Park

Let’s meet and share our thoughts about Carson McCullers’ novella, The Ballad of The Sad Café.

Greetings writers! Come down and join your fellow wordsmiths for one hour of uninterrupted writing time in the upper level of the Market District Supermarket in Upper Arlington. The main entrance of the shopping center opens onto stairs/elevator leading up to the 2nd floor cafe section where we will have a table displaying a sign with the Shut Up & Write logo. Writing is largely a solitary craft. Practicing with others in a community setting may be the thing you need to fire your own routine. We’ll meet on Wednesday evenings, starting the clock at 6:30, following a brief period of introductions. This is solid writing time and all inclusive. Any project is acceptable, be it fiction, non -fiction, work or homework assignment. All is welcome and will remain private to you. The market boasts a Starbucks, a full service bar and various affordable food options. Parking is plentiful, free Wifi is provided as well as outlets for charging your devices, though they are somewhat limited, so plan accordingly. Show up as early as you like, or stay late. This group tends to socialize some, both before and after the alloted time, but this is not mandatory to you. Feel free to come and go as you please and late arrivals are welcome. The cafe may be noisy on occasion so headphones/ earbuds are reccommended as you see fit. Please try to RSVP if possible so that we may grab enough seats for all—the venue can be busy at times. Feel free to message me privately wth any questions and/ or concerns you may have. Happy writing!

The Forge does have a full bar and kitchen. There is no cover charge but they do request all attendees to purchase a minimum of ~20 per person. Soft drink refills are 1 each. Please support our hosts so we can continue to provide great events for the group! The Forge has a large library of games available for us to enjoy. Hosts and regulars will also provide numerous popular games but please bring any games you would like to teach and/or play. Doors open at 6, and we expect gaming to be rolling by around 630. Please promptly end your games and clear out the space at 10pm when the bar closes. We encourage socializing but do not permit disruptive behavior of any kind. Thank you for your continued commitment to providing a fun and welcoming space to veteran, newbie, and rookie gamers in the Columbus area. Parking can sometimes fill esrly. There is additional parking lot behind the neighboring Mexican restaurant that is free and easy to walk from but it's a bit hidden.

We will meet next to the restrooms at the [Big Meadows Picnic Area](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/HBK_Web_1980.png). They're all the way at the back of the park, and they can be found at coordinates [40°09'06.6"N 83°02'30.2"W](https://www.google.com/maps/place/40%C2%B009'06.6%22N+83%C2%B002'30.2%22W/@40.151828,-83.0423587,214m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m10!1m5!3m4!2zNDDCsDA5JzA4LjAiTiA4M8KwMDEnNDUuMSJX!8m2!3d40.1522222!4d-83.0291944!3m3!8m2!3d40.151827!4d-83.041715?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTIwNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) (near the playground and the zip line). We'll hike about 5 miles at [Highbanks Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/highbanks/) on the Dripping Rock and Overlook Trails. Afterward, we'll head over to [Olentangy River Brewing](https://www.olentangybrew.com/) for drinks, coffee, or food (their Sunday [food truck](https://www.olentangybrew.com/eventsandfood) is Venezuelan and always gets good reviews). The actual address of the brewery is [303 Green Meadows Dr S, 43035](https://www.google.com/maps/place/303+Green+Meadows+Dr+S,+Lewis+Center,+OH+43035/@40.1551938,-83.0144045,17.25z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x8838f395cef06c97:0xe407de61b3e30069!8m2!3d40.1551765!4d-83.0124352!16s%2Fg%2F11c26jc7j9?entry=ttu). If you can't make the hike, we should be there by noon. **How to find our starting point in Big Meadows:** If you are new to Highbanks, the Big Meadows picnic area is 1.5 miles into the park just after you turn into the park off of U.S. Route 23. That is, after you enter the park, drive a mile and a half into the park. You will come to a crosswalk with a yield sign in the middle of it (this is not to be confused with the first such crosswalk you come to just in front of the Nature Center, which you arrive at maybe a quarter of a mile into the park). Just after this second crosswalk, make a left. Then make another almost immediate left into the parking lot on your left. There you will see the jungle gym and the kiddie zip line to your left. I will be just in front of the restrooms just a bit further down from the jungle gym and picnic shelter; the restroom building will also be on your left.

Inspired by our successful events like "Saturday Mornings @ East Market" and other "Pot Luck in the Park" lunches, this gathering promises to be a blend of fun conversations, language exchange, and cultural insights, all while sharing wonderful foods with each other. **Please bring a dish to share and anything you would like to drink.** We will provide plates, plastic silverware and napkins. So, come hungry and ready to chat!

**We'll hike 3.4 miles on the Killdeer and Yellowlegs Trails - both out and back gravel trails. If we want more mileage we can repeat an out and back. Pace of around 3.5 mph, no one left behind and those who want to go faster sure can!** **As always optional lunch after.** **This is the second Metro Park in the lineup - with 21 to go (plus more are being added).** **Also I have a conflict and am not available so have asked Karin to lead!**

**Hike Slate Run Metro Park and visit the Living Historical Farm. We will aim for 3.5 to 4 miles of hiking and then do a quick pass through the Living Historical Farm. From there those who are interested can join for lunch at Brewdog, 96 Gender Way, Canal Winchester, just 11 minutes away.** **If you’d like to spend more time at the Farm plan on arriving early (they open at 9).** **Living Historical Farm: Time has been turned back to the 1880s at Slate Run Living Historical Farm. Experience first-hand what life was like on a 19th-century Ohio farm. As you stroll through the gardens, barns and farmhouse, you will see the farm’s costumed staff and volunteers going about their daily chores. Pigs, geese, turkeys, Percheron horses and other heirloom animals can be seen.** **The gothic revival farmhouse was built in 1856 and restored by Metro Parks for authenticity. Visitors can tour the living room, parlor and kitchen and watch the farm ladies prepare meals on a woodburning stove and tend the house. The multi-bay barn was built by Samuel Oman, the fourth owner of Slate Run Farm, and restored by Amish carpenters.** **Allow at least three hours and maybe more if you're joining for lunch.** **Pace is 17-18 minute miles with no one left behind. Faster walkers are free to lead - I'll have the route well defined - and we can meet up at the farm.** **This is the fourth of the metro parks.**

Let’s meet, wander the exhibits and open galleries, and enjoy an evening out in the Franklinton Arts District. (Nearby pay parking is available in the garage on McDowell, right around the corner from One Line Coffee, and, past it along the curb as McDowell dead ends.)

if you’re **tired of doing the same boring thing** every weekend, this is your excuse to **do something different.** This is **not just a comedy show.** It’s a full **Saturday night experience** at Shadybowl Speedway — a **BYOB** potluck cookout, **live racing,** a late-night **bonfire**, open mic **comedy under the stars**, and **free camping** if you want to stay the night. We’re basically **throwing a party in the middle of nowhere** — about an hour west of Columbus and an hour north of Dayton ### The experience **Start early with the cookout** Come out around **4:00 PM** for a potluck-style cookout. Bring something to share, hang out, have a few drinks, and meet people before the night gets rolling. **Then head into the races** Racing starts around **7:00–8:00 PM** at Shadybowl. **Bring a chair** and sit with us in **Turn 4** — best seats in the house. **in front of concrete spots** 58,59 **ask for Chance** Think **racing isn’t your thing?** That’s fine. **Bring something to drink** and come for the atmosphere, the noise, and **the wrecks.** **Then the real vibe kicks in** Once the races wind down, we head back to the fire for **Late Night Bonfire Comedy** starting around **11:30 PM**. This is open mic style, so you might catch comics traveling through, a local favorite, somebody trying stand-up for the first time. Either way, **you’re getting laughs around a bonfire** with drinks, good people, and nowhere else to be. **Stay the night if you want** No rush. No long drive home if you don’t want it. **Free camping on-site** — bring a tent, **sleep in your car,** or just **hang out late by the fire.** ### What to know **Saturday, May 9, 2026** * **Cookout starts around 4:00 PM** * **Racing starts around 7:00–8:00 PM** * **Bonfire comedy starts at 11:30 PM** * **BYOB, No glass inside the race.** * **Free camping, Bring a chair** * **Shadybowl admission is $15 cash only.** * **Free parking** **RSVP on Meetup is free.** A **small contribution helps** keep events sustainable and ensures those who RSVP actually show up. **Great events take time and money to organize**. If you **find value in these events** or maybe even **made a new friend,** consider **contributing what feels fair to you.** **Contribution link** listed below in the comments Be sure to Drop a comment on this post after you RSVP this helps the algorithm. Come for the cookout. Stay for the races. Laugh around the fire. Camp if you want.

Hi ladies. Let's hike the Edward Thomas, Spring Creek, and a little multi-purpose trail - approximately 4 miles. Please bring a water bottle as needed and appropriate shoes. Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area.