Outdoors

PUT AN END TO AUTO! Would you like to learn to use your camera properly and get the shots you want by choice and not by accident? Attending this small group workshop will give you a strong understanding of the essentials needed to get the results you're looking for. This session will include theory and practical exercises to apply what you have learned. By the end of this session you forget about only getting great results by accident, and feel confident that you understand how to get your camera to do what you want! This is the end of Auto! WHAT YOU WILL LEARN: * The important dials and buttons on your camera * Exposure triangle: Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO * Focusing * Histogram * White Balance * Depth of Field * Metering * And much more... **PAYMENT OPTIONS** * **PayPal via RSVP** * The Meetup transaction fee will be added. and you'll automatically be added to attend * **Send £30 via PayPal** to \*\*[creativebeansproductions@gmail.com**](http://creativebeansproductions@gmail.com%2A%2A/) with no extra fee. * Send us a text or comment below and we will add you to the event attendee list. EXPERIENCE Beginners / Refreshers EQUIPMENT * Any camera * Any lens OTHER ESSENTIALS * A fun and experimental attitude! TRAVEL As usual check TFL website for any issues that may delay your journey. CONTACT Alex 07956 264049 **A WEEKEND IN VENICE – Oct 2026** [https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographicopa/events/313109095/](https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographicopa/events/313109095/) **MONTHLY EVENTS** [https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographicopa](https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographicopa)

Over the last nine years, Silverfit has been able to offer exercise to everyone over 50 in Brockwell Park. Together with Silverfit, I have done my best to keep the exercise fun for everyone, no matter if you are fit or not so fit, strong or not so strong, sporty or not so sporty. And, over all, I think we have done that pretty well! We have had some glorious years, and we made many, many friends over that time. Silverfit managed to keep it going through the good times and the hard Covid years, but unfortunately, the reality of the current economic climate is hitting Silverfit hard. Many councils and charities that have supported Silverfit over the years have stopped funding, and without funding, Silverfit just simply cannot keep going. Recently, they have had to take the hard decision to cut quite a number of their activities, and unfortunately, Nordic Walking in Brockwell park is one of the sessions that needs to be stopped. Yesterday afternoon was our last session for Silverfit. But…. I aim to keep your Tuesday walk going! So many of you love our Tuesday session, and it would just be too sad to stop completely. I would like to keep the Silver Tuesday session going under my own company, Fit and Happy Outdoors. Sadly, I cannot do this for free, as I do need to make a living. But in order to keep this session available for everyone, I plan to keep our Tuesday afternoon session at a highly reduced rate compared to my normal rates. New rates for our Silver Tuesday walks: 10 sessions for £45 (my normal rate is 10 sessions for £90). For those of you who struggle financially, I am happy to reduce this rate to £30, or even offer it for free. I can of course only do this if enough of you pay the normal rate, and I trust you will only ask for a reduction if you really need it. As I said, I do this for my living, but I don’t want money to be the reason you miss out on the benefits of Nordic Walking and spending time with our lovely group of friends. If you are already a member of Fit and Happy Outdoors and you pay monthly, then the Tuesday session is included in your fee. No extra payment is necessary (unless you’d like to sponsor someone who cannot pay) How does it work? 1) Please email me at Ailien at Fitandhappyoutdoors dot com, and let me know if you agree with me sending you an invoice for the full rate, or if you need a reduced rate. 2) I will then send you an invoice with my bank details on it. 3) Once I have received your payment in my bank account, I will hand you a 10-session card at the first session I see you 4) Every time you come walking on Tuesday, I will stamp your card 5) Once you have walked 10 times, I will send you a new invoice for the next 10. Payment: I really, really, prefer bank transfers. If you really do not do bank transfers, then you can pay me in cash. No cheques please (I really try to avoid having to go to the bank, it is just too much hassle). If you or a friend only comes once in a very blue moon, then they can pay £5 in cash for the session (only banknotes please. Help a girl out, I do enough weightlifting already 😊) Are you a walk leader? You are always welcome and do not have to pay me. I am grateful for your help! Do we still need to sign up? 1) Have your own poles? No need to sign up. But, if there is a weather warning, please check in with me as I might have to cancel and if I don’t know you are planning to come, I might not be able to tell you it’s cancelled 2) Happy to use the Meetup app, then sign up for your walk here? If you sign in, I will know you are planning to come, and it will be easy for me to let you know if I do need to cancel a session. 3) Need to borrow poles from me? Please text me ON THE DAY OF THE WALK to ask me to bring a set. My number is 078 078 3456 4. Just use normal text, no Whatsapp please, as I will probably miss your message. Any questions? Feel free to reply to this email, or text me on the number above.

**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/47829 **Game Description:** Weekly 1hr scrimmage session hosted by Southside Titans. Session is open to all... but not to all levels! Join if you have a love for basketball and you are keen to play with an international team of experienced ballers in a friendly, but competitive setting. A chance to know the team and possibly join their roster competing in the United London Basketball League (ULBL). 📍Entrance is via the gate on Pitman Street 🚗 Parking available **Rules** Hosted by Southside Titans, a basketball team playing in the United London Basketball League (ULBL).

**London's first multi-sensory aerial relaxation experience with live ambient music, gongs, aromatherapy and aerial hammocks. An Oasis of Calm in our Busy Lives.** # Aerial Relaxation Pods - Sound Journey Gong Bath Meditation in Hammocks ### **ABOUT AERIAL RELAXATION PODS™** London's first **multi-sensory aerial relaxation experience with a short guided meditation, live ambient music: gongs, crystal bowls, vocals, other live instruments and nurturing electronica, aromatherapy eye pillows and scents, sky-blue silky aerial hammocks** to soothe your stresses away and lift your spirit! **A very unique, next level sound journey experience!** *"An oasis of calm in our busy lives."* Londoners stressed out by their busy lives can now turn to Aerial Relaxation Pods™ to transform their tension to calm, and restore the body’s natural healing wisdom. ***(please confirm all dates / times / venue via eventbrite. Not all dates are correct on meetup!)*** **PLEASE NOTE:** Please book via eventbrite. There are very limited spaces, and no sales on the door. an RSVP here on meetup is not a ticket! **For more information and bookings:** [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/aerial-relaxation-pods-sound-journey-gong-bath-meditation-in-hammocks-tickets-84883457707?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/aerial-relaxation-pods-sound-journey-gong-bath-meditation-in-hammocks-tickets-84883457707?aff=oddtdtcreator) *“Our pods are here to help Londoners relax. As a former teacher myself, I am fully aware of just how busy and stressed a lot of people are. And most of us just don't find the time to unwind. Our **Aerial Relaxation Pods** are going to help you alleviate stress, providing time & space to allow your body to deeply rest, harmonising your nervous system. You’ll feel rejuvenated and refreshed after one session.” -* Seth Newman, co-founder of Aerial Relaxation Pods**™**.

Black Swan is a 2010 American psychological horror thriller film directed by Darren Aronofsky from a screenplay by Mark Heyman, John McLaughlin, and Andres Heinz, based on a story by Heinz. The film stars Natalie Portman in the lead role, with Vincent Cassel, Mila Kunis, Barbara Hershey, and Winona Ryder in supporting roles. The plot revolves around a production of Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake by the company of New York City Ballet. The production requires a ballerina to play the innocent and fragile White Swan, for which the committed dancer Nina Sayers (Portman) is a perfect fit, as well as the dark and sensual Black Swan, which are qualities better embodied by the new rival Lily (Kunis). Nina is overwhelmed by a feeling of immense pressure when she finds herself competing for the role, causing her to lose her tenuous grip on reality and descend into madness. The film received five nominations at the 83rd Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director (Aronofsky), with Portman winning Best Actress; it also received four nominations at the 68th Golden Globe Awards, including Best Motion Picture – Drama and Best Director (Aronofsky), with Portman winning Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama. In 2021, Portman's performance was included in The New Yorker's list of the best film performances of the 21st century. Please note we will not be showing the film at the meeting. Make sure you watch the film before you attend and then come and join in with the conversation. It’s just a discussion. It’s not a screening. We will be meeting in The Ludski Bar in the Rio Cinema. [https://www.riocinema.org.uk/your-visit/](https://www.riocinema.org.uk/your-visit/) You are welcome to bring outside food in with you but please buy your drinks from inside the cinema. Thank you. ... To join the All Out of Bubblegum Film Club WhatsApp Group please click here: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/J2to1MBd4Ct7kQTFFVnyML](https://chat.whatsapp.com/J2to1MBd4Ct7kQTFFVnyML) (in order to stop spam bots this will take you to a Waiting Room. Once in please write your name and we will join you to the main chat). If the link doesn't work then please send me a message with your phone number and I can add you directly. Meetup charges subscription fees. If you would like to make a donation please click here: [https://paypal.me/philosophycollective](https://paypal.me/philosophycollective)

**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/45927 **Game Description:** Come and join us for a mixed ability beach volleyball session in London Bridge 🏖️ Expect some great vibes and hopefully some decent weather! Beginners are welcome but we ask for everyone to watch this video before the games: https://youtu.be/hLZ44KBWEbo?si=zV8YoPxBxsw4mk3U Directions: 🚶‍♂️5 min walk from London Bridge Station 🚾No changing rooms, just outdoor portaloo toilets **Rules** \- 3 teams of 6 \- Games up to 15 points \- Max 2 games in a row

**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/45333 **Game Description:** Come and play in a Mid-Intermediate & Above volleyball session in Canada Water 😎 PLEASE ONLY sign up to this session if you’re a Mid-Intermediate player or above! We have the right to cancel & refund you if we don’t think you meet this ability. You will be notified of this. We need to maintain the quality of the games and rallies - this is nothing personal at all. Directions: 🚶‍♂️10 minute walk from Canada Water tube station The entrance is via a car park and in the blue building. Please ask reception for help if needed. **Rules** \- 3 teams of 6 \- Games up to 15 points \- Max 2 games in a row \- Be positive and encouraging to all players 🧡

Have you ever wanted to partake in hikes where you get exposed to new areas with luscious forms of nature, some amazing views and possibly some hidden gems? If so, this may be the right event for you. Welcome to another Hiking event where all of this is possible. This is the opportunity to form friendships, discover a different perspective of London, improve your fitness, embrace nature but also feel great about yourself. With this particular Hike, we’ll be hiking from Streatham Common to Wimbledon park. We’ll be traversing through many parks, forests and nature pathways but also make new discoveries too. This is also part of the capital ring which is a 78 mile pathway split into 15 hiking routes. This is section 5. If you want to be part of the journey, feel free to join us. My fellow explorers, if you enjoyed the event, I’m more than happy to accept any donations which of course are optional but will go a long way to help me unlock and deliver even more exciting and engaging events and resources: https://www.paypal.me/calvinjoy Starting point: Streatham Common station Ending point: Wimbledon Park station Walking length: 9.6km Duration: 3 hours at most Required clothing: Smart casual, comfortable shoes and a jacket in case it gets cold
Departure: 20 minutes after the meeting time. WHAT - Hike WHERE - Streatham common to Wimbledon Park WHEN - 2pm - 5:30pm MEETING POINT - Outside Streatham Common Station NEAREST STATION - Streatham Common Station REQUIREMENTS - Just your good behaviour is all and whatever is listed above for the walk. Disclaimers: Please be on your best behaviour and respect one another. This group doesn’t tolerate any misbehaviour and misconduct. Should such a thing take place, you will be removed. If you ask a question that either already has the answer to it or doesn’t relate to the event at all, I won’t respond. Whenever an event takes place, I will cut off contact 20 minutes after the event commences. If you message even 1 minute after the cut off time, I won’t be available as I’m conducting the event. There will be photography and videography by myself so if you are photo conscious and/or do not want to be in the video, do kindly inform me and I’ll try my utmost best to not involve you in the picture. Let’s all be responsible but please be aware you come at your own risk. Do be mindful of your possessions, belongings and most importantly, your safety. The ‘London society of explorers’ accept no risk of liability at this event.

Join us for our series where **Offline Women Explore Pretty London**, visiting different neighbourhoods to enjoy the most charming pockets of our city only through our eyes. The second walk in this series will be through **Chelsea**. I am not a tour guide and this is not a formal trek. The idea is to wander and see what gems we can find together. We will look for those secluded mews, undiscovered cafés, tree-lined streets, artisan bakeries, and bookshops that allow you to escape in a huge capital city like London. To keep things truly offline, this is a phone-free and photo-free walk. We live in the most photographed city in the world, but we often miss the soul of it because we are busy framing the shot. It is a bit of a rebellious way to explore London, but let’s see how much more we notice when we are fully present for these quiet and gentle moments. Showing up is the first step toward connection and belonging. To celebrate you for taking that step, our friends at [The Hearth](http://thehearth.me/) — a space for women in Queen’s Park — have generously provided a gift card for one lucky attendee to win. Join us offline to find out how it could be you!

Have you ever wanted to be immersed within either the city or nature in the form of a walk and socialise at the same time? If so, this may be the right walk for you. Welcome to another one of the WALK events where you have the opportunity to explore all the scenic routes I’ll execute whether there’s nature within, whether we get immersed within the city and feel great about yourself.

With this particular walk, we will be walking through Green park. During this walk, you get immersed within nature and familiar with the park itself but most importantly, you have the opportunity to feel healthy and stress free after this walk and possibly the opportunity to form friendships. After this walk, we will be heading to ‘Venchi’ for Ice cream and chocolates if you wish. ‘Venchi’ began over 145 years ago through the experimentation of chocolate and over the years, they’ve not expanded on their creativity with gelato too but also share their creations in over 70 countries. It feels like an elegant version of ‘Charlie and the chocolate factory’. To learn more, check them out at https://uk.venchi.com My fellow explorers, if you enjoyed the event, I’m more than happy to accept any donations which of course are optional but will go a long way to help me unlock and deliver even more exciting and engaging events and resources: https://www.paypal.me/calvinjoy 


Starting point: Green park Station
Ending point: Green Park Station
Walking length: 2.7km
Duration: 45 minutes - 1 hour
Required clothing: Smart casual, comfortable shoes and a jacket in case it gets cold
Departure: 20 minutes after the meeting time.

WHAT - Walk in Green park
WHERE - Green park
WHEN - 7:15pm - 9:15pm
MEETING POINT - Outside Green park station near the fountain
NEAREST STATION - Green park tube Station
REQUIREMENTS - Just your good behaviour is all and whatever is listed above for the walk.

 Disclaimers: Please be on your best behaviour and respect one another. This group doesn’t tolerate any misbehaviour and misconduct. Should such a thing take place, you will be removed. If you ask a question that either already has the answer to it or doesn’t relate to the event at all, I won’t respond. Whenever an event takes place, I will cut off contact 20 minutes after the event commences. If you message even 1 minute after the cut off time, I won’t be available as I’m conducting the event. There will be photography and videography by myself so if you are photo conscious and/or do not want to be in the video, do kindly inform me and I’ll try my utmost best to not involve you in the picture. Let’s all be responsible but please be aware you come at your own risk. Do be mindful of your possessions, belongings and most importantly, your safety. The ‘London society of explorers’ accept no risk of liability at this event.

A most glorious and stunning 11.5 mile gently undulating walk that takes in wonderful Pangbourne, Coombe Park and the Goring Gap - one of the most beautiful and dramatic stretches of the River Thames ! Please arrive by 9.05am so as to facilitate the purchase of group return train tickets for the 9.38am train that arrives at Pangbourne at 10.33am. Train ticket : Pangbourne return Or you may decide to drive. Meetup fee £8 payable in cash or £6 by Saturday in advance by bank transfer, details available upon request. No PayPal. Please use the toilets on the trains as much as possible as there shall be no toilet stop at Pangbourne train station. Please bring packed lunch, water, snacks etc plus waterproof jacket and walking shoes/ boots or trainers. We shall have a lunch break in delightful village of Goring and then have a drink in wonderful Wallingford. We shall aim to take the bus at 4.52pm from Wallingford to Reading followed by the subsequent train to London. Some of us shall be staying over in Wallingford for the Oxford to Abingdon walk on Sunday. You should be able to walk 2.5 miles per hour and have adequate and appropriate insurance for this type of activity. Please only post photos of others with their consent. My no 07714250849.

A most glorious 9.5 miles walk - one of the most beautiful and scenic stretches of the River Thames ! Please arrive by 9.05am so as to facilitate the purchase of group return train tickets to Oxford for the 9.50am direct train that arrives at Oxford at 10.43am. Train ticket : Oxford return. Please note that I shall not be at Paddington as staying overnight in Wallingford after the walk on Saturday. Or you may decide to drive. Walk will commence at 10.55am. Meetup fee £8 payable in cash or £6 in advance by Saturday by bank transfer, details available upon request. Please bring packed lunch, water, snacks etc plus waterproof jacket and walking shoes/ boots or trainers. We shall have a drink at the end of the walk in Abingdon before aiming to take a bus between 4pm and 4.30pm that arrives back in Oxford by around 5pm followed by direct train back at 5.32pm. You should be able to walk 2.5 miles per hour and have adequate and appropriate insurance for this type of activity. Please only post photos of others with their consent. My no 07714250849.

Good food, chai, sunshine (hopefully), and meeting new people; simple weekend plan in Greenwich. We’re doing a relaxed desi picnic with a **vegetarian potluck**. If you’re bringing food, please try to bring something to share - homemade or store-bought is both fine. To keep it balanced, feel free to pick one: Snacks / chaats Main veg dishes Sweets / desserts Drinks / chai items If you’re not bringing food, still come along - just bring something small that helps the group (drinks, ice, plates/cups, tissues, speaker, etc.) or help set up / tidy up. Expect chill vibes, good conversations, music, and a proper desi hangout with people from all over London!

This walk takes us into the **dark and dramatic history of London’s riverside**, following the Thames from Tower Hill to Wapping, once alive with sailors, smugglers, pirates, and river rogues. We begin at the **Tower Hill**, where traitors and nobles met their fate before the watching crowds. From there we pass **Tower Bridge** and step into **St Katharine Docks**, once a bustling hub where the riches of empire were unloaded. We continue along the hidden alleys and ancient stairs of **Wapping High Street**, tracing the last footsteps of the condemned at **Wapping Old Stairs**. Along the way we’ll visit the **Town of Ramsgate**, where the notorious Judge Jeffreys was captured; the **Captain Kidd**, named after the most legendary pirate ever to hang at Execution Dock; and the **Prospect of Whitby**, the “Devil’s Tavern,” where sailors and smugglers once plotted by candlelight. We return via waters of **Shadwell Basin**, passing the replica ships at **Tobacco Dock**, and the quiet canals of Wapping before we pass **Traitors’ Gate** and end the evening back at Tower Hill where you are welcome to join us for refreshments at the **Hung, Drawn and Quartered** pub a fitting finale to a journey into London’s bloody maritime past. ## 📍 Walk Details * **Start Point:** Tower Hill Station (by the Tower Hill sundial). * **End Point:** The Hung Drawn and Quartered Pub (near Tower Hill or Monument tube) * **Distance:** 7km easy pace, with frequent stops for stories * **Duration:** 2.5 hours including breaks. * **Difficulty:** Easy flat riverside walking. * **Leader:** Gary 07968585224 ## ✅ What to Bring * Comfortable walking shoes. * Weather-appropriate clothing. * Water/snacks if you like. ## Stay Connected 📱 WhatsApp: 07968585224 📩 Mailing List: Go London 🌐 Website: www.golondonhiking.co.uk 📸 Instagram: [@golondonhiking](https://www.instagram.com/golondonhiking/) 👍 Facebook Page: [Go London Adventure](https://www.facebook.com/GoLondonAdventure/) 👥 Facebook Group: [Go London Hiking](https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoLondonHiking/) 📜 Terms & Conditions By signing up, you agree to our full T&Cs including cancellation/refund policy.

Join us Tuesday (6/2) at 6:30 pm as we hike the Hundred Acre Woods in Westerville. This is a beautiful trail that is filled of hills and roots but a picturesque wooded landscape to hike. Wear your hiking boots if you have them. We will do 2 loops of the 1 mile trail.

**History** The [Franklin Park Conservatory](https://www.fpconservatory.org/)’s roots trace back to 1852 when the Franklin County Agricultural Society purchased 88 acres of land to host the Ohio State Fair. After the fair moved to its permanent home, the city of Columbus transformed the grounds into Franklin Park in 1884. This transition shifted the space from a temporary event site to a dedicated public green space for the growing community. The park became a central hub for outdoor recreation and early civic gatherings in the neighborhood. In 1895, the landmark Victorian-style Palm House opened its doors, drawing heavy inspiration from the Glass Palace of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. This iron and glass structure became an immediate icon, housing exotic plants that residents would otherwise never see in the Midwest. It remains the oldest part of the facility and serves as a primary link to the conservatory’s 19th-century origins. For decades, it stood as a singular testament to grand horticultural architecture in Central Ohio. A major turning point arrived in 1992 when Columbus hosted AmeriFlora '92, an international horticultural exhibition. This massive event prompted a $16 million renovation and expansion, adding significantly more greenhouse space and the Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse. The festival put the conservatory on the international map and fundamentally changed its scale and ambition. Following the event, the facility transitioned from a city-run park to a private, non-profit organization. In 2003, the conservatory’s identity was further defined through a long-term partnership with world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. After a successful exhibition, the Friends of the Conservatory purchased most of the glass installations, creating the largest permanent collection of Chihuly’s work in a botanical setting. These vibrant glass sculptures are now woven throughout the biomes, blending art with nature. This addition helped cement the conservatory as a premier cultural destination rather than just a botanical garden. Recent years have seen the site expand beyond the glass walls to emphasize community engagement and outdoor education. The 2018 opening of the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden added two acres of interactive landscape designed for hands-on learning. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus also provides local residents with space to grow their own food and learn sustainable practices. Today, the conservatory balances its historic Victorian charm with modern commitments to local ecology and the Columbus community. **Maps of the Conservatory** Here is the [main map](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/franklin-park-zones-scaled.jpg) of the Conservatory grounds. Here's a [map of the areas](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ConstructionMap-2026.jpg) in which the Conservatory has ongoing construction (see below). **Summary** For this event, we'll explore Columbus's highly-rated and very popular Conservatory. As mentioned above, the Conservatory is doing renovations on parts of the facility. These renovations are scheduled to be ongoing until the Fall of next year. Basically, no matter when you go to the Conservatory over the next 18 months, you're going to see some metaphorical orange barrels. So let's just go now. **Tickets and pricing** On the first Sunday of every month, the Conservatory is free for residents of Franklin County and the city of Columbus. You must bring an ID to receive this discount. (Yes, they do check.) Otherwise, tickets are $25.20. Members of the Columbus Zoo (of which I am one) do get a discount on tickets, though I have never actually bought a ticket to the Conservatory (I've always gone on free days). I believe the discount is $4. Parking is always free. If you have additional questions about pricing or whether and for what you qualify, you can reach the Conservatory at 614-715-8000. **Where we'll meet** We will meet just outside the main entrance. I guarantee there's going to be a line. The Conservatory is always popular on free days, and especially in nice weather. **Your GPS is stupid!** Be careful simply typing "Franklin Park Conservatory" in your GPS and going where it tells you. The only way to access the parking lot to the Conservatory is off of Broad Street. Unfortunately, since Google Maps is unable to find its way out of a wet paper bag, it has a tendency to want to take people to a mythical, non-existent Conservatory entrance on Nelson Road. If your GPS does this, just drive to the north side of the Conservatory along Broad Street. Your GPS should then redirect you to the main Conservatory entrance. If your GPS doesn't, then throw your phone away\* and look for the big Conservatory sign on the south side of Broad Street between Nelson Road and Franklin Park West. You also should be able to use the map pin I've provided, below, and it should properly direct you to where you need to drive. \* Don't really do this. **After the event** After stopping to smell the roses, for those that are interested, we'll head to the nearby [Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/) for [drinks](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#draft-list) and [lunch](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#food-menu). The Beer Hall's actual address is [200 Kelton Ave, Columbus, OH 43205](https://www.google.com/maps/place/200+Kelton+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43205/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x883889a94ac4acad:0xadb2e60240dbc38b?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111) (it's literally just on the south side of the Conservatory). Be sure this is where your GPS is taking you when you use it, as the Brewing Company has a taproom on Harrison Avenue that is *not* what you want for this event. We should be at the Beer Hall by 1 if you can't make the Conservatory and just want to join us for drinks.

**History** [Chestnut Ridge Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/chestnut-ridge/) is historically significant because it sits on a 300-million-year-old outcropping of Blackhand sandstone. Geographically recognized as the very first foothill of the Appalachian Mountains, the ridge rises 1,116 feet above sea level. Long before European settlement, the land served as a sacred site for ancient civilizations. The park contains the Old Maid's Orchard Mound, an eight-foot-tall burial mound constructed by the Adena culture between 1000 B.C. and 100 B.C. This ancient landmark has remained largely intact and is now protected on the National Register of Historic Places. The documented modern history of the land began with an official survey conducted by Ebenezer Buckingham in 1801. Original land deeds of sale from this period notably bear the signatures of United States Presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. In the 1830s, Irish laborers arrived at the ridge to quarry its rich Blackhand sandstone. The blocks they hewed were used to build the crucial locks for the nearby Ohio and Erie Canal. Remnants of this early sandstone quarrying operation can still be spotted by sharp-eyed hikers along the modern trails. Agricultural transformation defined the ridge throughout the mid-to-late 19th century. Settlers discovered that the high elevation created a natural air flow that prevented late-season frost damage to crops. Extensive fruit orchards were planted across the slopes between 1860 and 1880. One notable orchard was established by John Wagner, a Spanish-American War veteran who chose the ridge specifically for its proximity to the bustling Columbus market. The park's current name pays homage to the massive American chestnut trees that once dominated the ridgeline before a devastating ecological blight wiped them out in the early 20th century. The conservation story of the modern 486-acre park began in March 1962. The Metro Parks board announced land acquisition plans to block developers from building a residential housing development called Chestnut Heights. Director-Secretary Walter A. Tucker advocated heavily for the purchase, citing the ridge's immense value as a scenic overlook for central Ohio. The district systematically purchased multiple agricultural parcels over the next two decades. After operating strictly as undeveloped farmland through the 1970s, Chestnut Ridge Metro Park officially opened to the public on December 18, 1988. In recent decades, the park has evolved from a quiet hiking spot into a premier regional destination for outdoor sports. A major turning point occurred in 2010 when the Central Ohio Mountain Biking Organization (COMBO) partnered with the park district to develop new infrastructure. Volunteers worked extensively to construct a single-track mountain bike trail, which officially opened in October 2011. An expert gravity and flow trail featuring advanced jumps was later integrated into the loop in 2016. Today, the park successfully balances its deep ancient, industrial, and agricultural history with active recreation. **Map of the Park** Here is a [map of Chestnut Ridge](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/CHR_map_1980px_2026.jpg). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Ridge, Meadows, and Homesite Trails, and Law's Lane, which is unmarked on some maps. None of these trails is individually very long, so we will hike a few permutations and loops until we get in 4-5 miles. The hike will be moderately strenuous. **Where We'll Meet** Drive to the rearmost picnic area at the back of the park. There's a latrine here, but there's no water fountain here or anywhere else at Chestnut Ridge. I strongly recommend you bring some water of your own, at least for after the hike. Cell service at the park is spotty, although your GPS will get you there just fine. The map pin I've provided here is exactly where we'll be meeting and should be able to be used directly in Google Maps, although Chestnut Ridge isn't big and you're unlikely to get lost here. **After the Hike** Afterward, we'll head over to [BrewDog DogTap](https://drink.brewdog.com/usa/brewdog-dogtap-columbus) for [drinks](https://usa.brewdog.com/pages/brewdog-lineup) and [food](https://usa.brewdog.com/cdn/shop/files/DogTap_Menu_2025_65e1ff8b-97d4-4f26-80f1-68321d482025.pdf?v=17356939232910340498). They also have an outdoor area that's extremely popular. I've had their burgers and their pizza, and I think they're both very good. I also really like their [Cold Beer](https://usa.brewdog.com/products/cold-beer-2024) (that's its actual name), which is their American light lager. BrewDog's actual address is [96 Gender Rd, Canal Winchester, OH 43110](https://www.google.com/maps/place/96+Gender+Rd,+Canal+Winchester,+OH+43110/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88387c06afa21a85:0x804c611d373d8c54?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111), and they have a large, free parking lot. We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks.

🚗 **Only about 20 minutes from floating down the river!** This is one of those events you’ll be glad you showed up for. Especially since it **may be one of the last** cookout bonfire party that is held. Cookout, potluck, racing, camping, bonfire, music, games, and late-night hangs — all in one night. Com**e for a few hours or stay** for the whole thing. ## 🍔 Cookout + Potluck — 4:30 PM We’ll be hanging out, grilling, eating, drinking, and socializing before the races start. Please bring something to share **USE "SIGN UP"** so we don’t end up with 14 bags of chips and 9 packs of cookies 😅 [https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E49ABA92EA2FAC70-64315973-saturday](https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E49ABA92EA2FAC70-64315973-saturday) **What to bring:** * Chair, BYOB — no glass inside the racetrack, Water or youself even if you leave it in the car, **$15 cash to support the venue** by watching some of the race * Something for the potluck USE **"SIGN UP"** [https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E49ABA92EA2FAC70-64315973-saturday](https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E49ABA92EA2FAC70-64315973-saturday) We’ll have a grill and a **generator** available for crockpots, Instant Pots, etc. ## 🏁 Racing Starts — 7:00 PM After the cookout, we’ll head into the stands for the races. Not really into racing? Come for the drinks, stay for the wrecks 🍻 This night includes Late Models, Thunder Cars, Compacts, and a wet & wild Enduro race. Be sure to bring **water balloons to fill up and** throw during the final race 💦🎯 Please support the venue by checking out some of the racing. 💵 **$15 cash will be collected during the cookout.** Please bring exact change or a $20. ## 🏕️ Free Camping — June 5 & 6 Camping is free both nights. No tent? No problem. You can crash **in your car under the stars.** There will be a bonfire, music, games, and late-night hanging out. Please be responsible: **do not drink and drive.** ## 🎯 Other Stuff Happening * Karaoke, Beer pong, Cornhole, Bonfire, Music, Late-night hangout Have a favorite karaoke song? Let me know. ## Important Notes 📸 Photos/videos may be taken and shared on this or other platforms. ⚠️ This is a volunteer-led event. You participate at your own risk. 📵 Cell signal may be spotty, so ask questions ahead of time if needed. Stay for a bit or go all in — just don’t miss this one. **Stop scrolling. Start doing stuff.**