English Bulldog

**NEW: Language Exchange Networking Dinner** **in English** Are you new to Barcelona, or living and working in the city? Would you like to meet fun, interesting international people in a relaxed and elegant setting? Join us this **FRIDAY night** for an exclusive English/ Spanish-speaking networking dinner at a beautiful Spanish restaurant in the city centre. 🍽️ Enjoy excellent Spanish cuisine at a reasonable price while connecting with like-minded people in a warm and social atmosphere. It’s a great way to meet local Spanish and Catalan people, as well as international people. ✨ What to expect: • Great conversations in English and Spanish • New connections and friendships • Relaxed, friendly and elegant environment This event is perfect for anyone looking to expand their social circle and meet new people in Barcelona. ⚠️ **Limited places available** 📲 To reserve your place, please send a WhatsApp message with: • Your name • Your age 📍 Location: Elegant Spanish restaurant – Central Barcelona 🗣️ Language: English and Spanish 👔 Dress code: Smart casual **What’s included** A thoughtfully curated set menu featuring: • Five traditional Spanish starters to share • A main course of your choice (meat, fish, Spanish rice, or fideuà) • Dessert and drinks All for **€35 per person**. **Reservations** To ensure a smooth and personal experience, bookings are handled exclusively via WhatsApp. To reserve your place for this Thursday, please send a message to **614 92 54 43** including your **name, age, and profession**. We look forward to welcoming you for an evening of great food, meaningful connections, and a truly enjoyable atmosphere. **Meet new people. Enjoy great food. Build meaningful connections.**

*Please note: a one-drink minimum per person is required.* Welcome to our weekly Meetup group for Expats & English speakers permanently living in Barcelona! If you're a Barcelona local looking for a laid-back way to connect with fellow English speakers & residents, this is the perfect gathering for you. Whether you've lived in Barcelona for years or are new to the city, our informal meetups provide a great opportunity to socialize, unwind, and forge connections with like-minded individuals who call this vibrant city home. Come join us, we can't wait to meet you!!

### Friday Night Live Our Friday night comedy showcase featuring a new lineup every week. See the best local acts, killer visiting comedians, and up-and-coming new acts trying their best material. A different friendly host every week AND a brand new lineup of the best Barcelona based comedians & professional touring comedians! 7 Comedians perform around 10 minutes of comedy each Every Friday Show starts at 10pm and will be done by midnight - We have a short break in the middle to grab refreshments. Tickets: 12 euros online, 15 euros at the door. 10 euros online for groups of 4+ \- Buy tickets on [The Comedy Clubhouse Website](https://thecomedyclubhouse.es/event-category-showcases/). \*This show is professionally filmed, so comedians always make sure to bring their best material for the camera (and the audience). ## Where? At The Comedy Clubhouse - Barcelona's dedicated English Comedy Club. At The Comedy Clubhouse we're committed to providing a space for people to *relax, chat, meet new people, make mistakes, develop their craft, say stupid things, laugh, cry, detox from the internet AND learn that stepping outside your comfort zone doesn't have to be that uncomfortable.* **Basically we're bringing community back baby!** ## How? We run 20+ different shows a week of all different types and have had massive stars like Louis CK & Michelle Wolf perform at our club. We produce sketches and funny videos every day on our Instagram of us goofing around. We have Improv jams, Improv Workshops, Open Mics, Friendly Bartenders, Yoga Lessons, Writing Sessions & More! ## What People Say About Us? We have an average rating of 4.9 Stars on Google across **OVER 500 REVIEWS!** People that come here love the friendly tone that we set, and they enjoy having a place they can relax and be themselves. Here are some nice things people have said recently *'Pure laughs and silliness every time! Love the weekly Fat Goose shows, nice mix of newcomers and comedy pros :)' - Joe* *'Funky chunky is a great plan to enjoy comedy on a Monday night. Mixed new and professional comedians trying out their jokes and brilliantly hosted by Luke and Hannah' - Albert* *'A kind of hotspot for English speaking Comedy in Barcelona. A pleasant friendly bar in the main floor and a middle sized show venue in the basement. What I have seen had a nice atmosphere and was full of laughter as well. Especially the "Midweek Crisis" on Wednesday was a hilarious show where also little or bigger problems of audience members became funnily solved away.' Stephen* ### Some People Don't Like Us! Some people don't like us, that's ok, we're not for everyone. Around 1% of the people that come here, find something they don't like. Sometimes people complain about the lack of drink variety, or about the chaotic feel of the place. Other people find that the open mic comedy event they attended didn't meet the standards they are used to on Netflix. If you come to The Comedy Clubhouse, please understand that it is a work in progress. We are constantly changing & improving and trying to develop new talent. \- It's the Sagrada Familia of comedy\. Just give us another 140 years and it'll be perfect :\) ## Get Involved? [Join our WhatsApp regulars chat](https://chat.whatsapp.com/GXUvXSSorezD1GjnlUcNj4) for a weekly update on all the different things we have going on. Or Follow us on Instagram (@TheComedyClubhouseBcn) or [subscribe on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOPE7ii4-SlPOtZnrdDptVg)... Or just come and hang out. We're here every day :).

Do you want to practice English while meeting new people and enjoying a fun social evening? 😊 Join us for our **Friday English Dinner** in Barcelona — a relaxed and friendly way to speak English, make friends, and enjoy great conversation. ✨ **What to expect:** • Small group (10–15 people) • International and local participants • Relaxed, social atmosphere • No pressure — just natural conversation 🌍 All levels welcome (basic to advanced) 📅 Every Friday night 🍽️ Central Barcelona restaurant (details after booking) ⚠️ **Limited places – early booking recommended** 📲 **To reserve your place, send a WhatsApp with:** • Name • Age • English level 📞 614 265 037 **Meet people. Speak English. Enjoy the night.**

Conducted Online; Google Meet Link for event: https://meet.google.com/oji-dgwa-aoq In this interactive group session for women, we’ll focus on real-life business communication — meetings, introductions, professional opinions, and assertive language. So you can learn to speak English more confidently. This is not a lecture. You will speak, practice, and build confidence in a supportive space with other ambitious women. Led by a UK-trained English teacher and Certified Life Coach with over 10 years of experience and a background in Law, this session combines professional communication skills with confidence coaching. Come ready to speak, grow, and connect. \*€5 per student via Bizum

## 🇬🇧 Friday Night English: Conversation with a Native Londoner! **Stop studying English and start speaking it!** Join our weekly group in Barcelona to boost your fluency, master your pronunciation, and meet new people in a relaxed, friendly environment. * **Expert Guidance:** Led by a native teacher from London. * **Real Topics:** Each week we dive into current events, culture, and daily life. * **Boost Confidence:** Small groups designed to get everyone talking. ## 📅 The Details: * **When:** Every Friday \| 19:00 – 20:30 \(1\.5 hours\) * **Price:** €9.50 * **Where:** Central Barcelona (Exact location sent upon booking) ## ✅ How to Join (Reservation Required): We manage our groups via WhatsApp to ensure a balanced mix of levels. To save your spot: 1. Send a WhatsApp to **+34 614 26 50 37** 2. Include your **Name** and your **English Level**. *** ## 🇪🇸 Inglés los Viernes: Conversación con Profesor Nativo de Londres **¡Suéltate a hablar de una vez por todas!** Únete a nuestro grupo semanal en Barcelona para mejorar tu fluidez y pronunciación en un ambiente relajado y divertido. * **Profesor Nativo:** Clase dirigida por un profesor de Londres. * **Temas Actuales:** Cada semana practicamos con temas nuevos y cotidianos. * **Participación Real:** Grupos dinámicos donde todos tienen la oportunidad de hablar. ## 📅 Información: * **Cuándo:** Cada viernes \| 19:00 – 20:30 \(1\,5 horas\) * **Precio:** 9,50 € * **Lugar:** Centro de Barcelona (Dirección exacta por WhatsApp) ## ✅ Cómo apuntarse (Reserva Obligatoria): Para organizar bien los niveles, **solo aceptamos reservas por WhatsApp**: 1. Envía un mensaje al **614 26 50 37** 2. Indica tu **Nombre** y tu **Nivel de Inglés**.

Bring your rug(or big towel) or yoga mat. With comfortable and relaxed mind, let’s enjoy the yoga and yoga nidra on the beach! The session is led in English.

Get ready for an outrageously hilarious night at **THE OFFENDERS** \- Barcelona's most daring stand\-up comedy show in English\! **What to Expect:** Brace yourself for a no-holds-barred comedy extravaganza that pushes the boundaries of humor. Our fearless comedians will deliver a wild ride of naughty, sexual, dark, and politically incorrect jokes that will have you laughing and gasping in equal measure. This show is definitely not for the faint-hearted or easily offended - only the brave should attend! **Tickets:** [https://thecomedyclubhouse.es/event/the-offenders-3/](https://thecomedyclubhouse.es/event/the-offenders-3/) **Event Details:** • Duration of the show: \~90' + intermission • Venue: The Comedy Clubhouse (@thecomedyclubhousebcn) • Jaume I or Barceloneta [L4] • Recomended for ages ≥ 18 y/o **Venue Highlights:** The Comedy Clubhouse offers the perfect atmosphere for edgy stand-up comedy. With ample space and air conditioning, we ensure your comfort throughout the show. Pro tip: Arrive early to snag the best seats, especially if you're coming with friends! **Don't Miss Out:** Join us for a night of unapologetic humor that will push your laughter to the limit. If you're up for an evening of audacious comedy that throws political correctness out the window, this is your show! **Note:** The entire show will be performed in English. Book now and prepare for a comedy experience like no other in Barcelona!

**(CASTELLANO a continuación** 🌴 **ENGLISH below)** **Senderisme a la vora del mar – dissabte 23 de maig** T’imagines caminar entre cales d’aigua cristal·lina, camins penjant sobre el mar i racons amagats de la Costa Brava? 🌊 Avui et porto a descobrir un dels trams més espectaculars del camí de ronda: una ruta de 13 km i només 300 m de desnivell, ideal per gaudir sense presses. Sortirem de **la bucòlica Calella de Palafrugell** i anirem resseguint la costa de cala en cala, passant per **Cap Roig, el mirador de les Illes Formigues, Cala Estreta… fins arribar a la mítica “Barraca d’en Dalí”**… una bogeria més del geni de l’Empordà que has de conèixer! 😉 Un recorregut ple de mar, paisatge i bon ambient — perfecte per desconnectar i carregar piles. **Ens espera un gran dia… t’hi apuntes? 😎** **Nivell:** fàcil-moderat (ritme tranquil, apte per gent habituada a caminar) **Preu:** 25€ excursió + 13€ transport (pagament directe al conductor) 👉 TOTAL: 38 € 🎁 Targeta Nature Connect: cada 10 rutes, 1 GRATIS! Inclou: guiatge per guia titulat + assegurança d’accidents + RC 👉 Viatja tranquil, gaudeix més! 🥪 Què cal portar? * Picnic per dinar en ruta + mínim 1,5 L d’aigua * Calçat de muntanya i banyador 👙 i tovallola * Roba en capes (adaptable al temps) ❗️ Política de cancel·lació: * ✅ Fins a **48 h abans**: devolució del pagament (amb descompte de 5 € per gestió) o **canvi per una altra ruta** dins dels pròxims 6 mesos. * ❌ Passades les 48 h: **no es faran devolucions ni canvis**. Gràcies per la teva comprensió! 📲 Segueix-nos... * 📷 Al nostre Insta 👉 [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/natureconnectbarcelona) * 😎 a Can Facebook 👉 [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/natureconnecthikes) * 🥰 **i uneix-te al 👉 [Grup de WhatsApp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/H8fQ4srpGthI7j1OWyuBYQ) 👈** per estar informat de properes sortides! Per a + INFO, no dubtis a contactar-me (preferiblement via **WhatsApp**) ☎️ **609 309 797 (Jordi)** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 🦀 **CASTELLANO** 🐠 **Senderismo junto al mar – sábado 23 de mayo** ¿Te imaginas caminar entre calas de agua cristalina, senderos colgados sobre el mar y rincones escondidos de la Costa Brava? 🌊 Hoy te propongo descubrir **uno de los tramos más espectaculares del camino de ronda: una ruta de 13 km y solo 300 m de desnivel, ideal para disfrutar sin prisas.** Saldremos desde la bucólica **Calella de Palafrugell** y recorreremos la costa de cala en cala, pasando por Cap Roig, el mirador de las Illes Formigues, Cala Estreta… hasta llegar a la mítica “Barraca de Dalí”… ¡una locura más del genio del Empordà que tienes que conocer! 😉 **Un recorrido lleno de mar, paisajes y buen ambiente — perfecto para desconectar y recargar energía.** **Nos espera un gran día… ¿te apuntas? 😎** ℹ️ **Detalles prácticos:** * **Precio:** 25€ excursión + 13€ coche (se paga directamente al/a la conductor/a) = **Total: 38€** * **Incluye:** guía titulado, seguro de accidentes + responsabilidad civil. * **Tarjeta *Nature Connect*:** cada 10 rutas… ¡1 gratis! 🥪 **¿Qué hay que llevar?** * Picnic para comer en ruta + 1,5 L de agua * Calzado de montaña + bañador y toalla ❗️ **Política de cancelación:** * ✅ Hasta 48 h antes: devolución del pago (menos 5 € de gestión) o cambio por otra ruta dentro de los próximos 6 meses. * ❌ Pasadas las 48 h: no se realizan devoluciones ni cambios. ¡Gracias por tu comprensión! 📲 **Síguenos y mantente al día:** * 📷 En Instagram 👉 [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/natureconnectbarcelona) * 😎 En Facebook 👉 [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/natureconnecthikes) * 🥰 Y únete al **👉 [Grupo de WhatsApp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/GnAyY0TPC259jA8FC2jIJy) 👈** para estar al día de nuestras próximas salidas **Para + INFO, no dudes en contactarme** (preferiblemente por WhatsApp) ☎️ **609 309 797 (Jordi)** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 🏖️ **ENGLISH** 🐋 **Coastal Hiking Adventure – Saturday, May 23** **Can you imagine walking along crystal-clear coves, cliffside paths above the sea, and hidden corners of the Costa Brava? 🌊** Today I invite you to discover **one of the most stunning sections of the coastal path: a 13 km route with just 300 m of elevation gain, perfect for enjoying at a relaxed pace.** We’ll start in **the charming village of Calella de Palafrugell** and follow the coastline from cove to cove, passing Cap Roig, the Illes Formigues viewpoint, Cala Estreta… until we reach the iconic “Dalí’s Hut” — one of the many wild creations of the genius from Empordà you simply have to see! 😉 **A route full of sea views, beautiful landscapes and great vibes — perfect to disconnect and recharge.** **A great day awaits… are you in? 😎** ℹ️ **Practical info:** * **Price:** €25 for the hike + €13 for car transport (paid directly to the driver) = **Total: €38** * **Includes:** certified guide + accident and liability insurance * ***Nature Connect* Card:** every 10 hikes… 1 free! 🥪 **What to bring:** * Picnic lunch + at least 1.5 L of water * Mountain/hiking shoes * Layered clothes to adapt to changes of temperature * Bathing wear ❗️ **Cancellation policy:** * ✅ Up to 48 h before: refund (minus €5 admin fee) or a transfer to another hike within the next 6 months. * ❌ Less than 48 h before: no refunds or changes. Thanks for your understanding! 📲 **Stay connected:** * 📷 On Instagram 👉 [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/natureconnectbarcelona) * 😎 On Facebook 👉 [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/natureconnecthikes) * 🥰 Join our **👉 [WhatsApp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/GnAyY0TPC259jA8FC2jIJy) 👈** to stay updated on upcoming outings **For more info, feel free to contact me** (preferably via WhatsApp) ☎️ **+34 609 309 797 (Jordi)**

**There will be NO HOST for this and the coming events. I simply step up to be a host so this group doesn't disappear.** Meet new people and practice your spoken English during a walk through a continuous Castelldefels / Gava Mar beach line. Nobody is required to talk but can instead enjoy the sea views while walking in a friendly company. Conscious silence is also respected and the group "noise level" will usually self-tune to the adequate atmosphere, depending on the participants mood and energy. The meeting point is https://maps.app.goo.gl/iUYc3nRkPBcNuw3u8 - a sculpture "Give and Receive" at the entrance to the beach and its pedestrian walkway which we will walk through. It's 1 minute from the train station "Platja De Castelldefels" which commutes Barcelona and Sitges. Optionally, if all the attendees agree, we can opt by walking on sand near water (with or without shoes) instead of the walkway. **The event meeting hour can be rescheduled if all the attendees agree.**

# Gifted Zoo Explorations [​](https://luma.com/giftedzoo?k=c)**[REGISTRATION HAPPENS ON LUMA HERE](https://luma.com/giftedzoo?k=c)** **HOW TO [BECOME A MEMBER HERE](https://luma.com/giftedzoo)** Puedes descubrir la membresía y los próximos encuentros aquí: [https://luma.com/giftedzoo](https://luma.com/giftedzoo) ​Aprende más de nosotros aquí: [giftedzoo.club](https://giftedzoo.club/) > ​*Movement, curiosity & shared discovery* (Esp- abajo) ​Not every kind of stimulation comes from conversation. ​Some weekends we explore the world together: walking through the city, visiting museums, discovering exhibitions, moving our bodies in nature, or experimenting with creative activities. ​These gatherings are for **gifted, 2E and curious minds** who enjoy discovering, moving, observing and sharing experiences with others who see the world a little differently. ​Sometimes we walk outdoors. Sometimes we visit a museum. Sometimes we try something creative together. **​The format changes depending on the weather, the city and the curiosity of the group.** ​The goal is simple: **movement, exploration and shared stimulation**. *** ## ​What to expect ​🌿 **Exploration and movement** Walks in nature, urban explorations, museum visits, exhibitions or creative activities. ​🧠 **Curiosity-driven experiences** We choose places and activities that spark curiosity, imagination or reflection. ​🤝 **Shared discovery** A relaxed environment to explore together and connect naturally. ​🌞 **Low-pressure atmosphere** Conversations happen organically while moving, observing or creating. *** ## ​The flow of the gathering ​Each week the format may vary depending on the activity. ​Typical rhythm: * ​Arrival & meeting point * Exploration *walk* activity * Optional coffee or informal conversation afterwards ​Details are shared on the event page. *** ## ​How to participate ​Gifted Zoo is a **community with regular rhythms**, not just individual events. ​Some gatherings are open to guests, while others are **reserved for members**. ​👉 Members receive: ​• access to the full community calendar • invitations to regular gatherings • priority access to small-group events • a space to connect with other gifted / divergent minds ​You can discover membership and upcoming gatherings here: [https://luma.com/giftedzoo](https://luma.com/giftedzoo) ​Learn more about us on our web: [giftedzoo.club](https://giftedzoo.club/) *** # ​**Exploraciones \| Gifted Zoo – Mentes curiosas en movimiento** ​Movimiento, curiosidad y descubrimiento compartido. ​No toda la estimulación viene de las conversaciones. ​Algunos fines de semana salimos a **explorar el mundo juntos**: caminamos por la ciudad, visitamos museos, descubrimos exposiciones, nos movemos en la naturaleza o probamos actividades creativas. ​Estos encuentros están pensados para **personas gifted, 2E y mentes profundamente curiosas** que disfrutan descubrir, moverse, observar y compartir experiencias con otras personas que perciben el mundo de una forma un poco diferente. ​A veces caminamos al aire libre. A veces visitamos un museo. A veces probamos algo creativo. ​El formato cambia según **el clima, la ciudad y la curiosidad del grupo**. ​El objetivo es simple: **movimiento, exploración y estimulación compartida**. *** ## ​Qué esperar ​🌿 **Exploración y movimiento** Caminatas en la naturaleza, exploraciones urbanas, visitas a museos, exposiciones o actividades creativas. ​🧠 **Experiencias guiadas por la curiosidad** Elegimos lugares y actividades que despiertan la curiosidad, la imaginación o la reflexión. ​🤝 **Descubrimiento compartido** Un ambiente relajado para explorar juntos y conectar de forma natural. ​🌞 **Un ambiente sin presión** Las conversaciones surgen de manera orgánica mientras caminamos, observamos o creamos. *** ## ​El ritmo del encuentro ​Cada semana el formato puede variar según la actividad. ​Ritmo típico: * ​**Punto de encuentro y llegada** * **Exploración *paseo* actividad** * **Café opcional o conversación informal después** ​Los detalles específicos se comparten en la página de cada evento. *** ## ​Cómo participar ​Gifted Zoo es **una comunidad con ritmos regulares**, no solo eventos aislados. ​Algunos encuentros están abiertos a invitados, mientras que otros están **reservados para miembros**. ​👉 **Los miembros obtienen:** ​• acceso al calendario completo de la comunidad • invitaciones a encuentros regulares • acceso prioritario a eventos en grupos pequeños • un espacio para conectar con otras mentes gifted y divergentes ​Puedes descubrir la membresía y los próximos encuentros aquí: [https://luma.com/giftedzoo](https://luma.com/giftedzoo) ​Aprende más de nosotros aquí: [giftedzoo.club](https://giftedzoo.club/)

# The Clubhouse Spotlight The Clubhouse Spotlight is an English Stand-Up Comedy showcase featuring one of our favourite European headliners doing an extended set with support from talented warm up acts and a friendly host :) Beautifully Air-Conditioned Bar with a Variety of Delicious Drinks Available! If you're sick of tapas on Blai and can't stomach Opium anymore then The Clubhouse Spotlight is a great Saturday evening option for you. We choose great comedians every week and make sure they bring their best material! Every week we have a fresh lineups with new comedians from all around Europe and we rotate hosts so it's always guaranteed to be a new, interesting and hilarious experience! ## When, Who & How Much? **Every Saturday 8pm** Tickets: 12 euros online, 15 euros at the door Group discount: 10 euros for groups of 4+ that buy online \- Buy tickets through [The Comedy Clubhouse website](https://thecomedyclubhouse.es/event-category-showcases/). Note: This show normally sells out by Friday so grab tickets quick to guarantee that you can come! We do keep a few door tickets on reserve as well, so if you can't buy online, you can try your luck by getting there early on the door! *Lateness/Refund Policy: If you don’t come on time, we may resell your ticket and not refund you, and you may not be allowed into the show. (see below for full late and refund policies)* *Come early to grab a drink. We have a full bar available (open 1 hour before the first show of the day) with beer, wine, mixed drinks, free snacks, and table games!*

**History** The history of [Blendon Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blendon-woods/) began long before its 1951 opening, rooted in a landscape of rugged ridges and deep ravines that made the land unsuitable for traditional farming. In 1945, a report proposing a metropolitan park system for Franklin County specifically highlighted these cliffs of Bedford Shale as some of the "wildest land in the vicinity". Following this recommendation, the recently formed park district purchased the first 229 acres in early 1949. Because the terrain was so uneven, developers had to cut a mile-and-a-half-long roadway through dense woods just to bring in heavy equipment. This initial preservation effort ensured that the mature second-growth hardwood forests remained largely untouched by the urban expansion spreading toward Westerville. Opening day arrived on Labor Day, September 3, 1951, marking Blendon Woods as the second park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. The final push to open was a frantic race; the State Highway Department only finished the primary gravel access road four days before the gates opened. Early staff members, consisting of just four full-time employees, had to hand-dig pit toilets and learn construction skills on the fly to build the first picnic shelters. Despite the dusty conditions and limited facilities, the park was an immediate success, drawing massive crowds from across Central Ohio. By the end of the 1950s, annual visitation had already climbed to over 190,000 people. As the surrounding suburbs grew in the 1960s, the park faced severe overcrowding that threatened its natural habitats. In response, Franklin County voters passed the first Metro Parks levy in 1960, providing the funds necessary for a decade of steady expansion. During this era, the park nearly doubled in size, growing from 264 acres to over 570 acres by 1968. Planners also addressed a critical water shortage by collaborating with the U.S. Soil and Conservation Service to build a lake in 1964. This body of water originally served as a temporary reservoir before its role shifted toward conservation and wildlife support. The 1970s marked a transition toward the specialized wildlife and educational focus for which the park is known today. In 1971, the Walden Waterfowl Refuge was established around the 11-acre Thoreau Lake, creating a sanctuary that remains restricted to provide a quiet habitat for migratory birds. A formal nature center was also developed during this period, expanding on the guided Sunday walks that had been a park staple since the early 1950s. The park’s famous "Monarch Mansion" also became a prominent fixture, starting a long tradition of raising and releasing thousands of monarch butterflies each September. These initiatives cemented the park’s reputation as a premier destination for birders and nature enthusiasts. In more recent decades, Blendon Woods has continued to modernize while maintaining its wilderness character. The 10-acre Natural Play Area was added in 2017, encouraging kids to explore the ravines and woods off-trail. This was followed by the opening of a $1.5 million inclusive playground in April 2025, designed to accommodate children of all physical abilities. The nature center also underwent major renovations to include immersive, three-dimensional exhibits and a new butterfly house. Today, the park encompasses 653 acres, preserving a unique geologic and biological corridor amidst the bustling Westerville and Northeast Columbus area. **Map of the Park** Here is a map of [Blendon Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BLN_map_Inclusive-Playground-and-Butterfly-Trail_May-2025_1980px.png). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Lake View, Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook, Brookside, and Sugarbush Trails. This sounds like a lot, but it will really be only a little over five miles. Blendon Woods has a few hills here and there, but it's not one of the more strenuous metro parks. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet just in front of the Nature Center. This is about a mile into the park from the main entrance. You have to go past the Ranger Station and the Shadblow Reservable Area to get to it, so don't stop too early at the Ranger Station and get it confused with the Nature Center. **After the Hike** Afterward, we will head over to [Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/) at Easton for [drinks](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/#dinner-menu) and [food](https://forbiddenroot.com/wp-content/uploads/Cbus-Food.pdf). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks. The brewery's actual address is [4080 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4080+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88388a86d10b6619:0x4d42b470a5cf11d3?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111); however, I recommend pointing your GPS to the [Worth Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Worth+Garage/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388b4df6082825:0x17582f0eccd9dda1!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11rzfvvv8b?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) across the street. Parking in this garage is free as long as you're not on the first floor, and it is literally right next to the brewery.

Hey Everyone! Let's meet at Belle's Bread Bakery and Cafe. There is lots of free parking and easy access to the cafe and many shops and restaurants as well. This is a great way to meet new and old friends while chatting about life and practicing English language speaking skills. All are welcome and encouraged to join us anytime between 11am and 1pm. Looking forward to seeing you soon.

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who enjoy talking to people from other countries, and those who would like to discuss international travel and culture, and who enjoy getting together for good conversations."

Join us for a relaxed and enjoyable brunch at 17 Arrows Kitchen and Bar! This is a great opportunity to meet new people, enjoy good food, and ease into the weekend with great conversation. Whether you’re new to the group or it’s your first event, you’ll feel right at home.

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

**Welcome to Drunken Philosophy** a casual, curious social discussion **Optional topic for this meetup: What's up with all the AI hate?** A recent survey found that 74% of Americans have a negative view of AI, and I want to know why. Come out and debate whether AI is good or bad. My hot take: a labor-saving tool that could potentially help cure cancer gets called dangerous because it might raise unemployment or cause a speculative investment bubble, that tells you a lot more about capitalism and the economic system we live under than it does about the tool itself. As a computer programmer, I think AI is a wonderful tool that has increased my productivity by at least an order of magnitude. I'd go so far as to say Claude Code is the best tool I have ever used. Debate me and name a better one. Is AI potentially dangerous? Yes, but so are a lot of tools. Chainsaws. Steam engines (early ones would occasionally explode and kill everyone in the room). Do you think cavemen sat around debating whether fire could be used as a weapon or for self-harm, and decided not to discover it? I have two friends who hate AI for opposite reasons: one thinks it's a fad and not useful, and the other thinks it's going to take over everything and cause human extinction. Come out tonight, have a friendly debate, and make some friends. No lectures. Friendly crowd. Drop in for one drink and stay if it's fun.