Wilderness Hiking

**Looking to connect, belong, and grow in Hungary?** Join our unique social event designed for people who want more than just small talk. This is a safe, welcoming space where you can: * Meet new people and build real connections * Share ideas and support each other * Practice and improve your Hungarian in a relaxed way * Feel less alone and more part of a community Whether you’re new in Hungary or have been here for a while but still feel disconnected, this event is for you. 💡 This is not just an event — it’s an experience. We focus on meaningful conversations, mutual support, and creating a positive environment where everyone feels seen and heard. **🎟 Why is it paid?** Your contribution helps us create a high-quality, well-organized experience, ensure a committed group of participants, and build a sustainable community where people truly show up for each other. ✨ Come as you are. Leave with connections, ideas, and a sense of belonging.

\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- \(English version below\) \-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Tanulj meg tangózni 2 óra alatt – még akkor is, ha soha nem táncoltál!** Fedezd fel Dél-Amerika legbensőségesebb és legszenvedélyesebb táncát, az argentin tangót – egy különleges élményt, ahol a mozdulat és az ölelés találkozik. Ez a workshop pont neked szól, ha mindig is szerettél volna táncolni, de nem tudtad, hol kezdd el. * Kezdőknek is ideális – semmilyen előképzettség nem kell * Partner nélkül is jöhetsz – ott párosítunk * Már az első óra végére tudsz táncolni egy tangót **Mit ad neked ez a 2 óra?** * Megtanulod a tangó alapjait, miközben megtapasztalod: * milyen érzés valakivel egy ritmusra lélegezni, * hogyan ad önbizalmat a mozgás, * és hogyan kapcsol össze két embert egy ölelés. A workshop után azonnal csatlakozhatsz rendszeres tangótanfolyamainkhoz, így lépésről lépésre fejlődhetsz tovább. **Dátum:** Május 17. (vasárnap) – 19:00–21:00 **Helyszín:** Budapest, Andrássy út 35. **Ár:** 9.000 Ft – **elővételben 6.000 Ft,** **ha előző napig befizeted.** **Regisztrálj most!** [https://tangolibre.hu/intenziv-tango-tanfolyam/](https://tangolibre.hu/intenziv-tango-tanfolyam/) ///////////////////////////////////////////// **Learn to dance tango in just 2 hours – even if you’ve never danced before!** Discover South America’s most intimate and passionate dance – the Argentine tango. An experience where movement meets connection, and every embrace tells a story. This workshop is perfect for you if you’ve always wanted to dance but never knew where to start. * Ideal for absolute beginners – no previous experience required * No partner needed – we’ll match you up during the class * By the end of the first hour, you’ll already be dancing your first tango * **What will these 2 hours give you?** * You’ll learn the basics of tango while discovering: * how movement builds confidence, * and how an embrace can connect two people beyond words. After the workshop, you can immediately join our regular tango courses and continue your journey step by step. **Date:** May 17 (Sunday) – 19:00–21:00 **Venue:** Budapest, Andrássy út 35. **Price:** 9,000 HUF – **early-bird 6,000 HUF if paid by the day before.** **Frequently Asked Questions** I don’t have a dance partner – can I still come? \- Yes\! Most participants come alone\, and we’ll pair you up during the workshop\. I’ve never danced before – will I feel lost? \- Not at all\. This workshop was created exactly for you\. We teach step by step\, so even complete beginners can enjoy immediate success\. What should I wear? \- Comfortable clothes that allow free movement and smooth\-soled shoes\. That’s all you need\! **Instructors** Szeghalmi Endre & Serbán Andrea : [https://tangolibre.hu/en/intensive-tango-workshop/](https://tangolibre.hu/en/intensive-tango-workshop/)

**Looking to connect, belong, and grow in Hungary?** Join our unique social event designed for people who want more than just small talk. This is a safe, welcoming space where you can: * Meet new people and build real connections * Share ideas and support each other * Practice and improve your Hungarian in a relaxed way * Feel less alone and more part of a community Whether you’re new in Hungary or have been here for a while but still feel disconnected, this event is for you. 💡 This is not just an event — it’s an experience. We focus on meaningful conversations, mutual support, and creating a positive environment where everyone feels seen and heard. **🎟 Why is it paid?** Your contribution helps us create a high-quality, well-organized experience, ensure a committed group of participants, and build a sustainable community where people truly show up for each other. ✨ Come as you are. Leave with connections, ideas, and a sense of belonging.

\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- \(English version below\) \-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Tanulj meg tangózni 2 óra alatt – még akkor is, ha soha nem táncoltál!** Fedezd fel Dél-Amerika legbensőségesebb és legszenvedélyesebb táncát, az argentin tangót – egy különleges élményt, ahol a mozdulat és az ölelés találkozik. Ez a workshop pont neked szól, ha mindig is szerettél volna táncolni, de nem tudtad, hol kezdd el. * Kezdőknek is ideális – semmilyen előképzettség nem kell * Partner nélkül is jöhetsz – ott párosítunk * Már az első óra végére tudsz táncolni egy tangót **Mit ad neked ez a 2 óra?** * Megtanulod a tangó alapjait, miközben megtapasztalod: * milyen érzés valakivel egy ritmusra lélegezni, * hogyan ad önbizalmat a mozgás, * és hogyan kapcsol össze két embert egy ölelés. A workshop után azonnal csatlakozhatsz rendszeres tangótanfolyamainkhoz, így lépésről lépésre fejlődhetsz tovább. **Dátum:** Május 17. (vasárnap) – 19:00–21:00 **Helyszín:** Budapest, Andrássy út 35. **Ár:** 9.000 Ft – **elővételben 6.000 Ft,** **ha előző napig befizeted.** **Regisztrálj most!** [https://tangolibre.hu/intenziv-tango-tanfolyam/](https://tangolibre.hu/intenziv-tango-tanfolyam/) ///////////////////////////////////////////// **Learn to dance tango in just 2 hours – even if you’ve never danced before!** Discover South America’s most intimate and passionate dance – the Argentine tango. An experience where movement meets connection, and every embrace tells a story. This workshop is perfect for you if you’ve always wanted to dance but never knew where to start. * Ideal for absolute beginners – no previous experience required * No partner needed – we’ll match you up during the class * By the end of the first hour, you’ll already be dancing your first tango * **What will these 2 hours give you?** * You’ll learn the basics of tango while discovering: * how movement builds confidence, * and how an embrace can connect two people beyond words. After the workshop, you can immediately join our regular tango courses and continue your journey step by step. **Date:** May 17 (Sunday) – 19:00–21:00 **Venue:** Budapest, Andrássy út 35. **Price:** 9,000 HUF – **early-bird 6,000 HUF if paid by the day before.** **Frequently Asked Questions** I don’t have a dance partner – can I still come? \- Yes\! Most participants come alone\, and we’ll pair you up during the workshop\. I’ve never danced before – will I feel lost? \- Not at all\. This workshop was created exactly for you\. We teach step by step\, so even complete beginners can enjoy immediate success\. What should I wear? \- Comfortable clothes that allow free movement and smooth\-soled shoes\. That’s all you need\! **Instructors** Szeghalmi Endre & Serbán Andrea : [https://tangolibre.hu/en/intensive-tango-workshop/](https://tangolibre.hu/en/intensive-tango-workshop/)

**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.

This is a small but pretty park with a 1.7-mile loop. We will walk it 2 times. It goes along a ridge and has moderate elevation changes.

Hi ladies. We will meet in front of the Nature Center and head to the two Observation decks. We will then hike Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook and Sugarbush trails to get approximately four miles total distance. We will walk approximately a 18 minute mile pace. Please wear appropriate hiking shoes.

Hi ladies. Let's hike the edward thomas trail, lake trail , spring creek and a short walk on the multi purpose trail. This is one large loop . Wear your shoe of choice. Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area. 4.2 miles in length .

Hi ladies. Let's hike the Edward Thomas, Spring Creek, and a little multi-purpose trail - approximately 4 miles so please wear your shoe of choice. Please bring a water bottle as needed and appropriate shoes. Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area.

June 17, 2026: Worthington Library. Wild Ohio: The Best of Our Natural Heritage. Jim McCormac. Worthington, Ohio. 7 pm.