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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out homebrewing events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the homebrewing events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
Absolutely! Find homebrewing events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.
Homebrewing Events Today
Join in-person Homebrewing events happening right now
Breakfast and Conversation in Silver Spring
Come enjoy breakfast and conversation with us at The Kosher Pastry Oven in Silver Spring.
This is a great away to break with your old routine and make new friends.
Questions? Click on my picture below to contact me.
Hope to see you there!
Ross A.
Boards & Barrels
Whether you’re new to modern games, or a seasoned gamer, our new Boards & Barrels game night is the place to play. We’re pairing the best wines with new and classic games for an evening of analog fun and community. Choose from our growing game library or bring a favorite.
*Unplug. Uncork. Unbox.*
**Every Wednesday 6 pm - 9 pm**
Wednesday Board Game Night at Your Hobby Place, Alexandria
We're playing board games at Your Hobby Place, a Friendly Local Gaming Store in Old Town Alexandria. Feel free to bring your own games. They also have their own library of games available for play. We start at 6:00, but your group can certainly show up earlier. The store closes at 9:30. Snacks and drinks are available for sale, and several good restaurants are nearby. Free parking on Wythe St. and Columbus St. The store is 1/2 mile east from the Braddock Road Metro station down Wythe St.
BNI Vienna Power Networking Breakfast in Vienna, VA
Whether you're looking to expand your network, create valuable partnerships, or connect with motivated local professionals, this is the place to be.
Prepare a short presentation to showcase your business and a lot of business cards!
**📍 Every Wednesday at 7:15 AM**
**1604 Spring Hill Road, 2nd Floor, Vienna, VA**
Visitors and professionals are always welcome. Come join us and experience the power of referral networking.
[FREE CUSTARD] Beginner Level: The Custard Cruise (Arrive 6:00 - Rolling 6:30)
**NoVA CBG has a turn by turn RideWithGPS club account that's free. [https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/events/271742916/](https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/events/271742916/)**
**+++++++++++++++++++++**
**The Ride: Summary**
**(Must Read)**
**+++++++++++++++++++++**
* RIDE NAME: The Custard Cruise
* START LOC: Shirlington Library
* START GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/y1K7iBorEgsTWBpaA](https://goo.gl/maps/y1K7iBorEgsTWBpaA)
* START PARKING: Any Parking Garage
* ARRIVAL: 6:00pm
* SPEECH: 6:15pm
* ROLLING: 6:30pm
* LEVEL: Beginner Level (But All Welcome)
* DISTANCE: 10 miles.
* PACE: 12 mph
* TERRAIN: No Hills, Trail and Street Riding.
* RIDEWITHGPS ROUTE:
CBG_CUSTARD_CRUISE_2026 **(UPDATED)**
[https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46334991](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46334991)
**NOTES:**
* No Hills, 10 miles, No Surprises, Custard!
* Bring enough fluids for the entire ride.
* [https://www.thedairygodmother.com/flavor-forecast/](https://www.thedairygodmother.com/flavor-forecast/)
**TIMINGS (approximates):**
* Arrive @ 6:00pm
* Speech @ 6:15pm
* Rolling @ 6:30pm
* Back in Shirlington @ 8:00pm(ish)
**+++++++++++++++++++++**
**The Ride : Detail**
**+++++++++++++++++++++**
For your riding pleasure NoVA CBG presents The Custard Cruise.
I would like some custard. The Dairy Godmother in Del Ray has some excellent custard (& sorbet & vegan donuts & other yummy things for just about everyone).
Maybe some of you want to join me?
Shirlington, to Four Mile, to Potomac Yards to the Dairy Godmother, then Commonwealth back to Four Mile to Shirlington.
* No Hills
* 10 miles, belly full of custard (or other yummy-ness)
* Hopefully no surprises.
**+++++++++++++++++++++**
**The Meeting Spot:**
**+++++++++++++++++++++**
Shirlington Library
4200 Campbell Ave
Arlington, VA 22206
GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/y1K7iBorEgsTWBpaA](https://goo.gl/maps/y1K7iBorEgsTWBpaA)
We will meet in front of the Shirlington Library by the fountains.
**+++++++++++++++++++++**
**The Ride After The Ride:**
**+++++++++++++++++++++**
What better way to wash down your custard than with a tasty beverage. For those interested we will go to Samuel Beckett’s after the ride for our social. We sit outside so we can bring our bikes and keep an eye on them. Join us if you like!
**+++++++++++++++++++++**
**Ride Level Chart**
**+++++++++++++++++++++**
NoVA CBG tries to accommodate all levels of cyclists by offering different types/levels of rides. We just ask that you come to the ride that suits your current riding ability the best.
* Introductory Level: If you haven't ridden a bike in a number of years (or are uncertain of your abilities on a bicycle).
* Beginner Level: You can ride for 10+ miles at a pace of 10+ to 12+ mph with potentially minor hills involved.
* Medium Level: You can ride for 20+ miles at a pace of 13+ to 15+ mph with potentially moderate hills involved.
* Advanced Level: You can ride for 20++ miles at a pace of 15+ mph with potentially major hills involved.
Both Medium and Advanced Levels might require handling various challenges such as reading cue sheets, using a Garmin or navigation app, night riding, out of town travel, or any other odd cycling situations.
**+++++++++++++++++++++**
**The Fine Print:**
**+++++++++++++++++++++**
An RSVP of 'YES' is your digital signature and means you have read and understood MEETUP.com's:
* "Terms of Service : Section 6. Release" found at https://www.meetup.com/terms/
* NOVA-CBG's "Assumption of Risk Agreement" found @ https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/pages/1942951/NOVA-CBG_Waiver/
* NoVA CBG's "COVID Policy" found @ http://bit.ly/2021_NoVACBG_COVID19_POLICY
Helmets are required to participate in all NOVA-CBG rides. All riders ride at their own risk and with the understanding that cycling is an inherently dangerous activity. When coming to the meetup you do so voluntarily and are ready and able to participate in the ride as described under the conditions of the day. Be on time for the "pre-ride" preparation. If you do not attend the pre-ride preparation you will not be allowed to participate on the ride. There are NO exceptions to the above.
OTHHHR @ Lake Anne Brew House
It's the last Wednesday of the month so that means Lake Anne Brew House Beer Run. After the run, we'll meet in the brew house for a beverage and Nordic knot yum! Laps around the lake are almost exactly 1.5 miles. Do as many or as few as you like. Our thumb rule is one beer per lap. :o) Runners of all skill levels welcome!
See you there.
Wine, Cheese and Preston & Child's Horror Thriller "Relic" (Pendergast #1)
We invite you to an engaging evening of wine, cheese and lively conversation around NYT Bestseller ***Relic,*** a horror novel and techno-thriller by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child about a series of brutal murders at the New York Museum of Natural History just before a major exhibition opens. The killings are blamed on a prehistoric, beast-like creature from the Amazon that has a connection to the museum's new exhibition. Museum researcher Margo Green must team up with FBI agent Pendergast to find out what the creature is and how to stop it before the killer strikes again.
**From Goodreads:**
Just days before a massive exhibition opens at the popular New York Museum of Natural History, visitors are being savagely murdered in the museum's dark hallways and secret rooms. Autopsies indicate that the killer cannot be human...
But the museum's directors plan to go ahead with a big bash to celebrate the new exhibition, in spite of the murders.
Museum researcher Margo Green must find out who—or what—is doing the killing. But can she do it in time to stop the massacre?
As always, please feel free to join even if you have not finished the book - no stress :-)
All attendees are asked to please bring one of the following:
1. A bottle of wine
2. Cheese and Crackers
3. An alternate beverage or nosh of your choice
Host will provide glasses, wine opener, plates & napkins.
To enhance the opportunity for great conversation, we would like to keep the group small. Please feel free to sign-up to meet us along with up to 2 friends.
📚 Exciting Updates for 2026 Book Club! 📚
Starting in January 2026, we’ll be implementing a new system for book recommendations that will make our reading selections even more collaborative and engaging!
**Book Recommendations:**
From January through October, members can submit book recommendations at each meeting, via email, text or Meetup DM.
All suggestions will be added to a shared Google Sheet, which will include links to Goodreads and other pertinent information for each book.
[LINK to 2027 BOOK LIST](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/18AC_FH9bGGxyH6v7Rw36EvPtKtVl5e_N/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=102804280893316002961&rtpof=true&sd=true)
**Voting for 2027 Reads:**
Our voting for next year’s book selections will take place during the November 2026 meeting. Members in attendance will have the opportunity to cast 12 votes for their favorite picks. If you’re unable to attend the November meeting, you can still participate! Simply submit 6 votes via email, text, or DM through Meetup before the start of the November meeting.
**Announcement of Selections:**
The chosen books for 2027 will be revealed at the end of the November meeting.
We’re excited about this new process and can’t wait to see the amazing book recommendations you all have! 📖✨
PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU ARE COMMITTED TO ATTEND WHEN YOU RSVP FOR THIS EVENT. We ask that ALL folks honor their RSVP. If you are unable to attend after sending in a YES, please update your status so that others may join us. In the event you do not communicate and are a no-show, your ability to RSVP for future events will be restricted. Thank you in advance for your understanding.
If you are unable to join us in May, we hope you'll remain interested and join us for an evening in the future. Looking forward to wine & cheese with you soon - happy reading!
Homebrewing Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Speak Fluent Wine: Learn How to Taste Like A Professional
**\*\*You must purchase a ticket [here](https://sommcircle.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=4002&club_id=650343&item_id=2926832). \*\***
Ever find yourself nodding along at a wine tasting, wishing you knew what to actually say — or even what to look for?
This is the evening that changes that.
Speak Fluent Wine is a hands-on tasting experience designed to teach you the exact framework wine professionals use to evaluate what's in the glass. You'll go from "I just know what I like" to understanding \*why\* you like it — and having the words to say so.
Here's what we'll cover:
?? Sight — What color and clarity reveal before the first sip
?? Nose — How to train your sense of smell and identify aromas with confidence
?? Palate — Decoding what your taste buds are picking up: sweetness, acidity, tannins, body, and finish
?? Structure — How the elements of a wine interact, including how acidity softens sweetness and tames tannins
??? Language — The vocabulary professionals use, demystified and made practical
Once we've broken down the framework, Total Wine's expert staff will lead a short guided tasting — putting everything you've just learned directly into practice.
Snacks and water will be provided. Cost is $25
No experience necessary. No judgement. Just great wine, a welcoming atmosphere, and the confidence you've been waiting to find.
**\*\*You must purchase a ticket [here](https://sommcircle.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=4002&club_id=650343&item_id=2926832). \*\***
Help The Homeless
• What we'll do
We plan on meeting at Grace Presbyterian Church at 9:30 AM on Saturday to assemble care packages and help people who have very little and help them survive. This would be a great time to bring a friend or your children to do something good for humanity.
After we assemble the 120 backpack care packages, we plan to have coffee and snacks, socialize and then drive to DC to distribute the backpacks. If you choose to go with us, we'll return about 1:00 pm.
Looking forward to seeing you all at the Meetup.
• How can you help?
\- You can contribute money\. Make checks out to Grace Presbyterian Church\, marked for Help the Homeless and mail to David Retherford\, Grace Presbyterian Church\, 7434 Bath Street\, Springfield\, VA 22150 or bring the money to the Meetup and put it in the basket there or give it to me\.
\- Winter items: coats\, jackets\, sweaters\, gloves\, scarves\, thermal socks
\- You can also donate clothes and personal care articles at the Meetup or during the week\. Just leave them on the stage\.
\- Clothing \(New or gently used\)
\- Men and Women socks
\- Men and Women underwear
\- Men and Women shirts
\- Men and Women pants
\- Anything to keep warm and dry\!\!\!\!
Other Items:
-Backpacks (new or gently used)
-Roll of duct tape
• What to bring
A willing attitude and if it’s cold, some warm clothes.
• Important to know
\- All are welcome\! The Handicap entrance is through the Tower door \(Door 2\) in front\.
\- All others can enter at the North parking lot\.
\- If you are looking for something eventful to do on Sunday\, check out the services at Grace\.
\- We’ll tell you about any other Grace volunteer opportunities at the Meetup
[https://www.gracepresby.org/](https://www.gracepresby.org/)
Swing's Coffee Roasters
This is a coffee roaster and cafe with a warehouse feel - Never been here before. Reviews are positive and it looks like there may be ample seating, but reserve your spot now to make sure you can be here for a simple start to a relaxing weekend. Join me.
(Please keep your RSVP updated if you know you won't be able to attend, so others who can join have the opportunity to. No discussions on politics, religion or potentially controversial topics. We're here to relax and have fun. Just be respectful and we'll be alright. Pay your own way, and enjoy!)
Home Buyer Webinar
Learn more about our Home Buyer Program
* get up to $202k in down payment assistance through HPAP
* get up to $25K in grants from Maryland Mortgage Program
* downpayment assistance options through DC Open Doors
* how to qualify and what loans are available
* loan application and approval process
* repeat home buyer options
* purchase price limits
* market insight and home buying steps in a competitive market
SIGN UP AT THE LINK BELOW:
[https://www.enggarcia.com/egpwebinars/](https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.enggarcia.com/egpwebinars/&sa=D&source=calendar&ust=1705256818169980&usg=AOvVaw0qgqMgQjduPHADDDggU6H6)
Lot 38 espresso bar in DC
We'll check out Lot 38 espresso bar in DC . This place closes at 2 PM, so please plan to come early if you're attending this meetup.
After the coffee meetup, we will check out the Bluejacket for some sour and wild beers.
Please have a picture profile so we can recognize you in the meetup.
Please only sign up if you're sure about attending this meetup, and please update your RSVP as soon as possible if you need to cancel, thank you!
DC Open Doors Home Buyer Webinar
Every Saturday at 11am!
RSVP at the following link to receive login details:
https://www.enggarcia.com/hbscaphill/
The Districts Best first time home buyer webinar
Learn about the home buying process
How to qualify & what loans are available
Qualifying for DC Open Doors and other programs
Reduced down payment and closing cost opportunities
We're looking forward to seeing you soon!
Summit Rooftop at the Conrad
The Craft Cocktails Club kicks off its Rooftop Summer at the Summit Rooftop at the Conrad. Join us for delectable craft cocktails and a splendid city view.
https://conradwashingtondc.com/dine/rooftop/?SEO_id=GMB--R-WASCICI-2&y_source=1_MjY1ODk0NTMtNzE1LWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU%3D
Homebrewing Events Near You
Connect with your local Homebrewing community
Franklin Park Conservatory / Columbus Brewing Company
**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.
Sunday Arts & Crafternoon: Launch Event! 🎉
**Let’s kick off our very first CBUS Maker Meetup!**
Whether you are looking to carve out dedicated creative time, wanting to get a lingering project across the finish line, or just looking to chat with fellow local makers—this is the space for you.
🧵 **What to Bring**
Bring any art or craft project you are currently working on, as long as it is portable and quiet. Think:
* **Yarn & Thread:** Knitting, crochet, embroidery, cross-stitch, hand-sewing, mending.
* **Paper & Sketching:** Sketchbooks, adult coloring books, watercolors, bullet journaling.
* **Digital:** Tablets, iPad drawing, laptop writing/design.
* *Please note: Because we are meeting in a shared public space, no power tools, sewing machines, or high-odor materials (like strong solvents or spray glues), please!*
**📍 Where to Find Us**
* We will be meeting at **Columbus Metropolitan Library - Karl Road Branch** in **Meeting Room 1**. Room is reserved under **CBUS Maker Meetup.**
**⏱️ Timeline**
* **1:00 PM:** Arrive, grab a seat, get settled, and do a quick round of introductions so we can see what everyone is working on.
* **1:15 PM - 3:00 PM:** Open maker time! Chat, craft, relax, and swap creative ideas.
**⚠️ A Note on RSVPs**
Space for this first meetup is strictly limited to 10 spots.
If your plans change and you can no longer attend, please update your RSVP to "Not Going" as soon as possible so someone on the waitlist can grab your spot. We ask that you try to give at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel.
***
**We can't wait to meet you and see what you're making! All skill levels welcome.**
Judgement of Paris - House Wine
This is the 50th Anniversary of the Judgment of Paris. Significantly, in 1976, California wines unexpectedly outperformed French wines in a blind tasting with nine French judges, challenging the perception that only French wines were of the highest quality. This event helped elevate the status of California wines on the global stage and is considered a pivotal moment in wine history.
House Wine, in Worthington, modestly, recreates that moment in history with a tasting both American and French wines in a fun, casual atmosphere. Come at 6:45, pay your fee at the register and join your friends for this "Judgey" tasting. https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/wine/the-judgment-of-paris-turns-40/
Arrive when you can and we'll have a table for gathering. Feel free to bring your own food as it is welcomed at this local gem or order from the newly opened Worthington Inn, or local favorites such as Dewey's, Everest, Jet, Worthington Tavern and The Whitney. Each person pays their tasting fee, typically $15, and gets their wine glass, then approximately five pours of the wines being served.
**Parking is tough**. Try the second lot behind House Wine accessed by the land by the back parking lot or the municipal lot one block north of House Wine.
**Waiver and Liability and Attendance Policy.** Participation by you and your guests means you agree to the Waiver of Liability and Attendance Policies on our Group Page. People who have two more or Attendance policy violations are subject to removal from the group.
Sunday Afternoon Coffee at Grandview Grind
Who else is ready to sit outside?
Join us for a casual chat over coffee & tea at Grandview Grind! Come out and meet some new people, enjoy your favorite drink, and make some new friends!
Trails & Ales! Chestnut Ridge Metro Park / BrewDog DogTap
**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.
BeComing Circle Initiates
http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/a/9/6/600_348310902.jpeg
Instructor - Crow, HPS
Class fee is $30 at the door or approved exchange
RSVP with Advance pay of $25 (discounted) by PayPal on the web or by contacting Enchanted Elements (614) 437-2642.
Reservations made directly to Enchanted Elements will be added to the class list manually not online.
Private Instruction ~ Closed to the Public ~ Initiated Members Only
Please come prepared for ritual.
Blessings ~ Crow














![[FREE CUSTARD] Beginner Level: The Custard Cruise (Arrive 6:00 - Rolling 6:30)](https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/e/b/1/highres_495603761.webp?w=640)















