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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out tours events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the tours events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
Absolutely! Find tours events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.
Tours Events Today
Join in-person Tours events happening right now
๐ธ Interactive Bombay Gin Cocktail Class & Social Hour
Join us for an interactive Bombay Gin Cocktail Class at TownHall โ a fun, social experience designed to bring people together over great drinks, great food, and great conversation.
During the class, youโll learn how to craft several different Bombay Gin cocktails, guided by a master mixologist in a relaxed, high-energy setting. This isnโt a lecture โ itโs hands-on, engaging, and built to spark connection, laughter, and good vibes.
Whether you come solo or with friends, this experience makes it easy to meet people, enjoy expertly crafted cocktails, and unwind mid-week.
โจ Whatโs Included (A Ton ๐)
โข Multiple Bombay Gin cocktails
โข Interactive cocktail instruction
โข Food & appetizers sponsored by TownHall
โข A lively, social atmosphere
๐ธ Sponsored by Bombay Gin
๐ฝ Food & appetizers sponsored by TownHall
Must be 21+ to attend
$20 fee per person ๏ฟผ
Free in-person event: Take Control of Your Mental Health
Itโs 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 arenโt 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, youโll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp.
Sharon Woods HIKE
Hi ladies. We will be walking the 4 mile paved loop.
Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area.
Self-Love: Confidence Through Expression
Confidence can be cultivated in many waysโthrough reflection, conversation, creativity, and practice. In this Confidence Lab session, weโll explore one powerful pathway: **building confidence from the inside out through physical expression and movement**.
This experience is designed to help you reconnect with your body as a source of insight, self-trust, and presence. Weโll begin by grounding into whatโs bringing you here, creating space to notice how your body is showing up and what itโs holding. From there, youโll be guided through accessible movement exercises that invite awareness and choiceโisolating different parts of the body, experimenting with movement, and practicing what it feels like to take up space intentionally.
Next, youโll participate in a small-group dance lesson led in a supportive, low-pressure environment. No dance experience is needed. The focus is not on performance or perfection, but on expression, curiosity, and allowing yourself to move with confidence as you are.
Weโll close with a reflective group discussion, exploring what emerged during the experience and how these insights can be applied beyond the studioโhow you inhabit your body, how you carry yourself, and how you show up in everyday life.
**What to know:**
* Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that you feel good moving in
* No dance experience required
* Light snacks and beverages will be provided
This session is for anyone interested in deepening their relationship with confidence by listening to their body, expanding their capacity for self-expression, and practicing self-love as an embodied experience.
**Featured Speaker: Mary Grace**
Mary Grace, the dynamic force behind MG Choreography & Boutique, has been transforming special occasions with her unique blend of artistry and passion for over seven years. As a proud Latina, with Venezuelan and Mexican heritage, Mary brings a rich cultural perspective to every choreography she creates. Her dedication to dance is matched only by her commitment to empowering others through the joy and elegance of movement.
Maryโs journey began with a simple passion for dancing, which quickly grew into a thriving business. She specializes in crafting personalized choreography for weddings, quinceaรฑeras, and sweet sixteens, ensuring each event is unforgettable.
Determined to make a significant impact in Ohio, Mary established the first-of-its-kind brick-and-mortar location that not only offers a space to practice these beautiful dances but also provides a boutique experience for purchasing or renting exquisite dresses and tuxedos for these special moments.
Mary Grace is more than just a business owner; she is a trailblazer for Latina women in the community, dedicated to bringing elegance, joy, and a touch of her vibrant heritage to every event she touches.
**What is Confidence Lab?**
Confidence Lab is a monthly community experience for bold, thoughtful leaders building confidence from the inside out. Whether youโre launching a business, leading a team, navigating change, or simply striving to show up more fullyโyou belong here.
Our work demands clarity, courage, and convictionโbut the pace of daily life can erode our sense of self. Confidence Lab creates space to reflect, reconnect, and grow with others doing purpose-driven work.
Itโs designed for entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, creatives, corporate professionals, activists, and anyone ready to lead with authenticity and impact.
***Please note:*** *All are welcome! If cost is a concern, please use promo code PUBLIC to access a free ticketโwe want you to join us.*
Tours Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Humanist Community Celebrating Darwin Day
Dale Gnidovec, Curator of the Orton Hall Museum of Geology at The Ohio State University, will be presenting a program he has wanted to share with us for a long time: Plate Tectonics. His description of his program:
Continents on the move - Nothing in Earth history makes sense without moving continents - it tells us why mountains, volcanoes, minerals, and fossils are where they are. This talk examines the evidence for continental drift, why it was disbelieved, and explains how the more-encompassing theory of plate tectonics was developed and eventually proven. Dale is an energetic, incredibly knowledgeable, and very entertaining speaker and this will be another wonderful program by Dale. Hope to see you there!
Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk.
Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online
Join Zoom Meeting
[https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1)
Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953
Passcode: 760812
One tap mobile
+19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York)
+13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC)
The formal presentation will start at noon
How to Take Control of YOUR Mental Health
Itโs 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.
Saturday Mornings @ East Market
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. If the weather cooperates we will be meeting in the patio.
Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."
Free in-person event: Take Control of Your Mental Health
Itโs 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 arenโt 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, youโll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp.
Morning people unite!! ๐ค โ + ๐ฌ @ Cup O Joe Coffee House
Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Cup O Joe Coffee House](https://www.cupojoe.com/)!
Fun & easy way to play more tennis (read event description)
Weโre still working to get more people into these Meetups, but our goal is to give PlayYourCourt members a few social tennis outings each week in addition to your practice sessions and Challenge League matches.
These Meetups are co-ed, super laid back, and all skill levels are welcome. Post your skill level and a suggested court in the comments section so we can round up as many players as we can for some tennis fun!
Also, if youโre looking to meet new practice partners or play some matches and you arenโt already in the PlayYourCourt Community, you can go here to see what weโre all about and sign up:
https://www.playyourcourt.com/tennis-community/columbus-oh/meetup/
If you love tennis, weโd love to have you! Be sure and watch the quick video that explains how everything works.
Happy hitting!
- Scott
"The Philosophy of Alan Watts" Film on a 360 Degree Dome Theater at COSI!
Let's check out a Popular Astronomy and Science Based Film at COSI Science Center on their HUGE 360 Degree 4K Spherical Dome Screen Theater, in which is touring the nation and has already sold over 10,000 tickets!
COSI is one of the leading Science Centers in America. Alan Watts was one of the Most Influential Amateur Astronomers of the 20th Century and held fascinating views of the Galaxy.
Tickets are only $33 plus a small fee and taxes and can be purchased here:
[Trust the Universe: Immersive Dome Show](https://www.sphericalpictures.com/tickets)
PLEASE purchase tickets for the 8:15 PM Feature on Friday, February 13. There seem to be at least 10 tickets left, possibly more. We should be able to sit together in the same row or at least in the general section.
This is an exciting chance to view actual footage of the Solar System on a Large 4k Resolution Screen plus added in Cosmological and Astronomical Related Philosophy!
We will plan on meeting at about 7:50 PM by the Atomic Cafe on the first Floor of COSI, where the Movie Theater is located, in order to give us time before the show starts to purchase refreshments.
Parking is available at the COSI Garage and in the area on side streets and adjacent garages. We can also walk somewhere in the area and get food afterwards, if anyone wants to do so.
Thanks and hope to see you come out!
Tours Events Near You
Connect with your local Tours community
Rhino Barn Tour @ The Wilds
**Summary**
For this event, we will do the [Rhino Barn Tour](https://www.thewilds.org/rhino-barn-tour) at [The Wilds](https://www.thewilds.org/), a ten-thousand acre conservation center in Muskingum County. It is the largest such center in North America and one of the largest in the entire world.
During this tour, we'll visit The Wilds' rhino herd in their state-of-the-art heated barns and learn how The Wilds' animal management team takes care of one of the largest herds of rhinos outside of Africa and Asia.
**The date and time of this tour**
We will be doing the 1:00 p.m. [Rhino Barn Tour](https://www.thewilds.org/rhino-barn-tour) on Saturday, February 28. The tour is scheduled to last 90 minutes.
**What you need to do to attend**
Signing up here on Meetup will not get you into The Wilds for the tour. You must go out to The Wilds' [website](https://www.thewilds.org/) and [buy a ticket](https://www.thewilds.org/rhino-barn-tour).
Please [purchase your ticket](https://www.thewilds.org/rhino-barn-tour), then sign up here on Meetup so I know how many to expect.
**Attendance cap**
There are only eight total slots/tickets available for this tour. As I obviously have already bought one of the tickets, that leaves seven spaces for everyone else.
If you are interested in this event, I urge you to [buy a ticket](https://www.thewilds.org/rhino-barn-tour) at The Wilds' website as soon as possible. Since their website is obviously public, nothing prevents other people having nothing to do with *GOhio!* from buying their own tickets, thereby potentially taking an available slot away from you.
**Additional notes on attendance**
I have now run several events at The Wilds. While the location of The Wilds and the pricing of the tickets generally leads to small turnouts, the people who have gone have all enjoyed it and were glad they went.
If you've never been to The Wilds and you like zoos or animals at all, you are likely to find any tour at The Wilds to be a rewarding experience.
**Tickets and pricing**
[Tickets](https://www.thewilds.org/rhino-barn-tour) for this tour are $95, or $76 if you're a Wilds' member. I've posted screen shots, below, to help you be sure you're buying tickets for the correct event.
Wilds' memberships pay for themselves if you go to The Wilds at least twice a year, and [Columbus Zoo members](https://www.columbuszoo.org/membership) get a discount on memberships to The Wilds. I will always run at least two events a year at The Wilds.
Tickets for all Wilds' tours must be purchased at least 24 hours in advance of the actual tour.
**Cancellations and refunds**
Per The Wilds' [Cancellation Policy](https://www.thewilds.org/policies): *In order to be eligible for refund and accrue no rescheduling fees, cancellations must be made at least 14 days in advance of reservation. Cancellations made within 14 days of reservation will not receive a refund.*
You may [contact The Wilds](https://www.thewilds.org/contact) at (740) 638-5030 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., or you can email them at information@thewilds.org.
**Waiver of liability**
After you purchase your ticket, you will likely be asked to fill out a waiver of liability. This is a very short document and should take you no more than two minutes to complete.
**Where we'll meet**
We will meet at The Wilds, whose actual address is [14000 International Rd, Cumberland, OH 43732](https://www.google.com/maps/place/14000+International+Rd,+Cumberland,+OH+43732/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x8837dae07a595557:0xa1ceca93325a8bd1?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111).
Please try to be there by 12:30 p.m. For most Wilds' tours, a shuttle bus will take you to the actual spot of the tour. So think of this as though you're going to the airport to catch a flight. It helps to be on time.
The Wilds generally asks that people arrive at least thirty minutes because the scheduled start time of their tour.
**GPS / Getting to The Wilds**
The Wilds is in a very rural area, but I've never had a problem getting there with my GPS (I have Verizon). I've also uploaded a JPG map, below, of Muskingum County.
Sometimes, though, it's hard to get a signal when you're at The Wilds and getting ready to leave. So you might want to consider downloading an offline map in Google Maps. Your cell phone should pick up a signal, however, within a few minutes after you leave.
The Wilds' Visitor Center does have free Wi-Fi.
**Carpooling?**
If you want to carpool, I recommend discussing this in the comments, below, to this event. While I don't myself carpool, I will do what I can to help you arrange something if I can.
**The weather**
Dress for the weather. Just because the barn is heated doesn't mean it will be warm. And wear closed-toed shoes.
Wilds' tours typically run no matter what the weather is.
**After the tour**
Once we're done with the rhinos, we'll head over to the very highly rated [Y-Bridge Brewing Company](https://ybridgebrewing.com/). The brewery is about thirty minutes from The Wilds, and it will be on the way back to Columbus for most, if not all, of us. The brewery's actual address is [1417 Linden Ave Ste D, Zanesville, OH 43701](https://www.google.com/maps/place/1417+Linden+Ave+d,+Zanesville,+OH+43701/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x8837edd6cc50824f:0xe3a0af1ccb2aefbf?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111).
Y-Bridge Brewing does not serve food; however, they have several [food options](https://ybridgebrewing.com/food-options). I encourage you to check these out ahead of time on their website for yourself. However, here are a few of them:
*Within walking distance -- 120 feet away*
* [Angry Bull Saloon](https://www.facebook.com/AngryBullSaloonZanesville/) (pizza & subs)
* The Corner Pub Sports Bar and Grill (classic bar food)
*Delivery options -- [Door Dash](https://www.doordash.com/)*
* [4 Star Pizza](https://fourstarpizza.com/), (740) 452-9300
* [Donatos](https://www.donatos.com/), (740) 452-7900
* [Pizza Cottage](https://www.pizza-cottage.com/), (740) 455-6000
* [Dominos](https://www.dominos.com/), (740) 455-3126
* [Papa John's](https://www.papajohns.com/), (740) 450-4100
If you live in the area or can't make The Wilds but still want to meet us at the brewery, that's fine too.
How to Take Control of YOUR Mental Health
Itโs 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.
Sunday Board Games at Land-Grant Brewing
We'll play board games at the [Land-Grant Brewing Company](https://landgrantbrewing.com/). They have multiple [food trucks](https://landgrantbrewing.com/food/) on Sundays. Ray Ray's also has coffee, and the brewery has free water (and Jeni's ice cream).
You can come late or leave early. Please just sign up so I know to expect you.
**Notes on Parking**
* You'll (probably) have to park on the street, but street parking is free on Sundays.
* There are [parking garages](https://landgrantbrewing.com/parking/) a little farther away if you want. These are obviously not free, though.
* There is a [lot next door](https://www.google.com/maps/place/39%C2%B057'26.0%22N+83%C2%B000'40.9%22W/@39.957211,-83.0119921,19z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m12!1m7!3m6!1s0x88388f3efd89238b:0xc139207386232411!2sLand-Grant+Brewing+Company!8m2!3d39.9577613!4d-83.011426!16s%2Fg%2F1pzt7t9df!3m3!8m2!3d39.957211!4d-83.011347?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDEyMS4wIKXMDSoKLDEwMDc5MjA3MUgBUAM%3D) to the brewery that you're allowed to park in, but it is not free. I've never parked there, so I don't know anything about rates. (I'm told though that if you eat at Milo's Deli next door to this lot that Milo's will stamp your parking so it's free.)
* You're going to see odd signs on [Lucas St](https://www.google.com/maps/place/39%C2%B057'26.1%22N+83%C2%B000'40.3%22W/@39.957256,-83.0124134,19z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m10!1m5!3m4!2zMznCsDU3JzI4LjgiTiA4M8KwMDAnNDEuNSJX!8m2!3d39.957993!4d-83.011536!3m3!8m2!3d39.957256!4d-83.011197?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDEyMS4wIKXMDSoKLDEwMDc5MjA3MUgBUAM%3D) (saying it's a "private street") that will lead you to believe you're not allowed to park there, but you actually are.
* Columbus parking cops literally do not work on Sundays. This means that, even if you're driving a non-EV, you can park in the EV spots near the brewery.
**Games**
I do bring many games, but please bring some of your own as well.
Trails & Valentines! Quarry Trails Metro Park / Johnnie's Tavern
***(She loves me!)* A Brief History of Quarry Trails**
[Quarry Trails Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/quarry-trails/) traces its origins to a vast limestone quarry operated by the Marble Cliff Quarry Company starting in the early 20th century. The site, located along the Scioto River west of downtown, supplied crushed stone for local construction projects and roads throughout central Ohio. Operations peaked mid-century, with massive excavation creating deep pits and steep cliffs that reshaped the landscape. By the 1980s, demand declined, and the southern section of the quarry closed (with the northern section of the quarry remaining in operation to this day by a separate company), leaving behind scarred terrain and abandoned equipment. Environmental concerns arose as the area became a dumping ground and off-road playground for locals. Columbus Metro Parks began eyeing the property in the 1990s for potential reclamation into public green space.
In 2015, Metro Parks acquired the initial 180 acres from the quarry's owners, marking a pivotal step toward transformation. Thrive Companies, a local developer, partnered in the deal to build adjacent housing while funding park improvements. Cleanup efforts removed tons of debris, stabilized cliffs, and addressed water quality in the flooded quarries. Planners envisioned a mix of adventure and preservation, incorporating the site's industrial remnants as features. Community input from nearby Grandview Heights and Hilliard residents shaped early designs. The project gained momentum with state and federal grants supporting habitat restoration.
The park officially opened its first phase in November 2021, featuring 3.5 miles of trails, a waterfall overlook, and climbing walls on the quarry faces. Visitors quickly embraced the unique terrain, with mountain biking loops and a 25-foot waterfall drawing crowds from across the metro area. Metro Parks added a canoe/kayak launch on the Scioto River, connecting to the city's broader trail network. Dog parks and picnic areas rounded out the amenities, making it a year-round destination. Expansion continued with land acquisitions pushing the total toward 600 acres. By 2023, the park hosted events like guided hikes and birdwatching tours.
Ongoing development includes a planned adventure center with zip lines and more extensive single-track trails set for completion in the coming years. Metro Parks collaborates with conservation groups to plant native species and monitor wildlife returning to the reclaimed quarries. The site now serves as an educational hub, with interpretive signs explaining its quarrying past and ecological recovery. Local schools incorporate field trips to study geology and restoration science. Quarry Trails exemplifies Columbus's shift from industrial reuse to innovative urban parks. It stands as the newest addition to the Metro Parks system, complementing favorites like Scioto Audubon and Highbanks.
Today, Quarry Trails continues evolving, with future phases adding connections to the Olentangy Trail and more water access points. Annual visitor numbers have surged, boosting nearby businesses in the evolving west side neighborhoods. The park's success has inspired similar reclamation projects elsewhere in the region. It highlights how Columbus balances growth with green space preservation. Residents enjoy a one-of-a-kind spot that honors the area's gritty history while offering modern recreation. Quarry Trails remains a testament to community vision and adaptive reuse in our city.
***(She loves me not.)* A Briefer History of Valentine's Day**
The origins of Valentine's Day trace back to ancient Rome and the festival of Lupercalia, celebrated in mid-February to honor fertility and purification rites. During this raucous event, young men drew names of women from a box in a matchmaking lottery, often leading to pairings or marriages. By the late 5th century, Pope Gelasius I officially replaced Lupercalia with St. Valentine's Day on February 14 to Christianize the pagan holiday. Although several early Christian martyrs were named Valentine, the most commonly associated figure is a 3rd-century Roman priest who secretly married couples against Emperor Claudius II's ban on young men marrying, believing single soldiers fought better. Legend claims Valentine was imprisoned and later executed on February 14, around 269โ270 AD.
The romantic associations with Valentine's Day emerged much later, during the Middle Ages. The pivotal moment came in the late 14th century when Geoffrey Chaucer, in his poem "Parlement of Foules" (c. 1381), linked St. Valentine's Day with courtship, writing that birds chose their mates on this date. This literary connection spread rapidly among the English and French nobility, transforming the saint's feast day into a celebration of romantic love. By the 15th century, lovers began exchanging handwritten notes called "valentines," often containing verses or simple declarations of affection.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, Valentine's Day became increasingly commercialized, especially in England and later the United States. The introduction of printed valentines in the 1840s, pioneered by Esther Howland in America, turned personal notes into mass-produced cards adorned with lace, ribbons, and Cupid imagery. Factories began producing elaborate cards, and the tradition of giving flowers (especially roses), chocolates, and jewelry took hold during the Victorian era.
Today, February 14 is one of the most widely celebrated secular holidays worldwide, generating billions in spending on cards, candy, flowers, and romantic dinners. While still officially the feast day of Saint Valentine in some Christian traditions, the modern version has largely shed its religious roots in favor of universal expressions of love and friendship. From ancient fertility rites to global commercial phenomenon, Valentine's Day has evolved dramatically over two millennia while retaining its core focus on human connection.
***(She loves me!)* Map of the Park**
Here is a [Map of Quarry Trails](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Quarry-Trails_JUNE-2025_1980px-Web.jpg).
***(She loves me not.)* Summary**
For this hike, we'll do a loop of the park. This will be about four miles. Now, this won't be one of our longer hikes. However, in my experience, Quarry Trails tends to wear people out more quickly than other parks. I suspect this is because most of the trails are either paved or heavily graveled (no surprise at a park which abuts an active stone quarry), with some elevation changes along the way.
***(She loves me!)* Where We'll Meet**
Quarry Trails has multiple entrances, but none of them are connected internally within the park. So you must drive to the correct one for this event.
Set your GPS to [2319 Quarry Trails Dr, Hilliard, OH 43026](https://www.google.com/maps/place/2319+Quarry+Trails+Dr,+Hilliard,+OH+43026/@39.9998462,-83.0873077,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x883891dd76f5eedf:0xf1cb9d34c1069580!8m2!3d39.9997868!4d-83.0872621!16s%2Fg%2F11y17k0ms5?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D), or use the map pin I've provided here. Do not just type "Quarry Trails" into Google Maps and expect it to take you to the correct place. It probably won't.
We will meet in the parking lot of the Lake Area. The best entrance to this parking lot will be your first left off of Quarry Trails Dr after Gunnison Dr (which will be on your right). I recommend taking a few minutes and looking at Maps before you head out to make sure you know where you're going.
***(So walk with me...)* Restrooms and Water Fountains**
There are a few port-a-potties sprinkled throughout the park (including two at the parking lot we'll be meeting at), and the Park Office, roughly in the center of the park and which we'll pass twice on this hike, has restrooms and a water fountain. This is the only water fountain, though, at Quarry Trails.
***(At Trails Quarry!*)** **After the Hike**
Afterward, we'll head over to [Johnnie's Tavern](https://johnniestavern614.com/) for [drinks](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Johnnie's+Tavern/@39.993202,-83.0903169,3a,75y,90t/data=!3m8!1e2!3m6!1sCIABIhAulLarLYZC3hY_vRGwoakV!2e10!3e12!6shttps:%2F%2Flh3.googleusercontent.com%2Fgps-cs-s%2FAG0ilSzkwnMN29-lrgzp50Rzeaq5jXCGM1xLS1poH0Mc52-E9NYBvdS99ei7zGmlAYJZyk8OeNW5YvS7agj8M2Bom4ri1m_-NcJiT-LQUDphkS-SB5Vq8JhO-8NSP-_m80HeLz4-pGhjrwhuBKSv%3Dw146-h195-k-no!7i4284!8i5712!4m7!3m6!1s0x883891c4d61ba04d:0x5134f225cbf678bf!8m2!3d39.9932439!4d-83.0902078!10e9!16s%2Fg%2F11c1p57s3t?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) and [food](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Johnnie's+Tavern/@39.993202,-83.0903169,3a,75y,90t/data=!3m8!1e2!3m6!1sCIABIhB5lD4Uly_4O9BjNH4r3ywB!2e10!3e12!6shttps:%2F%2Flh3.googleusercontent.com%2Fgps-cs-s%2FAG0ilSy7tQcc7CtCeuUAKwEVJoxtOs8Ycohjy3mGZZOC_kJVdB8wEaGuC4-p5z_jxn2JnpmSEkh_HG7Aok_ZPEgmK57rEBqNIPH8J5tiyAP5vbrRYkUso_fKTkW5vJc47UusNoGiRzs2Vf0m1JcV%3Dw146-h195-k-no!7i4284!8i5712!4m7!3m6!1s0x883891c4d61ba04d:0x5134f225cbf678bf!8m2!3d39.9932439!4d-83.0902078!10e9!16s%2Fg%2F11c1p57s3t?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D). Its actual address is [3503 Trabue Rd, Columbus, OH 43204](https://www.google.com/maps/place/3503+Trabue+Rd,+Columbus,+OH+43204/@39.9932491,-83.090227,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x883891c4d6199677:0x1fda03b0add81e7c!8m2!3d39.9932491!4d-83.090227!16s%2Fg%2F11c14yf3m6?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D), and it's only about a five minute drive from where we'll be parked at Quarry Trails. We should be at the tavern by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to meet us for drinks.




























