Culinary Travel

Join Social Sips & Bites for our Wednesday Happy Hour. Great drinks, easy conversation, new faces, familiar faces, and that signature SSB energy that turns a simple night out into something memorable. https://www.capitalonecenter.com/the-perch

* **“What if sleep is more than rest?”** * **Have you ever had a dream that felt more real than reality?** * **Could our nightly experiences offer insight, meaning, or a broader perspective on life?** **Join us for a welcoming spiritual discussion. Come as you are… and explore what unfolds.** **FREE EVENT VIA ZOOM: 🔗[ONLINE SPIRITUAL DISCUSSION](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83717909160?pwd=4z00SOFYWKhdIKzfl02SCZiTGSLwei.1)** **Meeting ID: 837 1790 9160** **Passcode: 790616** **📞Dial in: (301) 715-8592** **Questions?** **Call or text: (301) 439-2120; Email: [MEC@eckankarmaryland.org](mailto:MEC@eckankarmaryland.or)** **Presented by the Maryland & D.C. Satsang Societies Inc., Chartered Affiliates of ECKANKAR.** **Copyright © 2026 ECKANKAR. The terms ECKANKAR, ECK, EK, MAHANTA, SOUL TRAVEL, and VAIRAGI, among others, are trademarks of ECKANKAR, PO Box 2000, Chanhassen, MN 55317-2000 U.S.A.**

Mama Lucia's in Rockville has half-priced bottles of wine on Weds. They also have the best pizza and my favorite type (NYC-style). They have great pasta dishes too. If it's nice, we can sit outside. Great view of the parking lot. LOL Have a look at their menu: [Mamma Lucia Menu | Order Pizza, Pasta Online Delivery & Pickup](https://mammaluciarestaurants.com/menu/) Please pay $2 via Venmo to @DIANNEE-GODAR for this event or I will have to remove you from the guest list. Thank you All aboard mates!

This group was originally started by Chad Keith who created and hosts a podcast by the same name in Charlotte, NC. I am hoping to continue his legacy here in NoVa as I recently moved to this area. This group is all about finding community around self-improvement and exchanging ideas on how to be your best self and get the most out of life. This group is for anyone who is interested in overcoming average in all areas - career, ambitions, relationships, hobbies, health, everything. I am so excited to meet driven individuals in the NoVa area so please reach out if you have any questions at all. EVERYONE is welcome so please sign up for an upcoming meetup!

**Trivia Night is Back!** Congratulations to our team last week at Celtic House (Fernando, Scott, Eileen and myself). We won first place so we are going back to Celtic House this week for Wednesday night trivia! The game starts later here, at 8:00 pm. Please arrive by 7:30. Right now we are planning on just one team. If we get enough signed up on the waitlist, we may open it up to two teams. **Please remember, if you sign up, we are counting on you to be part of the team!** If you realize you can’t make it, please change your rsvp early enough so someone on the waitlist can take your place. Spots are limited, we can only have 7 players. This is a great chance to connect, have some fun, and show off our smarts. Come for the fun, stay for the friendly competition- let's show everyone how SSB does trivia!

June's discussion focuses on the classic DC mystery, "Murder in the White House" by Margaret Truman. From Amazon, "In a town where the weapon of choice is usually a well-aimed rumor, the strangling of Secretary of State Lansard Blaine in the Lincoln Bedroom is a gruesome first. White House counsel Ron Fairbanks is ordered to investigate. There are persistent rumors that the Secretary was an accomplished womanizer with ties to a glamorous call girl. There is also troubling evidence of unofficial connections with international wheeler-dealers. In death as in life, Blaine is a power to be reckoned with. For Fairbanks, who loves the President's daughter, one point is soon clear: only a few highly placed insiders had access to the Lincoln Bedroom that fateful evening. And one of them was the President..."

Some people eat to live. We live to eat — and we want you at the table. Fork & Wander is a D.C./NoVA food community built for people who get genuinely excited about a good meal. We meet up regularly to explore restaurants you’ve been meaning to try, hidden gems off the beaten path, cuisines that take you somewhere new, and spots so good you’ll wonder how you lived without them. No awkward networking. No cliques. No dress code. Just great food, easy conversation, and people who will absolutely order the thing they’ve never heard of. What we do: • Monthly group dinners across D.C., Arlington, and Northern Virginia • Cuisines from all over — we go everywhere and try everything • Occasional food crawls, market visits, and cooking nights • A welcoming mix of regulars and newcomers every time Whether you’re a serious foodie or just someone tired of eating alone — pull up a chair. The more the merrier, and the table’s always big enough. Who joins us: Food lovers, solo diners looking for community, couples, transplants exploring the city, and anyone who believes the best part of a meal is who you share it with. Come hungry. Leave with new favorites and new friends. 🥂

**A Journey Through the Soul of the American Wilderness** Step aboard and let the rails carry you into the heart of America’s wild beauty. With Amtrak’s Grand National Parks journey, the landscapes tell a story — of ancient mountains, roaring geysers, and valleys carved by time. Your adventure begins in the legendary Yellowstone National Park, where the earth breathes through steaming geysers and colorful hot springs. Witness the powerful eruption of Old Faithful, stand in awe at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and watch herds of bison and elk move across wide, golden valleys untouched by time. Next, journey westward to the granite cathedrals and misty waterfalls of Yosemite National Park. Beneath the towering heights of El Capitan and Half Dome, and among giant sequoias older than empires, you’ll walk through landscapes that have inspired generations of adventurers, poets, and dreamers. Finally, travel north aboard the famed Empire Builder to the wild, untouched splendor of Glacier National Park. Here, turquoise lakes, sweeping alpine meadows, and rugged peaks paint a portrait of nature’s raw, enduring beauty. Every trail, every mountain pass whispers of an ancient world still alive today. Throughout this unforgettable journey, the train is more than transportation — it’s a front-row seat to America’s greatest wonders. With comfortable accommodations, expert guides, and breathtaking views at every turn, this is not just a vacation — it’s a pilgrimage to the soul of the American wilderness. [Click Here for Full Details](https://www.suitcasegals.com/grand-national-parks-627-71225) \#\#\# Day 1\-Your Journey Begins in Chicago \(27 Jun\, 2026 \- 2 pm\) Head over to Union Station in Chicago to board the California Zephyr train heading West. Your journey to Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Glacier National Park has begun! (Overnight onboard Amtrak) \#\#\# Day 2\-Salt Lake City\, UT \(28 Jun\, 2026\) The train journey from Chicago encompasses both the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains. From golden grain fields to craggy mountain peaks, the scenery is magnificent! Later in the evening, your train arrives to Salt Lake City and you'll check in to your hotel for the night. (Overnight in Salt Lake City) \#\#\# Day 3\-Yellowstone National Park \-\(Salt Lake Express 1\-Way Shuttle Transfer Salt Lake City to Jackson\, WY\) \(29 Jun\, 2025\) Beautiful Vibrant Geysers in Norris Basin Yellowstone after Sunset Awake this morning and continue on to Yellowstone. Along the way you will take in a very scenic ride so keep your camera handy! (Overnight in West Yellowstone) \#\#\# Day 4\-Yellowstone National Park \(30 Jun\, 2026\) America's first national park is yours to explore today! Your tour picks you up for a journey through Yellowstone. Along the way, your guide will provide some amazing insights into the park, its history, and of course, its abundant wildlife. Famous spots such as Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs, Hayden Valley, and Yellowstone Lake are all part of the experience. There is no place on earth like Yellowstone National Park. (Overnight in West Yellowstone) \#\#\# Day 5\-Salt Lake Express 1\-Way Shuttle Transfer \- West Yellowstone to Salt Lake City \(1 Jul\, 2026\) \#\#\# Overnight Onboard Amtrak You are transported back to Salt Lake City today to board the train heading to San Francisco and Yosemite National Park. (Overnight onboard Amtrak) \#\#\# Day 6\-7 CA Salt Lake City Amtrak Station\, UT \(SLC\) to Emeryville\, CA \(EMY\) \(2 JUL\, 2025 11:40 PM\) \#\#\# Emeryville\, CA \(EMY\) to San Francisco\, CA \(SFC\) \(3 Jul\, 2026 \- Tonight, you will travel to San Francisco overnight \#\#\# Day 8\-San Francisco to Yosemite National Park \(4 JUL\, 2025\) After being picked up from your hotel, your tour will take you across the beautiful heartland of California to Yosemite National Park. The scenery here is breathtaking. From its wide-open meadows, bold mountains, and abundant forest, Yosemite is an endless parade of nature's beauty. In addition to your tour, you will have plenty of free time to wander a bit and take Yosemite at your own pace. Breathe in the clean fresh air as you take time to explore the park. After your day of exploring Yosemite, you will return in the evening to San Francisco. (Overnight in San Francisco) \#\#\# Day 9\-10 Sunday 5\-6 July 2026 \#\#\# On board train San Francisco\, CA \(SFC\) \- Seattle King Street Station\, WA \(SEA\) \#\#\# Rail Segments \(2\): San Francisco, CA (SFC) to Emeryville, CA (EMY) Emeryville, CA (EMY) to Seattle King Street Station, WA (SEA) \#\#\# Day 11: Tuesday 7 July 2026 Seattle King Street Station\, WA \(SEA\) \- East Glacier Park\, MT \(GPK\) Combine two great attractions. Visit both the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass. Two attractions you don't want to miss. Space Needle - The tower’s 520’ saucer-shaped “top house” offers visitors Seattle’s only 360-degree indoor and outdoor panoramic views of downtown, Mount Rainier, Puget Sound, and the Cascades and Olympic mountain ranges. Experience two entirely new levels of thrills! From an all-glass floor on the lower level to floor-to-ceiling glass on the upper level, Seattle’s “must see” is now a “must do.” Chihuly Garden and Glass - Provides a look at the inspiration and influences that inform the career of artist Dale Chihuly. Take full advantage of all the Exhibition has to offer. The centerpiece of Chihuly Garden and Glass is the Glasshouse, it is the result of Chihuly’s lifelong appreciation for conservatories. \#\#\# Seattle King Street Station\, WA \(SEA\) \- East Glacier Park\, MT \(GPK\) ### \#\#\# Day 12\-Glacier National Park\, MT \(8 Jul\, 2025\) You will arrive this morning to Glacier National Park, one of the most beautiful spots in North America. After checking in to your hotel, the day is free to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery all around you. (Overnight in Glacier National Park) \#\#\# Day 13\- Glacier National Park \(9 Jul\, 2025\) Climb aboard the charming, historic vessel, Sinopah, the oldest wooden boat in our fleet. Relax and enjoy all this “secret” valley offers, take in the scenery while learning about the rich Blackfeet tribal history surrounding the Two Medicine area. Upon docking at the head of the lake you can choose to remain on the boat or disembark and begin a self-guided hike or hike with one of our guides to Twin Falls and catch a later return boat. \#\#\# Day 14\- Glacier National Park Tour \(10 Jul\, 2025\) This tour starts from the high plains and covers an incredible area that is home to over 1500 species of plants, as well as multitudes of North American free-roaming wildlife, some of which include elk, deer, moose, antelope, black bears, and grizzly bears. From there, you will enter Glacier National Park from its East entrance at the St. Mary Visitor Center, and continue up on Going-to-the-Sun-Road. Take advantage of numerous photo opportunities along the route that may include stops such as Rising Sun, Deadhorse Curve, Wild Goose Island, Sun rift Gorge, Grizzly Point, Jackson Glacier Overlook, Big Bend, the Weeping Wall, and Logan Pass. \#\#\# Day 15\-Overnight Onboard Amtrak After enjoying a final breakfast at Glacier Park Lodge, you will cross over to the train station and board the Empire Builder once more. The journey through the Rockies is a once in a lifetime passage through soaring mountain ridges and past countless examples of natural splendor. As the mountains change to foothills and then plains, you will be treated to a little bit of everything the American outdoors has to offer. (Overnight onboard Amtrak) **B** \#\#\# Day 16\-Your Journey Ends in Chicago

🌇🍺🍷 DC Ravers Skyline Social One of the things that everyone has seemed to enjoy most about this group is meeting fellow EDM fans—not just at shows and festivals, but in settings where there’s actually time to talk and get to know one another. With that in mind, we’re trying something a little different. Join us Friday, June 26, for a rooftop happy hour at National Landing in a beautiful indoor/outdoor venue on an overlooking DC, the Potomac, National Airport, and the surrounding skyline. Whether you’ve attended several events, have been meaning to come to your first meetup, or simply want to meet other members of the community in a more relaxed setting, this will be a great opportunity to connect before the busy summer show season continues. ✅ Free entry 🍷 Wine and beer provided 🥤 BYOB if you’d like something else 🌇 Sunset views and skyline scenery 🎶 EDM fans, music lovers, and good conversation Afterward, those who are interested can continue the evening at any number of nearby restaurants, bars, rooftops, and nightlife spots In National Landing, which have developed quite a buzz in recent years. This is also one of our most accessible events, just steps from the Crystal City Metro, with numerous convenient and relatively inexpensive parking garages nearby. In the event of inclement weather, we’ll simply move the gathering to a nearby indoor venue, so the event will take place rain or shine. Because this is a private venue rather than a public bar, attendance will be limited. The exact address and access details will be provided to confirmed RSVPs. Looking forward to seeing familiar faces and meeting some new ones.

Welp, it's official. I'm moving to Taiwan on June 30. It would be great to see everyone before I go!

**NOTE: AN RSVP ON MEETUP DOES NOT SERVE AS A BOOKED SPOT. YOU MUST BOOK VIA LINK BELOW TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT.** **You must book your spot through our website: [[Booking Link Here](https://www.lesbifriendstravel.com/events/spritz-and-blooms)]** Florals, cocktails, and good company. That is the whole vibe. Lesbifriends Travel is teaming up as the June event partner for Spritz & Blooms, a signature garden party experience created by lead floral designer Alexandra Taylor of Taylor Made Blooms, with creative direction by Danielle René. We are transforming the Lesbifriends house into a floral utopia with bouquets you build yourself, signature wine spritz cocktails, light bites, and a special live solo performance by DMV queer singer/songwriter KattLandia. Come sip, mingle, and play in the flowers with your community. **Event Details** 📅 Date: Sunday, June 28, 2026 ⏰ Time: 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM 📍 Location: The Lesbifriends House, Southeast DC (address shared with confirmed guests) 💸 **Cost: $75** **What's Included with Your Ticket** Designer-led Bloom Bar to build your own bouquet Three drink tickets for our signature Spritz Bar (wine spritz cocktails and mocktails) More drinks will be available for purchase Light bites and charcuterie A live solo performance by KattLandia An afternoon designed for community and connection **Attire: Garden Party Chic** Think florals, pastels, linens, whites, neutrals, and vibrant colors. **Who This Event Is For:** Black queer women and non-binary folks who love getting creative with their hands, sipping something delicious, and meeting new people in a chic, sunlit, garden-style environment. ✨ Lesbifriends Travel invites you to come as you are, celebrate Pride with your people, and make it a tradition. Claim your spot here: **[Spritz & Blooms](https://www.lesbifriendstravel.com/events/spritz-and-blooms)**! Note: By attending this event, you agree to being photographed. However, if communicated, we will try our best not to capture you in photos and post you publicly. That request must be communicated ahead of time/at the beginning of the event to photographer and host.

After a few months away, we're excited to get back to exploring the world one meal at a time. For our June dining experience, we're heading to Qui Qui to enjoy the bold and delicious flavors of Puerto Rico! Expect great food, good vibes, lots of laughs, and the chance to connect with both familiar and new faces. **A few quick notes:** * Space is limited, so please RSVP only if you're committed to attending. * Everyone will be responsible for their own check. * New members are always welcome, so don't be shy—we'd love to meet you! We're looking forward to catching up, making new memories, and kicking off the second half of the year with an amazing dining experience. Can't wait to see everyone there! -Diana

Our next much-awaited **COLUMBUS** meetup is **Tuesday June 30th from 7-10 pm EST at ACE OF CUPS**. Meet patients, cultivators, processors, dispensary managers/staff, physicians, home growers, educators, activists, nonprofits, artists, attorneys, business owners, writers, students, and supporters to network, share our knowledge, collaborate, support each other and make new ones! Hope you will be there too! Save the date and pass the word. **Please RSVP** so we know who is coming and how many to expect. Find us to say hi and we will introduce you to others. We should be easy to spot. (The happy-looking group wearing cool nametags! See photos from our past events.) Sign in, grab a name tag, start your own bar/food tab, meet old friends and make new ones! Everyone is welcome. SEE YOU THERE!

Let’s check out this Mediterranean restaurant in Clintonville. Parking is the back or on the side streets. Check out the menu; https://allorakitchenbar.com/dinner/

This is a free, in person meeting. Burdened by a stressful relationship? Unhealthy relationships can trigger feelings of anger, despair or self-doubt. They can create dwindling spirals of fights and seeking to make-up, or trying to “pin the blame” on someone or something. If you don’t find the RIGHT reasons, or select the correct sources of the problem, the problem can just get worse and worse. Whether in love or personal ties, with friends or at work, our life really IS affected by the quality of our relationships. Good ones can promote pleasure and survival while less optimum ones can lead to annoyance, anger, self-doubt, stress, or even affect our health and ability to survive well. Whether you are suffering from a divorce, or a painful break-up, don’t know who to trust (or who to CHOOSE) as a partner, friend, boss or employee - the anxiety of relationship troubles can really make a mess of things. Maybe you’ve suffered a betrayal, or are dealing with hostility or criticalness or invalidation. Dwindling relationships can involve destructive behavior, where we hurt those we love, or start succumbing to self-destructive thoughts, attitudes or behaviors that spiral out of control and affect much more than our immediate relationship. Past losses in love or life can affect how we act or react to new people and situations and hold us back from even starting to create new, possibly great relationships! How can one get back onto a saner course of action? Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life: human relationships! Break free from self imposed limitations Here we will discuss: • How to “erase” the trauma of past hurts and betrayals so that one isn’t always repeating past mistakes. • Why and how do the negative emotions of others affect you? • Why is my partner withdrawing and what can I do about it? • Why do we sometimes feel compelled to hurt the ones we love? • Fights & arguments - what's really behind them? • What underlies “corrosive criticism” or the need to invalidate self or others? • How one can stably change one’s outlook on life so they can affect positive change? • Where do compulsive destructive behaviors come from and what can be done about them? • How to form closer bonds & keep growing the relationships with the people you care about? • How to enhance one’s own ability to survive and create positive healthy relationships whether in love, family & friendships or in work, business or one’s career? Relationships can be hard and life itself IS challenging. Why not arm yourself with the knowledge and breakthroughs that have been made about the mind, mental reactions & interpersonal relationships, so that one has better awareness and control over themselves and life in general. Learn where painful experiences are “stored” and how they can unknowingly affect us. You will also find out how one can “erase” those past painful experiences so that one is free to move forward without being tripped up by the past. Learn too, about what can lead some people to become “toxic” personalities and how to identify those traits in others so you won’t be tripped up trusting the wrong person. Our free Meet-ups occur in a safe environment where one can learn, without fear of judgment or criticism, and without the recommendation of harmful mental techniques or therapies, just how YOU can get yourself onto a happier & more successful path: in love & in life. We look forward to having you join us! This class is sponsored by the Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

Join us for a fun and relaxing brunch at Carfagna’s! Come enjoy delicious Italian food, great conversation, and a chance to connect with other amazing women in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re new to the group or a familiar face, we’d love to see you there. Please RSVP early so we can plan seating. Looking forward to a great brunch together!

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Grandview Grind](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063534163841)!

This is not an event, but an announcement that we are accepting new members. If you'd like to pursue joining our group, please read the "about us" section and then write us at columbusmensgroup@gmail.com with a few paragraphs about yourself, what you'd like to experience in the group, and the contribution that you'd like to make. Thank you!