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Yes! Check out campfires events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.

Discover all the campfires events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.

Absolutely! Find campfires events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.

Campfires Events Today

Join in-person Campfires events happening right now

Come Waan Friends 清遠冒險團
Come Waan Friends 清遠冒險團
可以[Whatsapp](https://wa.me/84806579) 查詢 清遠冒險團|刺激漂流+古龍峽飛車+過山車+煙火夜+第二天越野車+溪降體驗】 想玩得過癮又識新朋友?嚟緊5月16日至17日,我哋帶你飛去清遠展開兩日一夜冒險之旅!行程包晒漂流挑戰、古龍峽刺激飛車、越野車,玩完仲有靚爆豪華別墅等你入住! 夜晚又點少得煙火盛會,大家一齊圍爐傾偈、狂歡,製造難忘回憶!唔單止可以玩盡各種刺激活動,仲可以識新朋友,一齊high爆成晚! === 行程亮點 === 雙重極速體驗:古龍峽飛車+過山車雙連發 清涼暴擊:全城最激漂流濕身大作戰 星空夜宴:煙火派對+酒水任飲 第二天越野車+溪降體驗 日期:2026年5月16日 - 17日 (兩日一夜) 地點:廣東省清遠市 時間:16/5 早上9點出發,17/5傍晚返港 費用:$2680 / 每位(已包括交通、漂流、峽道飛車 + 過山車、越野車及溪降套票、16/5 Lunch、16/5 燒烤晚餐、17/5 Lunch、煙火晚會及住宿費用) 早鳥優惠:5月1日前付款即減$50! 二人同行:每位再減$50!優惠可以疊加,抵到爆! 保險:可加購旅遊保險每人$90(非強制,按需要選擇)  16/5早上9時福田口岸集合→包車到清遠市→享用特色午餐→古龍峽飛車+過山車雙連發→漂流活動→到達豪華別墅、燒烤晚餐酒水任飲→煙花晚會,大量煙花等住你放、別墅內party!  17/5 早上10:30 checkout→Lunch→越野車+溪降體驗→回程 福田 / 羅湖口岸 (視當時交通情況) 今次行程專為貪玩刺激既你而設計,無論你係熱愛冒險定想放鬆下,都啱晒你!名額有限,快啲Tag埋朋友一齊報名啦,唔好錯過今個夏天最精彩嘅冒險團! ➤ 與本地持牌旅行社合作(Jan Hang (Hong Kong) International Travel Limited 牌照號碼353983 [#清遠之旅](https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/%E6%B8%85%E9%81%A0%E4%B9%8B%E6%97%85/) [#漂流冒險](https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/%E6%BC%82%E6%B5%81%E5%86%92%E9%9A%AA/) [#古龍峽飛車](https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/%E5%8F%A4%E9%BE%8D%E5%B3%BD%E9%A3%9B%E8%BB%8A/) [#卡丁車賽事](https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/%E5%8D%A1%E4%B8%81%E8%BB%8A%E8%B3%BD%E4%BA%8B/) [#豪華別墅](https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/%E8%B1%AA%E8%8F%AF%E5%88%A5%E5%A2%85/) [#煙火盛會](https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/%E7%85%99%E7%81%AB%E7%9B%9B%E6%9C%83/) [#識新朋友](https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/%E8%AD%98%E6%96%B0%E6%9C%8B%E5%8F%8B/) [#刺激體驗](https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/%E5%88%BA%E6%BF%80%E9%AB%94%E9%A9%97/) [#夏日回憶](https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/%E5%A4%8F%E6%97%A5%E5%9B%9E%E6%86%B6/) [#香港出發](https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/%E9%A6%99%E6%B8%AF%E5%87%BA%E7%99%BC/)
Shenzhen Fire (Financial Independence, Retire Early) 🔥
Shenzhen Fire (Financial Independence, Retire Early) 🔥
Meet in person and share your story about FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early). Please add my WeChat "martian2lee" to join our WeChat group. The time of this event is made up. We will discuss the time in our WeChat group. 面对面分享你的提前退休故事。 加我的微信“martian2lee”,进微信群。 活动的时间是虚构的。具体时间我们在微信群里讨论。
食餐飯 輕鬆認識不同教會的基督徒 Make Christian Friends from different churches in Hong Kong
食餐飯 輕鬆認識不同教會的基督徒 Make Christian Friends from different churches in Hong Kong
食餐飯 輕鬆認識不同教會的基督徒 Make Christian Friends from different churches in Hong Kong 點解要參加神秘飯局? · 認識朋友 / 戀愛對象: 輕鬆用1.5小時認識 3-5位新朋友 / 潛在伴侶 · 擴闊視野: 試下新餐廳,認識各行各業嘅參加者(Youtuber,空姐,放射師...真係咩人都有) 如果你都想認識新朋友但….. · 有諗過參加speed dating 但係怕太chur/太貴 · 純粹想輕鬆傾下計 未必想同一大班陌生人玩游戲 · 玩交友app心很累 傾左一輪都都未約到出黎見面 我哋係全港首個冇主持嘅「神秘飯局」社群,主打輕鬆食餐飯去認識朋友 推出幾個月已經有500名參加者報名喇 ✨ 即刻加入了解更多 📍 持有效商業登記 睇下飯局: [官方網站](https://dine-first.com/app) Instagram: [@dinefirst.hk](https://www.instagram.com/dinefirst.hk) Telegram: [神秘飯局 Telegram](https://t.me/dinefirsthk) 用一餐飯的時間,認識3-5個朋友 / 戀愛對象,今日就約飯先!
同樂躲避盤
同樂躲避盤
* 匆匆歲月 儘管不少嘆息別離話 * 始終你也在 未分春秋冷冬或炎夏 當一起同遊 人生嘉年華 沒煙花 都有暖光四灑 話咁快2026年又到5月了,感謝大家一直支持和參與躲避盤活動🙏 可以如相片中與大家開心來開心走是本會宗旨😆期待黎緊又見大家與大家運動同大笑,詳情如下 2026年5月<<同樂躲避盤>>活動😁歡迎大家參與😄😄 日期:9/5/2026 星期6 時間:2000-2200 地點:大角咀體育館2號活動室(太子站c2出口/旺角站A2出口/奧運站b出口出,10分鐘內到) Whatapps報名電話:98354818(以whatapps確認為準) 費用:$20(親子2人同行30) 位置有限,心動不如行動,See u all😆 #hkdsc #dodgebee #hkdodgebee #躲避盤 #香港躲避盤運動體育聯會 #刺激 #安全 #同樂 #同樂躲避盤
食餐飯 輕鬆認識不同行業的專業人士/ 高收入人士 Dinners with professionals (Networking/ Making Friends)
食餐飯 輕鬆認識不同行業的專業人士/ 高收入人士 Dinners with professionals (Networking/ Making Friends)
食餐飯 輕鬆認識不同行業的專業人士/ 高收入人士 Make friends by having dinners with professionals and high income individuals 點解要參加神秘飯局? · 認識朋友 / 戀愛對象: 輕鬆用1.5小時認識 3-5位新朋友 / 潛在伴侶 · 擴闊視野: 試下新餐廳,認識各行各業嘅參加者(Youtuber,空姐,放射師...真係咩人都有) 如果你都想認識新朋友但….. · 有諗過參加speed dating 但係怕太chur/太貴 · 純粹想輕鬆傾下計 未必想同一大班陌生人玩游戲 · 玩交友app心很累 傾左一輪都都未約到出黎見面 我哋係全港首個冇主持嘅「神秘飯局」社群,主打輕鬆食餐飯去認識朋友 推出幾個月已經有500名參加者報名喇 ✨ 即刻加入了解更多 📍 持有效商業登記 睇下飯局: [官方網站](https://dine-first.com/app) Instagram: [@dinefirst.hk](https://www.instagram.com/dinefirst.hk) Telegram: [神秘飯局 Telegram](https://t.me/dinefirsthk) 用一餐飯的時間,認識3-5個朋友 / 戀愛對象,今日就約飯先!
Hike: Plover Cove Reservoir (not for beginners)
Hike: Plover Cove Reservoir (not for beginners)
**Hike: Plover Cove Reservoir (not for beginners)** **Difficulty Level:** **4 out of 5** **Distance:** **18 km** **Time:** **7 hours approximate** **Description and Highlights: If you're looking for a challenging hike that will take you deep into the heart of Hong Kong's rugged wilderness, then the Plover Dam Reservoir is the perfect destination for you. With a difficulty level of 4 out of 5, this trail is not for the faint of heart, but the stunning views and sense of accomplishment you'll feel at the end will make it all worth it.** **The hike to Plover Dam Reservoir covers a total distance of 18 kilometers and takes approximately 7 hours to complete. Along the way, you'll encounter steep inclines, rocky terrain, and narrow paths, so it's important to come prepared with sturdy hiking boots and plenty of water and snacks.** **The highest elevation point on the trail is 311 meters, offering hikers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Take a moment to catch your breath and soak in the stunning scenery before continuing on your journey.** **There are toilets located at the beginning and end of the trail, so be sure to take advantage of these facilities before setting off. And remember to practice Leave No Trace principles and pack out all your trash to help preserve the natural beauty of this pristine wilderness area.** **Overall, the hike to Plover Dam Reservoir is a challenging but rewarding experience that will test your physical and mental endurance while immersing you in the natural beauty of Hong Kong's countryside. So, lace up your hiking boots, grab your backpack, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!** **What to bring:** * **2-3 liters of water (water available for sale along the way)** * **Snacks to eat along the way (sandwich, fruits, nuts, etc)** * **Comfortable shoes** * **Sunglasses** * **Headgear (cap/hat)** * **Sunscreen** * **Bug Spray** * **In case of Rain: plan accordingly** **Toilets:** **There are two toilets; at the start and end of the trail. There are no toilets along the way.** **Stores:** **There are places at the beginning and at the end of the trail. It is best to come prepared with water and snacks.** **Meeting Point:** **Tai Po Market MTR Station - Exit A3** ********\*****We'll need to take Minibus 20R and get off at Wu Kau Tang which takes about 1 hour OR we take taxis and arrive in 24 min. I suggest we share taxis and share the costs. Please bring some cash.**** **Time:** **10:00 am (SHARP!)** **IMPORTANT:** **Out of respect to the members that arrive on time, we will only be able to wait a maximum of 5 minutes. Should you arrive after 10:05 am, I will no longer be answering phone calls or responding to messages as I need to give my time and attention to those that have arrived on time.**

Campfires Events This Week

Discover what is happening in the next few days

Beach BBQ
Beach BBQ
Warm weather is on its way! Come join us for a Tandem BBQ and get started on the summer season! Bring your swimwear and your tastiest BBQ food for a fun time of swimming and cooking. **The Plan** * 1300 At the Chung Hom Kok Beach BBQ Area * 1330 BBQing starts * 1700 end **What to do** 1. RSVP here and let us know if you want to use a meat-free BBQ pit. 2. Be sure to join the BBQ WhatsApp group! If you’re new and/or don’t yet know the organiser, please DM the organiser via Meetup to get their contact details. 3. Please enable DMs from other members and turn on notifications so that our team can communicate with you. 4. On the day of, please bring (or FPS) $20 to help pay for charcoal and support replacing basic supplies in our BBQ box. 5. Bring your own food and drinks and volunteer to bring 1 item to share! Hope to see you there! **What is included** We have built a box of reusable BBQ items that includes BBQ forks, tongs, and other simple items. We will also be bringing several bags of charcoal. Before the event, we will make a list of items that are in the box and items that we are asking people to bring to share **What is NOT included** Food and drink are NOT included. There are no shops near the beach, so please purchase everything in town before arriving. We recommend bringing a towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, food to BBQ, and drinks (including plenty of water). **In case of inclement weather** If the event needs to be cancelled due to the Observatory issuing a red or black rainstorm warning, we will reschedule the event for a Sunday in June (which will be voted on in the Whatsapp). **Please note** 1. The exact location of the venue and payment account number will be announced in the WhatsApp event group. 2. We run all our event communication through WhatsApp. Please keep track of event related messages in the WhatsApp event group and respond to requests and instructions from organisers within 24 hours. Please don’t put the chat on mute. If our team don’t receive your response within 24 hours, we will move you to “Not Going”. 3. We encourage language inclusivity at all our events. If you aren’t confident in English, please let our team know. We will try to provide bilingual support where possible and/or will try and introduce you to other language speakers you’re more comfortable with. Please be mindful that we might not be able to accommodate all languages at all events, but we will do our best to make everyone feel welcome and heard. 4. All payments are non-refundable. If you can’t make it, you’ll have to find your own replacement, re-sell your own ticket, and inform the organisers of who is taking your place. 5. If you sign up, but can no longer make it, please update your RSVP as soon as possible and tell the organisers. Updating your RSVP well ahead of the event allows us to manage the waitlist; allow other people to attend; know who to look out for at the start of the event. 6. If you don’t have a clear face pic on your profile and/or your username doesn’t match the name you normally use, we can’t identify your payments nor match your RSVP with who you are in real life. If this is you, please ensure the organisers know who you are. If we can’t work out who you are within 24 hours of your RSVP, we will move you to “Not Going”. 7. Only group members and their guests with an RSVP may attend events; people who aren’t signed up will be refused entry to events. 8. If you don’t follow the conditions above, we will move you to “Not Going” for future events until you message us to confirm you will follow these conditions. We hope to see you there for a fun day in the sun! -Amy (she/they) & Kawai (he/him) For our event Terms & Conditions please click the [link](https://docs.google.com/document/d/149xOU6BLmCO6FI5pCIQptWHcsL5CFP5SohZXjYfMFOA/edit). By signing up to an event you are agreeing to these Terms & Conditions, including the Participation Waiver & Release of Liability.
🐉十八鄉天后寶誕+😋小食掃街@元朗 ShapPatHeung Tin Hau Festival + Street Food @Yuen Long
🐉十八鄉天后寶誕+😋小食掃街@元朗 ShapPatHeung Tin Hau Festival + Street Food @Yuen Long
**十八鄉天后寶誕 時間表schedule** 10am-3pm丁財兩旺會景巡遊 @元朗市中心(合益路-教育路-元朗體育路) #百呎的金龍、龍獅隊、花炮會、傳統服飾 3pm-4:30pm 典禮及表演 @朗藝徑+安興遊樂場 #3:00pm-3:20pm醒獅&麒麟 3:20pm-3:50pm粵劇:天后故事/賀誕折子戲 3:58pm-4:06pm武術表演) 4:30pm抽花炮 @大樹下天后廟 全天#更有美食市集、其才藝表演、文創工作坊、祈福牌坊、天后吉祥物、Q版花炮展。 10am-3pm Grand Parade @ Yuen Long Town Centre # *fa pau* groups and performance teams from different villages will present dragon dances, lion dances and other traditional performances (\**fa pau =* large floral tributes made of bamboo and paper) 3pm-4:30pm Ceremony & Performance @ stage at Long Ngai Path + On Hing Playground #3:00pm-3:20pm Dragon dances, Lion dances & Qilin fance 3:20pm-3:50pm Cantonese Opera / Excerpts 3:58pm-4:06pm Martial Arts Performance) 4:30pm *Fa pau* Raffle @ Tai Shu Ha Tin Hau Temple Also: food bazaar, giant *fa pau* exhibition (exceeding 9 metres in height), specialty stage performances, art and cultural workshops, adorable photo spots and a family fun zone. **\*\*\*本組活動大概時間表:** **可能有些朋友想睇得完滿,本組給大家** **10am-12:30pm 自己隨時先來行看巡遊** **12:30-1:15pm 群組一起行看巡遊,集合@朗屏港鐵站B出口/電聯** **1:15pm-2:45pm 相約大家周圍行+分享小食@例如: 肥姐蠔餅婆/ B仔涼粉/ 越南表嫂/ 嘉發小食/ 勝利牛丸/ 香蕉仔泰式煎餅,等等** **2:45-4:30pm 回遊樂場 睇表演+行市集+打卡影相** Our group proposed event: 10am-12:30pm Watch the whole parade from different village by himself/ herself 12:30-1:15pm Group-mate join together to watch, (assemble at Long Ping MTR station exit B) 1:15pm-2:45pm Walk around to share famous foodssss (each one contribute $100-> pay->share food) 2:45-4:30pm back to stage to watch performance, go for market, take photos **日期:2026年5月9日(星期日)** **時間:12:30pm-4:30pm** **地點:元朗市中心** 集合時間及地點:1)@12:25-12:35pm @朗屏港鐵站B出口,出閘後八達通查閱機旁等; 2)電聯 名額:8人 **Date: 9 May, 2026 (Saturday)** **Time: 12:30pm-4:30pm** **Address: Yuen Long Town Centre** Assemble: 1) @12:25-12:35pm @Long Ping MTR station exit B where next to Octopus Enquiry Machines; 2) by call/whatsapp Seat: 8 people limited MeetUp費:自由定價價值,(晚餐費另計). 報名:按Attend-> 填寫1)聯絡電話號碼, 2)男/女, 3)你願意付出此次活動費用? 4)想食的食店及/或食物 -> 確認入選活動-> 繳費(入帳恆生銀行號碼: 359-366101-882 (NG Y\*\* S\*\*\*)/ FPS/PayMe: 97419423)-> 再以閣下電話whatsapp(97419423)以下資料: 1)MeetUp名字, 2)過帳通知書. MeetUp fee: Free pricing as you value, (Snack price excluded) Join: Click ‘Attend’-> Write down your 1)Contact number, 2)Male/Female, 3)Fee that you would pay for this event? 4) Expected food and/or store name? -> Get confirmation of being in the event-> Pay to Hang Seng Bank acc: 359-366101-882 (NG Y\*\* S\*\*\*)/ FPS/PayMe: 97419423-> Whatsapp 1)MeetUp name, 2)Payment notification \*\*\*a) 歡迎外地本地人一同熱鬧.請外地人指明語言. [Welcome foreigners. Please remark your language if you are foreigner.] \*\*\*b) 記緊携帶適量食水,外套,蚊怕水及防曬霜等. [Bring enough water and food, wind jacket, mosquito-resistant items and sun-block lotion if necessary.] \*\*\*c) 不作逾候,逾時者有可能不被參加,請預早抵達. [Late comer may be restricted to admit and continue in the activity.] \*\*\*d) 交費後若未能出席參與者,繳款不獲退回及轉讓.(除非活動取消而全數退款) [No refund or seat transfer after payment, unless is the cancellation of activity or by our group.] \*\*\*e) 活動如有拍照,以作記錄和宣傳用途. [Photos taken by our group during activity will be as record and promotion.] \*\*\*f) 凡超過3次No Show者,本組有權將該組員移離本群組. [When there are 3 No Show, we have the right to ban you out from our group.]
Come Waan Friends 潛水體驗團
Come Waan Friends 潛水體驗團
可以[whatsapp](https://wa.me/message/CEWCM2DO6ENDN1)查詢詳情 Come Waan Friends 潛水體驗團 想試潛水但唔知自己岩唔岩?今個初夏,想暫時抽離繁忙都市節奏,來一趟集陽光、音樂與海洋體驗於一身嘅短途旅程?🌊🎶 深圳大鵬半島沙灘音樂派對深海潛水之旅,將於2026年5月9日至10日舉行,兩日一夜帶你投入悠閒海邊假期,感受截然不同嘅週末氛圍。 行程已包括專車接送、星級酒店住宿、自由潛水及水肺潛水課程與教練指導、水肺潛水裝備、沙灘音樂派對、沙灘排球、快艇接送,以及攝影攝像服務,連水底攝影都包括在內,絕對係一次玩樂同打卡兼備嘅精彩體驗📸🤿 === 🌈 行程亮點 === 🎢 自由潛水(1:4-5)及水肺潛水(1:1),由教練指導,每人體驗約半小時,裝備全包 💦 水底攝影 🎇 沙灘音樂派對 📅 日期:2026年5月9日至10日(兩日一夜) 📍 地點:深圳大鵬 👥 名額:12位 🕒 時間:9/5 早上10點福田口岸出發,10/5 傍晚返港 💰 費用:每位 $2998(已包括交通、自由潛水及水肺潛水費用與裝備、9/5 午餐、9/5 燒烤晚餐、10/5 午餐及住宿費用) 🎉 早鳥優惠:5月1日前付款即減 $50! 👫 二人同行:每位再減 $50!優惠可疊加,真係抵玩到極! 🛡️ 保險:可加購旅遊保險,每位 $90(非強制,可按需要選擇) 行程簡介: 第一日由福田集合出發,抵達酒店後先享用午餐,再稍作休息,下午於酒店泳池集合體驗自由潛水(教練1:4-5)。夜晚換上輕便夏日裝束,前往沙灘音樂餐吧,一邊享受海邊晚餐,一邊投入DJ音樂派對,氣氛即時升溫🔥 第二日早上自然醒後,可悠閒享用酒店早餐及自由時光;中午用餐後前往碼頭,乘船出發到潛水點,展開海洋探秘水肺深潛體驗,由教練一對一帶領,親身感受深海世界嘅魅力🐠  與本地持牌旅行社合作(Jan Hang (Hong Kong) International Travel Limited,牌照號碼353983) [#沙灘音樂派對](https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/%E6%B2%99%E7%81%98%E9%9F%B3%E6%A8%82%E6%B4%BE%E5%B0%8D/) [#深海潛水之旅](https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/%E6%B7%B1%E6%B5%B7%E6%BD%9B%E6%B0%B4%E4%B9%8B%E6%97%85/) [#自由潛水體驗](https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/%E8%87%AA%E7%94%B1%E6%BD%9B%E6%B0%B4%E9%AB%94%E9%A9%97/) [#水肺潛水](https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/%E6%B0%B4%E8%82%BA%E6%BD%9B%E6%B0%B4/) [#comewaanfriends](https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/comewaanfriends/)
BBQ Party on Sat
BBQ Party on Sat
(Partner's Event) BBQ Party at ShenZhen Time: Every Sat 19:00 - 23:00 (Usually) Location: The Crazy Coconut Bar, ShenZhen Longhua Baishilong, 3rd floor, 3N100, Above Metro Exit B2 (BaiShiLong Metro Station) 瘋狂酒吧, 深圳龍華白石龍地鐵站B2上方,3樓 Refer to the picture for details on the BBQ Sat event.

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Trails & Ales! Blendon Woods Metro Park / Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery
Trails & Ales! Blendon Woods Metro Park / Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery
**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.
First Look at Bank Run
First Look at Bank Run
Ultimate Frisbee at Whetstone
Ultimate Frisbee at Whetstone
Fun Fridays - Fire Station Tour 🚒
Fun Fridays - Fire Station Tour 🚒
Memorial Day Potluck Cookout!
Memorial Day Potluck Cookout!
Base Camp at the Zoo
Base Camp at the Zoo
Ultimate Frisbee on Saturday
Ultimate Frisbee on Saturday