Jamaica

Hi There, Every Friday 40+ Expats, Tourists, and locals join us to make new friends, have fun and learn new things, stay company and share views and opinions on different topics. Don't worry about your language level or being new, Hosts will welcome you warmly at the venue and introduce you to a few other attendees so long as you come early. You'll soon feel at home!! **We have our area booked for Meetup. Please ask the cafe staff for language Exchangers Shanghai, they will help you find us.** → **Special thanks to our partners** **HSBC,** a British [universal bank](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_bank) and [financial services](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Financial_services) group headquartered in [London](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London), England, with historical and business links to [East Asia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Asia) and a [multinational](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multinational_corporation) footprint. It is the [largest Europe-based bank by total assets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_banks_in_Europe), ahead of [BNP Paribas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BNP_Paribas), with US$2.953 trillion as of December 2021. **italki**, the global language learning platform offering 1-on-1 online lessons with qualified native-speaking teachers → **How does it work：** A. Done RSVP on meetup & payment before coming over B. Show the host ticket you bought to check in & get a wristband C. Order one drink at least before taking a seat D. Grab seats, make a self-introduction, start topics, then free chat with other folks. Change seats once in the middle of it → **Costs & Payment methods :** **Online on WeChat mini-program (\*\*\*Get ￥10 Refund on-site** if you RSVP before Thursday 11:59 PM on meetup) **Female** ￥40 / person ( Only 15 Early bird Spots ) ￥50 / person **Male** ￥50 / person ( Only 15 Early bird Spots ) ￥60 / person \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* **At Door** ￥70/ person(all genders) \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* **Add Eric's Wechat ( Shmeetup ) to score tickets via WeChat mini program. Registration is valid after both RSVP and payment are made.** \*\***All tickets include one free drink** \*\*Refunds only if the event is canceled. Your credit will be switched to the very next event on the same day of next week once only if couldn't make the one which u already paid for → **Check-in Time:** **6:45-7:45 pm,** (@Eric with a word of I’ll be late on group chat if u arrive during 7:45-8:15 pm, **Do Not accept any check-in after 8:15 pm**) Plz don’t forget to update your RSVP to free up space if you can’t make it anymore, Thanks → **Event time:** **7:00-9:40 PM Every Friday** → **l Venue:** **Leclair de Genie 闪电巴黎 ( 5th floor of Réel Mall 芮欧百货五楼** **)** → **l Address:** 1601 Nanjing Rd (W), Jing'An district, Shanghai, China → **l Subway:** Exit 4 of Jing' An temple station of **Line 2/7/14** We’d also love to know what you expect from this group, and what types of activities you’d be into. open to all propositions for the meet-ups activities By participating in our events, you agree to be photographed and/or filmed. The photos and videos will be shared on our social networks You may be removed from the group if rude, aggressive, harassing, or coming only to date If you have any questions Just add **Eric‘s WeChat: 15026652832** If you will miss Friday’s event, feel free to join our Sunday (Link below) https://www.meetup.com/language-exchangers-shanghai/events/ \*\*\* Disclaimer： Each person who participates accepts responsibility for making their own determinations and for their own safety, conduct, and well-being; recognizes that possibly attend activities, and agrees to participate solely at their own risk. The hosts shall not be held liable for any inconvenience, accidents, rescues, injuries, etc. \*\*\* \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* 若想获得活动最新照片，或其他疑问欢迎加 管理员微信入群: @活动地点：**Leclair de Genie 闪电巴黎** @活动地址： 上海市静安区南京西路1601号**芮欧百货五楼** @活动时间： 每周五 晚7:00-9:45（请提前5-10分钟到场） @交通方式： 2/7/14号地铁 到 静安寺地铁站 下 从4号口出步行3分钟 即到 \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* 免责声明： 本活动本着自愿参与的原则，参加活动者视为具有完全民事行为能力的人（18岁以上公民），对于任何原因造成的人身财产等一切伤害和损失完全自行负责，活动主办方不承担任何责任。所有现场参加者默认同意并接受本声明！ \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* 欢迎参加周日场次（链接如下） https://www.meetup.com/language-exchangers-shanghai/events/

Meet other local people interested in Language Exchange: share experiences, inspire and encourage each other! Join our Shanghai Language Exchange group. Do you speak Spanish🇪🇸, French🇫🇷, German🇩🇪, Hebrew, Portuguese🇵🇹, Italian🇮🇹, Russian🇷🇺, Japanese🇯🇵, Korean🇰🇷, Chinese🇨🇳, Arabic🇦🇪 or English🇬🇧🇺🇸?Practice your Spanish, French, German, Hebrew, Portuguese, French, Italian, Russian, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Arabic, and English All language levels are welcome! Follow us for upcoming events! 请关注近期精彩社交活动！ 微信公众号 WeChat Official Account: 说会英语 手机（同微信号）Phone Number (Same for): +8617317121983 WhatsApp/WeChat：17317121983 📆周日Sunday, 🟢English Talkspace🟢 ⏰:14:00-16:00 🏠 3/F, No.399 Nanjing West Road, Huangpu District Tomorrow Square, Shanghai:🏠南京西路399号3楼【机遇中心 X-Meta bar】 [https://maps.app.goo.gl/thznK3L37XFo6sTF8](https://maps.app.goo.gl/thznK3L37XFo6sTF8) 📆Wednesday 🟢English&Chinese Talkspace🟢 🎟#小程序://互动吧/SXwE0VoPIcGgHVI ⏰19:00-21:00 📍 📆周五Friday, 🟢Language Exchange🟢 🎟#小程序://互动吧/TOXhHCiaBlNSkgr ⏰Time: 19:00---21:40 🏠上海市静安区新闸路1788号3层 3F，No.1788, Xinzha Road, Shanghai [https://maps.app.goo.gl/cdqiGUASXAvjFmPN6](https://maps.app.goo.gl/cdqiGUASXAvjFmPN6) [WhatsApp Group：https://chat.whatsapp.com/BRscBnmLynICxeOQycSvWq](https://chat.whatsapp.com/BRscBnmLynICxeOQycSvWq) 🎫：Early-bird: 40 RMB = 6$ 【set going before 】 normal 50 RMB = 7$ At the Door 60RMB = 8$【At the door buy 】 📆Saturday 【周六】Fudan 🟢Talkspace International Students Language Exchange 复旦同济留学生交流会🟢 ⏰:19:00-22:00 【Saturday】 🏠: 复旦科技园副楼一楼 📍No 11, Guotai Road,Yangpu District, Shanghai WeChat：17317121983 WhatsApp：+8617317121983 https://wa.me/8617317121983 [https://maps.app.goo.gl/bmf1TkzZ45SUR2nX8](https://maps.app.goo.gl/bmf1TkzZ45SUR2nX8) #公众号：说会英语 #视频号：说会英语 #小程序://互动吧/h1LX5oWSDmgO10v #小程序://微博/H1VOJN21MjI0Tjx #公众号：说会英语 #视频号：说会英语 #小红书：说会英语 #微 博：说会英语 #战略合作：复旦科技园 Fudan University Science Park 戏外书店 Obook X-meta 说会联盟

dear all, We will move to Bailian Zhongshan BEFORE jing’an opens. Welcome to join us Please confirm with me first before you signed up My WeChat is ellenliu12345 60rmb for 2 hours , 6 people share a court 小伙伴们， 所以我们在静安开放之前将会在百联中环打，欢迎加入我们

小红书RedBook: TomEvents. 微信公众号wechat offical account: TomEvents. wechat:lzy9138 First i should let you know That our Time and location could be changing from Time to time,sometimes we don’t update the information here in meetup, so pls add my wechat:Lzy9138 to confirm before you come, I’ll also add you in our wechat group where you ‘ll get the latest notifications Hi There, Welcome to our language exchange party Our Event is devided into 3 parts. 1.Get your drink, grab a seat, and free talk 2.Hosting Part.(Ice-breaking Game,Lucky Draw etc.). Within half an hour. 3.Networking, Board Games, Industry Exchanges and mingling.different areas will be set, everyone Stand up, hold your drink and move freely~ About 1.5 hour **How does it work：** A. Done RSVP on meetup & payment before coming over B. Use wechat to scan our QR code to check in & get a bracelet C. Get your first free drink. D. Grab a seats and follow the flow. **Costs & Payment methods :** **Online on WeChat mini-program 快团团** Ticket Price Varies from ￥39.9-78 若想获得活动通知 最新照片，或其他疑问欢迎加 管理员微信入群: **Tom-WeChat:lzy9138** **小红书/微信公众号：上海英语角TomEvents** 周六活动： @活动时间Time： 每周六下午Every Saturday afternoon 3-6pm \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* 免责声明： 本活动本着自愿参与的原则，参加活动者视为具有完全民事行为能力的人（18岁以上公民），对于任何原因造成的人身财产等一切伤害和损失完全自行负责，活动主办方不承担任何责任。所有现场参加者默认同意并接受本声明！ \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*

pick your own date and let's go! \*starts with 2 people tailor-made inbound tour 📍Destination: Beijing China 📅 2026 Private Tour\| Year\-round departures 💵 From $499 incl. 4-star hotels **Trip at a Glace** D1 Beijing arrival at Beijing South railway station, met and then visit **The Tian’an Men Square and The Forbidden City** in the afternoonDrive to hotel, check in and free at leisure 🏨 4 star hotel in Beijing D2 Breakfast served in the Hotel. Drive to Huairou district and trek at **Mutianyu Great Wall,** Lunch at a local restaurant at foot of Mutianyu Great Wall (Self-paid). Return to downtown Beijing and stroll along **Shichahai lake and Yandaixiejie Hutong.** Return to hotel 🏨 4 star hotel in Beijing 🧆 breakfast; D3 Breakfast served in the hotel and check out Visit **Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven**, departure from Beijing and end your journey here 🧆 breakfast;

what is the best way to spend your weekend ? come to join us for badminton to have fun! please prepare racket by yourself , shuttlecock will be provided , add my WeChat : ellenliu12345 to sign up by our WeChat group . 60 RMB for 2 hours , we play double for fun game , 6 people share one court

Thousand Island Lake, also known as Qiandaohu, is located in Chun'an County in Zhejiang Province. It gets the name cause there are about 1,078 islands dotted in the area. This man-made lake is formed cause the water flooded the area after the Xin'an River hydroelectric station is completed. Qiandaohu is not only famous for beautiful lake views, lush forests but its clean and drinkable water which is used for producing famous brand of Nongfu Spring Mineral Water. In this trip we will enjoy kayaking at the Thousand Island Lake, explore the local villages, hike through valley to check out the amazing waterfalls which we think can also cool you down in the summer. If we have time we can swim a little bit and we might have chance to spot the monkeys in the natural forest if we are lucky! Trip Specifics Date: Saturday on 23rd till 24th May 2026 Level: Moderate Cost: 1,600rmb including high speed train between Shanghai and Qiandaohu (second class); private local transfers; meals listed; local 4-star hotel (double occupancy, pay extra 300rmb for your private room); kayaking fee; bottled water; trip leader, local guide and driver cost Participants: 8 -12 pax Registration Dealine: 16th May 2026 Detailed Itinerary **D1(LD)** 08:35 - 10:45 Make your way to Hongqiao Train Station and board the high speed train G7357 to Qiandaohu 11:00 - 12:00 Drive to restaurant for lunch 12:00 - 13.00 Lunch 13:00 - 15:00 Go kayaking, enjoying the beautiful view of the Thouand Island Lake. We can swim a little bit if weather permits! 15:15 - 18:30 Drive to local ancient village to start hiking along the trail to the top to overlook Thousand Island Lake. Continue to hike to another anicient village to explore a little bit 19:00 - 20:00 Dinner 20:30 - Check in your accommodation by Thousand Island Lake **D2(BL)** 07:30 - 08:30 Check out and breakfast buffet at the hotel 08:30 - 10:00 Drive to a local village to start the hike 10:00 - 15:30 Hike through a local valley passing a dozen of waterfalls, natural forest and villages to the top, lunch en route 16:00 - 17:30 Transfer to Qiandaohu Train Station, grabbing your dinner there 18:22 - 20:10 Board high speed train G7312 and back to Shanghai South Train Station,bid farewell to all. Program ends. Please Note: We might take different trains depending on the train tickets availability. Sign up the trip you can add Fly on wechat (scan QR code or search WeChat ID browniequeen) or call 13816452502 for any questions.

晚7-9点 周末小酌@静安香格里拉Calypso地中海酒廊! Meetup Citywalk invite you to join our weekend drink & Mixer event at Calypso lounge. Meet and mingle with fellows, enjoy a drink or two and have fun! Don't be afraid to come alone and you can make friends quickly here since most of us also come alone too. See you there! 周末的时光，不应该空白！ 遇见·城市部落诚挚的邀请您一起来Calypso地中海酒廊参加after-work drink,和新老朋友一起小酌，邂逅漫时光。花看半开 酒到微醺，开启夏日时尚社交！

小酌消烦暑，人间正清欢 周末的时光，不应该空白！ 炎炎夏日 | 微醺才是打开盛夏的正确方式 遇见·城市部落诚挚的邀请您参加： 和新老朋友一起假期小酌，邂逅漫时光。酒到微醺，开启夏日的时尚社交！ 邀清风作陪，与明月对饮 这一刻，是独属于你的微醺！ 时间：晚7:30-10点 地点：Calypso地中海酒廊 报名费含指定鸡尾酒或葡萄酒，啤酒一杯 Meetup Citywalk invite you to join our Holiday drink & mingle with fellows at Calypso Lounge this Saturday evening. Meet and mingle with fellows, enjoy a drink or two and have fun! Don't be afraid to come alone. You'll make new friends quickly. See you there! Ticket price RMB 68 including one drink(Cocktail or wine, beer)

Explore ironic **Architecture of Shanghai** through an unexpected perspective. Walk, shoot, and connect with photographers & creators as we move around in the Shanghai Botanical Garden. Beginners, enthusiasts, and pros — all are welcome. –––––––––– **EVENT DETAILS** **Location:** Former Site of Fuxin First Flour Mill – Fotografiska – Sihang Warehouse – Postal Museum (Entire route runs along the Suzhou Creek waterfront) **Date:** 23.05.2026 **Time:** 16:00-18:00 **Meeting Point:** 423 Guangfu Rd, 423, Jing'An, 200071 上海市静安区 423, 光复路423号 邮政编码: 200071 –––––––––– **EVENT FLOW** **16:00** \| Meet & Connect We’ll gather at the meeting point, introduce ourselves, and warm up creatively. **16:15** \| Main Walk \(Architecture\) Old and new buildings, reflections, texture and everything framed in an unexpected way. **18:00** → Optional coffee or drinks nearby. –––––––––– **IMPORTANT** This isn’t a class. It’s not a tour. It’s a creative meetup. We’ll walk. We’ll shoot. We’ll connect. –––––––––– **WHAT TO EXPECT** Bring your: • Film camera • Digital camera • Smartphone • Curiosity Whether you're a beginner, seasoned photographer, content creator, or just creatively curious — you’re welcome here. Come solo or bring friends. Spots are limited — reserve your place ASAP. –––––––––– **STAY CONNECTED** 📍 Join our [WhatsApp Group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EDsJrefpjg7GQ4niagkZ2O?mode=wwc) for live location & updates. 📸 Follow [@takeaphotowalkcommunity](https://www.instagram.com/stories/takeaphotowalkcommunity/) and tag us in your photos. –––––––––– **ABOUT TAKE A PHOTO WALK** Founded in Barcelona in July 2024, Take a Photo Walk connects photographers and creators around the world through real-life creative experiences. Now Shanghai is part of the story. –––––––––– Capture the fleeting elegance of the cherry blossoms before the wind takes them. See you in Shanghai. 📸

👉 **To join:** Please add Daisy on WeChat at **daisy00233** **We conduct all discussions over WeChat only.** Hello, my name is Daisy Wen. I studied English Literature as an undergraduate and later completed an LLB with the University of London. Beyond academics, I have a long-standing fascination with Chinese tea culture. In China, tea is far more than a beverage. It is deeply woven into history, daily life, etiquette, art, and philosophy. Even the Japanese tea ceremony traces its roots back to tea traditions of the Tang Dynasty. I am beginning to organize small, relaxed visits to tea farms for those who are genuinely curious about tea — how it is grown, harvested, processed, and appreciated. If you enjoy meaningful cultural experiences and good conversation over a proper cup of tea, I am forming a WeChat group for like-minded friends. Let us meet for a cuppa and see where the journey takes us.

***Scan the WhatsApp QR code above to connect with us.*** (Hint: Save the image to your phone, then open it. Press and hold on the image, and your WhatsApp app will open and prompt you to add the contact.) **AN EVENT MAY ONLY TAKE PLACE AFTER YOU HAVE CONNECTED VIA WHATSAPP. There will be no event unless it is confirmed in a WhatsApp group.** The picture above was taken in the compound of **Baoshan Temple** (寶山寺), it is a Buddhist temple located on the banks of the Lianqi River in the town of Baoshan District, Shanghai. Hi, my name is Nigel. I graduated from Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics and began my career designing rocket components for China’s aerospace program. So unlike the so-called “rocket scientists” on Wall Street, I am the real deal. For the past 20 years, I have helped foreign businesses achieve a smooth landing in China, navigating everything from market strategy and regulatory compliance to local partnerships and execution. I speak the languages of engineering, mathematics, and cross-border business. Let us have a cup of tea at a peaceful Buddhist temple and talk business. We can brainstorm practical, real-world approaches to doing business in China. My associate and I also host business networking events and organize trips around China for professionals and entrepreneurs. Please add the WhatsApp contact above to connect and confirm details.

Join us as we get together to see Paul Rudd in the latest comedy-drama-musical from John Carney, POWER BALLAD! The film follows a washed-up wedding singer, a fading boy band singer and a stolen hit song. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: Rick, a washed-up wedding singer, and Danny, a fading boy band star, bond over music and a late-night jam session. When Danny turns Rick's song into a hit, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves. Power Ballad is written/directed by John Carney, the master of the modern musical and creative mind behind Once, Begin Again and Sing Street! It stars Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas, Peter McDonald, Marcella Plunkett, Havana Rose Liu and Jack Reynor. BUZZ & ACCLAIM: The film premiered to rave reviews at this year’s Dublin International Film Festival where critics call it “a sure-fired crowd-pleaser” that “just might be the feel-good hit of the year!” Others say, “Paul Rudd delivers a career-best performance in this charmer” that’s both “hilarious and deeply moving!” SUMMER OF ICE CREAM, VOL 2: SHAKE NO. 8! Ranked the #1 Ice Cream Shop in Columbus in 2024, this is the perfect place to kick off our Summer of Ice Cream and grab a sweet treat after the show! Their menu features an array of traditional, specialty and vegan shakes, hot cocoa, and more! You can check out their full menu here: [https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php](https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php) PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 20 minutes before the show. Once showtime is announced, advance ticket purchase is advised! Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event. We'll head to nearby Shake No. 8 immediately following the show! Should be a fun one, Dan

Start your week the right way with Manic Mondays. Giving you an enjoyable Bachata lesson with a push of cool moves. The second hour has Beginner/Intermediate Salsa on 1. You must understand basic Salsa skills to participate. 730pm-830pm Bachata Cool Moves 830pm-930pm Salsa On 1 (Beginner/Intermediate) 15 for One Class 20 for Both Free Parking & Plenty of Dance Space. Viva Dance Columbus 2809 Festival Lane Dublin OH 43017

We meet to learn and practice American Sign Language and to grow our familiarity with Deaf culture. Facilitated by hearing folks (with a connection to a professional interpreter) using Deaf-created content. People of all ASL skill levels are welcome! As we learn, we hope to connect more with the Deaf community in Central Ohio. Join us as you're able! Come regularly or just once - whatever you're looking for! Each meetup will explore different topics related to ASL/Deaf culture, and will feature time to practice conversation with one another. Just bring yourself and a willingness to learn!

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who enjoy talking to people from other countries, and those who would like to discuss international travel and culture, and who enjoy getting together for good conversations."

### Goblin Mayhem in May \| One Free Goblin Mini Event Embrace the chaos this May with **Goblin Mayhem** at The Arcane Foundry. Join us for a paint and sip experience where you’ll receive a free goblin miniature and dive into one of the most unpredictable and mischievous factions in Warhammer Fantasy and The Old World. Whether you’re new to painting or a seasoned hobbyist, this event is all about fun, creativity, and a little bit of madness. Learn how to paint vibrant greens, tattered clothing, and grimy details while exploring the lore and playstyle of goblins. From sneaky ambushers to reckless hordes, you’ll discover what makes these creatures both hilarious and dangerous on the battlefield. All supplies are provided, space is limited, and things are bound to get a little out of control.

**History** The history of [Blendon Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blendon-woods/) began long before its 1951 opening, rooted in a landscape of rugged ridges and deep ravines that made the land unsuitable for traditional farming. In 1945, a report proposing a metropolitan park system for Franklin County specifically highlighted these cliffs of Bedford Shale as some of the "wildest land in the vicinity". Following this recommendation, the recently formed park district purchased the first 229 acres in early 1949. Because the terrain was so uneven, developers had to cut a mile-and-a-half-long roadway through dense woods just to bring in heavy equipment. This initial preservation effort ensured that the mature second-growth hardwood forests remained largely untouched by the urban expansion spreading toward Westerville. Opening day arrived on Labor Day, September 3, 1951, marking Blendon Woods as the second park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. The final push to open was a frantic race; the State Highway Department only finished the primary gravel access road four days before the gates opened. Early staff members, consisting of just four full-time employees, had to hand-dig pit toilets and learn construction skills on the fly to build the first picnic shelters. Despite the dusty conditions and limited facilities, the park was an immediate success, drawing massive crowds from across Central Ohio. By the end of the 1950s, annual visitation had already climbed to over 190,000 people. As the surrounding suburbs grew in the 1960s, the park faced severe overcrowding that threatened its natural habitats. In response, Franklin County voters passed the first Metro Parks levy in 1960, providing the funds necessary for a decade of steady expansion. During this era, the park nearly doubled in size, growing from 264 acres to over 570 acres by 1968. Planners also addressed a critical water shortage by collaborating with the U.S. Soil and Conservation Service to build a lake in 1964. This body of water originally served as a temporary reservoir before its role shifted toward conservation and wildlife support. The 1970s marked a transition toward the specialized wildlife and educational focus for which the park is known today. In 1971, the Walden Waterfowl Refuge was established around the 11-acre Thoreau Lake, creating a sanctuary that remains restricted to provide a quiet habitat for migratory birds. A formal nature center was also developed during this period, expanding on the guided Sunday walks that had been a park staple since the early 1950s. The park’s famous "Monarch Mansion" also became a prominent fixture, starting a long tradition of raising and releasing thousands of monarch butterflies each September. These initiatives cemented the park’s reputation as a premier destination for birders and nature enthusiasts. In more recent decades, Blendon Woods has continued to modernize while maintaining its wilderness character. The 10-acre Natural Play Area was added in 2017, encouraging kids to explore the ravines and woods off-trail. This was followed by the opening of a $1.5 million inclusive playground in April 2025, designed to accommodate children of all physical abilities. The nature center also underwent major renovations to include immersive, three-dimensional exhibits and a new butterfly house. Today, the park encompasses 653 acres, preserving a unique geologic and biological corridor amidst the bustling Westerville and Northeast Columbus area. **Map of the Park** Here is a map of [Blendon Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BLN_map_Inclusive-Playground-and-Butterfly-Trail_May-2025_1980px.png). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Lake View, Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook, Brookside, and Sugarbush Trails. This sounds like a lot, but it will really be only a little over five miles. Blendon Woods has a few hills here and there, but it's not one of the more strenuous metro parks. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet just in front of the Nature Center. This is about a mile into the park from the main entrance. You have to go past the Ranger Station and the Shadblow Reservable Area to get to it, so don't stop too early at the Ranger Station and get it confused with the Nature Center. **After the Hike** Afterward, we will head over to [Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/) at Easton for [drinks](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/#dinner-menu) and [food](https://forbiddenroot.com/wp-content/uploads/Cbus-Food.pdf). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks. The brewery's actual address is [4080 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4080+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88388a86d10b6619:0x4d42b470a5cf11d3?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111); however, I recommend pointing your GPS to the [Worth Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Worth+Garage/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388b4df6082825:0x17582f0eccd9dda1!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11rzfvvv8b?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) across the street. Parking in this garage is free as long as you're not on the first floor, and it is literally right next to the brewery.