Outdoors

Brisk 3- to 4- mile urban hike starting and ending at the Brig. We will hike to Southwest, before circling back past Bartholdi Park and ending at the Brig for drinks and food. Closest Metro Eastern Market.

*You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, [https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf](https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf) and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike.* 7.5 mile circuit hike with 370 feet of elevation gain. A nice hike along the scenic Potomac River and adjoining forests of Riverbend Park admiring the beautiful blooming bluebells. Description: We'll start our hike in Riverbend Park south along the Potomac Heritage trail where we should see bluebells along the trail and riverside. We will the make our way on a few trails on our way to some additional bluebells sections. Should be a scenic and nice stroll along the Potomac trail section of Riverbend with the bonus of seeing these beautiful Virginia native flowers. After the bluebell hike, there will be an option to hike over to Great Falls Park overlooks for anyone interested in joining me. The pace will be about 2 mph. Bring some hydration, snacks/lunch, as you feel necessary. **Fee:** ***There is no entrance fee at Riverbend Park, but I will need to collect $2.00 from each hiker to cover the cost of group fees at Riverbend. Group fees are required for groups of 12 or more. I will get the group permit in advance. Small bills only please!*** Dogs are welcome on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) Riverbend Park trail map: [https://www.hikingupward.com/OVH/RiverBend/images/Map.pdf](https://www.hikingupward.com/OVH/RiverBend/images/Map.pdf) If you haven't hiked with me before, please provide your full name, cell phone number and emergency contact number. You can message me on Meetup or text me at my cell phone listed below. This will save time getting folks signed in. ***Meet at the trailhead parking lot 15 minutes early to allow everyone to get signed in and ready to hike at 9:00am.*** Meeting Place Instructions: Riverbend Park, Great Falls, VA. We will meet at the lower parking lot, on the right, across from the Riverbend Visitor Center. Coordinates 39.01758,-77.24621 Any questions, please message me here or text/call @202-528-0456. If you text me, please include your name.

**THERE'S LOTS OF STREET RIDING AND A LITTLE WALKING** **++++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride Summary:** **(Must Read)** **++++++++++++++++++++++** * RIDE NAME: Koffee Klatch Tour DC Tulip Exploration * START LOC: South Bluemont Parking Area, * 329 N Manchester St, Arlington, VA * START GPS: \[38\.869419780146394\, \-77\.13238140728984\]\(38\.869419780146394\, \-77\.13238140728984\) * START PARKING: Parking lot, ample parking and restrooms * ARRIVAL: 12:00 p.m. * SPEECH: 12:10 p.m. * ROLLING: 12:15 a.m. * LEVEL: Medium * DISTANCE: 21.3 miles * PACE: 11 to 13mph social pace * TERRAIN: Trails, Bike Lanes, Streets * RIDEWITHGPS ROUTE: **CBG_KOFFEEK_TULIPS_2026** * [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54466555](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54466555?privacy_code=JyjqB4CqvIrVUvgHi1RxOhjuD3xpMR3g) **NOTES:** Bring a camera and a lock. **++++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride: Detail** **++++++++++++++++++++++** For your riding pleasure NoVA CBG presents A Koffee Klatch Tour DC Tulip Exploration Ride. While it's not the Keukenhof in The Netherlands, there are some nice tulip beds in the area: Netherlands Carillon Memorial Circle Boundary Drive (Pentagon) Navy & Marine Memorial The Floral Library Enid A Haupt Garden Mary Livingston Ripley Gardens Smithsonian Gardens United States Botanical Gardens US Capitol The route starts at the South Bluemont (Playground & Disc Golf) Parking Area, goes up Bluemont Jct and over Fairfax Drive to Clarendon Blvd. After that we are sort of meandering between tulip sites. Be prepared to walk your bike through the various gardens and possibly where there may be crowds of tourists. From the Capitol we will loop to take the Pennsylvania Ave bike lane turning left at 13th ST NW to the Timgad Café at mile 13.1. We then take Memorial Bridge up the Rte 50 Trail to Pershing and work our way to the W&OD **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Meeting Spot: South Bluemont Parking Lot** **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride Within the Ride:** **[TIMGAD CAFÉ](https://timgadcafe.com/)** 1300 Pennsylvania Ave Washington, DC 13st NW pedestrian area, lower concourse level of the Ronald Reagan Building Plaza beside the Federal Triangle Metro Station's entrance **++++++++++++++++++++** **Ride Level Chart** **++++++++++++++++++++** NoVA CBG tries to accommodate all levels of cyclists by offering different types of rides. We just ask that you come to the ride that suits your current riding ability the best. * Introductory Level : If you haven't ridden a bike in a number of years (or are uncertain of your abilities on a bicycle). * Beginner Level : You can easily ride your bike for 10 miles with some minor hills at a comfortable pace of 10+ to 12+ mph. * Medium Level : You can do 20 miles pretty easily at a moderate pace of 13 to 15+ mph. * Advanced Level : You can do 20++ miles easily at a 15+ pace and / or handle various challenges as rain, night riding, or other odd cycling situations. **++++++++++++++++++++** **The Fine Print:** **++++++++++++++++++++** An RSVP of 'YES' is your digital signature and means you have read and understood MEETUP.com's: * "Terms of Service : Section 6. Release " found at https://www.meetup.com/terms/ * NOVA-CBG's "Assumption of Risk Agreement" found @ https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/pages/1942951/NOVA-CBG_Waiver/ * NoVA CBG's "COVID Policy" found @ http://bit.ly/2021_NoVACBG_COVID19_POLICY Helmets are required to participate in all NOVA-CBG rides. NO exceptions. All riders ride at their own risk and with the understanding that cycling is an inherently dangerous activity. When coming to the meetup you do so voluntarily and are ready and able to participate in the ride as described under the conditions of the day. Be on time for the "pre-ride" preparation. If you do not attend the pre-ride preparation you will not be allowed to participate on the ride. Again, no exceptions.

Let’s do a loop around the perimeter of Georgetown. Milage: 5 mi Start Location: Foggy Bottom Metro Station End Location: Rosslyn Metro Station Approximate Time: 6pm - 8pm Map (Approx.): [https://maps.app.goo.gl/gyUXRJ3GuSW7m3LT6?g_st=ic](https://maps.app.goo.gl/gyUXRJ3GuSW7m3LT6?g_st=ic) Terrain: This will be mostly on trails with some stairs and steep climbs \-\-\- We try to be punctual with our event times so please be respectful to others and show up a few minutes early, because we will leave without you. We're always looking for new leaders who can showcase their neighborhood or any cool places they know, so please reach out either at an event or on meetup if you are interested. If you've enjoyed our walks please consider donating a few bucks to help us keep this group running (meetup is expensive!). [Donation Link](https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2158403661070336114)

Note: This is an RSVP with Prepay only event. Coaches have the right to deny your participation if you haven't prepaid for the event. MAKE SURE YOU CAN RECEIVE MESSAGES AND NOTIFICATIONS WITH UPDATES FROM THE LESSONS. Profile->settings->manage notifications. 3.0 – Match makers Players can consistently rally at a higher pace and maintain depth closer to the baseline. They are developing offensive tools, including more aggressive groundstrokes and put-away volleys, and show improved ability to handle deeper, faster shots. They started to develop a faster kick serve, but are still working on its speed. The lesson will start with rally drills, followed by games to reinforce the rally drills. Finally, we will finish up with service games. Players will constantly hit and move with minimal breaks. All lessons are different. 1. RSVP "YES" Then PREPAY if you are coming to secure your spot on the lesson. Update RSVP to "NO" if you are not attending before the RSVP deadline. **COACH TO PLAYER RATIO:** 1\. Maximum 1/6 for Coach/Player ratio for a 90\-minute session or 1/8 for coach/player for a two\-hour session\. 2\. Make sure you RSVP to the lesson according to your level\. If we notice that your level doesn't match the lesson you've RSVP'd for\, we will ask you to RSVP for a different session that better suits your level\. I hope everyone understands\. **Cancelation Policy:** * If only two or fewer people RSVP for a group lesson, the lesson will be canceled. The minimum requirement for a group is three participants. * If the host cancels a session, you get an option for a refund or credit for the next session. * The prepaid fee is non-refundable and cannot be transferred to another session when participants cancel on the same day. **Your contribution:** * A one-time donation request of $20 per year to support our tennis equipment expenses. * Four sessions package to use within five weeks: $136 * Early bird single session prepay for 1+ Days before session start date: $39 **PAYMENT METHODS:** 1-VENMO APP: joseph_awadalla 2.Zelle:202-746-1094,joseph.awadalla@gmail.com 3\. PayPal: joseph\.awadalla@gmail\.com Thank you for your support.

Join WTA for a magical trip to the Netherlands during the most beautiful time of the year—Tulip Season! Discover Amsterdam’s artistic heritage, charming canals, and world-class museums like the Van Gogh Museum. Stroll through vibrant tulip fields at the famous Keukenhof Gardens, a true feast for the eyes. Venture to The Hague and Delft to explore historic churches, canal-laced streets, and iconic blue-and-white pottery. Savor authentic Dutch cuisine, sample local cheese, and experience the country’s timeless charm at every stop. **To view the full ITINERARY & REGISTER visit:** **[WTA AMSTERDAM 2026](https://womentravelabroad.com/trip/amsterdam/)** **ITINERARY** **Day 1 – April 7** – Arrive at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS). Private transportation will take you to your accommodations for the week. After settling into your hotel, your group will get to know each other over a local welcome dinner. **Note:** We recommend your flight from the US arrives before 11 am on April 7 to allow adequate time to join the day’s activities. If you wish to arrive one day early, on April 6, charges for the additional night’s stay can be added to your invoice. **Day 2 – April 8** – Today, you will take a memorable tour of the Anne Frank House. Discover Amsterdam’s WWII history and follow in the footsteps of Anne Frank as she went into hiding in the Secret Annex. Jewish Anne Frank hid in 1942 from the Nazis during the occupation of the Netherlands; two years later, she was discovered and died in 1945 at the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. Afterward, continue your cultural journey with a visit to the renowned Van Gogh Museum. Home to the world’s largest collection of works by Vincent van Gogh, the museum offers a profound look into the artist’s life, featuring iconic paintings, sketches, and personal letters that reveal the struggles and brilliance behind his art. **Day 3 – April 9** – FREE Day. Enjoy shopping throughout the city, or take a scenic bike ride through the countryside. Cycling in Amsterdam is the most authentic way to travel. There are around 515 km (320 miles) of dedicated cycle lanes in Amsterdam, making it the perfect setting to cycle the city or beyond. The countryside area is famous for its quaint villages, historic towns, farms, nature reserves, and lakes. You will have many opportunities to stop and take one-of-a-kind photos of the picturesque sights. **Day 4 – April 10** – Your group will spend today at the famous Keukenhof Garden, known as the Garden of Europe. This is one of the world’s largest flower gardens and is found to be the most beautiful in spring. Keukenhof Park covers an area of 32 hectares and has approximately 7 million flower bulbs planted annually. Make sure to have your camera ready to capture all of the vibrant colors and unique displays at the Keukenhof Garden! Transfer from Amsterdam to begin your adventure in The Hauge as the fun continues. **Day 5 – April 11** – Begin your day with a walking tour of the Hague! Today you will visit notable sites include Binnenhof Court of Parliament, the Royal Palace Noordeinde and its lush gardens, and many local monuments. Have a free afternoon to explore on your own before joining your group to indulge in a delectable group dinner. **Day 6 – April 12** – Day trip to Delft for a walking tour of this charming and historic Dutch town. Stroll along picturesque canals, cobbled streets, and tree-lined squares as you explore landmarks such as the Markt, the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church), and the Royal Delft pottery factory. Admire the town’s rich artistic heritage, famously tied to painter Johannes Vermeer, and soak in the tranquil atmosphere that defines Delft’s small-town charm. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local café before returning by train to your accommodation in The Hague. **Day 7 – April 13** – Depart The Hague via train for your return to Amsterdam. You will depart back to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) for your connecting flight to the US. Your departure flight needs to leave after 12 pm to allow time to return to Amsterdam. \*Please note that this is a tentative itinerary and is subject to change. **WHAT’S INCLUDED:** ▪️ 7 days & 6 nights’ accommodations ▪️ Single occupancy, boutique hotel ▪️ Airport transfer ▪️ Local transportation ▪️ Keukenhof Garden Tour ▪️ Anne Frank House ▪️ Hauge City Tour ▪️ Amsterdam City Tour ▪️ FREE DAY to explore ▪️ Daily breakfast ▪️ Daily group lunch (excluding FREE DAY) ▪️ Daily group dinner **WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:** ▪️ Roundtrip airfare from the US to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) ▪️ Travel insurance ▪️ Items of a personal nature ▪️ Meals not listed above ▪️ Optional excursions and tours not listed above ▪️ Gratuities and tips for personal services

Humpback Rocks is one of the most scenic views on the AT in Virginia. Let's combine it with a hike up Dobie Mountain for a moderate loop. ## **Trail Facts** * **Difficulty Level: Moderate** * **Length:** 7.7 Miles * **Duration:** 4-5 hrs * **Elevation Gain:** 1,745 Feet * **Permits:** None * **Meeting Location**: Vienna Metro Station​ South * **Parking Location:** Humpbacks Rocks Visitor Center * **Meeting Time**: 8:00 AM​ * **Driving Time**: Approximately 2.5 hr * **Dogs:** Allowed (with caution - small scrambles) * **Trailhead Coordinates:** 37.968461, -78.896603 * **AllTrails Map**: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/humpback-rocks-and-dobbie-mountain **CARPOOL:** If you need a ride or can offer one, please coordinate in the event comments. Be a friend to the environment, save money, and make friends. **Trail Details:** Humpback Rocks is an extremely popular section of the AT for good reason - the 360-degree summit views of the George Washington National Forest are stunning. Glass Hollow Overlook views are also impressive, and may still have the remnants of a plane crash from years ago. We will meet at Vienna Metro at 8AM and carpool to the trailhead. Drive time is about 2 hour and 30 mins. For drivers - Note that trailhead parking is limited, so we may need to park at the Humpback Rocks Visitor Center that is about 0.2 miles from the trailhead. Once at the trailhead, we will follow the trail counter-clockwise, first making a steep climb up to Humpback Rocks. After enjoying the view, we will follow the AT to the Glass Hollow Overlook to enjoy another view and look for plane crash remnants. Finally, we will turn off of the AT on the the Jack Albright Loop trail and finish the hike with a modest climb up Dobie Mountain. Make sure to bring water and snacks. Dogs are allowed on this trail. **LIABILITY NOTICE:** Please remember that this group operates under the common adventurer model. We are a group of friends and volunteers organizing trips for fun and shared experience. Participants are expected to be familiar with best hiking practices and choose hikes that align with their physical abilities and experience. Organizers and members are not liable for any injuries, loss, or damage to persons or property arising from group activities. By attending this event, you agree to assume all risks associated with the activity.​ For more information on the common adventurer model, please see [Ron Watters' definition](https://www.ronwatters.com/CADefine.htm).​ If you believe you may be lost during the hike, follow the advice of the [US Forest Service](https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/if-you-get-lost). ​ See you on the trail!

Looking for a quick nature escape and good company? Join us for a scenic 4.4-mile hike in beautiful Rock Creek Park in Washington, D.C.. We’ll follow the Western Ridge and Valley Trails through peaceful forest paths, along Rock Creek, and past the historic Fort DeRussy. Expect a mix of wooded trails, creek views, and a few moderate climbs to keep things interesting. 🥾 Hike Details • Distance: \~4.4 miles • Difficulty: Moderate • Elevation Gain: \~492 ft • Estimated Time: 1.5–2 hours • Route Type: Loop 📍 Meeting Point Parking lot at the Rock Creek Park Nature Center & Planetarium. 📝 What to Bring • Comfortable hiking shoes (some sections are rocky and narrow) • Water, Snacks • Hiking pole (optional) 🚶‍♂️🚗 Parking: Free parking is available at the Nature Center. If the main lot is full, you can park at the Maintenance Yard farther down Glover Road—about a 5-minute walk away. Looking forward to another great day on the trails! 🌲🥾 ***Lunch afterwards at Mandalay Restaurant & Cafe (Must RSVP to that event to participate)***

Trailhead Hike &Wildflower Hike: Although we normally view the well-known bluebells at Bull Run Regional Park at this time of year, the bluebells of Broad Run are more abundant and the trails are much less crowded. Many other varieties of wildflowers can be seen along this surprising enclave south of Gainesville and west of Manassas, VA. Hikers will begin at the Benedictine Monastery public parking lot, visit the gardens, labyrinth, silos of peace, sisters and children's cemetery, over the old farm rubble/culvert bridge turning right on the paved riparian wetlands trail back to the trailhead structure. Long hikers will hike the loop behind Victory Lakes neighborhood back to the trailhead structure then towards Linton Hill Rd. (moderate and easy hike) after admiring a profusion of bluebells, hiker will pass under Linton Hall Rd. to Sudley Manor Dr. where more bluebells are in bloom. Hikers will cross the busy road (Warning: Look Both Ways!!!) to the west side of Broad Run, past the gated Dumbarton community, then cross the marine-grade bridge to the loop between Broad Run and Rocky Branch returning to the bridge. Hikers will proceed north past the Dunbarton clubhouse along Broad Run to the power lines then double back to Sudley Manor Dr. and carefully cross (look both ways!!!) to continue straight along the west side to the end (long & moderate) or at any point (easy) along the way. Hike back to Sudley Manor Dr., then turn a right a short distance on the hike & bike trail turning right at the east side Broad Run trailhead tracking the river downstream and under Linton Hall Rd. to just before the riparian wetlands bridge (do not cross bridge!). Take a left along the riparian wetlands behind the monastery until the spotting the gated Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto on the left. Visit the grotto, then proceed along the the traffic circle back to the public parking area and the end of the hike, Park map. Est.: 12.2 mi. (long), 10.5 mi (moderate), \~8.5 mi. (easy), <300 ft. elevation. Hike fee: $5. Trailhead meetup: St. Benedict Monastery (38°45'14.8"N 77°33'56.3"W) Public Parking Lot (traffic circle, 3rd rt., & follow sign toward gardens) 9535 Linton Hall Road, Bristow, VA Start time: 9:00 AM FIRST-TIME HIKERS If you're a first-time hiker with us, please notify the leaders in advance so they can make sure you have the info you need. Hikers must be able to keep a 2-mph pace. New hikers are required to first complete a moderate hike. **Liability Waiver:** Many of our hikes take place in remote wilderness areas where cell phone service is not available. Any person participating in any Club activity is responsible for their own safety, health and welfare, and must assume all risks and liabilities related to all Club activities. The Club, its hike leaders, hike sweeps, officers, and other representatives are not liable for any injuries, losses, or damage to persons, children, pets, and/or property, arising from any trips or activities of the Club. You are responsible for bringing enough water, food, and first aid supplies, including those for your personal medical conditions. CANCELLATION POLICY To cancel and receive a full bus hike refund, less a $5 processing fee, you must change your RSVP to "No" on Meetup **before NOON on the Friday** before the hike. If you change your RSVP after noon on the Friday before the hike, no refunds will be issued. Cancellations to Metro/carpool/trailhead hikes will not issue a financial refund, but hiker must change their Meetup RSVP to NO so that leaders do not wait for them at the trailhead. COVID PRECAUTIONS Anyone experiencing symptoms of upper respiratory illness should not attend the event. MORE DETAILS -- [SEE THE FAQS ON OUR WEBSITE](http://www.wanderbirds.org/faq.html)

In Spring 1755, British Major General Edward Braddock, Commander-in-Chief of His Majesty's Forces in North America, convened a meeting of five colonial governors at the Carlyle House to secure funding for his upcoming campaign against the French. Alexandria co-founder John Carlyle, his host, called this gathering "the Grandest Congress … ever known on the Continent." NOVA Parks will be hosting a recreation of this event at the Carlyle House, featuring costumed interpreters and hands on activities. Let's go check it out, and retrace the route Braddock's Army took when they departed Alexandria at the campaign's start! ❶ **What we'll do:** * From the [Capital Bikeshare on Diagonal Road](https://maps.app.goo.gl/FimrXcE77TRGLtuy7) we'll walk north, following Hooff's Run and Russell Road to the Braddock Cannon at the intersection of Braddock and Russell roads. From there we will walk southeast along Braddock Road, roughly backtracking the route Braddock's army took in 1755 departing Alexandria en route to Fort Cumberland, Maryland. After crossing under the railroad tracks, we will proceed east along Oronoco Street to the Potomac, where we will walk south along the Potomac through Founder's Park for a break at the Torpedo Factory. After the break we will walk west a couple of blocks along Cameron Street to the Carlyle House, arriving at about noon. This ends the guided portion of the walk. * Visitors to the Carlyle House from 12:00 to 4:00 pm will experience Braddock's visit and the French and Indian War firsthand through costumed interpreters. Admission is free, but a $5 donation is suggested. See [https://tinyurl.com/mr3eczb9](https://tinyurl.com/mr3eczb9) for more details. * After checking out the Carlyle event for as long as desired, attendees can individually return to the meetup point by walking south to King Street, and then west along King and Diagonal Streets; a total of 1.1 miles. See [https://maps.app.goo.gl/bCjSKHvMUeXFu2sSA](https://maps.app.goo.gl/bCjSKHvMUeXFu2sSA) * The total walk, including the guided and individual portions, is about 4.5 miles and should take around 2 hours, plus however long attendees wish to spend at the Carlyle House. The surface is mostly paved throughout and fairly level. The is an easy hike. * Google map: [https://tinyurl.com/bdzxb5ec](https://tinyurl.com/bdzxb5ec) ❷ **How to get there:** * Metro: King Street Station is on the Blue and Yellow Lines. Current Metro status and alerts: [https://tinyurl.com/y7lklnl7](https://tinyurl.com/y7lklnl7) * Driving: From I-395, take VA-7 / King Street east about 2.8 miles. Take the first right after passing under the railroad (Daingerfield Street), and an immediate right onto Diagonal Road. From US-1 / Richmond Highway, follow King Street west 0.5 miles, take a sharp left onto Daingerfield, and the first right onto Diagonal Road. There is free and metered parallel parking in the area. ❸ **Weather:** The forecast is partly cloudy and a high of 81F, with 7-9 mph S winds and a 4-6% chance of showers. Updates: [https://tinyurl.com/yck2442z](https://tinyurl.com/yck2442z) ❹ **What to bring:** Water, comfy shoes, and your furry friend if desired (leashes, please). Sunscreen, cool shades, and the layered look are recommended. 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 at the Ramsay House, the Torpedo Factory, and at several commercial establishments along our route. We will make a dedicated pit stop at the Torpedo Factory just before arriving at the Carlyle House. ❼ **Notes:** * The "Grandest Congress": The French and Indian War in Alexandria, [https://www.va250.org/event-detail/?id=24416](https://www.va250.org/event-detail/?id=24416) * "The Grandest Congress": Gen. Braddock Meets the Governors, [https://tinyurl.com/3mst3vzp](https://tinyurl.com/3mst3vzp) * Eugene Scheel: "General Braddock's March Through Loudoun in 1755," [https://tinyurl.com/32j7put5](https://tinyurl.com/32j7put5) *Illustration: "The Wounding of General Braddock: Battle of the Monongahela 9 July 1755" [cropped], by Robert Griffing, The Westmoreland Museum, [https://tinyurl.com/yvrkrx8e](https://tinyurl.com/yvrkrx8e)*

[Old School Groove](https://www.facebook.com/OldSchoolGrooveBand/) \- Vintage rock\, southern rock\, blues\, reggae\. Originals mixed with 60s & 70s classics\. Getcha groove on\! **[Flint Station](https://www.theflintstation.com/)** is an old depot venue for drinks and live music. They usually have a **bbq food truck** on location. Feel free to bring your own takeout. I'll bring a basket of snacks. NO COVER *They're planning for a beautiful summer evening performance in the beer garden. However, if the weather doesn't cooperate...they will be upstairs in the old-time dance hall. Either way...it's going to be a night to remember!!* **PARKING**: either near the beer garden or across the street.

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.