Tours

Weekly Saturday group ride, starting at Handy Bikes Retail Showroom. Come ride with locals in the area! This group ride is for average folks who want to go for an average ride. It's not quite a coffee ride, but it's definitely not a race! Routes will vary around the area, with an average speed around 14 mph (minimum of \~10 MPH) for around 15-30 miles. We'll be on pavement so bikes with smooth tires are encouraged, **helmets are mandatory**. Open to any riders who are willing and able to ride with a group including Class 1, 2, and 3 e-bikes. No speed demons please! Good group ride etiquette is a requirement. Shop opens at 10:00 am Show up and sign in by 10:15 am Roll out 10:30 am Please RSVP in advance, so that the ride leaders can prepare for the group's size. [Handy Bikes on Strava](https://www.strava.com/clubs/737920/leaderboard) [Handy Bikes on RideWithGPS](https://ridewithgps.com/organizations/14675-handy-bikes)

Iceland Ring Road 8 Day Adventure with Blue Lagoon Overview Start and end in Reykjavik! With this Explorer tour, you have a 8 days package taking you through Reykjavik and 26 other destinations in Iceland that includes accommodation in a hotel as well as an expert guide, transport. Iceland, a Nordic island nation, is defined by its dramatic landscape with volcanoes, geysers, hot springs and lava fields. Massive glaciers are protected in Vatnajökull and Snæfellsjökull national parks. Itinerary Day01 Reykjavik Day02 Golden Circle & South Coast Day03 Katla Ice Cave & Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Day04 East Iceland Day05 Stuðlagil Canyon & Lake Mývatn Day06 North Iceland & Whale Watching Day07 West Iceland Day08 The Blue Lagoon *** For detailed itinerary follow the link below: [https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/iceland-ring-road-8-day-adventure-with-blue-lagoon/](https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/iceland-ring-road-8-day-adventure-with-blue-lagoon/) Price: $3590 (Double occupancy) $3990 (Single occupancy) Inclusions Price Includes * Hotel accommodation for 7 nights, including breakfast. * Professional English speaking guide for the day tours. * Minibus or small coach for day tours * Free WiFi on the bus * Airport transfers Price Excludes * Flights * Meals * Personal Expenses * Optional activities * Travel insurance / Visa * Tips *** Questions? Text/Call: 2023787696 - Himanshu Organizer

**FYI: DC Euchre Meetup - Brewery Tour** **RSVP HERE:** https://www.meetup.com/euchre-dc/events/314528492/ **+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++** **INFORMATION** **+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++** Card Enthusiasts - Who is ready to kick-off summer with a social activity? Do you like drinking beer while you socialize or play cards? Let’s check-out some fun breweries, make new friends, and play euchre! Join us on Saturday, May 16, as we visit two breweries in Virginia (Adventure Brewing Co. and Barley Naked Brewing Co.) Cost = $65, payable via venmo @amanda-uherek. Please pay to reserve your spot within three days of RSVPing. Failure to pay could result in your spot being given to someone else. Cost INCLUDES round-trip transportation from Washington, DC to Breweries and reservation fees. The cost DOESN’T INCLUDE your individual tastings or food purchases. Brewery Tour Schedule: * 11:00 am - Meet at Irish Channel (please be at the bar no later than 11:15 am to check-in) * 11:30 am - Bus Departs promptly for Fredericksburg, VA * 12:45 pm – Arrive at Adventure Brewing Co.: Tastings & Cards / Food Trucks * 2:30 pm - Depart for Brewery #2 * 2:50 pm – Arrive at Barley Naked Brewing Co: Tastings & Cards / Brewery Tour / Food Trucks * 4:15 pm - Depart for the Irish Channel (Washington, D.C.) * 5:30 pm - Arrive at the Irish Channel We’ll have decks of cards/games, water, and hand sanitizer. Please bring money, snacks, your awesome selves, a fun attitude and smack talk! Any questions, please direct message Amanda.

Flowers are blooming gloriously in the Cleveland Park neighborhood. We will pass plenty of flowers on the way to the National Cathedral. We will spend extra time at the Bishop's Garden at the Cathedral, which should be in superb form. Our hike will combine glorious architecture, one of the most expensive neighborhoods in DC, the least-known best trail in the city, and a shortcut through the woods past the International School to Macomb Street. The featured photo is from a hike last Spring. John kindly updated the map to parallel the route we take. The hike has some uphill stretches going to the Cathedral but tame stuff mostly. Cleveland Park will be having a farmer/catch-all market on Saturday if you want to grab something there before the hike. There is an [old-style Italian deli](https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=vace%27s%20italian%20deli&tbs=lrf:!1m4!1u3!2m2!3m1!1e1!1m4!1u2!2m2!2m1!1e1!1m4!1u1!2m2!1m1!1e1!1m4!1u1!2m2!1m1!1e2!1m4!1u22!2m2!21m1!1e1!2m1!1e2!2m1!1e1!2m1!1e3!3sIAE,lf:1,lf_ui:9&tbm=lcl&rflfq=1&num=10&rldimm=10778690468746188451&lqi=ChN2YWNlJ3MgaXRhbGlhbiBkZWxpSIrbzePngICACFonEAAQARACGAAYARgCIhN2YWNlJ3MgaXRhbGlhbiBkZWxpKgQIAxACkgEEZGVsaZoBJENoZERTVWhOTUc5blMwVkpRMEZuU1VRMk9EVjFNbXBCUlJBQqoBHwoJL20vMDl5MmsyEAEqECIMaXRhbGlhbiBkZWxpKADgAQA&phdesc=clTALiFHOKU&ved=2ahUKEwiK9_Te7bv8AhUoM1kFHZdeCKYQvS56BAgLEAE&sa=X&rlst=f#rlfi=hd:;si:10778690468746188451,l,ChN2YWNlJ3MgaXRhbGlhbiBkZWxpSIrbzePngICACFonEAAQARACGAAYARgCIhN2YWNlJ3MgaXRhbGlhbiBkZWxpKgQIAxACkgEEZGVsaZoBJENoZERTVWhOTUc5blMwVkpRMEZuU1VRMk9EVjFNbXBCUlJBQqoBHwoJL20vMDl5MmsyEAEqECIMaXRhbGlhbiBkZWxpKADgAQA,y,clTALiFHOKU;mv:%5B%5B39.1842519,-77.05127639999999%5D,%5B38.9198496,-77.1609544%5D%5D;tbs:lrf:!1m4!1u3!2m2!3m1!1e1!1m4!1u2!2m2!2m1!1e1!1m4!1u1!2m2!1m1!1e1!1m4!1u1!2m2!1m1!1e2!1m4!1u22!2m2!21m1!1e1!2m1!1e2!2m1!1e1!2m1!1e3!3sIAE,lf:1,lf_ui:9) named Vace's a block from the hike start/finish point that has great pizzas by the slice. ❶ **What we'll do:** * Let's meet at Cleveland Park Metro (on the formerly TARGET side of Connecticut Ave NW) and walk down Connecticut Ave NW, cross at the Kennedy-Warren, follow Devonshire and Courtland Pl NW to 29th St NW, and follow 29th St south to Cleveland Ave SW. We'll turn right onto Cleveland Ave NW and follow in northwest to Garfield Ave NW, turn left, and follow Garfield to the cathedral grounds. * After walking through the cathedral grounds we will exit on the north side, go down Woodley to Klingle, and then head down the Klingle Valley Trail. There is a dirt turnoff that leads via twists and turns up past the Washington International School and over to Macomb St NW, coming out very close to Cleveland Park Library. From there we will follow Connecticut Ave NW back to our startng point. * Total distance is roughly 4 miles and should take slightly over 2 hours. The surface is mostly paved. It's uphill 266 ft to the Cathedral, fairly level in the Cathedral area, and then a downhill jaunt to Rock Creek and uphill 46 feet back to the Metro, for a total of 312 feet elevation gain. * Google map: https://tinyurl.com/3zpy9aeh ❷ **How to get there:** * Metro: Cleveland Park Metro Station is on the Red Line. * Driving: The street address is 3599 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC, and there is parallel parking available on surrounding streets: ○ From the north, along the I-495 Beltway, take the MD-185S / Connecticut Ave exit and drive south 5.1 miles on Connecticut Ave. The meetup location will be on your left. ○ From south of the Potomac, cross Arlington Memorial Bridge, turning right onto the ramp for Rock Creek Parkway/Kennedy Center. Merge onto Ohio St and turn left onto Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway NW, staying to your left onto Rock Creek Parkway/Shoreham Dr and continuing onto 24th St NW. Turn left onto Connecticut St NW and the meetup location at Cleveland Park Metro Station will be on your right, just past the zoo. ❸ **What to bring:** Water, comfy shoes, and your furry friend if desired. Dogs must be leashed at all times. ❹ **Weather:** The forecast is sunny and 82. Updates here: https://tinyurl.com/mrywcdte ❺ **Advisory:** As a reminder, this is an adult group, and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety and well-being during events. No one under 18 years of age is allowed at this event, either as members or as guests, to include babies in carriers and/or strollers. ❻ **Administrative stuff:** There are restrooms near Cleveland Park Metro and the Cleveland Park Public Library. The National Cathedral has accessible bathrooms as well. ❼ **Notes:** * Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016 * Vace Italian Delicatessen, 3315 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008, (202) 363-1999, https://vaceitaliandeli.com/

Card Enthusiasts - Who is ready to kick-off summer with a social activity? Do you like drinking beer while you socialize or play cards? Let’s check-out some fun breweries, make new friends, and play euchre! Join us on **Saturday, May 16,** as we visit two breweries in Virginia (**[Adventure Brewing Co.](https://adventurebrewing.com/beers-at-adventure-north/)** and **[Barley Naked Brewing Co.](https://barleynaked.com/))** **Cost = $65, payable via venmo @amanda-uherek.** Please pay to reserve your spot within three days of RSVPing. Failure to pay could result in your spot being given to someone else. Cost **INCLUDES** round-trip transportation from Washington, DC to Breweries and reservation fees. The cost **DOESN’T INCLUDE** your individual tastings or food purchases. **Brewery Tour Schedule:** **11:00 am - Meet at Irish Channel** (please be at the bar no later than 11:15 am to check-in) **11:30 am** - **Bus Departs** promptly for Fredericksburg, VA **12:45 pm** – **Arrive at** **[Adventure Brewing Co.](https://adventurebrewing.com/beers-at-adventure-north/)** · Tastings & Cards · Food Trucks **2:30 pm** - **Depart for Brewery #2** **2:50 pm** – **Arrive at [Barley Naked Brewing Co.](https://barleynaked.com/)** · Tastings & Cards · Brewery Tour · Food Trucks **4:15 pm** - **Depart for the Irish Channel** (Washington, D.C.) **5:30 pm** - **Arrive at the Irish Channel** We’ll have decks of cards/games, water, and hand sanitizer. Please bring money, snacks, your awesome selves, a fun attitude and smack talk! Any questions, please direct message me. Cheers, Amanda

If you are a music lover, here's a free local event you might want to check out this Saturday night. RSVP REQUIRED: [Classical Open Mic - May 16, 2026 Tickets, Saturday, May 16 • 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM | Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/classical-open-mic-may-16-2026-tickets-1980269122252?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true) Overview Classical Open Mic on May 16 at 7:30 P.M. at Walker Chapel UMC on Glebe Rd. Join us for an evening of collaborative and supportive music-making! Our musical gatherings are open to all, fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for playing your favorite songs, exploring new compositions and styles and as an opportunity to connect with the local music community. Whether you’re a seasoned professional, a student, or an enthusiastic amateur, there’s a place for you at our event. Joining us on piano as collaborative accompanist will be Faith Ellen McCandlish. All genres and instruments are welcome! Please plan to come early as sign-up for the event is first-come, first-serve. Following the music, a light reception will be held where you can mingle and connect with fellow musicians and music enthusiasts! ## Good to know Highlights * 2 hours * all ages * In person * Free parking * Doors at 7 PM ### Agenda 07:00 PM - 07:30 PM ### Registration 07:30 PM - 09:00 PM ### Music 09:00 PM - 09:30 PM ### Reception

Please RSVP for this event on the DC Euchre Meetup site. Do not RSVP here. Card Enthusiasts - Who is ready to kick-off summer with a social activity? Do you like drinking beer while you socialize or play cards? Let’s check-out some fun breweries, make new friends, and play euchre! Join us on Saturday, May 16, as we visit two breweries in Virginia (Adventure Brewing Co. and Barley Naked Brewing Co.) Cost = $65, payable via venmo @amanda-uherek. Please pay to reserve your spot within three days of RSVPing. Failure to pay could result in your spot being given to someone else. Cost INCLUDES round-trip transportation from Washington, DC to Breweries and reservation fees. The cost DOESN’T INCLUDE your individual tastings or food purchases. Brewery Tour Schedule: 11:00 am - Meet at Irish Channel (please be at the bar no later than 11:15 am to check-in) 11:30 am - Bus Departs promptly for Fredericksburg, VA 12:45 pm – Arrive at Adventure Brewing Co. · Tastings & Cards · Food Trucks 2:30 pm - Depart for Brewery #2 2:50 pm – Arrive at Barley Naked Brewing Co. · Tastings & Cards · Brewery Tour · Food Trucks 4:15 pm - Depart for the Irish Channel (Washington, D.C.) 5:30 pm - Arrive at the Irish Channel We’ll have decks of cards/games, water, and hand sanitizer. Please bring money, snacks, your awesome selves, a fun attitude and smack talk! Any questions, please direct message me.a

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55123697 22 miles. Lunch/snack stop TBD. Join us for a short and pleasant e-bike ride in and around the center of Washington, DC. The total tour distance is some 22 miles but you can cut it short if needed. The ride is on paved bike paths, some city streets, and flat terrain. Various monuments can be seen during this route (the Capitol, the municipal Fish Market, the White House, the Washington Monument, the Jefferson Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, the Nationals ballpark, the Titanic Memorial, and the Frederick Douglas bridge). Lunch: Brown bag TBD. The group stops a few times for slower riders to catch up. The distance will be some 22 miles or shorter any time you are fully satisfied with biking for the day. **Please remember to charge your bike, check your tires and brakes, and consider packing an extra tube.** **We recommend downloading the Ride with GPS route map to enhance your independence.** https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55123697 **Free Ride With GPS for E-Bike Lovers** The Ride With GPS E-bike Lovers club membership is now free as [www.ebikelovers.com](http://www.ebikelovers.com/) generates sufficient income from ads to cover the costs. Here is the link to activate your free membership: [https://ridewithgps.com/auto_approve/Club/6746/Zwa5jhttF5mJrFbN](https://ridewithgps.com/auto_approve/Club/6746/Zwa5jhttF5mJrFbN) **More information about using GPS files:** [https://ebikelovers.com/2021/03/15/download-our-trails-and-never-get-lost/](https://ebikelovers.com/2021/03/15/download-our-trails-and-never-get-lost/) **More information about e-bike ranges:** [https://ebikelovers.com/2020/12/31/e-bike-longer-and-happier-15-smart-strategies-to-reduce-your-e-bike-range-anxiety/](https://ebikelovers.com/2020/12/31/e-bike-longer-and-happier-15-smart-strategies-to-reduce-your-e-bike-range-anxiety/) As usual, non-assisted bikers are most welcome. **Your registration for this ride signifies your agreement with the terms of the disclaimer below.** **DISCLAIMER** **LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMISSIBLE PURSUANT TO APPLICABLE LAW, NEITHER GREGORY MAASSEN, RICHARD CAMER, TRIP COORDINATORS, THEIR AFFILIATES, FAMILY AND FORMER AND CURRENT EMPLOYERS NOR ANY OTHER PARTY INVOLVED IN CREATING, PRODUCING, OR DELIVERING E-BIKE LOVERS GUIDES, OUR MEETUP EVENTS, AND THE GPS E-TRAILS IS LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF A USER’S ACCESS TO, OR USE OF THE E-BIKE LOVERS GUIDES, OUR MEETUP EVENTS, AND THE GPS E-TRAILS.** **See for the full disclaimer: https://ebikelovers.com/disclaimer**

We'll walk about 3 miles around Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, visiting preparations for the nation's 250th anniversary, memorials to U.S. leaders, the grotto-like Summer House, the National Botanical Gardens, the Disabled Veterans Memorial, and of course the government buildings where things happen -- or not. The meeting place/start is in front the office building that houses the Sierra Club's DC Chapter, where Potomac Region Outings (PRO) leaders will meet after the hike. **Those planning to attend the potluck lunch and meeting (See separate entry for that meeting) may leave their food, papers and other things in the office.** Sunday parking is available in the area, and the Union Station Metro stop (Red Line) is nearby. Dress for the weather; boots, trekking poles, and survival gear not needed. This guided walk is free, but participants may enjoy the opportunity to donate a modest amount ($2 or so) to defray the costs of training, communications and other elements of the outings program. All hikers, including the leaders, are required to sign the Sierra Club's participation agreement.

Join us for an exclusive Bowie, MD Property Tour on Sunday, June 17th from 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM! We’ll visit 3–5 homes, including a mix of townhouses and single-family properties, to give you a real look at what’s currently available on the market. This event is designed to help buyers better understand pricing, features, neighborhoods, and what to realistically expect when searching for a home in today’s market. Whether you’re planning to buy soon or just starting the process, this tour is a great opportunity to get informed and feel more prepared before making a move. 📍 Exact property locations will be provided the day before the event. ⚠️ Space is limited. To reserve your spot and receive location details, please send your contact information to: 📧 [cassey.coul@gmail.com](mailto:cassey.coul@gmail.com)

Walk about 6+ miles on a variety of trails and some streets in NW DC to discover where SCPRO helped save a park, a trail that may be threatened by construction, the place where the UN was started, a Memorial to a Lebanese poet, and a lively Greek Festival at St. Sophia Cathedral where the hike will officially end – about a mile from the trailhead. There will be some elevation changes and one stream crossing. More information about the Festival here: [https://www.dcgreeks.com/event_display.asp?EventID=2026051502](https://www.dcgreeks.com/event_display.asp?EventID=2026051502). Wear weather appropriate clothing and footwear, bring water, sunscreen and bug repellent and money to purchase some wonderful food at the Festival (and to give a $2 cash voluntary donation to the local Sierra Club). A positive attitude is also recommended!

Start and end in Kolkata (Calcutta)! With the Romantic tour 11 Days Exotic North East India Tour Package, you have a 11 days tour package taking you through Kolkata (Calcutta), India and 3 other destinations in India. 11 Days Exotic North East India Tour Package includes accommodation in a hotel as well as flights, an expert guide, meals, transport and more. Itinerary Day01 Arrival At Kolkata Day02 Flight To Bagdora And Drive To Darjeeling (90 Kms/ 3 Hrs) Day03 Exploring Darjeeling Day04 Darjeeling Day05 Drive From Darjeeling To Gangtok (95 Kms/ 3.5 Hours Day06 Exploring Gangtok Day07 Full day at leisure Day08 Drive From Gangtok To Kalimpong (90 Kms/ 3 Hours) Day09 Exploring Kalimpong Day10 Drive To Bagdora (80 Kms/ 2 Hours) And Flight To Kolkata Day11 Sightseeing In Kolkata And Departure Cost: $3590 Inclusions Price Includes * Accommodation on twin sharing at 3 Star/4 star Hotels. * All Internal Flight within India on Economy Class * All customers are advised to book their international flight tickets on their own. After booking the tickets, please share your flight schedule with us as it will help us to make necessary arrangements for you like airport pick-up and drop off your pre-booked hotel and vice versa during departure. * **Guidelines Related To Tour Guides –** * We passionately strive to support local tour guides. Hence, we hire them while designing our tour packages for customers. The local guides we associate with have expertise and thorough knowledge about the city and all areas where you probably roam around. Having service of such guides allow tourists to explore the best of a city and enjoy to the fullest. * We make sure to hire English speaking tour and all major foreign languages guides at almost every tour destination where we provide services. This way, we ensure our customers do not face any communication issue while dealing with guides on their tour. The company of a local and knowledgeable guide will make your tour more entertaining because they master in storytelling about various attractions and share great knowledge about the city. * Another great benefit of hiring an expert local tour guide is that, they offer great suggestions related to good food, restaurants, market, entertainment and the best of a place. This way, you can have the best experience of visiting an unknown city. * Daily Breakfast * Accommodation for 10 Nights * English Speaking Guide * Private Transportation * Domestic Flights within India * Daily Breakfast * We are partners with reputable local transfer services in just about every Indian city to offer you air-conditioned, well-maintained, and exceptionally clean private vehicles at your ready disposal, wherever you go. We provide you with a comfortable private vehicle driven by a licensed private driver as soon as you arrive at the destination city, so as to render your trip much more relaxed and enjoyable, extra cushioned with personalized care, supervised safety and absolute flexibility to travel at your own whim and fancy. * Our entire fleet is insured, regularly serviced and maintained to stay spick & span. Vehicles are available in all sizes, including recent models of small cars, sedans, SUVs, vans, and mini-buses to meet varying traveler’s needs – like transporting solo travelers or ferrying large groups or families. * Cherry on the cake, all the cabs are driven by licensed and experienced drivers who have been engaged only after proper background verification and confirming essential qualities such as pleasant demeanor, punctuality, integrity, and a healthy level of patience. Price Excludes * Flights * Meals * Personal Expenses * Optional activities * Travel insurance / Visa * Tips ———————————————— For detailed itinerary and to reserve your seat follow the link below: [https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/india-11-days-highlights-of-north-east-india/](https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/india-11-days-highlights-of-north-east-india/) Questions? Text / Call - 2023787696 - Himanshu - Organizer

New2DC group members are invited to attend the event organized by the International Professionals Group (IPG-DC) in association with French American chamber of commerce. Spend an evening in the City of Light and celebrate everything Paris without leaving DC! **\- The Majesty of the Champs\-Élysées** **\- The Allure of the Eiffel Tower** **\- The Royalty of Versailles** Celebrate Paris on French soil as we invite you to a special evening at the Embassy of France. From the elegance of classical French culture to the most celebrated Parisian nightlife of the 21st Century, experience a special evening of fantastic French food, wine, music, and Parisian ambiance in the beautiful and festive Maison Francaise at the French embassy. # On the Menu: Delicious French food * Hors-d'oeuvres and buffets prepared by Chef Daniel Labonne, Executive Chef of the French and German Embassies * Ham by Jambon de Bayonne, with live demo * Crepes * Desserts by Fresh Baguette Live Music All Night! * Guitarist Julien Xuereb sings classic French songs * The amazing Palmardy * DJ Mad Bow # Open Bar All Night * Excellent red, white and rosé wines from Bordeaux, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Loire Valley, Alsace, Rhone, Provence, etc. * Wine tasting * Champagne and bubblies from France * Try French drinks such as Tomate, Perroquet, Monaco, etc. **Entertainment All Night** * A Classic Citroen 2CV will be inside the embassy. * Photobooth for great looking pictures of you and your friends * French photo backgrounds for great-looking selfies # 2 Types of Tickets - Avail 15% early bird discount using promo code ' IPG-France' * **Versailles Premium Entry Reception**: Entry at **7:30pm**, and stay until the end of the event. Enjoy a glass of Champagne when you arrive, special hors-d'oeuvres prepared by the French Embassy's Executive Chef Daniel Labonne, high-end wines from France, and live French songs and music. No guaranteed seating. * * **Eiffel Tower Tickets**: **Enter at 8:30pm**. Open bar, food, music and entertainment. Please purchase tickets from \*\*[https://www.eventbrite.com/e/embassy-of-france-midnight-in-paris-tickets-1989171789369 ](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/embassy-of-france-midnight-in-paris-tickets-1989171789369)\*\*using promo code ' **IPG-France**' for 15% discount. **Ticket include all food, alcohol and entertainment.** **Grand Prize: a pair of RT tickets to Paris, courtesy of Delta Air Lines and Air France** * **One Year of Free Croissants Courtesy of Fresh Baguette** * Champagne Magnums * Bottles of French wine * Gift Certificates ## **Additional Info:** * Parking and EV charging [https://chargerzilla.com/map](https://chargerzilla.com/map) * *Dress Code: Cocktail attire. French* * Govt issued photo ID is mandatory for entry * *Accents (bleu, blanc, rouge) welcome.* * Parking on the street wherever it is available. * *No refunds.* Looking forward to meeting you and friends. \~Events team\~

It’s time to take control of your mental health. How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Here is the secret of being positive and free: Thinking positively is not enough. You also have to get rid of the negative thinking. Your mind is like a garden. You can plant many beautiful flowers in it, but if you don't get rid of the weeds when you plant your flowers, the weeds will soon take over the whole garden. A positive thought is like a flower in your mental garden, and a negative thought is like a weed. You cannot expect to have a positive mindset if you continue to have negative thoughts dwelling and growing there. So, how do you get rid of the negative thoughts? That's what this Meetup is all about. Attend this local meeting and find out! The Meetup event will be led by a consultant who had helped many people live happier in life. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is created by the Dianetics & Scientology life improvement center.

Let’s meet and wander the galleries! General admission on Sundays is free.

It’s time to take control of your mental health. How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Have you ever suffered from a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? Has your ability to communicate suffered as a result? And after that, even though you "moved on" did you find that things were never quite the same? Have you ever looked at childhood photos, or reminisced your early life and wondered where that happiness and spark went? Are your emotions out of your own control? Have you ever felt, even if you aren’t aware of it, that possibly you are getting in your own way of your happiness and success? How does this affect your self-confidence? Find out what is at the root of all stress, anxiety, depression and self-doubt. Find out how and why you hold yourself back from achieving your goals and having the life you have dreamed of. As soon as you learn what is at the root of these unwanted conditions, you’ll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp.

**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.

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