Social and Cultural Outings

**Join us on Monday 25 May for a special Bank Holiday rooftop meetup at Savage Garden Rooftop, located within the Hilton Hotel London.** Expect great music, drinks, skyline views, and a social atmosphere bringing together locals, travelers, professionals, and people looking to meet new connections in one of London’s most iconic rooftop venues. Please note that **we have a limited number of spots available**. [Book Your Ticket : 2£](https://buy.stripe.com/dRmcN71jf0C8aIX0mNfUQ09)

📍[The Broad Walk cafe](https://maps.app.goo.gl/EVHXQ6ZRuorwZSrk6) 🗺️ https://w3w.co/dance.hulk.frogs 🗓️ Bank holiday Monday 25 May 2026 🕐 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM *💬 Join our [group chat](https://londonvegannetwork.netlify.app/DroolingVegans)* *in the London Vegan Network community on WhatsApp* 🌳 Pack food\* and a blanket for an afternoon of friendly conversations with like-minded people in a beautiful outdoor setting. 🧺 Bring a homemade dish to share (don't forget your reusable utensils!) or just some snacks, come meet new or old friends, bask in the sun, and relax in the heart of London. ➡️ We'll meet at the Broad Walk cafe, then we'll find a nice spot together. Join our [group chat](https://xsp.fi/DroolingVegans) for location updates if you want to join us later. **\*** you don't have to be vegan to join us, but please only bring vegan food and drinks to our events.

I'm giving this walk a try for Bank Hol Mon next week. If the response is inadequate, I will have to cancel it. I'm starting at 11.30am on this one, and will be going on the Mildmay Line from Stratford. The District Line will be out between Earls Court & Richmond, so that is the best way. We'll be stopping for a cuppa on the way round. Please note that the end-time does include the optional pub time, and its only a guideline. If you haven't already paid for May, I ask for a nominal contribution of £2 to help cover Meetup organiser fees. No shrapnel please, but people keep presenting it to me. RISK WARNING/DISCLAIMER: Please remember that as with any physical activity, there can be dangers associated with hiking/walking, especially around waterways, forests, farms and countryside. Your decision to voluntarily participate in this activity is an informed decision. and by attending this event you agree and accept to take sole responsibility for your own actions, your own safety, and your own belongings. Please dress appropriately, including sturdy shoes. Please bring any necessary medication with you. You will need to be sufficiently fit to walk several miles at a moderate pace. We may occasionally cross or walk short distances on roads; country and woodland tracks can be muddy or slippery; animals may be encountered on occasion. INSURANCE: If either yourself or any guests you bring along require insurance for this walk, then you must arrange this yourselves. GUESTS: If you are bringing any guests along, there is no facility on the Meetup site to record their details. Please ensure that you make them fully aware of the Risk Warning/Disclaimer and Insurance statements.

**ISLINGTON EDGES.**............Brand new for 2025 On this tour we touch various parts of London from Islington to Camden, from Kings Cross to Bloomsbury from Clerkenwell to Angel. But central to it all is Islington so why not call it Islington edges ! London at its best with a complete mixture of subjects, from the death of a clown to a man made river, from a South African hero to Bob Dylan As usual there are blue plaques in abundance and a personal story that takes me back to my very early youth. Its a circular walk from Kings cross and back again taking over two hours but in that time we meet lots of the sort of characters and visit various places that helped make London the city we all love.

**Bank Holidays are meant to be fun and enjoyable!** CONFIRM VIA THIS LINK:[ ](https://fatso.ma/fnkcz)**[https://fatso.ma/fnkcz](https://fatso.ma/fnkcz)** or[ ](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/social-bank-holiday-by-the-canal-mix-mingle-enjoy-views-conversations-tickets-1989767673675?aff=oddtdtcreator)**[https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/social-bank-holiday-by-the-canal-mix-mingle-enjoy-views-conversations-tickets-1989767673675?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/social-bank-holiday-by-the-canal-mix-mingle-enjoy-views-conversations-tickets-1989767673675?aff=oddtdtcreator)** **MUST BOOK TICKET & RSVP BEFORE YOU ARRIVE - NO CASH PAYMENTS, NO WALK INS** **Bring your joyous and friendly self out,** **engage in interesting conversations, meet new people!** **Mix & mingle, admire colourful canal side views, indulge in delicious handcrafted cocktails & mocktails and make the most of your afternoon in leisure.** *Are you looking for ways and opportunities to meet new people in a fun place? Then come along! Join by yourself as most people do or bring your friends along, the more the merrier!* ***Treat yourself to a beautiful afternoon, socialising with 'every day' exceptional people!*** **Present yourself with the best smile on your face, make a fine impression, see it reflected back!** Be introduced to people of various age range and backgrounds, engage in conversations and see what can potentially happen next! **Make a good friend, perhaps meet someone that can make your heart sing or simply enjoy the afternoon with new people or who you might have met in previous events.** ***Please arrive at or about 16:00*** *so you can be in the flow of the introductions and make the most of your time to engage with everyone!* **ELENI is making sure all guests are welcomed, introduced to each other and included throughout.** ***Enjoy n*ew ways of expanding your social circle, make connections, discover amazing venues and see London life from a different perspective.** **HOW TO FIND:** **-COME TO THE ROTUNDA BAR - RESTAURANT** **-ASK THE VENUE HOST TO BE SHOWN TO ELENI'S BOOKING** Talk about anything and everything that makes you feel joyous and interact with interesting and exciting stories of other attendees. Rotunda is a hidden gem, a stone’s throw from Kings Cross Station with spectacular views of Regents Canal and delicious food, made with handcrafted quality for everyone to indulge. Fee is non-refundable unless the event is cancelled for any unforeseen reasons.

**ISLINGTON EDGES.**............Brand new for 2025 On this tour we touch various parts of London from Islington to Camden, from Kings Cross to Bloomsbury from Clerkenwell to Angel. But central to it all is Islington so why not call it Islington edges ! London at its best with a complete mixture of subjects, from the death of a clown to a man made river, from a South African hero to Bob Dylan As usual there are blue plaques in abundance and a personal story that takes me back to my very early youth. Its a circular walk from Kings cross and back again taking over two hours but in that time we meet lots of the sort of characters and visit various places that helped make London the city we all love.

**Hello, lovely people!** Join us for a relaxed walk through South London, exploring Bermondsey, Maltby Street Market, and the riverside near Tower Bridge 🌿⚓️ We’ll begin at a quiet Tibetan coffee and tea room, easing into the day before making our way towards the lively Maltby Street Market - a hidden gem filled with independent food and bakery stalls 🍞 From there, we’ll take a scenic walk along the river, gradually moving from the quieter corners of Bermondsey into the iconic energy around Tower Bridge 😉 This will be an easy-paced, social walk — a chance to explore, chat, and enjoy good company. No pressure, no strict schedule ✨ ☕️ **Meet point – 12:00 PM** 📍 **[The Tibetan tearoom](https://maps.app.goo.gl/9P2qyXk7QsYVWr3u8)** offers a variety of organic teas and coffee, including their signature spicy chai. There’s also a small shop with items such as incense, shawls, singing bowls, and other traditional goods. 🍴 **[Maltby Street Market stop](https://maps.app.goo.gl/Mbn5dpS9PhxDHPoLA)** Expect a variety of food stalls, baked goods, and independent vendors - feel free to grab something along the way. **🌊 Riverside walk** We’ll walk along the Thames, enjoying views and a more relaxed side of central London. **⚓️ Finish – St Katharine Docks (optional stay)** We’ll end near the docks, where those who’d like can stay for a coffee, drink, or a relaxed chat by the water ☕️🍻 👣 **Route**: Bermondsey → Maltby Street Market → Tower Bridge → St Katharine Docks Please bring your ID, as some venues may require it. Please mind your personal belongings and social behaviour — the organiser accepts no liability. Thank you 😊

Have you ever wanted to get together outdoors and chill out amongst good company whilst being immersed within nature & amazing weather? If so, then this is the right event for you. Welcome to another one of the CHILL events where you have the opportunity to settle in the parks, form friendships, socialise, have a picnic and so much more whilst being immersed within the luscious greenery, botanicals and the gorgeous weather.

With this particular chill event, we will be settling in the inner circle gardens of Regent’s Park. The inner circle has some beautiful botanicals and some lovely greenery to settle on which is really ideal for relaxing, having a picnic and even being amongst good company. There is a small twist to this. Since summer is approaching, we may have some island music playing in the background to enhance the ambiance. If all goes well, we may do an aftermath and let democracy decide what to do. My fellow explorers, if you enjoyed the event, I’m more than happy to accept any donations which of course are optional but will go a long way to help me unlock and deliver even more exciting and engaging events and resources: https://www.paypal.me/calvinjoy

WHAT - Chill in Regents Park
WHERE - Regents Park
WHEN - 6:30pm - 9pm
MEETING POINT - Regents Park
NEAREST STATIONS - Baker Street & Great Portland Street Stations
REQUIREMENTS - Just your good behaviour is all and whatever is listed above for the walk. Maybe bring your ID if we do an aftermath. Disclaimers: Please be on your best behaviour and respect one another. This group doesn’t tolerate any misbehaviour and misconduct. Should such a thing take place, you will be removed. If you ask a question that either already has the answer to it or doesn’t relate to the event at all, I won’t respond. Whenever an event takes place, I will cut off contact 20 minutes after the event commences. If you message even 1 minute after the cut off time, I won’t be available as I’m conducting the event. There will be photography and videography by myself so if you are photo conscious and/or do not want to be in the video, do kindly inform me and I’ll try my utmost best to not involve you in the picture. Let’s all be responsible but please be aware you come at your own risk. Do be mindful of your possessions, belongings and most importantly, your safety. The ‘London society of explorers’ accept no risk of liability at this event.

Have you ever wanted to get together outdoors and chill out amongst good company whilst being immersed within nature & amazing weather? If so, then this is the right event for you. Welcome to another one of the CHILL events where you have the opportunity to settle in the parks, form friendships, socialise, have a picnic and so much more whilst being immersed within the luscious greenery, botanicals and the gorgeous weather. 

With this particular chill event, we will be settling at Primrose Hill. Primrose Hill is an iconic landmark which offers us the amazing if not one of the best views of the city skyline. It’s also a cosy spot to settle whilst seeing the sun set and gazing at the amazing view of the city. There is a small twist to it. Since it’s Friday evening, there will be Mauritian music in the background to give us this Mauritian ambiance. Just a chill event with the essences of Mauritius. Depending on the aura and if the event goes well, we may do an aftermath and let democracy decide. My fellow explorers, if you enjoyed the event, I’m more than happy to accept any donations which of course are optional but will go a long way to help me unlock and deliver even more exciting and engaging events and resources: https://www.paypal.me/calvinjoy 

WHAT - Chill at Primrose Hill
WHERE - Primrose Hill
WHEN - 7:20pm - 11pm
MEETING POINT - Primrose Hill
NEAREST STATIONS - Chalk Farm & St John’s Wood Station
REQUIREMENTS - Just your good behaviour is all and whatever is listed above for the walk. Maybe bring your ID if we do an aftermath. Disclaimers: Please be on your best behaviour and respect one another. This group doesn’t tolerate any misbehaviour and misconduct. Should such a thing take place, you will be removed. If you ask a question that either already has the answer to it or doesn’t relate to the event at all, I won’t respond. Whenever an event takes place, I will cut off contact 20 minutes after the event commences. If you message even 1 minute after the cut off time, I won’t be available as I’m conducting the event. There will be photography and videography by myself so if you are photo conscious and/or do not want to be in the video, do kindly inform me and I’ll try my utmost best to not involve you in the picture. Let’s all be responsible but please be aware you come at your own risk. Do be mindful of your possessions, belongings and most importantly, your safety. The ‘London society of explorers’ accept no risk of liability at this event.

Join us for our monthly series where **Offline Women Explore the Royal Parks**, visiting one of the eight different royal parks each month. The fourth walk in this series will be through **Greenwich Park.** This is a dedicated, phone-free, quiet space where you can disconnect from digital distractions and reconnect with nature and each other. It is a simple way to enjoy the park and engage in real conversation. We will have plenty of time to talk, share stories, and get to know one another without any digital interruptions. Leave the event feeling energized and refreshed, with a heart full of good conversation and the peaceful feeling of a walk spent in great company. Follow us on [WhatsApp](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbCZyvCD38CTaXBpQ72V) to be notified early for our upcoming events.

Have you ever wanted to partake in hikes where you get exposed to new areas with luscious forms of nature, some amazing views and possibly some hidden gems? If so, this may be the right event for you. Welcome to another Hiking event where all of this is possible. This is the opportunity to form friendships, discover a different perspective of London, improve your fitness, embrace nature but also feel great about yourself. With this particular Hike, we’ll be hiking from Crystal Palace to Streatham Common. We’ll be traversing through many parks, forests and nature pathways but also make new discoveries too. This is also part of the capital ring which is a 78 mile pathway split into 15 hiking routes. This is section 4. If you want to be part of the journey, feel free to join us. My fellow explorers, if you enjoyed the event, I’m more than happy to accept any donations which of course are optional but will go a long way to help me unlock and deliver even more exciting and engaging events and resources: https://www.paypal.me/calvinjoy Starting point: Crystal Palace Station Ending point: Streatham Common station Walking length: 6.3km Duration: 2 hours Required clothing: Smart casual, comfortable shoes and a jacket in case it gets cold
Departure: 20 minutes after the meeting time. WHAT - Hike WHERE - Crystal Palace to Streatham common WHEN - 2pm - 5pm MEETING POINT - Outside Crystal Palace Station NEAREST STATION - Crystal Palace station REQUIREMENTS - Just your good behaviour is all and whatever is listed above for the walk. Disclaimers: Please be on your best behaviour and respect one another. This group doesn’t tolerate any misbehaviour and misconduct. Should such a thing take place, you will be removed. If you ask a question that either already has the answer to it or doesn’t relate to the event at all, I won’t respond. Whenever an event takes place, I will cut off contact 20 minutes after the event commences. If you message even 1 minute after the cut off time, I won’t be available as I’m conducting the event. There will be photography and videography by myself so if you are photo conscious and/or do not want to be in the video, do kindly inform me and I’ll try my utmost best to not involve you in the picture. Let’s all be responsible but please be aware you come at your own risk. Do be mindful of your possessions, belongings and most importantly, your safety. The ‘London society of explorers’ accept no risk of liability at this event.

***PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR MEETING POINT INFO*** Hi everyone, join us for a fantastic walk from Finsbury Park to Stoke Newington Village via Woodberry Wetlands & Clissold Park. Very picturesque with plenty of greenery, trees & walking by water plus lots of interesting historical info & ending at a properly affordable local wetherspoons with bags of character & a nice outdoor seating area! Easy return to Central London (a few stops to Liverpool Street) from the nearby overground station. Meet outside Finsbury Park Station…take the Station Place exit & turn right to meet near the corner with Seven Sisters Road, where the old Arsenal shop used to be (1 Station Place, Finsbury Park N4 2DH) @2.30. Hope to see you there!

**Welcome to The Music Social — where great tunes meet good conversations.** Join us for a relaxed evening of live music, good energy, and a social atmosphere designed for unwinding, meeting new people, and enjoying the night together. As you arrive, you’ll answer a fun prompt that sparks conversations and interactions throughout the evening. Then the music takes over. We’ll be joined by Caz & Steve Duo, bringing live acoustic covers, upbeat classics, and feel-good favourites to carry the atmosphere through the night. We’ll also have the **CrewHaus Wheel** 🎡 — a playful spin that introduces prompts and conversation starters for anyone curious to explore a little more. Step in, settle into the music, and see where the night takes you. **The music’s ready.** **Your crew might be too.** **Schedule:** * **🫂 7:30 PM – 8:00 PM \| Arrival & Mingling** Settle in, meet the group, and kick off the evening together. * **🎶 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM \| Live Music Sessions** Live music, great tunes, and good vibes all evening long. * **✨ 10:00 PM – 11:00 PM \| Chill & Vibe** Stay after the musicians are done for conversations, laughs, and relaxed late-night vibes. * **💃 11:00 PM – 2:00 AM \| Late Night Hangout** If you’d like to continue the evening with us, we’ll head over together to keep the night flowing and share more fun moments together. 🍸 We’ve secured **2-for-£12 cocktails** **all night** at Be at One — exclusively for Crewhaus members. Make sure to bring your **physical ID** if you are joining us at the afterparty **Event details:** * **Where:** The Vintry, Monument, London EC4N 5AX We’ve got our own space for the night. We will then head over to Be at One, London EC4R 9AT where we got our own reserved area (3 min-walk from The Vintry). * **When:** The event runs from 7:30 PM to 2:00 AM. **Why You Should Join:** At Crewhaus, **we don’t just talk about connection – we make it happen.** Come experience it for yourself in a stimulating, fun, and safe environment. Don’t worry about coming by yourself – it’s encouraged (and the purpose of this event). **Stay connected beyond the event:** 📸 Follow our **[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/the_crewhaus/)** page to catch the highlights, stories, and event updates 💬 Join our **[WhatsApp community](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Lcorasf3ocUBFmBmhXeHho)** for updates and announcements **Community Guidelines:** We’re all about good vibes and real connections. We ask that everyone treats each other with kindness, respect, and an open mind. It's simple: be cool, be yourself, and let others do the same. Let’s keep it fun, welcoming, and awesome for everyone!

**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.

**Summary** We will play TV-style game shows at [Game Show Battle Rooms](https://gameshowbattlerooms.com/columbus/) ("GSBR"). These will include *Family Feud*, *Wheel of Fortune*, and *The Price is Right*, and we will play them over the course of an hour. We ran this event for the second time back in October, and it was an even bigger hit than it was the first time we ran it the February prior. GSBR has nearly 10,000 reviews on Google and a 5-star rating. If there were any event where you were just about guaranteed to have a good time, it's this one. GSBR changes their questions and answers every month, so if you attended in October (or even if you went with another group as recently as April), you will not see any of the same questions you saw before. **The Date and Time of This Event** Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. However, if someone books the 3:00 p.m. time before I do (meaning before I have enough paid attendees), well, that's the way the cookie crumbles and we'll have to move to Plan B. That might involve trying for either one of GSBR's 1:30 p.m. or 4:30 p.m. slots, or just cancelling the Meetup altogether. We'll cross that bridge if we get to it, but be aware of these possibilities. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to whatever our actual showtime ends up being. (Hence, this meetup's 2:45 p.m. start time.) **Cost** The cost to play, per person, is $36.95 plus 8% sales tax of $2.96, plus a refundable 8% gratuity of $2.96 (see the next section for more details), for a total cost of $42.86 per person. **Mandatory Gratuity (If 20+ Participants)** If we have 20 or more participants in this event, GSBR will assess a mandatory gratuity of 8%, or $2.96 per person. If we have 20 or more attendees, GSBR will give our group an extra 15 minutes of playing time. I am collecting the gratuity up-front to prepare for the case in which we have at least 20 people. However, in the event that we do not, I will refund this $2.96 to you. In the event we have fewer than 20 people and your gratuity is refunded, your cost for the event will end up being $39.91 (instead of $42.86). I will say more below on the actual exchange of money for this event. **Drinks** GSBR does allow beverages into the game room, and they also sell some on-site. These include bottled water, soft drinks, and some alcoholic beverages. You can bring your own bottled water, too, if you want. **Cancellations and Refunds** Per GSBR's [website](https://gameshowbattlerooms.com/questions/): *If you cancel your show 5 or more days in advance of your booking time, you will receive a full refund.* *You may reduce the number of tickets and receive a refund if you provide at least 5-days’ notice.* More on this in a moment. **Number of Participants** GSBR does not run events for fewer than 6 people. I will not purchase tickets for this event with fewer than 10 paid, and I will not send out a solicitation for money without at least 12 signed up for this Meetup. More on this below. **The Actual Exchange of Money** Tickets for GSBR events are not purchased piecemeal. I will need to book our GSBR event as a bloc. This means that everyone will need to send me his or her entrance fee via either Venmo or Paypal prior to me booking our time. Anyone failing to send me his or her money will be removed by me from this event. Once 12+ people are signed up here for this Meetup, I will send out a DM through the Meetup messaging system to those 12+ participants with my Venmo/Paypal information. You will then have 72 hours to wire me your share of the money. After 72 hours, if I don't have money from you, I'll remove you from event. If I don't have money from at least 10 people, I'll refund everyone's money, and we'll either re-start the process or I'll just cancel the event. I'm not going to book any event with GSBR unless I'm reasonably certain we're going to be able to run it. Assuming I have money from 10+ people, then I will book the event through GSBR's website. If you decide to cancel and you want a refund, you ***must*** give me time to contact GSBR with at least 5 days notice. Since the date of this event is Saturday, June 27, you have to let me know not later than Sunday, June 21, to allow me time to call GSBR not later than Monday, June 22, in order to get a refund for your share. Once I have confirmation from GSBR for the refund, I will Venmo/Paypal the money back to you immediately from my account. (There will probably be a 3-5 day delay before GSBR actually processes the refund, but I will absorb the cost of the float and get your money back to you right away.) **"Hey, Eric! I just saw this event! Can I sign up late?"** Yes, but you still need to Venmo/Paypal your share of the booking fee to me, which will be $40.55. If I don't get it within 72 hours after you sign up (or time permitting for me to book you in with GSBR if you sign up last-minute), then I'll remove you from the event. **Mandatory GSBR Waiver Requirement** GSBR policies *require* that each attendee signs a liability waiver prior to the event. You can find the waiver [here](https://gameshowbattlerooms.com/questions/) (on the right-hand side toward the bottom of the page under the section "Do I Need To Sign A Waiver Form?"), and you should also be able to skip directly to the form [here](https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/5c473bb934d6a/web/). *You must fill out this waver in order to participate in the event*. The form is short and this really shouldn't take you more than 2 minutes, but please send me a DM if you have any issues filling out the document. **Denouement** Afterward, for those who are interested, we'll drown our sorrows or celebrate our exultations at [Crooked Can Brewing](https://crookedcanohio.com/) in Hilliard. They also have extensive food options. The actual address of the brewery is [5354 Center St, 43026](https://www.google.com/maps/place/5354+Center+St,+Hilliard,+OH+43026/@40.0339813,-83.1623519,17.25z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x883893f9f30108a7:0xbe4c8919aa69e3e7!8m2!3d40.0344541!4d-83.1598828!16s%2Fg%2F11gxsh9f_0?entry=ttu).

Columbus Code & Coffee is an inclusive, informal co-working session. People of all skill levels attend, and we love it that way. Many people (optionally) bring projects to work on, and many other people (optionally) socialize the entire time. It's entirely up to you! **What to Expect at the Intro Circle** \~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ Near the beginning of the event (1:30 pm), we do a standup: * Organizer announcements, updates, and logistics Round 1 - (7 secs max): * Your name * What you're working on * What you can help others with Round 2: * Community events you wanna plug. If none, that's cool too. Round 3: * Job opportunities you're hiring for OR announce that you are looking for one. If none, that's cool. After the introduction circle, everything is self-organized! Feel free to work alone, pair up, attend one of our workshops/presentations, or mingle!

**History** [Chestnut Ridge Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/chestnut-ridge/) is historically significant because it sits on a 300-million-year-old outcropping of Blackhand sandstone. Geographically recognized as the very first foothill of the Appalachian Mountains, the ridge rises 1,116 feet above sea level. Long before European settlement, the land served as a sacred site for ancient civilizations. The park contains the Old Maid's Orchard Mound, an eight-foot-tall burial mound constructed by the Adena culture between 1000 B.C. and 100 B.C. This ancient landmark has remained largely intact and is now protected on the National Register of Historic Places. The documented modern history of the land began with an official survey conducted by Ebenezer Buckingham in 1801. Original land deeds of sale from this period notably bear the signatures of United States Presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. In the 1830s, Irish laborers arrived at the ridge to quarry its rich Blackhand sandstone. The blocks they hewed were used to build the crucial locks for the nearby Ohio and Erie Canal. Remnants of this early sandstone quarrying operation can still be spotted by sharp-eyed hikers along the modern trails. Agricultural transformation defined the ridge throughout the mid-to-late 19th century. Settlers discovered that the high elevation created a natural air flow that prevented late-season frost damage to crops. Extensive fruit orchards were planted across the slopes between 1860 and 1880. One notable orchard was established by John Wagner, a Spanish-American War veteran who chose the ridge specifically for its proximity to the bustling Columbus market. The park's current name pays homage to the massive American chestnut trees that once dominated the ridgeline before a devastating ecological blight wiped them out in the early 20th century. The conservation story of the modern 486-acre park began in March 1962. The Metro Parks board announced land acquisition plans to block developers from building a residential housing development called Chestnut Heights. Director-Secretary Walter A. Tucker advocated heavily for the purchase, citing the ridge's immense value as a scenic overlook for central Ohio. The district systematically purchased multiple agricultural parcels over the next two decades. After operating strictly as undeveloped farmland through the 1970s, Chestnut Ridge Metro Park officially opened to the public on December 18, 1988. In recent decades, the park has evolved from a quiet hiking spot into a premier regional destination for outdoor sports. A major turning point occurred in 2010 when the Central Ohio Mountain Biking Organization (COMBO) partnered with the park district to develop new infrastructure. Volunteers worked extensively to construct a single-track mountain bike trail, which officially opened in October 2011. An expert gravity and flow trail featuring advanced jumps was later integrated into the loop in 2016. Today, the park successfully balances its deep ancient, industrial, and agricultural history with active recreation. **Map of the Park** Here is a [map of Chestnut Ridge](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/CHR_map_1980px_2026.jpg). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Ridge, Meadows, and Homesite Trails, and Law's Lane, which is unmarked on some maps. None of these trails is individually very long, so we will hike a few permutations and loops until we get in 4-5 miles. The hike will be moderately strenuous. **Where We'll Meet** Drive to the rearmost picnic area at the back of the park. There's a latrine here, but there's no water fountain here or anywhere else at Chestnut Ridge. I strongly recommend you bring some water of your own, at least for after the hike. Cell service at the park is spotty, although your GPS will get you there just fine. The map pin I've provided here is exactly where we'll be meeting and should be able to be used directly in Google Maps, although Chestnut Ridge isn't big and you're unlikely to get lost here. **After the Hike** Afterward, we'll head over to [BrewDog DogTap](https://drink.brewdog.com/usa/brewdog-dogtap-columbus) for [drinks](https://usa.brewdog.com/pages/brewdog-lineup) and [food](https://usa.brewdog.com/cdn/shop/files/DogTap_Menu_2025_65e1ff8b-97d4-4f26-80f1-68321d482025.pdf?v=17356939232910340498). They also have an outdoor area that's extremely popular. I've had their burgers and their pizza, and I think they're both very good. I also really like their [Cold Beer](https://usa.brewdog.com/products/cold-beer-2024) (that's its actual name), which is their American light lager. BrewDog's actual address is [96 Gender Rd, Canal Winchester, OH 43110](https://www.google.com/maps/place/96+Gender+Rd,+Canal+Winchester,+OH+43110/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88387c06afa21a85:0x804c611d373d8c54?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111), and they have a large, free parking lot. We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks.

**Karaoke Night**: Bring your glee club friends. Enjoy a flashback to your choir days. No chorus line. It's all you baby. Sing. Shout. Scream. Lip sync if you need to. But do show up and do have a good time. **On Freestyle night** \- just bring a bottle to share\. There is NO formal wine tasting like on other weeks\. Door charge is $10 \(cash or Venmo only please\)\. We may have some left over wines to clear out\! Glasses are provided\. Take Care\. See you there\. **Parking**: There are several public parking lots near the Alive614 hall. Please be careful to NOT park in private parking lots. They do tow. Check Google maps to scope out your space. Anyone who is early could easily find a parking space on the street nearby. I am told that the Chase parking lot is safe after hours. **Glasses**: …will be provided. Please note that after the wine tasting, the EMPTY glasses need to be returned to the boxes at the service table. Please do not make me hunt down your empty glass. Please be gentle, our glasses are fragile. Uh, they are made of glass! **Food**: You are welcome to bring a snack to share. It is not required. Most people do though. If no one brings anything, there will be nothing. **Code of Conduct**: Though mostly understood, it’s still worth mentioning. We don’t have rules per se, but we highly discourage the following topics of discussion because they are likely to incite anti-social responses - Sex, Politics, Religion. Please don’t mistake this as an attempt to limit your free speech rights but rather a guide to a place and time for appropriate discussions. **After the lights go out**: After the last sip of wine, when we clean up and turn the lights out, if you still haven’t had enough of us, it is typical for a group to get together and go to a local eatery for food and/or drinks or coffee. Again, We look forward to meeting new members and reuniting with old friends. Sincerely, ***Paul Uttermohlen***, **Red 1 Realty** *Your Hilliard Wine Club Host*