Mapping

Sunday's weather forecast has improved, the Smithsonian Castle has reopened, and many of the fountains on the National Mall have been reconditioned! Let's go for a tour of the fountains and gardens on the east end of the National Mall! **❶ What we'll do:** * Starting from the Enid A. Haupt Garden, just south of the Smithsonian Visitor Center, we'll go for a clockwise walk around the National Mall, checking out notable fountains, gardens, and monuments along our way. * The walk is about 4.5 miles and should take about 2 hours at a moderate pace. The path is level and mostly paved, with steps in places. * Google map: [https://tinyurl.com/y9rqen9f](https://tinyurl.com/y9rqen9f) ❷ **How to get there:** * Metro (recommended): The Haupt Garden is 0.2 miles' walk from the Smithsonian Metro Station (see [https://goo.gl/maps/aT5Y6Wwte7P2](https://goo.gl/maps/aT5Y6Wwte7P2 )), or 0.4 miles' walk from the L'Enfant Plaza Metro Station (see h[ttps://goo.gl/maps/94VqmFRnQ2T2](ttps://goo.gl/maps/94VqmFRnQ2T2)). * Driving: If you must drive, the Haupt Garden's street address is 1050 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20560. There is paid parallel parking in the area. ❸ **Weather:** The forecast is mostly sunny and a high of 92F, with 9-10 mph NW winds and a very slight chance of showers. Updates: [https://tinyurl.com/2p9ycnap](https://tinyurl.com/2p9ycnap) ❹ **What to bring:** Water, comfy shoes, and your furry friend if desired (leashes, please). Sunscreen and sunglasses are a good idea. ❺ **Advisory:** As a reminder, this is an adult group, and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety and well-being during events. No one under 18 years of age is allowed at this event, either as members or as guests, to include babies in carriers and/or strollers. ❻ **Administrative stuff:** There are restrooms and drinking fountains at the Smithsonian Visitor Center, Union Station, and the US Botanic Gardens. **❼ Notes:** * Smithsonian Castle, 1000 Jefferson Dr SW, Washington, DC 20560, [https://www.si.edu/museums/smithsonian-institution-building](https://www.si.edu/museums/smithsonian-institution-building) * National Park Service Advancing Major Park Beautification and Infrastructure Improvements across Washington, D.C., [https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1207/dc-beautifcation-january-2026.htm](https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1207/dc-beautifcation-january-2026.htm)

Next up is Open City, the cafe of the National Cathedral. You can enjoy a drink and snack while you sit at the tables, or wander around the cathedral to find a subject. https://www.opencitycathedraldc.com/

For our first meeting, I'm thinking like a little short walk (I'm also recovering from a recent surgery, so building back up my stamina!). We can meet at the Capital Crescent Trailhead on Bethesda Ave by the Honda Dealership (the address I put is for the Honda Dealership, [4800 Bethesda Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814](https://maps.google.com/maps?vet=10CAAQoqAOahcKEwjIueTNruaUAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQCQ..i&pvq=CgwvZy8xMXhkam05MnIiFAoOb3VyaXNtYW4gaG9uZGEQAhgD&lqi=ChdvdXJpc21hbiBob25kYSBiZXRoZXNkYSIDiAEBSNfIpsjxgYCACForEAAQARgAGAEYAiIXb3VyaXNtYW4gaG9uZGEgYmV0aGVzZGEqBggCEAAQAZIBDGhvbmRhX2RlYWxlcuABAA&fvr=1&cs=1&um=1&ie=UTF-8&fb=1&gl=us&sa=X&ftid=0x89b7c97bf7253b1b:0x9a14f8d85d20b753), so people could easily GPS it, trailhead is right next to it). **Route:** Walk down CCT -> Hillandale Road -> Firefly Lookout -> Dorset Ave -> CCT -> River Road, then come just straight back on the CCT. Should take about 1 hour, 2.7 miles. Dogs, kids, friends, etc. - all are welcome! \[https://maps\.app\.goo\.gl/6kvWrR9YzWMGDJq99\]\(Google Map Route\)

[https://ridewithgps.com/routes/34803272 ](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/34803272) This trail is 22 miles long. Toilets are at the beginning, end, and near the middle of the route. There are plenty of opportunities to find a restroom elsewhere along the route. **PDF with points of interest and more details** https://ebikelovers.com/2021/01/23/trail-2-virginia-and-maryland-e-biking-from-washington-sailing-marina-to-national-harbor-fort-foote-and-old-town-alexandria-waterfront/ This trail is 22 miles in flat terrain with a fantastic view from the Woodrow Wilson Bridge and a lovely picnic area at the Potomac River. We arrive at 10:00 AM and leave at 10:15 AM. The meeting place is at the parking lot on the left near the public restrooms of the marina. The group stops a few times for slower riders to catch up. The distance will be 22 miles or shorter any time you are fully satisfied with biking for the day. Our bikes will always be in our sight. No additional locks are required to keep your bike safe on this trip. As usual, non-assisted bikers are most welcome. **About Jones Point Lighthouse** The lighthouse is one of the last riverine lighthouses in the country and the only one still standing in the Chesapeake Bay area. It was first lit on May 3, 1856 by keeper George L. Deeton. Today it is the focal point of Jones Point Park and a clue to area's history as a busy commercial center and naval base. Whale oil lamps were originally used to power the beacon at Jones Point, but in 1858 the Lighthouse Board allowed an Alexandria gas company to extend lines to the station. The land included one of the original District of Columbia boundary stones, which was installed by George Washington and marked the southern point of the ten-mile-square district. The stone is still visible today in the seawall just south of the lighthouse, and to the north of the lighthouse a marker designating the boundary between Maryland-Virginia can be seen. **About Fort Foote** Fort Foote was constructed in 1863 atop Rozier's Bluff to strengthen the ring of fortifications that encircled Washington, D.C. Two of the Guns that protected Washington are still there along with the remains of the fort's earthworks. **About the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge** Also known as the Woodrow Wilson Bridge or the Wilson Bridge, the bridge is a bascule bridge that spans the Potomac River between the city of Alexandria, Virginia, and Oxon Hill in Prince George's County, Maryland. The original bridge was one of only a handful of drawbridges in the U.S. Interstate Highway System. **About National Harbor** National Harbor is situated on the banks of the historic Potomac River, just minutes from the nation’s capital. Featuring 350 acres of waterfront resort space, National Harbor is a destination unlike any other. The harbor is home to 160 stores, 40 restaurants, the Capital Wheel, and the best sunsets in the area. **Free Ride With GPS for E-Bike Lovers** Membership of the Ride With GPS E-bike Lovers club is now free as www.ebikelovers.com is generating sufficient income from ads to cover the costs. Here is the link to activate your free membership: https://ridewithgps.com/auto_approve/Club/6746/Zwa5jhttF5mJrFbN **More information about using GPS files:** https://ebikelovers.com/2021/03/15/download-our-trails-and-never-get-lost/ **More information about e-bike ranges:** https://ebikelovers.com/2020/12/31/e-bike-longer-and-happier-15-smart-strategies-to-reduce-your-e-bike-range-anxiety/ **DISCLAIMER** LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMISSIBLE PURSUANT TO APPLICABLE LAW, NEITHER GREGORY MAASSEN, NATHAN MERRIS, TRIP COORDINATORS, THEIR AFFILIATES, FAMILY AND FORMER AND CURRENT EMPLOYERS NOR ANY OTHER PARTY INVOLVED IN CREATING, PRODUCING, OR DELIVERING E-BIKE LOVERS GUIDES, OUR MEETUP EVENTS, AND THE GPS E-TRAILS IS LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF A USER’S ACCESS TO, OR USE OF THE E-BIKE LOVERS GUIDES, OUR MEETUP EVENTS, AND THE GPS E-TRAILS. See for full disclaimer: https://ebikelovers.com/disclaim

Join us for a relaxed morning walk with waterfront views, fresh air, and great company as we stroll from Rosslyn into Georgetown and back. Meeting Point Rosslyn station Meet outside the metro station entrance at 10:30 AM The Walk Cross the Key Bridge We’ll walk from Rosslyn into Georgetown across the iconic Key Bridge with beautiful daytime views of the Potomac River and DC skyline. Destination: Georgetown Waterfront Park We’ll hang out by the water and optionally grab: * Coffee * Ice cream * Snacks Optional nearby spots: * Farmers Fishers Bakers * Baked & Wired * Fiola Mare After enjoying the waterfront, we’ll walk back across Key Bridge to Rosslyn. Total distance: * Approximately 4–5 miles roundtrip * Mostly flat and beginner friendly

*Update: As of 5/31, all of the kayaks/canoes are reserved. We can only accept those who have their own kayaks. In April, I led a walk at this park through the forest. Now, we are headed back but to the water to kayak the Patuxent River. To participate, you must first register through **[ParksDirect](https://mdpgparksweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/search.html?display=graphical&module=RN&primarycode=PRP%20Rentals&_csrf_token=Vk6K030V0O093O2Z1Y3Q3Z5M5C59725S0Y5M4W5E441O6W5U5A5I015F474O5G6N595Y5G6H6A044K51551S5S4K4R4E1T695I6N57054J655B511H605Z584N6L603X4S)**. 1. Create an account 2. Click on the* "Browse" *tab and see* "Boat Rentals" *and click* "Patuxent River Park"* 3. Reserve your kayak or canoe online by searching for June 7th and selecting the vessel of your choice. Choose a 9:00am start time. 4. There are 10 single person kayaks, 2 two-person kayaks, and 5 canoes. When all the kayaks/canoes are reserved, we have reached our attendee limit. 5. Bringing a friend/partner? You will need to add them as a "family member" on ParksDirect. **When you make your reservation, message me to show that you have reserved a kayak/canoe. Then, I will move you from the *Wait List* to *Going.*** We will see some great water vegetation and birds, along with turtles and some fish. We will stop for lunch by pulling up to a small beach and dock with a picnic area at Mount Calvert Historical & Archaeological Park. Make sure to pack lunches and valuables in sealed bags "just in case." Then we'll head away from the main river and down the western branch. Total time on the water will be approx. 4 hours. Please be in physical shape to paddle for 4+ miles. Bring sun block, a hat, sunglasses, and water. Wear footwear that can get wet (water shoes preferred). You are required to wear a life jacket (provided) the entire time on the water. Costs: You will pay for your kayak via the ParksDirect website (33); The Adventuring's trip fee is 5; and, pay your carpool driver $3. Meet at 8:30 a.m. at the Kiss & Ride lot of the Largo Metro station or at 9:05 a.m. at the Visitor's Center parking lot. Afterwards, those who are interested will stop for lunch on the way back. Please click [here](https://adventuringlgbtq.com/Adventuring_Release_Form.pdf) to review our release form. When you RSVP to an event, you affirm that you have read and agree to the terms of the release.

DC Code and Coffee is an inclusive, informal co-working session. It's community-led and community-run by devs, for devs. People of all skill levels attend. Whether you’re dev-curious, aspiring, or a professional developer, we’d love to have you! Come chat or learn to code on a Sunday afternoon with coffee and cool-inclusive people. Bring your laptop! We typically meet every month on the weekend. **Join our online community!** For all things Tech in DC and to get latest updates and tech events from the DMV area, join the [DCTech Slack](https://dctech.chat/). All DC Code & Coffee announcements are in the #dccodecoffee channel **How it works** Near the beginning of the event, we do an introduction circle. You say your name, what you can help others with, and what you would like help with. You can also share job opportunities. After the introduction circle, everything is self-organized.

As a reminder, since Freedom Plaza is under construction, we will meet at the plaza in front of The International Trade Center near the National Children's Museum (on Pennsylvania Ave). We'll begin with going over a few drills (varies week to week). The skills we drill will be for the first 30 minutes. For the second half, we will casually skate down the bike lanes on Pennsylvania Avenue from the plaza to the U.S.Capitol and stop at 3rd St. and then skate back the same route. This route is about 2 miles in total and is perfect for those who are new to skating in the city but feel comfortable on skates in a parking lot or roller rink. This is also great if you wish to start with shorter routes to increase your physical fitness or stamina for some of the other routes. This is an excellent opportunity to prepare to skate with others on the road. You will also get to meet skaters who will arrive for the Intermediate and Advanced skate routes following the introductory skate. This is great training to feel prepared for the Tuesday Night and Friday Night Skate! Route: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7653831 Inline skates (rollerblades), roller skates (quads), bicycles, unicycles, skateboards, longboards and other similar modes of transportation are welcome to join. Helmet, wrist guards, elbow pads, and knee pads are required. Skate at your own risk. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the session.

Address: 9500 Riggs Rd, Adelphi, MD 20783 Website: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/maryland/adelphi/george-washington-cemetery/0346 # Meeting location: The small parking lot just inside the East (from rt 212) entrance, by the pet cemetery section. Around 2:10 or 2:15, I venture from the lot. # Bring: 1) yourself 2) if you are so inclined, the Find a Grave app (Ancestry.com) on your phone 3) any desired protection from sun and other natural elements. # Agenda: 1) Casually attempt to fulfill at least one open photo request on the Find a Grave app, and discuss associated strategies. 2) Enjoy the ambience, weather, nature and any assembled company. 3) Suggest and discuss potential future locations. Note: If weather is heavily inclement or unsafe (torrential downpour, storms, etc.), the event will be rescheduled. I have received a message request via the Find a Grave app to find and photograph a specific memorial located in a corner section of the cemetery. There are also \~ten new photo requests in this cemetery since our last visit. Let's go searching!

Join us for an evening meditation hike. This is part of a series of unique walking programs focused on methods to tap into your own quiet space. Learn to unwind from your day and listen to the sounds of nature, silence, and your inner wisdom as we take a peaceful walk through the park. Learn a simple yet powerful way to meditate and commune with nature to invigorate your mind, body, and spirit. Each session consists of: \*A Pre-walk "Intro to Meditation" to prepare you for the walk with suggested mediation techniques to use (from 5:30-5:45PM) * Walking in silence along the paths (approximately two miles from 5:45 – 7:15PM, with a brief break) \*A Post-walk reflection to journal and time for sharing (from 7:15 – 7:30PM) Cost is $10 This is a rain or shine event. 7 Days to live everyday as a Wellness Day ([http://www.renewandrecharge.com/7daystowellness/signupforteleconference.html](http://www.renewandrecharge.com/7daystowellness/signupforteleconference.html)) Visit us online at [http://www.frescoadventure.com](http://www.frescoadventure.com) Details for Hiking Adventures Please review the information below and call if you have any additional questions. If you need to make changes in your attendance, please call before 3PM on the program date. Always leave a number for me to contact you so that I may call you back if needed. WHAT TO WEAR: \*Comfortable, well-broken-in, sturdy walking shoes or ankle-high boots. * Protective clothing should include: \*Long comfortable loose-fitting pants * A cotton blend shirt provides for better perspiration and comfort \*Dress in layers for warmth and comfort WHAT TO BRING: \*Water canteen or bottle filled with water (at least 1 quart, bring what you feel you can carry or need to drink) * A journal or pad of paper to record your thoughts WHERE TO MEET: Smithsonian Metro Stop in Washington, DC (we will be near the grassy area on the mall once you come out of the metro) Directions: Metro Riders –Take the blue or orange line to the Smithsonian Metro Stop and take the Smithsonian exit (NOT the Independence Ave exit). We'll meet just outside of the station on the Mall. Drivers – Plan to meet the group at the Smithsonian Metro entrance). The street address of the Smithsonian Castle is 1000 Jefferson Drive, S.W., Washington D.C. For most drivers it can be accessed most easily from 14th Street, turning onto Independence Avenue or Jefferson Drive. Heading NORTH on 14th Street (from Virginia), this will be a RIGHT turn onto Independence Avenue. Heading SOUTH on 14th Street (from Maryland) this will be a LEFT turn to the Smithsonian Castle. There is a better chance of finding parking available on Independence Avenue behind the Smithsonian Museum than directly on the Mall. IMPORTANT: Your RSVP to his hike assumes the following Acknowledgement of Risks, Responsibility, and Release of Liability Fresco Adventures, a program of Fresco Enterprises, LLC is the sponsor of arrangements for this activity and is not responsible for any damage, loss, injury, or accident due to any act by the participants. Note: There are elements of risk in any activity associated with the outdoors and the use of any related equipment. Although precautions are taken to provide proper organization and suitable equipment so that you have a safe and enjoyable experience, there can be no guarantee of absolute safety against injury and accident. Acknowledgement of Risks, Responsibility and Release: I recognize the apparent risks of this activity which I and any minor children for which I am responsible, will engage in and confirm that I am mentally and physically capable of participating in the activity. I participate willingly and voluntarily, and I assume full responsibility for any personal injury. I hereby release Fresco Enterprises, LLC, its principals, agents, or volunteers from all liability and waive any claim for damage arising from any cause whatsoever.

**Make new friends and enjoy the great outdoors** on a 4.2-mile loop hike from Riverbend Park to Great Falls Overlook and back, with an optional **lunch at Mookie’s BBQ afterward**. This hike offers a great mix of outdoor adventure and social connection, giving you a chance to enjoy nature while meeting others who share your love for the outdoors. We’ll start at the Riverbend Park parking lot and follow a scenic trail through the woods with a few small inclines, then on the return from the Overlook we'll follow the trail along the Potomac River. The route winds through peaceful woodlands and scenic riverside paths, leading to the stunning Great Falls Overlook 2. This is an **easy-to-moderate hike**, with mostly flat terrain and a few gentle inclines, making it accessible to a wide range of fitness levels. The hike will take about **2.5 to 3 hours**, offering plenty of time to enjoy the views and good company. Afterward, join us for lunch at **Mookie's BBQ** located at 1141 Walker Rd, Great Falls, VA 22066. It’s the perfect way to relax, socialize, and share stories with fellow hikers. Whether you’re here for the scenery, the exercise, or to connect with like-minded people, this outing promises to be a memorable experience. Spots fill quickly, so don’t wait to sign up! **Meeting Time & Location:** We’ll meet at **9:30 AM** in the Riverbend Park parking lot. Please refer to the map pin for the exact location. **Distance:** 4.2 miles **Elevation Gain:** 302 feet **Difficulty:** Easy (a few gentle inclines) This hike features natural, well-maintained trails that are mostly flat, with a few easy-to-walk uphill sections near the beginning. The wide and smooth paths make it easy to walk and chat with others along the way. With minimal obstacles and straightforward navigation, this hike is an excellent choice for anyone seeking an enjoyable and manageable outdoor adventure. **Estimated Duration** This hike is expected to take approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. **Pace:** Moderate Pace We'll walk a steady, comfortable pace that’s manageable for most hikers with a reasonable fitness level. Breaks are regular but not overly frequent, allowing for a balanced experience of exercise and enjoyment. **Parking** We’ll park at the **Riverbend Park parking lot**, which has ample spaces and serves as the starting point for our hike. Please check the event map for the exact location to ensure you arrive at the correct lot. **Trail Map (AllTrails)** [Take a Hike! (DMV) - Riverbend Park (Great Falls Overlook 2)](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/take-a-hike-dmv-riverbend-park-26dd0db?u=i&sh=ylk43q) Preview the hiking route on AllTrails to get familiar with the terrain. Download the map in advance to follow along and stay on track during the hike. **Dogs on the Trail** For everyone’s comfort and enjoyment, we kindly ask that you leave your dogs at home for this hike. Thank you for understanding! **Restrooms** Restrooms are available at the Riverbend Park Visitor Center and at the Great Falls Visitor Center. **Lunch After the Hike** Join us after the hike for a casual lunch at **Mookie's BBQ**, 1141 Walker Rd, Great Falls, VA 22066 - (703) 759-2386. It’s a great chance to relax, enjoy a meal, and connect with fellow hikers. **Waitlist Policy** To keep things fair, hikers will be moved off the waitlist in this order: **1\. Regular Hikers:** Those who join hikes often get first priority. **2\. Past Hikers:** Next are returning hikers, based on attendance and cancellation history. Frequent cancellations may lower priority. **3\. New Hikers:** New members will be added as space allows.

Please join us for a 30 (or 20 mile) round trip bike ride along the picturesque Anacostia River Trail. There are two starting points available: [Lake Artemesia in Berwyn Heights, MD](https://maps.app.goo.gl/cLNfkkGEHhqCC75A7) (long route) or at [Bladensburg Waterfront Park](https://maps.app.goo.gl/5bTL5icqt3T7HU9i8) (short route). We will ride to Washington, DC's bustling Navy Yard neighborhood. At Navy Yard we will stop for a refreshment after which we will turn around and make our way back to our starting points. **LONG** **Route**: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/e1gTC2KG6ErEJ66m6](https://maps.app.goo.gl/e1gTC2KG6ErEJ66m6) Meeting time: **9:00 am** Meeting Point: [Parking lot at Lake Artemesia ](https://goo.gl/maps/6BA5SoNNHQfmBFNp8) Length: 30 miles Difficulty level: **hard** Elevation change: 105 ft up and 135 ft down Bike time: \~4 hours at moderate pace (\~10 mph) Total time: \~5 hours (including stops). Biking surface: All paved trail and city streets Note: please let the organizers know if you are opting for the short route. **SHORT** **Route**: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/JCAmpRc4bxskTzDj9](https://maps.app.goo.gl/JCAmpRc4bxskTzDj9) Meeting time: **9:30 am** Meeting Point: [Bladensburg Waterfront Park](https://maps.app.goo.gl/5bTL5icqt3T7HU9i8) Length: 20 Miles Difficulty level: Moderate Elevation change: 85 ft up and 89 ft down Bike time: \~3 hours at moderate pace (\~10 mph) Total time: \~4 hours (including stops). Biking surface: All paved trail and city streets **Metro Accessibility**: the trail should be accessible from two metro stations. Please note that these are **NOT** tried and tested - so please keep ample time to check them out. Also let the organizers know if you are opting for any of these so that the rendezvous can be coordinated. \- College Park on Green Line\. The trail should be reachable via this approximate [route](https://maps.app.goo.gl/cvyUNFzR7bP4fu3bA). Meeting time: 9:15 am. \- Deanwood on Orange Line\. This is station is neear Kennilworth Park\. The trail should be reachable via this approximate [route](https://maps.app.goo.gl/iHTwXHs5ae91gi5w5). Meeting time: 9:15 am. Break at mid point: [Toastique, Navy Yard](https://maps.app.goo.gl/YLrLWJYysxwiRQUMA) Weather: we will not be riding in rain or windy conditions so stay tuned for Comments on this page. *For important updates, regularly monitor the "Comments" section on this page (below).* *Don't be a no show! If your plans change, update your RSVP.* \*When you sign up to join, you automatically acknowledge [VSDC Activity Liability Waiver](https://vsdc.org/activity-waiver/). *Please also view and abide by the RULES listed below* RULES * Pets are not allowed * Use of intoxicants such as alcohol, cigarettes and/or illegal substances is banned during this event. * Practice safe biking habits including: * Wearing a bike helmet * Keeping a safe distance between each other (bikes don't have brake lights and tailgating can easily result in crashes) * Avoid side by side riding unless the road gives us ample opportunity By coming to this event, we expect you to follow the code of conduct found at [Policies - VSDC - Veg Society of DC](https://vsdc.org/policies/). **VSDC: More Than A Meetup** We are so glad to have you as part of The Veg Society of DC Vegan Meetup group, and we enjoy seeing you at our events. Did you know that [VSDC](https://vsdc.org/) is a nonprofit organization with membership benefits? With VSDC membership, you will save money at area restaurants and businesses, attend VSDC member-only events, and, most importantly, support us as a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. The membership fee is minimal, but the impact is significant! [Become a member of VSDC](https://vsdc.org/membership/). **VSDC. Creating communities. For your health, the animals, and the planet.**

**Lake Artemesia Walk – College Park** Join us for a relaxed, easy-paced walk around beautiful Lake Artemesia. A chance to unwind, enjoy nature, and connect with others in a calm, welcoming setting. We’ll walk the scenic loop, take in the lake views, and enjoy light conversation along the way. All fitness levels are welcome. **Main parking lot:** **55th Ave & Berwyn Rd** College Park, MD 20740 Bring plenty of water, whatever you need for your hike, and your awesome authentic self. Keep it easygoing. RELEASE OF LIABILITY & ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT: By being a member of this Group, RSVPing to any Activity, or participating in any Activity, You accept and agree to the terms and conditions described below: 1. You acknowledge that hiking in nature carries the risk of potential harm to yourself, including the risk of injuries such as broken bones or muscle/tendon injuries, illness, disability, or death. 2. You agree that You will at all times be responsible for Yourself and Your own safety. 3. You release and hold harmless with respect to all injury, disability, death, or loss of property, whether caused by negligence or otherwise, this group's leadership and members for the hikes that you participate in. 4. You acknowledge and agree that this Group is merely a collection of friends or potential friends who enjoy doing activities, and that in no event does any Organizer or Other Member assume any responsibility or liability for You. 5\. You agree not to sue and to release\, discharge\, waive and hold harmless all organizers and other members from and against all liabilities\, claims\, demands\, losses\, damages\, suits and proceedings\, for negligence\, carelessness or any other cause which you may have or that hereafter may accrue arising\, resulting from or related to your membership in this group or participation in any activity\.

Topic to be announced. **THANK YOU** *Franklin University* for hosting our meetup! To learn more about *Franklin University*, please visit their website: https://www.franklin.edu/ **DIRECTIONS** Franklin University Fisher Hall 300 E. Main St, Columbus, OH 43215 Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jxjBA2hUmS5qrvhq8 Parking is FREE! Please park in Lot C in front of Fisher Hall. See attached map. NOTE: Map the address only. When mapping with Google Maps it may use the Fisher Hall at OSU, which is NOT correct. **Want to sponsor the pizza and/or bar tab?** Please contact me if you would like to sponsor this meetup's pizza and/or bar tab: angelo@mandato.com

We are going to build together with all the CLIs! E will be doing it at Columbus Code and Coffee Agenda --- Hosted By James Power, Organizer Pete Gordon, Organizer Just a Software Guy in the age of the Internet. Complete your event RSVP here: https://gdg.community.dev/events/details/google-gdg-columbus-presents-ai-improv-lets-build-a-game-together-with-claude-code-codex-and-gemini-and-be-the-judge/.

**Weather permitting**, we’ll take a casual ride from Pickerington Ponds (Glacier Knoll) to Three Creeks and back. Distance is **18–25 miles**, depending on where we turn around and whether we add a side loop. Pace is around **12 mph**, but this is a fun, no‑drop ride — we can slow down as needed. Here’s the **map** showing Glacier Knoll (bike), Confluence Park (flag), and BrewDog: [https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit..](https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit..). Text or call Scott at **614‑975‑4458** if you’re coming. Columbus ski club membership not required for this event. CSC assumes no responsibility for the event or any injuries as this is organized by a third party.

**History** The [Franklin Park Conservatory](https://www.fpconservatory.org/)’s roots trace back to 1852 when the Franklin County Agricultural Society purchased 88 acres of land to host the Ohio State Fair. After the fair moved to its permanent home, the city of Columbus transformed the grounds into Franklin Park in 1884. This transition shifted the space from a temporary event site to a dedicated public green space for the growing community. The park became a central hub for outdoor recreation and early civic gatherings in the neighborhood. In 1895, the landmark Victorian-style Palm House opened its doors, drawing heavy inspiration from the Glass Palace of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. This iron and glass structure became an immediate icon, housing exotic plants that residents would otherwise never see in the Midwest. It remains the oldest part of the facility and serves as a primary link to the conservatory’s 19th-century origins. For decades, it stood as a singular testament to grand horticultural architecture in Central Ohio. A major turning point arrived in 1992 when Columbus hosted AmeriFlora '92, an international horticultural exhibition. This massive event prompted a $16 million renovation and expansion, adding significantly more greenhouse space and the Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse. The festival put the conservatory on the international map and fundamentally changed its scale and ambition. Following the event, the facility transitioned from a city-run park to a private, non-profit organization. In 2003, the conservatory’s identity was further defined through a long-term partnership with world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. After a successful exhibition, the Friends of the Conservatory purchased most of the glass installations, creating the largest permanent collection of Chihuly’s work in a botanical setting. These vibrant glass sculptures are now woven throughout the biomes, blending art with nature. This addition helped cement the conservatory as a premier cultural destination rather than just a botanical garden. Recent years have seen the site expand beyond the glass walls to emphasize community engagement and outdoor education. The 2018 opening of the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden added two acres of interactive landscape designed for hands-on learning. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus also provides local residents with space to grow their own food and learn sustainable practices. Today, the conservatory balances its historic Victorian charm with modern commitments to local ecology and the Columbus community. **Maps of the Conservatory** Here is the [main map](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/franklin-park-zones-scaled.jpg) of the Conservatory grounds. Here's a [map of the areas](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ConstructionMap-2026.jpg) in which the Conservatory has ongoing construction (see below). **Summary** For this event, we'll explore Columbus's highly-rated and very popular Conservatory. As mentioned above, the Conservatory is doing renovations on parts of the facility. These renovations are scheduled to be ongoing until the Fall of next year. Basically, no matter when you go to the Conservatory over the next 18 months, you're going to see some metaphorical orange barrels. So let's just go now. **Tickets and pricing** On the first Sunday of every month, the Conservatory is free for residents of Franklin County and the city of Columbus. You must bring an ID to receive this discount. (Yes, they do check.) Otherwise, tickets are $25.20. Members of the Columbus Zoo (of which I am one) do get a discount on tickets, though I have never actually bought a ticket to the Conservatory (I've always gone on free days). I believe the discount is $4. Parking is always free. If you have additional questions about pricing or whether and for what you qualify, you can reach the Conservatory at 614-715-8000. **Where we'll meet** We will meet just outside the main entrance. I guarantee there's going to be a line. The Conservatory is always popular on free days, and especially in nice weather. **Your GPS is stupid!** Be careful simply typing "Franklin Park Conservatory" in your GPS and going where it tells you. The only way to access the parking lot to the Conservatory is off of Broad Street. Unfortunately, since Google Maps is unable to find its way out of a wet paper bag, it has a tendency to want to take people to a mythical, non-existent Conservatory entrance on Nelson Road. If your GPS does this, just drive to the north side of the Conservatory along Broad Street. Your GPS should then redirect you to the main Conservatory entrance. If your GPS doesn't, then throw your phone away\* and look for the big Conservatory sign on the south side of Broad Street between Nelson Road and Franklin Park West. You also should be able to use the map pin I've provided, below, and it should properly direct you to where you need to drive. \* Don't really do this. **After the event** After stopping to smell the roses, for those that are interested, we'll head to the nearby [Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/) for [drinks](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#draft-list) and [lunch](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#food-menu). The Beer Hall's actual address is [200 Kelton Ave, Columbus, OH 43205](https://www.google.com/maps/place/200+Kelton+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43205/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x883889a94ac4acad:0xadb2e60240dbc38b?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111) (it's literally just on the south side of the Conservatory). Be sure this is where your GPS is taking you when you use it, as the Brewing Company has a taproom on Harrison Avenue that is *not* what you want for this event. We should be at the Beer Hall by 1 if you can't make the Conservatory and just want to join us for drinks.

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We are bringing Microsoft Build sessions to Columbus Ohio! The Central Ohio Azure Meetup and Central Ohio .NET Developer's Group (CONDG) are coming together to bring some of the labs and breakouts from Microsoft Build to your backyard. In this free, 1 day event, you are going to Build stuff with us! And yes, there will be free food. So please RSVP for a head count!

Who’s up for a pizza night at the highly requested Pizza House? 🍕🍻 Join us at for great pizza, good laughs, and even better company! Come hungry and ready for a cheesy good time.