Outdoors

CHRISTMAS EVE SOCIAL at Mint Bar – Athens’ Coziest Holiday Meet-Up 🎄 Athens crew, let’s make this Christmas Eve memorable! December may be chilly, but Mint Bar will be warm, festive, and full of people who show up to connect, celebrate, and enjoy the night. Come for the fun, the good vibes, and maybe a little holiday magic. 📅 Wednesday, 24 December 🕣 20:30 – 00:00 📍 Mint Bar: Location https://maps.app.goo.gl/wymrY8zJCN5k1NDr9 💸 Entry: FREE for our community 🎁 Optional Gift Shuffle Bring a small gift (€10 or less) if you want to participate in our gift exchange. Gifts will be shuffled and picked randomly – a fun way to share some Christmas cheer! 🍷 Holiday Drinks Hot Wine €4 each Sangria €3 all night Shots €2.5 Cocktails €7 Beer €5 big / €4 small 🎶 Music & Atmosphere Dance mix: upbeat enough to energize, soft enough to chat. Wear something festive or Christmassy if you like – extra points for holiday spirit! A Crowd You’ll Love Friendly, open-minded people who want to connect. The vibe is warm, inclusive, and easy to join. New joiners, groups, and first-timers all make this a lively night. Step Into the Energy Conversations start naturally, and the festive cheer is contagious. Don’t miss out on the connections and fun happening this Christmas Eve. 🔥 Wednesday = Mint Bar Christmas Eve Social Night. Be there and celebrate with us! Mamad – The organiser of Athens Locals & Travellers events 📱 WhatsApp: 00306949528622 📸 Follow us on Instagram & help us grow: @athenslocalstravellers Athens, Social Meetup, Party, Dance Night, Locals & Travelers, Expats, Digital Nomads, Salsa, Bachata, Chill Vibes, Outdoor Event, International Community, Make New Friends, Things to Do in Athens, Couchsurfing Style, Summer in Athens, Open Meetup Αθήνα, Κοινωνική Συνάντηση, Πάρτι, Βραδιά Χορού, Ντόπιοι & Ταξιδιώτες, Ομογενείς, Ψηφιακοί Νομάδες, Σάλσα, Μπατσάτα, Χαλαρή Ατμόσφαιρα, Εκδήλωση σε Υπαίθριες Δραστηριότητες, Διεθνής Κοινότητα, Κάνε Νέους Φίλους, Δραστηριότητες στην Αθήνα, Στυλ Couchsurfing, Καλοκαίρι στην Αθήνα, Ανοιχτή Συνάντηση

CHRISTMAS EVE SOCIAL at Mint Bar – Athens’ Coziest Holiday Meet-Up 🎄 Athens crew, let’s make this Christmas Eve memorable! December may be chilly, but Mint Bar will be warm, festive, and full of people who show up to connect, celebrate, and enjoy the night. Come for the fun, the good vibes, and maybe a little holiday magic. 📅 Wednesday, 24 December 🕣 20:30 – 00:00 📍 Mint Bar: Location https://maps.app.goo.gl/wymrY8zJCN5k1NDr9 💸 Entry: FREE for our community 🎁 Optional Gift Shuffle Bring a small gift (€10 or less) if you want to participate in our gift exchange. Gifts will be shuffled and picked randomly – a fun way to share some Christmas cheer! 🍷 Holiday Drinks Hot Wine €4 each Sangria €3 all night Shots €2.5 Cocktails €7 Beer €5 big / €4 small 🎶 Music & Atmosphere Dance mix: upbeat enough to energize, soft enough to chat. Wear something festive or Christmassy if you like – extra points for holiday spirit! A Crowd You’ll Love Friendly, open-minded people who want to connect. The vibe is warm, inclusive, and easy to join. New joiners, groups, and first-timers all make this a lively night. Step Into the Energy Conversations start naturally, and the festive cheer is contagious. Don’t miss out on the connections and fun happening this Christmas Eve. 🔥 Wednesday = Mint Bar Christmas Eve Social Night. Be there and celebrate with us! Mamad – The organiser of Athens Locals & Travellers events 📱 WhatsApp: 00306949528622 📸 Follow us on Instagram & help us grow: @athenslocalstravellers

Book your place at www.basketble.com Time: 17.00-18.30 (Athens Time) Duration: 1.5 hours Price: 10 Euros (payment at the basketball court) Facilities: Underground parking Game Setup (depending on the number of players) 3 teams of 5 players playing against each other Winner stays on but maximum 2 games 7 minute games You can play in the same team with your friends or we will place you in a team Come Out and Play!

**Get ready to hop from bar to bar, sip on unlimited drinks, and dance the night away at the Athens Party Pub Crawl - it's gonna be legendary!** ## Highlights * Feel the rush of excitement of **meeting new people** and dancing the night away * Opt to include an **open bar for 1 hour**, including beer and wine or long drinks * Be led by **experienced and fun local hosts** and explore Athen's nightlife * **Dance, drink, and mingle** with fellow party enthusiasts from around the globe * Breeze past long lines at the nightclub and relax knowing **entry is covered** ## Full description Experience the ultimate night in Athens with 1 FULL HOUR of Unlimited Drinks (8€ - 35€+ Value!)\*, free shots, and Free Nightclub Access (10€ Value!) while meeting nightlife lovers from around the world! Get ready to celebrate like never before with the Best Pub Crawl in Athens! Embark on an epic pub crawl through Athens' hottest nightlife spots. Dance, drink, and mingle with fellow nightlife enthusiasts from around the globe. Enjoy an hour of unlimited drinks and free shots at each\* venue, while our energetic party hosts lead you through the night. Skip the lines and get access to the city's best clubs. Book now and make your night in Athens unforgettable! **\* We offer three ticket options:** 1\. The **Sober Owl Ticket**: Does not include an open bar \| Includes: A Free Shot at each Venue \- Drink Discounts \- Free Entrance & Skip the Line to Club 2\. The **Tipsy Owl Ticket**: Includes 1 hour of unlimited beer or wine\. \| Also includes: Free Shot at 1st & Last Venue \- Drink Discounts \- Free Entrance & Skip the Line to Club 3\. The **Drunken Owl Ticket**: Includes 1 hour of unlimited long drinks \(Gin/Vodka/Rum/Tequila\)\, beer\, and wine\. \| Also includes: Free Shot at 1st & Last Venue \- Drink Discounts \- Free Entrance & Skip the Line to Club ## Includes * Local Experienced event host(s) * Bar crawl: Visit 2 Bars & 1 Nightclub * 1 hour of unlimited drinks (depending on ticket option chosen) * 2-3 Free Shots (depending on ticket option chosen) * Discounts in Cocktails (1st Venue) * Skip-the-line & Free entry to Nightclub ## What to bring * Your Best Mood 🤩 * Comfortable shoes for dancing 🕺💃 * Camera * Charged Smartphone ## Not allowed * Intoxication ## Know before you go * This is an Adults only event. 18+ years old ## Booking Terms & Conditions - Code of Conduct By participating in any event (including pub crawls) organised and hosted by Athens Party Pub Crawl, you the participant & every person your booking is consisted of, agree to the following terms and conditions without restriction: [https://athenspartypubcrawl.com/terms-and-conditions-code-of-conduct](https://athenspartypubcrawl.com/terms-and-conditions-code-of-conduct "https://athenspartypubcrawl.com/terms-and-conditions-code-of-conduct")

🍺 Beers. Brains. Glory. Get ready to flex your knowledge, outwit your friends, and claim your spot as the reigning quiz champ of Athens! Join us every Wednesday at Ziggy’s for an electrifying night of trivia, laughter, and pub legends in the making. 🔥 What to expect: 🏆 1st Place Prize – 25€ Bar Tab 🧠 5 Rounds of Mind-Bending Questions 🎶 Music, Pop Culture, History & More 🍹 Killer Cocktails & Ice-Cold Beers 🎉 Big Laughs & Epic Bragging Rights Whether you're a seasoned quiz master or just in it for the beer and vibes, there's a seat for you at the table. Bring your team, your brainpower, and your party spirit! 📢 Tag your trivia crew & RSVP now – the smartest night of the week is calling! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1441521211749?aff=oddtdtcreator #PubQuizAthens #ZiggysQuizNight #BeersAndVictory #TriviaNight

After a long time, we’re happy to organise a city hike MeetUp again. We’ll meet at 2:00 pm in front of the Acropolis Museum and start our walk towards the main entrance of Filopappou Hill. We'll visit the Philopappou Monument and several other historical sites. This green hill in the heart of Athens hides (and shows) a rich collection of Greek history, spanning from around 500 BC to the 19th century. Democracy was born here. We can still visit its cradle. Every step unfolds a new breathtaking view on the Acropolis, the entire city of Athens, and her surroundings. The pace will be relaxed, with time to look around and talk. After the walk, those who wish can join us for coffee at Brysaki: [https://share.google/kGFKketE0d4LFuJ7X](https://share.google/kGFKketE0d4LFuJ7X)

#### 👋 Αγαπητοί Φίλοι... Εδώ είναι τα 5 σημαντικά νέα στοιχεία που θα χρειαστείτε για το Νέο Έτος του 2026! * Η πρόθεσή σας ➜ μεταφρασμένη σε ένα χειροπιαστό και συγκεκριμένο Στόχο * Ένα Σχέδιο δράσης * Τα Βήματα αυτού του Σχεδίου * Ημερομηνίες & Σημεία Ελέγχου για να μπορείτε να παρακολουθείτε την Πρόοδό σας * Έμπνευση (γρήγορη ώθηση) για να ξεκινήσετε και αυτοπεποίθηση/κίνητρο (σταθερή ώθηση) για να συνεχίσετε 🎁 **Bonus**: **Χρειάζεται να γνωρίζετε τους Νόμους της Προσωπικής Δύναμης & Υλοποίησης και να γίνετε Μάστερ και Ηγέτες της Ζωής σας!** Μελετήστε βαθειά, εξασκηθείτε σκληρά και ονειρευτείτε μεγάλα πράγματα για το μέλλον σας! Η Επιτυχία πραγματικά σας περιμένει - Θα το τολμήσετε αυτή τη φορα; *** **Καλωσορίσατε στο Retreat «Μύηση στο 2026» στον Όλυμπο!** Θα μείνουμε σε ένα όμορφο μέρος μπροστά στη θάλασσα, το Summitzero Hostel, και θα εξερευνήσουμε **τη νούμερο ένα γνώση** που χρειάζεστε για να μπείτε στο 2026 με νοοτροπία νικητή και να σχεδιάσετε τον μετασχηματισμό σας. Η αλήθεια είναι ότι η αλλαγή δεν είναι εύκολη. Όχι λόγω της φύσης της αλλαγής αυτής καθαυτής (*τα παιδιά είναι χαρούμενα να αλλάξουν και να ξεκινήσουν κάτι νέο σε μια στιγμή*) αλλά λόγω της κοινωνικής διαμόρφωσης που μας έχει συνηθίσει να ακολουθούμε τον δρόμο της ελάχιστης προσπάθειας και να επιδιώκουμε πάντα την άνεση. Η πικρή αλήθεια είναι ότι έχουμε συνηθίσει **τόσο πολύ** αυτό το μοτίβο (*όλα τα μέσα κοινωνικής δικτύωσης και η κοινωνική πλύση εγκεφάλου στοχεύουν να κάνουν τον μεγαλύτερο στόχο μας μια πιο άνετη φυσική ζωή*) που μας φαίνεται **σχεδόν αδύνατο** να το δούμε και να δράσουμε διαφορετικά. **ΚΑΛΑ ΝΕΑ!** Υπάρχει τρόπος! Αν θέλετε **πραγματικά** να αλλάξετε και έχετε κουραστεί από την ίδια μέτρια ζωή, κάντε ένα δώρο στον εαυτό σας και **αποφασίστε να αλλάξετε!** **Σας περιμένω σε αυτό το μίνι-retreat στην αρχή της νέας χρονιάς για να σας μυήσω στη γνώση του μετασχηματισμού και να δημιουργήσουμε ένα πλάνο μαζί** (και μαζί με άλλους ανθρώπους σαν εσάς που επιθυμούν το ίδιο πράγμα). **Σας περιμένω στον Όλυμπο!** Ν.D *** **Προσοχή Παρακαλώ!! 🎉** **Η Νέα Χρονιά Απαιτεί να Σταματήσουμε τις Δικαιολογίες & να Πραγματοποιήσουμε τα Όνειρά μας!** *** **Πρόγραμμα για αυτό το Μίνι Retreat:** **Παρασκευή, 26 Δεκεμβρίου** * **Άφιξη στο Summitzero το μεσημέρι** * Καλωσόρισμα και θέσπιση προθέσεων * Πρακτικές Αφύπνισης Προσωπικής Δύναμης * **🍴 Μεσημεριανό** * Εντοπισμός του τι θέλουμε για το μέλλον μας * Πώς να σχεδιάσετε και να εκτελέσετε με αυτοπεποίθηση * Δημιουργία βημάτων για το μέλλον * 🍽️ **Δείπνο** * Τελετή Με το Σαμανικό Τύμπανο για τον Νέο Χρόνο **Σάββατο, 27 Δεκεμβρίου** * **Πρωινή Πρακτική** για Αναζωογόνηση και Ενδυνάμωση * 🍽️ **Πρωινό** * Επίσκεψη στο Όρος Όλυμπος * 🍴 **Μεσημεριανό** * Πώς να Παραμείνετε με Κίνητρο & Οι Νόμοι της Προσωπικής Δύναμης που χρειάζεται να ακολουθήσετε από εδώ και στο εξής (Θεωρία & Πρακτικές). * 🍽️ **Δείπνο** * Βραδινή Τελετουργία μεταμόρφωσης των κατώτερων ενεργειών σε δύναμη, αυτοαγάπη και σοφία μέσα από την αρχαία μυστική γνώση της Αστρολογίας. **Κυριακή, 28 Δεκεμβρίου** * **Πρωινή Πρακτική** για Αναζωογόνηση και Ενδυνάμωση * 🍽️ **Πρωινό** * 🏛️ **Επίσκεψη στο ΔΙΟΝ**, τον Αρχαιολογικό Χώρο του Αρχαίου Ναού αφιερωμένου στον Βασιλιά των Θεών της Αρχαίας Ελλάδας, τον Δία. Ο Δίας αντιπροσωπεύει την ικανότητα να παίρνουμε αποφάσεις και να γινόμαστε οι κυρίαρχοι της ίδιας μας της ζωής. Μέσα από αυτήν την επίσκεψη θα λάβουμε ενέργεια και διδασκαλίες για το πώς να αντλούμε αυτές τις ποιότητες από την ίδια μας την ύπαρξη και να τις καλλιεργούμε εφαρμόζοντάς τες στην καθημερινή μας ζωή. Θα λάβουμε μια ευλογία από τα πνεύματα του τόπου και, αν είστε έτοιμοι, από τον ίδιο τον Θεό! * 🍴 **Μεσημεριανό** * ✨ Ολοκλήρωση του retreat και αναχώρηση! **Ο δρόμος είναι ανοιχτός για το μέλλον μας!!** *** **Συμμετοχή & Εγγραφή:** Για συμμετοχή, χρειάζεται να κάνετε προεγγραφή με προκαταβολή 110€. (ΠΑΤΗΣΤΕ ΕΔΩ: [https://www.woworld.org/newyear-olympus](https://www.woworld.org/olympus-newyear) ) * ***ή εγγραφείτε μεσω του meetup εδώ στην σελίδα που ήδη βρίσκετστε πληρώνοντας το συνολικό ποσό*** * **Κόστος Συμμετοχής:** 295€ (185€ εκπαίδευση/σεμινάριο + 10€ είσοδος στον αρχαιολογικό χώρο + 100€ διαμονή με 7 γεύματα). * **Early Bird\*\***\* – Κάντε την εγγραφή σας έως τις **4 Δεκεμβρίου** και λάβετε έκπτωση **30€** (συνολικό κόστος: **265€**).

🎄🎤 If you can scream-sing it in your shower, you can own the stage this Christmas! 🎶✨ Get into the holiday spirit at our Christmas Karaoke Party — 📅 Saturday, 27 December ⏰ 9 PM 📍 2ten Athens, Ermou 135, Athens FREE ENTRANCE Sing your favorite classics (holiday hits included 🎅🎵), vibe with an international crowd 🌍, share drinks 🍹, and make merry memories that’ll warm your heart and leave your voice a little hoarse. 💫 Don’t overthink it — grab your friends and come celebrate Christmas the fun way! 💬 Message NomadHubGreece on Instagram or Facebook to reserve your spot! Don’t stay home singing carols to your shampoo bottle — come sing with a crowd that cheers louder than Santa’s sleigh bells! 😎🎄🎤

Coffee & Chat (& Brunch) Come and make new friends this Sunday over a nice coffee & chat (& Brunch), the perfect way to end the weekend. Everyone is welcome, International & Greek, meeting in English (but other languages are welcome) Let's meet at En Aithria from 12 to 16/17. Ask for the coffee group https://maps.app.goo.gl/ecdSiXxg6sT8h6kF7 +32486805343 Whatsapp Looking forward to seeing you all there!

🎄🎤 If you can scream-sing it in your shower, you can own the stage this Christmas! 🎶✨ Get into the holiday spirit at our Christmas Karaoke Party — 📅 Saturday, 27 December ⏰ 9 PM 📍 2ten Athens, Ermou 135, Athens FREE ENTRANCE Sing your favorite classics (holiday hits included 🎅🎵), vibe with an international crowd 🌍, share drinks 🍹, and make merry memories that’ll warm your heart and leave your voice a little hoarse. 💫 Don’t overthink it — grab your friends and come celebrate Christmas the fun way! 💬 Message NomadHubGreece on Instagram or Facebook to reserve your spot! Don’t stay home singing carols to your shampoo bottle — come sing with a crowd that cheers louder than Santa’s sleigh bells! 😎🎄🎤 Follow Nomads Athens on social media for more info: * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/780495963217496/ * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nomadhubgreece * Telegram: https://t.me/nomadhubgreece

To chat with us,and go in different plans, join our whtsapp group https://chat.whatsapp.com/EDf4HaUjK4gLMMQeiOsllt 🔥 Missed Thursday? No worries. Tonight — Saturday — we activate. The city’s most talked-about social meetup returns to Mint Bar, and this one is engineered to hit different. Not just another night out. A night people talk about the next day. --- ✨ The Experience Half chill, half dance. Open-air flow with real atmosphere. A warm, social crowd that’s easy to join and easy to talk to. Every week you see new faces — and every night the vibe stays strong. --- 🍹 Community-Only Deals Vodka Portokali / Whiskey Cola / Gin & Tonic → €7 Sangria → €3 Shots → €2.5 🎶 Dance Music All Night: Smooth enough for conversations, energetic enough to move when the moment hits. --- 📍 Logistics Mint Bar → https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ffi2B7Riw73TJM4Q9 Starts 21:30 — ends when the energy runs out Entry FREE — just say you’re with our community No dress code. Just come as you are. --- 🚇 Easy Transport, All Night Long Athens moves 24/7 on Saturday nights: Metro lines run all night Buses operate 24 hours Getting here — and heading home — is seamless, safe, and convenient. --- Why Tonight Matters Expect a friendly, open-minded, balanced crowd — the kind of people who make the night feel warm even in December. And remember: Our events run across multiple social channels, so the actual turnout is always bigger than what you see online. You’ll walk into a lively, welcoming group from the start. Whether you come solo or with your people, you’re leaving with stories, smiles, and new connections. --- Final Call This isn’t just a party. This is where the good nights begin — and where other events wish they were. Let’s make tonight count. Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athenslocalstravellers?igsh=MWM4MTh4c2p5M3NxdA== Mamad – The organiser of Athens locals&Travellers events Athens Winter Social Meetup, Cozy Party Night, Dance & Socialize, Locals & Travellers, Expats in Athens, Digital Nomads Athens, Salsa Night, Bachata Night, Warm Vibes, Indoor Event, International Community Athens, Meet New People, Things To Do in Athens Winter, Social Networking Athens, Couchsurfing-Style Meetup, December Events Athens, Winter Nightlife Athens, Open Social Event

This Friday, come and release all the stress of the week! International Friday night! Meet new friends, Dance, and connect. big international event with Whatsapp community as well as Couchsurfing and Facebook community. All together Free event at Aura rooftop bar, the best view of Athens..from 9 pm, you pay what you drink, Greek and International communities together. All languages are welcome. event organized by Athens Fun & Connection, One of the biggest communities for expats, locals and digital nomads. join our members every Friday As a token of sympathy for the bar, Please Order at LEAST one drink. Let's have fun and a great time, we all deserve it. Let's own the night !! See you all on Friday Michaël +32486805343 Whatsapp and Telegram

**Summary** I love hiking [Highbanks](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/highbanks/) in the winter after the sun has gone down. Highbanks is never really dark -- there's too much ambient light from Lewis Center. But I love the trails at night. When I started hiking Highbanks, I was afraid of getting lost and particularly at night. But now that I know my way around, nighttime is one of my favorite times to hike there. In addition, near the end of our hike, we will take a few minutes to walk around the Nature Center and look at the Christmas lights. (The Nature Center itself will be closed, however, by the time we get to it.) We will meet next to the restrooms at the [Big Meadows Picnic Area](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/HBK_Web_1980.png). They're all the way at the back of the park, and they can be found at coordinates [40°09'06.6"N 83°02'30.2"W](https://www.google.com/maps/place/40%C2%B009'06.6%22N+83%C2%B002'30.2%22W/@40.151828,-83.0423587,214m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m10!1m5!3m4!2zNDDCsDA5JzA4LjAiTiA4M8KwMDEnNDUuMSJX!8m2!3d40.1522222!4d-83.0291944!3m3!8m2!3d40.151827!4d-83.041715?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTIwNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) (near the playground and the zip line). We'll hike about 5 miles on the Dripping Rock and Overlook Trails. Afterward, we'll head over to [Olentangy River Brewing](https://www.olentangybrew.com/) for drinks and [food](https://www.olentangybrew.com/eventsandfood). Last year, the weather wasn't too terrible, and the Brewery had their patio fire pits going and we were able to sit outside. The fire pits at night are kind of amazing. The actual address of the brewery is [303 Green Meadows Dr S, Lewis Center, OH 43035](https://www.google.com/maps/place/303+Green+Meadows+Dr+S,+Lewis+Center,+OH+43035/@40.1551938,-83.0144045,17.25z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x8838f395cef06c97:0xe407de61b3e30069!8m2!3d40.1551765!4d-83.0124352!16s%2Fg%2F11c26jc7j9?entry=ttu). If you can't make the hike, we should be there by 7:45. **How to find our starting point in Big Meadows** If you are new to Highbanks, the Big Meadows picnic area is 1.5 miles into the park just after you turn into the park off of U.S. Route 23. That is, after you enter the park, drive a mile and a half into the park. You will come to a crosswalk with a yield sign in the middle of it (this is not to be confused with the first such crosswalk you come to just in front of the Nature Center, which you arrive at maybe a quarter of a mile into the park). Just after this second crosswalk, make a left. Then make another almost immediate left into the parking lot on your left. There you will see the jungle gym and the kiddie zip line to your left. I will be just in front of the restrooms just a bit further down from the jungle gym and picnic shelter; the restroom building will also be on your left. **Note on our starting time** Highbanks closes at 8:00 this time of year, and they get kind of snarly about getting everyone out of the park by then. So please be on time for this hike. I want to allow two hours for the hike and be back at Big Meadows by 7:30. So we're shoving off at 5:30, with or without a quorum.

**History** [Blacklick Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blacklick-woods/), established in 1949, holds the distinction of being the first Columbus Metro Park. Its creation stemmed from a post-World War II push to preserve natural areas amid rapid suburban growth. The land, originally farmland and woodlots along Blacklick Creek, was acquired by the Columbus Metropolitan Park Board through donations and purchases. Early efforts focused on basic trail development and reforestation to combat erosion. The park's name derives from the creek, which early settlers called "Black Lick" due to its dark, mineral-rich waters. By the 1950s, it served as a model for the expanding Metro Parks system. In the 1960s, Blacklick Woods expanded significantly with additional land acquisitions, reaching over 600 acres. A golf course was added in 1964, one of the first public courses in the region, designed to generate revenue for park maintenance. Native American artifacts, including arrowheads from the Adena culture, were discovered during construction, highlighting the area's prehistoric use as hunting grounds. The park introduced interpretive programs to educate visitors on local ecology and history. Flood control measures along the creek became a priority after heavy rains caused damage. These developments solidified its role as a recreational hub. The 1970s and 1980s brought environmental awareness, leading to habitat restoration projects at Blacklick Woods. Invasive species were removed, and native wildflowers were planted in the meadows. A nature center opened in 1976, featuring exhibits on wetlands and forests. The park's slate-covered bridge, a remnant of 19th-century infrastructure, was preserved as a historic feature. Birdwatching gained popularity with the addition of observation decks. Community volunteers played a key role in trail maintenance and cleanups. During the 1990s, Blacklick Woods underwent major upgrades, including paved multi-use trails for biking and hiking. The Walter A. Tucker Nature Preserve, a 53-acre old-growth forest within the park, was dedicated in 1995 to protect rare beech-maple woodlands. Educational partnerships with local schools introduced field trips on topics like stream ecology. The golf course was renovated to improve playability while minimizing environmental impact. Annual events, such as the fall festival, drew thousands to celebrate the park's natural beauty. These enhancements balanced recreation with conservation. In the 21st century, Blacklick Woods has adapted to increasing visitation with sustainable practices. Solar panels were installed at facilities in the 2010s to reduce energy costs. The park now spans 643 acres, offering diverse habitats from wetlands to uplands. Recent initiatives include pollinator gardens and prescribed burns to maintain prairie areas. It remains a flagship for the Metro Parks, inspiring similar preservations system-wide. Ongoing archaeological surveys continue to uncover traces of early inhabitants. **Map of the Park** Here is a [map of Blacklick Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/BLK-map-May-2025-with-extended-greenway_1980px.jpg). **Summary** For this event, we will hike about 4.5 miles by doing a couple loops of the Buttonbush, Tucker, Maple Loop, and Beech trails. Blacklick Woods is a very nice park, but it is generally flat and not strenuous, so this will be one of the easier hikes that we do. **Where We'll Meet** Drive all the way to the back of the park to the parking lot that is nearest the Nature Center. There are restrooms here next to the Canopy Walk. We'll meet near these restrooms. Speaking of the [Canopy Walk](https://www.metroparks.net/blog/canopy-walk-is-your-gateway-to-the-sky/), it's not officially part of the event this time. However, if interested people want to freelance and check it out after the hike (before heading to the brewery), that's okay. **After the Hike** After we're done with the trails, we'll head to [Prost Beer & Wine Café](https://prostcafe.com/) for drinks and [food](https://prostcafe.com/reynoldsburg-prost-beer-and-wine-cafe-food-menu). The actual address of the brewery is [7354 E Main St, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068](https://www.google.com/maps/place/7354+E+Main+St,+Reynoldsburg,+OH+43068/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x8838648cfb8d2dbb:0x545274bab130e9bb?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111), and we should be there by 5:00 if you just want to do that and skip the hike.

We will meet next to the restrooms at the [Big Meadows Picnic Area](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/HBK_Web_1980.png). They're all the way at the back of the park, and they can be found at coordinates [40°09'06.6"N 83°02'30.2"W](https://www.google.com/maps/place/40%C2%B009'06.6%22N+83%C2%B002'30.2%22W/@40.151828,-83.0423587,214m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m10!1m5!3m4!2zNDDCsDA5JzA4LjAiTiA4M8KwMDEnNDUuMSJX!8m2!3d40.1522222!4d-83.0291944!3m3!8m2!3d40.151827!4d-83.041715?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTIwNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) (near the playground and the zip line). We'll hike about 5 miles at [Highbanks Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/highbanks/) on the Dripping Rock and Overlook Trails. Afterward, we'll head over to [Olentangy River Brewing](https://www.olentangybrew.com/) for drinks, coffee, or food (their Sunday [food truck](https://www.olentangybrew.com/eventsandfood) is Venezuelan and always gets good reviews). The actual address of the brewery is [303 Green Meadows Dr S, 43035](https://www.google.com/maps/place/303+Green+Meadows+Dr+S,+Lewis+Center,+OH+43035/@40.1551938,-83.0144045,17.25z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x8838f395cef06c97:0xe407de61b3e30069!8m2!3d40.1551765!4d-83.0124352!16s%2Fg%2F11c26jc7j9?entry=ttu). If you can't make the hike, we should be there by noon. **How to find our starting point in Big Meadows:** If you are new to Highbanks, the Big Meadows picnic area is 1.5 miles into the park just after you turn into the park off of U.S. Route 23. That is, after you enter the park, drive a mile and a half into the park. You will come to a crosswalk with a yield sign in the middle of it (this is not to be confused with the first such crosswalk you come to just in front of the Nature Center, which you arrive at maybe a quarter of a mile into the park). Just after this second crosswalk, make a left. Then make another almost immediate left into the parking lot on your left. There you will see the jungle gym and the kiddie zip line to your left. I will be just in front of the restrooms just a bit further down from the jungle gym and picnic shelter; the restroom building will also be on your left.

Join us this December for a (possibly!) snowy walk in Sharon Woods Metropark. This hike is dog friendly!🐕 Hot cocoa and candy canes will be provided after the hike. [Please register for this hike here](https://forms.gle/e7mLpRt2zWev2WnB6) to receive alerts and specifics about this event.