Hiking

Try Brompton is a Brompton experience ride for those considering purchasing a Brompton. The purpose of this ride is to deepen your understanding of Brompton bikes, ride courses designed to fully enjoy Bromptons, rediscover the city, experience new ways to enjoy it, and experience the lifestyle that comes with owning a Brompton. We guide participants through folding techniques and shifting the internal gear hub—a common source of confusion for first-time riders—while riding. By comparing different bikes, we help riders deeply understand each model's characteristics, supporting them in making an informed choice and purchase. https://www.komoot.com/tour/2544443144?share_token=aHITulkVldsQO8ZTduViGdGjVF2ZkFee5TKZ6D4484fY5EXfHK&ref=wtd

**REGISTER FOR THE EVENT BY DOWNLOADING THE [WEMEET APP HERE.](b069c87c-87a8-421a-8007-bc1949fa7f61)** Neu in Berlin? Alte Freunde zu beschäftigt? Zeit, das zu ändern! Wir treffen uns einmal pro Woche, um gemeinsam neue Events zu erleben, neue Leute kennenzulernen und einfach eine gute Zeit zu haben. Bei **Drinks & New Friends** geht es darum, coole, gemütliche Ecken zu entdecken. Dich erwarten Drinks, Snacks, Musik und gute Gespräche – lass dich überraschen und lerne entspannt neue Freundschaften kennen. 🤝 **Kein Ghosting. Kein Drama.** Wer sich anmeldet, kommt auch. Und wenn nicht: bitte rechtzeitig absagen, damit niemand allein warten muss. Wir übernehmen Organisation und Reservierung. Du bringst Offenheit mit – mehr braucht es nicht! **Komm vorbei, hab Spaß und lerne deine neuen Freunde kennen! 💚**

**Note:** *We regularly receive bookings for the Free Walking Tour Berlin from many different platforms, which means you’ll be joining a diverse group of travellers from all over the world. Expect a lively atmosphere, lots of people, and an amazing opportunity to meet new friends while exploring Berlin together.* **Free Walking Tour Berlin – Discover the City’s History & Culture:** Explore Berlin like never before with our Free Walking Tour Berlin, the most authentic and engaging way to experience Germany’s capital. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re returning to discover more, this guided walking tour is designed to help you uncover the stories, landmarks, and hidden corners that make Berlin one of the most fascinating cities in Europe. **Why Join Our Free Walking Tour in Berlin?** * Pay-what-you-want model – Everyone is welcome, and you decide the value. * Expert local guides – Friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about Berlin. * Meet fellow travellers – A social and fun way to explore the city. * Daily departures – Rain or shine, we walk every day. **Who Is This Tour For?** The Free Walking Tour Berlin is perfect for backpackers, solo travellers, groups, and families who want to get an overview of the city before diving deeper. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or just a fun day out, this tour offers something for everyone. **How It Works:** The tour is free to join – no upfront cost. At the end, you are welcome to leave a tip that reflects what the experience was worth to you. Simply book your spot online to secure your place, as tours often fill up quickly. **Join Us Today:** See Berlin through the eyes of a local and experience its history come to life. Book your spot now and get ready to walk, learn, and connect on the Original Free Walking Tour Berlin.

**Note:** *We regularly receive bookings for the Free Walking Tour Berlin from many different platforms, which means you’ll be joining a diverse group of travellers from all over the world. Expect a lively atmosphere, lots of people, and an amazing opportunity to meet new friends while exploring Berlin together.* **Free Walking Tour Berlin – Discover the City’s History & Culture:** Explore Berlin like never before with our Free Walking Tour Berlin, the most authentic and engaging way to experience Germany’s capital. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re returning to discover more, this guided walking tour is designed to help you uncover the stories, landmarks, and hidden corners that make Berlin one of the most fascinating cities in Europe. **Why Join Our Free Walking Tour in Berlin?** * Pay-what-you-want model – Everyone is welcome, and you decide the value. * Expert local guides – Friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about Berlin. * Meet fellow travellers – A social and fun way to explore the city. * Daily departures – Rain or shine, we walk every day. **Who Is This Tour For?** The Free Walking Tour Berlin is perfect for backpackers, solo travellers, groups, and families who want to get an overview of the city before diving deeper. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or just a fun day out, this tour offers something for everyone. **How It Works:** The tour is free to join – no upfront cost. At the end, you are welcome to leave a tip that reflects what the experience was worth to you. Simply book your spot online to secure your place, as tours often fill up quickly. **Join Us Today:** See Berlin through the eyes of a local and experience its history come to life. Book your spot now and get ready to walk, learn, and connect on the Original Free Walking Tour Berlin.

What happens when incense and wine share the same air? In this intimate session, we pair natural incense with selected wines to explore how scent shapes taste, memory, and mood. As incense burns gently in the background, each sip unfolds differently — softer, rounder, more present. This is not a typical tasting, but a ritual of attention, guided slowly and intentionally. **Les Amis** is a women-only community of friendly souls. We provide access to hundreds of experiences that explore your passions and connect you with other event participants. **Check our website to learn more, and apply to join our community and events**: [lesamis.cc/apply](https://www.lesamis.cc/apply)

Meet like-minded people, get authentic meditation instructions and hang out in our beautiful Buddhist meditation center in the west of Berlin! The practice of meditation is a simple, yet profound practice that helps us to connect with ourselves and gives us tools to release experiences of distraction, agitation, and stress. In the Buddhist tradition, meditation is more than just a way to end the mind´s distraction - it is what helps us to bring our mind home to its true nature. What better way to experience the colourful facets of meditation than with a group of like-minded people? Hence our open meditation sessions always have a social element as well - we like to have a tea and share about our meditation experiences, or whatever else we want to explore. There is also always the chance to ask questions to our experienced meditation instructors. These sessions are held in English and open to everyone - complete beginners as well as those with more experience. The sessions are every week on Friday at 17:00-18:30.

**Note:** *We receive bookings from many different platforms, so you can expect a lively group with people joining from all over the world. When you join this tour, you’ll be part of a fun, social crowd ready to explore the city together.* Escape the hustle of Berlin and step into the royal elegance of Potsdam — the former residence of Prussian kings and a UNESCO World Heritage city. On this half-day walking tour, discover the stunning Sanssouci Palace Gardens, grand architecture, and fascinating stories that shaped Europe’s royal past. Led by an expert local guide, you’ll stroll through Potsdam’s historic center, see Cecilienhof Palace, where the WWII Potsdam Conference took place, and admire the beautiful Dutch Quarter and Brandenburg Gate of Potsdam. Then, explore the world-famous Sanssouci Park, with its terraced vineyards and ornate palaces built by Frederick the Great — the “Prussian Versailles.” This tour perfectly combines royal history, scenic beauty, and architectural splendor, making it one of the most enchanting day trips from Berlin. **🌟 Highlights** * Explore the royal city of Potsdam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site * Visit Sanssouci Palace Gardens, the jewel of Prussian architecture * See Cecilienhof Palace, site of the post-WWII Allied conference * Wander the charming Dutch Quarter and Brandenburg Gate * Learn fascinating stories of Prussian kings and royal intrigue from your expert guide **✅ What’s Included** * Expert local guide * Half-day guided walking tour * Highlights of Potsdam’s palaces, parks, and historical landmarks * Small group for a more personal experience

It seems that the Harz region will get quite a bit of fresh snow during the next few days. So, let's use that opportuntiy and go to Wernigerode and hike through the Harz mountains! Wernigerode is a historic town in the Harz district. It is picturesquely situated on the Holtemme river, on the north slopes of the Harz Mountains. Wernigerode is located on the German Timber-Frame Road. We will walk from Wernigerode via one of the rather wild paths in the Harz. The path will not lead us to the Brocken peak, but will rather cover interesting and beautiful nature. We will see rocky rivers and waterfalls, strangely shaped rocks, beautiful heathlands and - the effects of climate change on the forest. **Note: This is an advanced hike. It will be up to 15 km long. There will be an elevation gain of 600 to 700 meters. Additionally, the ground will be snowy, icy, muddy and wet. It will be freezing cold, possibly around -5 degrees. Suitable clothing, hiking shoes and surefootedness are necessary.** **If we deem the conditions of the path as not suitable, we might modify the hiking route.** We will meet on Sunday at 10:43 at the station "Steinerne Renne" in Wernigerode. The easiest way to get there is to take the HBX train from Berlin to Wernigerode Hbf. The HBX can be used with the Deutschlandticket. If you do not have a Deutschlandticket, you can purchase a ticket on board of the train. However, ticket sharing is not possible on this train. If you want to share a Quer-Durchs-Land-Ticket, you have to take a slightly earlier connection (RE1 to Magdeburg, departing a couple of minutes earlier). From Wernigerode Hbf to the station Steinerne Renne, we will take the historic train of Harzer Schmalspurbahn, departing at 10:25 from Wernigerode Hbf. This train is also included in the Deutschlandticket. If you do not own a Deutschlandticket, you have to purchase a ticket for 6 Euros. We will end our hike either at the station Schierke or Drei Annen, from where we will also take a train or bus back to Wernigerode. We will depart again from Wernigerode at 17:42 and arrive in Berlin about 3 hours later. Important things to note: * This is an advanced hike. You should wear proper hiking shoes and have a certain surefootedness. During the hike, we'll have to manage an elevation gain of about 700 meters. * It will be cold on the weekend. Expect freezing temperatures. Snow and ice is possible. * You are all responsible for yourself. None of us is mountain guide or something like that. * There won't be too many Späties in the mountains, so have enough water and food with you. * Please note that the number of participants is limited, because at a certain size a group gets virtually unmanageable. As the demand may be higher than the number of available spots, please be fair and only RSVP if you are sure that you can make it. If you learn later that you cannot take part, please update your RSVP accordingly.

1 EURO DONATION FEE PER PERSON IS REQUIRED (on site, in cash), to pay back the Meetup subscription fees and support my Events. READ THE DESCRIPTION WITH THE INFO (IMPORTANT). We take a walk in Berlin to meet new people or people we already know 😁 It's a way to spend a few hours together on a Saturday afternoon. **How it works?** The concept is very simple: * We meet at Alexanderplatz Station at 14,00 o'clock (we use the Whatsapp Chat to find each other: I will post there my exact location outside the station) * I wait for people for 10 minutes, till 14,10, then we start to walk direction West, crossing Mitte * We reach Tiergarten and we will cross the entire park🌲🌳☘️ * We finally reach Cafe Hardenberg (https://maps.app.goo.gl/NmVW6QCxzGESSXNPA) to sit down together to take something to drink or eat 🥐☕🍪 * The total length of the walk is about 8kms I consider that the event will last in overall around 4 hours (2 hours of walk and 2 hours at Cafe Hardenberg), but people are free to stay together longer, if they want 🙂 What I provide is leading the walk and the people at Cafe Hardenberg, but I do not force anyone to stay shorter or longer. I do not provide a "personal support" for people who arrive after 14,10 (do not write to me expecting "private support"). You are responsible to check for the weather and decide if come or not. Thanks for understanding. If you have to contact me, make it via Whatsapp, not here on Meetup. WHATSAPP GROUP 💬 to find each other (join it, we use this group to find and synchronize us) [https://docs.google.com/document/d/157uLVXObKt1a4NqqvPa09NJW-050YBwHLW-7DbOD8R8/](https://docs.google.com/document/d/157uLVXObKt1a4NqqvPa09NJW-050YBwHLW-7DbOD8R8/)

***Get ready to explore the beauty of nature on a quick sketch walk - no art skills needed, just your creativity and love for the outdoors!*** **To join this trip, you need to purchase your ticket from link below 👇🏽:** [https://www.eventbrite.de/e/quick-sketch-nature-walk-at-muggelturm-tickets-1980897766544](https://www.eventbrite.de/e/quick-sketch-nature-walk-at-muggelturm-tickets-1980897766544) ### **Why Go?** * Join us, the afternoon of Sunday, 1st of February at the Wendenschloß Tram Stop in near the Dahme River for Quick Sketch Nature Walk along the Dahme River up to Muggelturm. We’ll be meeting up with fellow **Sketchers & Artists** to practice our quick sketching skills while enjoying nature. Due to the temperatures, a good portion of the outing will be walking - however, we will be stopping to do multiple 5 min sketches with the goal of improving our quick sketching skills. Quick sketching is a foundational sketching skill that seeks to simplify a scene while working on proportion, foundational outlines and just a smattering of details. These are sketching skills that can be applied across artistic mediums. * Bring your preferred drawing medium for ***standing, quick sketches***, and meet up with fellow nature sketchers. Sketchers have a wide variety of skill levels - from beginner to professional. All are welcome. Quick sketching seeks to improve the basics of drawing - meaning that it is appropriate for sketchers of all levels who have the goal of becoming a little bit better than when they first started. The drawings are for fun, and to get to know other artists and hobbyists in the area! * Join us at Noon at the Wendenschloß Tram stop with our host - Elizabeth, we’ll get to know one another and then set out as a group to sketch along the Dahme River and up to Muggelturm.. Depending on our pace and the time, we will continue on to Teufelsseemore Köpernik for a final sketch. We will return to the Wendenschloß Tram stop *by sundown* and go our separate ways. ### 📲 Stay Connected Please do join our **WhatsApp / Telegram channels** for: * Event updates * Future trips & meetups * Early-bird discounts * Contests & giveaways 1. [Whatsapp Channel](https://go.unt.global/travelgroup) 2. [Telegram Channel](https://t.me/urbanaturetravel)

**💶 4 Euro Gebühr (vor Ort, in bar / Paypal), um die Meetup-Gebühren zurückzuzahlen & inkl. ein bisschen Kleingeld für die Orga. Danke 🙏** **🛑 Falls Du Absagen musst, sag bitte bis zum Vorabend um 18 Uhr ab (oder schreibe mir, warum Du absagst - so wie Freunde das machen). Spätere Absagen werte ich als No-Show.** **Danke 🙏** 🤗 Zusagen sind bis kurz vor Start möglich. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **🥾🌲🌳 Moderate Wanderung an Seen-Ufern bei Straussberg Nord.** **🧭 [Hier findest Du die Strecke auf Komoot.](https://www.komoot.com/de-de/tour/2760417311)** 🚆 **Anfahrt: S-Bahn Strausberg Nord** 🚆 **Rückfahrt: von Strausberg Norg** gegen 16 Uhr. Das bestimmt die Gruppengeschwindigkeit. **🌳 Beschreibung** * Wir wandern entlang einige Seen-Ufer bei Straussberg Nord. * Angenehme Tour mit Picknick * Unser Pace ist ca. 4 km/h **💧 Empfehlungen:** * Bring genug **Wasser oder Tee (1,5 Liter), sowie ausreichend Proviant.** Wir planen nicht, in ein Café oder Restaurant zu gehen. No Späti on the way. * Eine Sitzunterlage für die Pause (Gegen Feuchtigkeit & Kälte) * **Bargeld** mitbringen: für Orga, plus Bargeld für eventuelle Ausgaben auf dem Weg / Bahnhof. Germany: Cash ist King. * **Regensachen (vorsichtshalber)** * **Wasserfeste Wanderschuhe** . . 💌 **Telegram-Group für Wanderer:** [https://spamannihilator.com/check/wandern/](https://spamannihilator.com/check/wandern/) Die Telegram-Gruppe ist zum kommunizieren, falls jemand später kommt oder wir uns auf dem Weg aus den Augen verlieren. . . **👉 Rechtlicher Hinweis** Auch wenn wir uns als Gruppe treffen und ich einen schönen Weg für uns herausgesucht habe, **bist Du voll verantwortlich für Dich selbst**. . **💫 Let's have a good time** Lass uns eine gute Zeit haben. Ein Ausflug ist immer frische Luft und gute Unterhaltung, dabei etwas sehen und erleben. Abends kommen wir erholt und mit roten Wangen nach Hause und freuen uns über einen schönen Ausflug 🌞. 🌎 **Mehr über mich und Abenteuer Freundschaft:** Hi, mein Name ist Georg Preller. Ich betreibe die Webseite [www.abenteuer-freundschaft.de](http://www.abenteuer-freundschaft.de). Ich organisiere regelmäßig Freundschafts-Workshops, Themen zur Persönlichkeitsentwicklung sowie Wanderungen, Spaziergänge und Ausflüge. Das Ziel: Viele Menschen sollten gute Freunde finden & werden - und dabei Spaß haben. **👋🏽 Get in touch & stay in touch:** **✈ Telegram-Kanal: [t.me/abenteuer_freundschaft](http://t.me/abenteuer_freundschaft)** für Termine, Workshops, Ausflüge & Kurzinformationen zu neusten Erkenntnissen aus der Freundschaftsforschung **✉ Freundschafts-Newsletter:** [https://abenteuer-freundschaft.de/newsletter](https://abenteuer-freundschaft.de/newsletter) Im Newsletter findest Du alle 4 Wochen das Neuste aus der Freundschaftsforschung. Oft schreibe ich seltener, nämlich nur dann, wenn es wirklich etwas Neues gibt. **🔥 6 Zutaten großartiger Freundschaften** Das 30seitige eBook: "Die 6 Zutaten großartiger Freundschaften" beschreibt, was eine gute Freundschaft wirklich ausmacht. Du erhältst das eBook zurzeit kostenlos, wenn Du Dich für den Newsletter anmeldest: [https://abenteuer-freundschaft.de/newsletter](https://abenteuer-freundschaft.de/newsletter) **🎭 Meet-Up-Gruppe:** [https://www.meetup.com/g/abenteuer-freundschaft/](https://www.meetup.com/g/abenteuer-freundschaft/) Hier bist Du schon: Workshops, Spaziergänge, Wanderungen, Treffen, Eislaufen, Eisbaden, Männer-Abende, Freundinnen-Workshops, Sonntagsausflüge **Für großartige Freundschaften & großartige Abenteuer.** **Ich freue mich, Dich zu sehen.** **Einige Artikel:** * [Welche Freunde passen zu mir?](https://abenteuer-freundschaft.de/welche-freunde) * [Wie schnell entsteht Freundschaft?](https://abenteuer-freundschaft.de/wie-schnell-entsteht-freundschaft) * [So baust Du echte Freundschaften auf](https://abenteuer-freundschaft.de/freunde-finden) * [Wie viele Freunde braucht man?](https://abenteuer-freundschaft.de/wie-viele-freunde)

Hallo, wer mag mitkommen zum Eislaufen? Sollte bis zum Zeitpunkt des Events der Winter gekommen dann würde ich ggfs. den Event auf einen See verlegen in Brandenburg - dazu bräuchtet Ihr natürlich eigene Schlittschuhe. Ich freue mich auf Euch. LG, Jan P.S. Danach könnten wir noch etwas trinken gehen. Achtung, Event ist auf dem Müggelsee.

Have you always wanted to learn bouldering but never had the right company? Or are you an experienced boulderer who just wants to find boulder-buddies? If yes, this is the right event for you. We are going to meet inside "urban apes Basement Boulderstudio", close to S Anhalter Bahnhof, also not far from Potsdamer Platz. If you have never been there, you will need to sign up with them, which will take a bit of time. After that, **you can find us on the couches near the lockers (not in front of the reception), next to a red smiley**. When you enter the actual gym, enter the hall by turning left immediately - you are walking towards them. We will start warming up around 11:10, so everyone has enough time to arrive and get changed before that. ***\*\*\**** *Spots are limited, so please update your RSVP at least 24 hours in advance if you won't be joining. **NO-SHOWs ARE NOT COOL \*\*\**** We enter the gym at 11:00, if you are late, you will need to look for us inside. IMPORTANT: they only accept cards as a payment method. No cash. One day ticket will cost you 13,90 EUR (10,90 EUR if you are a student, free if Urban Sports Club). **What to bring: well, first of all, a good mood.** But you could also bring * climbing shoes if you have any. If not, you can rent them there, no worries. They cost 3,50 EUR. * a lock (for the locker). * chalk. You won't need that if you are a beginner. Renting is possible. * water. * extra clothes. It's quite chalky there and humans sweat, not the best mix, don't you think? :D Please, note: the organizer is not responsible for anything, including injuries. A basic introduction will be provided.

***(She loves me!)* A Brief History of Quarry Trails** [Quarry Trails Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/quarry-trails/) traces its origins to a vast limestone quarry operated by the Marble Cliff Quarry Company starting in the early 20th century. The site, located along the Scioto River west of downtown, supplied crushed stone for local construction projects and roads throughout central Ohio. Operations peaked mid-century, with massive excavation creating deep pits and steep cliffs that reshaped the landscape. By the 1980s, demand declined, and the southern section of the quarry closed (with the northern section of the quarry remaining in operation to this day by a separate company), leaving behind scarred terrain and abandoned equipment. Environmental concerns arose as the area became a dumping ground and off-road playground for locals. Columbus Metro Parks began eyeing the property in the 1990s for potential reclamation into public green space. In 2015, Metro Parks acquired the initial 180 acres from the quarry's owners, marking a pivotal step toward transformation. Thrive Companies, a local developer, partnered in the deal to build adjacent housing while funding park improvements. Cleanup efforts removed tons of debris, stabilized cliffs, and addressed water quality in the flooded quarries. Planners envisioned a mix of adventure and preservation, incorporating the site's industrial remnants as features. Community input from nearby Grandview Heights and Hilliard residents shaped early designs. The project gained momentum with state and federal grants supporting habitat restoration. The park officially opened its first phase in November 2021, featuring 3.5 miles of trails, a waterfall overlook, and climbing walls on the quarry faces. Visitors quickly embraced the unique terrain, with mountain biking loops and a 25-foot waterfall drawing crowds from across the metro area. Metro Parks added a canoe/kayak launch on the Scioto River, connecting to the city's broader trail network. Dog parks and picnic areas rounded out the amenities, making it a year-round destination. Expansion continued with land acquisitions pushing the total toward 600 acres. By 2023, the park hosted events like guided hikes and birdwatching tours. Ongoing development includes a planned adventure center with zip lines and more extensive single-track trails set for completion in the coming years. Metro Parks collaborates with conservation groups to plant native species and monitor wildlife returning to the reclaimed quarries. The site now serves as an educational hub, with interpretive signs explaining its quarrying past and ecological recovery. Local schools incorporate field trips to study geology and restoration science. Quarry Trails exemplifies Columbus's shift from industrial reuse to innovative urban parks. It stands as the newest addition to the Metro Parks system, complementing favorites like Scioto Audubon and Highbanks. Today, Quarry Trails continues evolving, with future phases adding connections to the Olentangy Trail and more water access points. Annual visitor numbers have surged, boosting nearby businesses in the evolving west side neighborhoods. The park's success has inspired similar reclamation projects elsewhere in the region. It highlights how Columbus balances growth with green space preservation. Residents enjoy a one-of-a-kind spot that honors the area's gritty history while offering modern recreation. Quarry Trails remains a testament to community vision and adaptive reuse in our city. ***(She loves me not.)* A Briefer History of Valentine's Day** The origins of Valentine's Day trace back to ancient Rome and the festival of Lupercalia, celebrated in mid-February to honor fertility and purification rites. During this raucous event, young men drew names of women from a box in a matchmaking lottery, often leading to pairings or marriages. By the late 5th century, Pope Gelasius I officially replaced Lupercalia with St. Valentine's Day on February 14 to Christianize the pagan holiday. Although several early Christian martyrs were named Valentine, the most commonly associated figure is a 3rd-century Roman priest who secretly married couples against Emperor Claudius II's ban on young men marrying, believing single soldiers fought better. Legend claims Valentine was imprisoned and later executed on February 14, around 269–270 AD. The romantic associations with Valentine's Day emerged much later, during the Middle Ages. The pivotal moment came in the late 14th century when Geoffrey Chaucer, in his poem "Parlement of Foules" (c. 1381), linked St. Valentine's Day with courtship, writing that birds chose their mates on this date. This literary connection spread rapidly among the English and French nobility, transforming the saint's feast day into a celebration of romantic love. By the 15th century, lovers began exchanging handwritten notes called "valentines," often containing verses or simple declarations of affection. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Valentine's Day became increasingly commercialized, especially in England and later the United States. The introduction of printed valentines in the 1840s, pioneered by Esther Howland in America, turned personal notes into mass-produced cards adorned with lace, ribbons, and Cupid imagery. Factories began producing elaborate cards, and the tradition of giving flowers (especially roses), chocolates, and jewelry took hold during the Victorian era. Today, February 14 is one of the most widely celebrated secular holidays worldwide, generating billions in spending on cards, candy, flowers, and romantic dinners. While still officially the feast day of Saint Valentine in some Christian traditions, the modern version has largely shed its religious roots in favor of universal expressions of love and friendship. From ancient fertility rites to global commercial phenomenon, Valentine's Day has evolved dramatically over two millennia while retaining its core focus on human connection. ***(She loves me!)* Map of the Park** Here is a [Map of Quarry Trails](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Quarry-Trails_JUNE-2025_1980px-Web.jpg). ***(She loves me not.)* Summary** For this hike, we'll do a loop of the park. This will be about four miles. Now, this won't be one of our longer hikes. However, in my experience, Quarry Trails tends to wear people out more quickly than other parks. I suspect this is because most of the trails are either paved or heavily graveled (no surprise at a park which abuts an active stone quarry), with some elevation changes along the way. ***(She loves me!)* Where We'll Meet** Quarry Trails has multiple entrances, but none of them are connected internally within the park. So you must drive to the correct one for this event. Set your GPS to [2319 Quarry Trails Dr, Hilliard, OH 43026](https://www.google.com/maps/place/2319+Quarry+Trails+Dr,+Hilliard,+OH+43026/@39.9998462,-83.0873077,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x883891dd76f5eedf:0xf1cb9d34c1069580!8m2!3d39.9997868!4d-83.0872621!16s%2Fg%2F11y17k0ms5?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D), or use the map pin I've provided here. Do not just type "Quarry Trails" into Google Maps and expect it to take you to the correct place. It probably won't. We will meet in the parking lot of the Lake Area. The best entrance to this parking lot will be your first left off of Quarry Trails Dr after Gunnison Dr (which will be on your right). I recommend taking a few minutes and looking at Maps before you head out to make sure you know where you're going. ***(So walk with me...)* Restrooms and Water Fountains** There are a few port-a-potties sprinkled throughout the park (including two at the parking lot we'll be meeting at), and the Park Office, roughly in the center of the park and which we'll pass twice on this hike, has restrooms and a water fountain. This is the only water fountain, though, at Quarry Trails. ***(At Trails Quarry!*)** **After the Hike** Afterward, we'll head over to [Johnnie's Tavern](https://johnniestavern614.com/) for [drinks](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Johnnie's+Tavern/@39.993202,-83.0903169,3a,75y,90t/data=!3m8!1e2!3m6!1sCIABIhAulLarLYZC3hY_vRGwoakV!2e10!3e12!6shttps:%2F%2Flh3.googleusercontent.com%2Fgps-cs-s%2FAG0ilSzkwnMN29-lrgzp50Rzeaq5jXCGM1xLS1poH0Mc52-E9NYBvdS99ei7zGmlAYJZyk8OeNW5YvS7agj8M2Bom4ri1m_-NcJiT-LQUDphkS-SB5Vq8JhO-8NSP-_m80HeLz4-pGhjrwhuBKSv%3Dw146-h195-k-no!7i4284!8i5712!4m7!3m6!1s0x883891c4d61ba04d:0x5134f225cbf678bf!8m2!3d39.9932439!4d-83.0902078!10e9!16s%2Fg%2F11c1p57s3t?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) and [food](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Johnnie's+Tavern/@39.993202,-83.0903169,3a,75y,90t/data=!3m8!1e2!3m6!1sCIABIhB5lD4Uly_4O9BjNH4r3ywB!2e10!3e12!6shttps:%2F%2Flh3.googleusercontent.com%2Fgps-cs-s%2FAG0ilSy7tQcc7CtCeuUAKwEVJoxtOs8Ycohjy3mGZZOC_kJVdB8wEaGuC4-p5z_jxn2JnpmSEkh_HG7Aok_ZPEgmK57rEBqNIPH8J5tiyAP5vbrRYkUso_fKTkW5vJc47UusNoGiRzs2Vf0m1JcV%3Dw146-h195-k-no!7i4284!8i5712!4m7!3m6!1s0x883891c4d61ba04d:0x5134f225cbf678bf!8m2!3d39.9932439!4d-83.0902078!10e9!16s%2Fg%2F11c1p57s3t?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D). Its actual address is [3503 Trabue Rd, Columbus, OH 43204](https://www.google.com/maps/place/3503+Trabue+Rd,+Columbus,+OH+43204/@39.9932491,-83.090227,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x883891c4d6199677:0x1fda03b0add81e7c!8m2!3d39.9932491!4d-83.090227!16s%2Fg%2F11c14yf3m6?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D), and it's only about a five minute drive from where we'll be parked at Quarry Trails. We should be at the tavern by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to meet us for drinks.

We will meet next to the restrooms at the [Big Meadows Picnic Area](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/HBK_Web_1980.png). They're all the way at the back of the park, and they can be found at coordinates [40°09'06.6"N 83°02'30.2"W](https://www.google.com/maps/place/40%C2%B009'06.6%22N+83%C2%B002'30.2%22W/@40.151828,-83.0423587,214m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m10!1m5!3m4!2zNDDCsDA5JzA4LjAiTiA4M8KwMDEnNDUuMSJX!8m2!3d40.1522222!4d-83.0291944!3m3!8m2!3d40.151827!4d-83.041715?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTIwNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) (near the playground and the zip line). We'll hike about 5 miles at [Highbanks Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/highbanks/) on the Dripping Rock and Overlook Trails. Afterward, we'll head over to [Olentangy River Brewing](https://www.olentangybrew.com/) for drinks, coffee, or food (their Sunday [food truck](https://www.olentangybrew.com/eventsandfood) is Venezuelan and always gets good reviews). The actual address of the brewery is [303 Green Meadows Dr S, 43035](https://www.google.com/maps/place/303+Green+Meadows+Dr+S,+Lewis+Center,+OH+43035/@40.1551938,-83.0144045,17.25z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x8838f395cef06c97:0xe407de61b3e30069!8m2!3d40.1551765!4d-83.0124352!16s%2Fg%2F11c26jc7j9?entry=ttu). If you can't make the hike, we should be there by noon. **How to find our starting point in Big Meadows:** If you are new to Highbanks, the Big Meadows picnic area is 1.5 miles into the park just after you turn into the park off of U.S. Route 23. That is, after you enter the park, drive a mile and a half into the park. You will come to a crosswalk with a yield sign in the middle of it (this is not to be confused with the first such crosswalk you come to just in front of the Nature Center, which you arrive at maybe a quarter of a mile into the park). Just after this second crosswalk, make a left. Then make another almost immediate left into the parking lot on your left. There you will see the jungle gym and the kiddie zip line to your left. I will be just in front of the restrooms just a bit further down from the jungle gym and picnic shelter; the restroom building will also be on your left.

Hi ladies. Let's hike the multi-purpose trail - approximately 4 miles. Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area.

Meet at Wolfe Park parking lot by tennis courts. We willl walk along Alum Creek trail, through Jeffrey Mansion Park then along Bexley neighborhood and back. Optional lunch at Trolley District.

Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area. If trail conditions are poor, we will use the Multipurpose Path.