Social and Cultural Outings

Social Sips & Bites family, Memorial Day weekend is calling and we’re bringing everyone together for a fun, relaxed picnic celebration with the SSB crew. Expect great food, sunshine, music, laughter, and that amazing Social Sips & Bites energy we all love. Bring your favorite dish to share with the group and your favorite drinks, and get ready for an afternoon of mingling, new friendships, and good vibes all around. This is the perfect chance to kick off summer with our incredible community. Contribution: $5 to help cover park setup and supplies. Please send a Venmo or Zelle to Judy Cheung before the picnic- by May 22nd. Her Venmo and Zelle infornation is in the sign up link. Her Zelle last four digits is 3353. Come hungry. Come social. Come ready for one of those classic SSB days where strangers become friends and friends become family. There is plenty of parking available and restrooms are also available at the park. Everyone should plan to bring their own beverages, a chair and a blanket if you wish. Please sign up on the link below to contribute help, food, and games. Sign up link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4BAAA628A7F8C34-62911568-social

*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.* 6.8 miles with 127 feet elevation gain. **Let's celebrate Memorial Day weekend by hiking to see some of the wonderful monuments and memorials on and around the National Mall.** The National Mall in DC is full of many beautiful monuments and memorials. One could spend many days exploring them all. On this trek, we will focus on the National Mall and Tidal Basin area The pace will be about 2.0-2.5 mph to allow time to enjoy the sights, take photos, and reflect on our national history as we honor the fallen. We are meeting at the Smithsonian Castle Haupt Garden. I'll be in the back (south side) of the Castle at the Haupt Garden sitting on a bench enjoying the view, so find me thereabouts. This area faces Independence Ave. Our trek will take us to a number of locations including NMAI Native American Veterans Memorial, Eisenhower Memorial, Ulysses Grant Memorial, Peace Memorial, National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden, Washington Monument, WWII Memorial, Constitution Gardens, Vietnam Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, Franklin Roosevelt Memorial, Thomas Jefferson Memorial. **Best way to get to the Smithsonian Castle:** ***Metro: Best option -The Smithsonian Castle is very close to the Smithsonian Metro Station*** (see [https://goo.gl/maps/aT5Y6Wwte7P2](https://goo.gl/maps/aT5Y6Wwte7P2)), ***be sure to exit to the National Mall side.*** Alternatively you can go to the L'Enfant Metro. Another option is the National Archives metro which is a fairly short walk to the Castle. If you would really rather drive, there is metered street parking available both on Jefferson Dr. (on the front side of the castle) or the Haupt Garden side at 1050 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20560. Please note that parking can be difficult to find on a nice weekend holiday. There are several public restrooms along our route. Bring some hydration and snacks as you desire. The route is basically level. Most of the hike will be on paved surfaces so wear comfortable walking shoes. Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) NOTE: There may be some restrictions regarding dog access such as inside the Lincoln & Jefferson Memorials, so please check in advance of bringing your dog. They are certainly welcome outside. Meet at the Castle 15 minutes early to allow everyone to be signed in and get ready to hike at 10:00am. We will plan on an optional rehydration after the hike for those interested. Any questions, please message me here or text/call @202-528-0456. If you text me, please include your name.

Memorial Day History Tour of the National Mall & White House Neighborhood! Examine 250 years of U.S. history in this unique walking tour, on Memorial Day, around the National Mall & White House. MEET outside the National Theater, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004 Our packed itinerary will draw from: o The locale where the most famous military anthem was written o The World War One memorial park o How the White House was secretly designed o The Kennedy Center star who was a war hero at Yorktown o The humble woman who faced down an enemy general o The official who brokered America's first Civil War--of 1794 o Civil War spies o Presidential humor o Where Frederick Douglass worked after recruiting troops for the Union Army o Sites of presidential assassination attempts o How Lafayette was saved by an American President o The Union sea captain who nearly lost the Civil War o Where Dolley Madison saved the National Archives o General Jackson's battles and duels o The greatest of the early U.S. Navy heroes o The secret of George Washington's martinet o How the "Paul Revere of the South" saved the American Revolution o The scoundrel who saved the Battle of Gettysburg o The battle of Army generals vs. Army veterans o The house of astronauts and scientists o The greatest caregiver to America's soldiers. o The White House racetrack o Thrilling monuments to the military's most valiant units. And more! Preregister and Prepay via: Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/memorial-day-tour-of-the-national-mall-white-house-neighborhood-dc-tickets-1989339939310?aff=oddtdtcreator Or send $23 via PayPal to: paypal.me/EMoser460 Or, pay in cash at the tour's start: $23. Your guide is a former Presidential speechwriter, former Tonight Show writer, and author of a Second World War spy novel: https://www.amazon.com/Femme-Fatalité-Lizzy-Thorne-Novel/dp/B0F5NPSKDS/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0 And of The White House's Unruly Neighborhood: https://www.amazon.com/White-Houses-Unruly-Neighborhood-Lafayette-ebook/dp/B082ZVDCD7 And a forthcoming book on Georgetown's history: https://mcfarlandbooks.com/product/georgetown-on-the-potomac/ MEET outside the National Theater, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004 Celebrate U.S. military history, and more, on Memorial Day, at some of America's most memorable locales.

WOW can you believe it's been a full year since we started DC Polyam?! To thank you all from the bottom of our hearts, we are hosting our one-year anniversary celebration on Thursday, May 28th, at Easy Tiger Tavern. Come by yourself, invite your friends, come with your polycule, the more the merrier! We want to celebrate with you, and we look forward to seeing all of the regular and new folks there! 🎊🍾 We always enforce a set of house rules in order to maintain a safe space: * **Respectful Behavior** towards hosts and other guests is required; anyone who violates these rules may be asked to leave the event. * **Expectations:** Check your expectations at the door. Being at this event does not signal sexual availability or indicate any aspect of sexual orientation. Our events are about developing friendships and connections within the community. This is a no cruising event, in order to maintain a comfortable atmosphere for our guests. * **Safe Spaces:** We strive to create a safe space for people of ALL identities, including those who do not identify as polyamorous. * **No photography, video, or recording** of any kind is allowed **without prior verbal consent** of all parties involved. * **Verbal Consent:** Please be sure to ask and wait for a yes before hugging or initiating any physical contact, and encourage each other to speak openly about consent and personal boundaries. This helps foster a culture where personal boundaries are supported and attendees are empowered to speak confidently of their limits. (i.e. “Can I give you a hug?” “No thank you, but I would love a handshake.”) If you have any questions please feel free to reach out!

Hey Social Sips & Bites friends! 🎶🍹 One of our favorite bands is returning to Solace Outpost, and Social Sips & Bites is ready for another great night out! Join us for live music, cold drinks, good food, and the kind of fun atmosphere that makes these nights unforgettable. The Nonessentialz always bring amazing energy, great songs, and a crowd that knows how to have a good time. Come meet new people, hang with friends, sing along, and enjoy a fantastic night with the Social Sips & Bites crew. https://www.thenonessentialz.com/

If you've never played volleyball but want to learn, start playing, and add a fun new hobby to your list, this event is the perfect place to begin! **What to expect:** We will warm up and then host will demonstrate the skill of the day and run drills to practice the skill. Afterwards we will play and host will be assisting the attendees to correctly implement the techniques they just learned. Level: Beginners Cost: Free Field Type: Outdoor grass Notes: 1. If you can, please **bring a volleyball ball** and write your name on it. We usually play with [WILSON AVP OPTX ](https://www.amazon.com/Wilson-Official-Volleyball-Yellow-WTH00020ID/dp/B0812JPZFT)ball, but other cheaper balls are acceptable. 2. This event is **exclusively intended for beginners**. 3. Our goal in this event is to help participants develop their skills to reach the **Advanced Beginner** level. Here's a description of what an advanced beginner player looks like: [Smiley Social Volleyball Skills](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/) We host this **4 session** training annually over 4 wednesdays where attendees can learn the following skills: 1. Basics: How to warm up and volleyball pepper, How to play safe and Rotation 2. Passing: Bump pass, Over hand pass and Setting 3. Serving: Under hand serve, Overhand float serve and Overhand Topspin serve 4. Spiking: Arm swing and Footwork 5. Blocking: Blocking and Defense techniques **Dinner after the game:** We will go to dinner after the game if more than 5 people like to join. **Smiley Social documents:** 1. [Group Rules](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HrG35p_0M08leRvCp8XWG3CMkr_GL928XFabl5T6Dvg) 2. [Liability Waiver](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W2mq-7m99lmvd7gdWYaSUFtvVg4UGnzV6koafAbHmco) 3. [Volleyball Levels](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/)

Brisk 3- to 4- mile urban hike starting outside Hotel Hive and finishing at their rooftop Hive Bar. We will hike to Theodore Roosevelt Island, across the Key Bridge, and back through Georgetown to Hive Bar for drinks and food. Closest metro GWU.

Let’s enjoy a relaxed, scenic walk through one of the most beautiful gardens in the area 🌿 Brookside Gardens is a hidden gem filled with winding paths, seasonal blooms, and peaceful water features. Highlights include the Japanese Garden, Aquatic Garden, and the fragrant Viburnum Garden. Expect warm weather, fully green landscapes, lush, late-spring blooms, including roses, azaleas, and magnolias. and the seasonal [Butterfly Experience](https://montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/brookside-gardens/special-events/the-butterfly-experience-at-brookside-gardens/brookside-gardens-butterfly-experience-social-story/). This event is cross posted with The Bethesda Social Club. Please RSVP to one event only. This will be perfect for unwinding, meeting new people, and soaking up some fresh air. **\*\* Meeting Point: The VISITORS Center**

Join us for Happy Hour and trivia at Caddies on Cordelle in Bethesda. Happy Hour prices last until 10 pm. Trivia starts at 7:30, but we will arrive early to get a table. [https://caddiesoncordell.com/event/trivia-night/2025-06-24/](https://caddiesoncordell.com/event/trivia-night/2025-06-24/)

Come the whole time or if you just spend 30 minutes. All are welcome. You are welcome and encouraged to bring your own coloring supplies but, if you don't have any, I will have plenty and am happy to share! (coloring books, colored pencils, and markers). Part of the mission of this group is to provide us an opportunity to check out AND SUPPORT local businesses. So, please don't bring any outside food/drinks and, while purchasing something isn't at all a REQUIREMENT to participate in the event, I do strongly encourage you to try something from the vendor :) I look forward to seeing and meeting you there! ***\*\*DISCLAIMER*\*\*** Photos may be taken during the event to be shared here on Meetup so feel free to let me know if you'd like to be excluded from them.

**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*