Day Trips

The last planetarium event went so well let's see a different show. This one is called Stars Tonight. The show brings out the telescope to see the night sky: https://www.apsva.us/planetarium/weekend-programming Tickets are $5 and can only be bought with cash at the door. The show starts at 7:30 but let's meet up at Tortas Y Tacos La Chiquita lll in Arlington beforehand. It isn’t Star Wars themed but that won’t stop us from celebrating Star Wars Day. Free Parking: I attached a picture of a map that shows where some free street parking is. * N Nelson St on the East side of Quincy Park * N Stafford St on the West Side of Washington-Liberty High School * There are a few free street parking spots on N Quincy St across from the planetarium * In addition, the planetarium has a parking lot Metro is also an option. We are between the Ballston and Virginia Square metro stations. The David M Brown Planetarium is at 1426 N Quincy St, Arlington, VA 22207 right around the corner from Tortas Y Tacos La Chiquita lll.

Let's try a different venue and eat some sushi while playing trivia! 54 Restaurant is conveniently located at Springfield Mall, and features a full menu of Asian fusion cuisine and happy hour specials. This game has been catching on lately with trivia players, due to the good food and generous prizes. Parking will be easy, as you can just park in the mall lot and enter the restaurant from the outside. Note that the venue is on the Loisdale Rd. side of the mall (to the right of LA Fitness). Please arrive by 6:45 pm to find the team and settle in. Team size will be limited to six people, so sign up now to grab a spot at this unique venue!

DCC's "Monday Moves" City Tour to DC Monuments and Points of Interest Join DCC and Conte’s Bike Shop (Navy Yard) for a fun 20 mile ride to the Capitol, Hains Point, Jefferson Memorial, FDR Memorial, MLK, Jr. Memorial, National Park Services Stables, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, World War II Memorial, Monument, DC Wharf, Titanic Memorial, Frederick Douglas Memorial Bridge, Morris Road Overlook. This ride will be geared towards our newer riders (with a chill pace and no one left behind), but all are welcomed. This ride will be on the streets, trails and sidewalks. We will go over things to help riders become more comfortable with riding in groups. We will meet at Conte’s Navy Yard Bike Shop at 10 am and depart at 10:15. All riders should bring their own hydration and nutrition, as well as a spare inner tube. *** Please, no music that can be heard by other riders or ear headphones that impede your hearing. Parking is limited at the Navy Yard, so for those driving, an option is to park at Anacostia Park (aquatic center) and take 11th street bridge to M Street, then a left on 4th. ****all riders ride at their own risk**** If there is a chance of inclement weather expected on Monday, a cancelation notice will be posted by 9:00 pm on Sunday; otherwise, the ride will take place. Below is a link to the ride: (~18 miles and ~586 ft of elevation) https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41286640

Banshee Reeks, designated as a Virginia State Treasure in 2016, is a 695-acre nature preserve located near Leesburg, VA. Protected under a permanent conservation easement, the property's 20 miles of hiking trails allow visitors to observe the diversity of flora and fauna that call the preserve home. We will meet at the Vienna South Metro Station at 9:00 AM and carpool to the trailhead. Drive time is about 45 minutes. Please post a comment below if you are willing to drive. Carpooling saves the environment and makes friends. ## **Trail Facts** * **Difficulty Level: Easy** * **Length:** 7.5 Miles * **Duration:** 3-4 hrs * **Elevation Gain:** 466 Feet * **Permits:** None * **Parking:** Vienna South Metro Station * **Dogs:** Must be leashed and under control at all times. * **Trailhead Coordinates:** 39.028277603032315, -77.5997077224149 * **[AllTrails Map](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-february-16-2025-f4f691a?u=i&sh=kucj8c)** **Trail Details:** Our route through Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve will showcase varied habitat types, including meadows, forests, and wetlands. We will pass by Goose Creek, a State Scenic River, two small ponds, and a few of the structures that were used when this property was a farm. Depending on time and interest, we can stop by the Visitor Center before or after the hike to chat with the friendly staff and check out the exhibits. If you'd like to learn more about Banshee Reeks and its history, please visit [the preserve website](https://bansheereeksnp.org/). If you end up driving, the trailhead coordinates will take you to the main parking lot, which is about 5 minutes into the preserve after you pass through the entrance gate. If for some reason that lot is full then you can park in the overflow lot, which you will pass on your drive in. There is a restroom available inside the Visitor Center for you to use both before and after the hike. **Banshee Reeks is a nature preserve and is not treated for ticks, so please make sure to bring and apply the appropriate repellent before the hike.** On the way back, I plan to stop at Quattro Goombas Winery and Craft Brewery in Aldie, VA. The address is 22860 James Monroe Hwy, Aldie, VA 20105. **Itinerary:** 9:00 AM: Meet at the Vienna South Metro Station. 9:15 AM: Depart for the trailhead. 10:00 AM: Arrive and begin the hike. 2:00 PM: Finish the hike, drive to Quattro Goombas, and eat. 3:30 PM: Depart for the carpooling location. 4:15 PM: Arrive at the Vienna South Metro Station. *(Setting the end time to 5:00 PM to allow time for the unexpected.)* **LIABILITY NOTICE:** Please remember that this group is an informal group of friends and volunteers initiating trips under [the common adventurer model](http://www.ronwatters.com/CADefine.htm). We do expect our members to be familiar with the best practices of hiking – this is not a group for first-time hikers and is NOT a group for those seeking hiking instruction. We're also not experts or professionals, nor are we trained hike leaders, nor do we scout out hikes. We plan hikes for fun. You are responsible for your own welfare and safety at all events. Be sure to choose to attend hikes only within your own physical abilities and hiking knowledge; take maps, suitable clothing, provisions (at least two liters of water plus any food or medical supplies you might require), and equipment, and act responsibly and safely at all times. If you ever believe you may be lost, follow [the advice of the US Forest Service](https://www.fs.fed.us/visit/know-before-you-go/if-you-get-lost). Organizers and members shall not be liable for any injuries, loss, or damage to persons or property, direct or consequential, arising from any aspect this group’s activities. By attending this event, you represent that you agree to personally assume any and all risks associated with the Activity. You further agree to hold group organizers harmless from any and all claims, loss or damage to personal property, liabilities and costs, including attorney’s fees, as a result of my participation in this Activity, including travel to and from the Activity or any events incidental to this Activity. **[FEATURED IMAGE SOURCE](https://www.angelinamlopez.com/blog/2014/11/4/banshee-reeks-nature-preserve)**

**Please read entire post!** Let's go to Europe Together! 🇫🇷🇩🇪🇮🇹🇪🇸 Join us for one of DC’s most exciting cultural events—Embassy Day. On May 9th, the European embassies open their doors to the public! Experience food, culture, music, and architecture from across Europe—all in one day. ⚠️ Important: You MUST Choose a Team Please use this sign up sheet to sign up for your TEAM: [https://grasshoppersignup.com/s/uukcb3](https://grasshoppersignup.com/s/uukcb3) To make the most of the day (and avoid long wait times), we’re organizing into four breakout teams, each starting at one of the most popular—and more distant—embassies: 🅰️ TEAM A **(arrive at 9:30am)** – France 🇫🇷 (Start your day here) Then continue to: Croatia 🇭🇷 Greece 🇬🇷 Estonia 🇪🇪 Latvia 🇱🇻 Portugal 🇵🇹 Bulgaria 🇧🇬 Luxembourg 🇱🇺 Cyprus 🇨🇾 🅱️ TEAM B **(arrive at 9:30am)**– Italy 🇮🇹 (Start your day here) Then continue to: Croatia 🇭🇷 Greece 🇬🇷 Estonia 🇪🇪 Latvia 🇱🇻 Portugal 🇵🇹 Bulgaria 🇧🇬 Luxembourg 🇱🇺 Cyprus 🇨🇾 🅲 TEAM C **(arrive at 9:30am)**– Germany 🇩🇪 (Start your day here) Then continue to: Croatia 🇭🇷 Greece 🇬🇷 Estonia 🇪🇪 Latvia 🇱🇻 Portugal 🇵🇹 Bulgaria 🇧🇬 Luxembourg 🇱🇺 Cyprus 🇨🇾 🅳 TEAM D **(arrive at 9:30am)** – Spain 🇪🇸 (Start your day here) Then continue to: Croatia 🇭🇷 Greece 🇬🇷 Estonia 🇪🇪 Latvia 🇱🇻 Portugal 🇵🇹 Bulgaria 🇧🇬 Luxembourg 🇱🇺 Cyprus 🇨🇾 🕘 Game Plan Each team will start in the morning at their starting embassy to beat the crowds. Its important that you arrive around 9:30 AM, because lines will start to form. After your starting location, you’ll follow your team route and explore the other embassies listed above. 🚗 Transportation Note Please Note: The embassies of France, Germany, Italy, and Spain embassies are farther away from the main cluster of embassies. We made them our starting embassies, because they usually have the longest lines, so if we start our day there, we can possibly avoid the lines, if we get there early enough. 🚕 We strongly recommend taking an Uber/Lyft to get from your starting embassy to the other embassies. 🚗 You can all share an Uber ride from the starting embassies and split the cost among each other. 📢For Example if you're starting off at the French embassy and you finish, then you will need to uber to downtown DC to visit all the other embassies on the list. ✅️These four embassies (France, Germany, Spain and Italy) are some of the most popular stops of the day. Starting early helps us avoid long lines and cover more ground. Let’s explore Europe right here in DC 💗

Social Sips & Bites family - this is the kind of day we do best. Easy, fun, and full of connection. We’re taking things to the water with a full afternoon of cruising, exploring, eating, and just enjoying the moment together. No stress, no rush… just good vibes and great people from start to finish. ⸻ **MEET UP — 12:00 PM** L’Enfant Plaza (D & 7th St Exit) Metro: Orange, Blue, Silver Drive: 400 7th St SW (free parking on Sunday nearby) ⸻ **THE RIDE 🚤** We’re cruising the Potomac together Wharf → Alexandria: 12:45 – 1:15 Alexandria → Wharf: 5:00 – 5:30 **Round Trip: $44** Grab your ticket: https://share.google/MR4rRnrVghl6t56e8 ⸻ **ALEXANDRIA VIBES** 🍕🍦 We step off the boat and the day just flows 1. Walk the waterfront. Take in the views 2. Andy’s Pizza — one of the best slices around https://share.google/TOnyMxiqTkhTYGXBF 3. Before heading back… Pop’s Old Fashion Ice Cream https://share.google/hWiZ8i8M06mayPbxM ⸻ This is one of those effortless, perfect SSB days Sunshine, water, food, laughs, and that signature SSB energy

Join us for a fun and lively **Trivia Happy Hour** at The Greene Turtle! Test your knowledge with a mix of trivia questions while enjoying great food, drinks, and even better company. Come with friends or make some when you arrive; either way, it’s all about having fun, sharing laughs, and a little friendly competition. We can’t wait to see you there!

Get checked your bucket list by visiting this fascinating destination! Start in Maun and end in Kasane! With the Safari tour Moremi reserve and Chobe NP Photographic Safari, you have a 10 days tour package taking you through Maun, Botswana and 5 other destinations in Botswana. Tour Start Maun Tour End Kasane Flights • Arrival: Day01 before 2pm • Return: Day10 after 4pm Fly IN Airport: Maun Intl. airport (Botswana) Fly OUT Airport: kasane Intl. airport (Botswana) Itinerary Day01 Maun Day02 Moremi Game Reserve Day03 Moremi Game Reserve Day04 Khwai Day05 Game drives and Mokoro excursion Day06 Chobe National Park Day07 Chobe National Park Day08 Chobe National Park Day09 Chobe National Park: game drive and cruise Day10 Chobe National Park and transfer to Kasane Cost: $3990 (Double Occupancy) $4520 (Single Supplement) Inclusions Price Includes * 2 person spacious dome tent (L3m x W3m x H2.20m) with built in groundsheet, 2 large aerating * windows with mosquito netting. * high density foam mattress, * sleeping bag and pillow. * Bucket shower facilities * A large canvas tent (7m x 5m) is used as a dining area. * Services of a professional guide, safari chef and camp assistants * Meals as per the itinerary * Tea and coffee available in camp * bottoled water is provided * Spacious and comfortable tented accommodation * High density foam matress and bedding * Services of a professional guide, safari chef and camp assistants * Utility vehicle for more than 4 pax * Game drives and local transfers in customised safari vehicles * Exclusive camping in private campsites within the national parks and reserves * All entrance and camping fees within the national parks and reserves * All meals (mineral water, tea, coffee) whilst in Travel Creations Botswana Tented Camps * All activities as specified in the itinerary * All transportation included as per the itinerary. Please mind that the tour starts in Maun and ends in Kasane Price Excludes * Flights * Meals other than mentioned in the itinerary * Personal Expenses * Optional activities * Travel insurance / Visa * Tips ———————————————— For detailed itinerary and to reserve your seat follow the link below: [https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/botswana-moremi-reserve-chobe-np-photographic-safari/](https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/botswana-moremi-reserve-chobe-np-photographic-safari/) Questions? Text / Call - 2023787696 - Himanshu - Organizer

Join us for 2 loops of the 1.1 mile trail surrounding Civic Park In Reynoldsburg this Thursday (5/7) at 6:30 pm. This is a fully paved trail so no worries about mud after a rainy week. Just come and get some exercise while connecting with others.

Who’s up for a fun night out? Get your boots on, grab your cowboy hat, and let’s have some fun! Thinking about checking out PBR Cowboy Bar & Smokehouse for a lively evening to unwind, connect, and enjoy the night together. • Lively atmosphere with country vibes • Delicious food + drinks • Music, dancing, and lots of laughs • Great conversation and new connections