALABAMA Can’t afford to journey into space with Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic or Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin? Then try the next-best thing: an adult space camp. The U.S.

Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, where America’s space program was born, offers two recreational programs. The three-day Adult Space Academy engages participants in hands-on,

interactive space missions and shows them what it takes to be an astronaut. You’ll train like an astronaut on the multi-axis trainer, construct and launch your own model rocket, learn team

building on the low-elements ropes course, test your engineering skills by designing a protective heat shield and participate in a simulated space mission. DATES: Oct. 21–23 and Dec. 2–4,

30.–Nov. 4, 2022 COST: $1,699 per person, including lodging and all meals. COOKING IN TEXAS HILL COUNTRY Have you ever yearned to make osso buco alla Milanese, coq au vin, Cajun barbecued

shrimp, Spanish paella or Texas brisket but felt intimidated? Then consider a three-day cooking class with Book Culinary Vacations in Wimberley in the beautiful Texas Hill Country. Led by an

executive chef, these weekend programs with a maximum of eight participants run throughout the year with a focus on a different cuisine for each one, including French, Italian, American,

Spanish, German, Mediterranean, barbecue, vegetarian and heart healthy. And because this is Texas, some focus exclusively on local holiday specialties, such as mesquite-smoked turkey,

classic pecan pie, sweet potato brûlée, and pecan and sage cornbread dressing. Learn the secrets of such mouthwatering dishes, and become the envy of your friends and family when you whip

them up back home. DATES: Classes are offered from January through December COST: $703 for one, $1,028 for two, including lodging, two breakfasts, two lunches and two dinners