Dating and Relationships

*** **🎨✨ \*\*Join Us for an Unforgettable Art Adventure at the Wallace Collection!\*\* 🖼️🎉** Get ready for a spectacular day filled with culture, connection, and pure excitement! We’re hosting a vibrant social gathering to explore the magnificent \*\*Wallace Collection\*\* in London, and we want YOU to be part of it! 🏛️😄 This isn’t just a museum visit—it’s a chance to dive into a world of art, history, and great company! 🌟 **\*\*About the Wallace Collection\*\*:** Nestled in the heart of London at Hertford House, Manchester Square, the Wallace Collection is a hidden gem that’s free to visit and bursting with treasures! 🏰💎 This world-class museum houses an extraordinary collection of fine and decorative arts, amassed by the Marquesses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace in the 18th and 19th centuries. From jaw-dropping paintings by masters like \*\*Rembrandt\*\*, \*\*Titian\*\*, and \*\*Fragonard\*\* (including the iconic \*The Swing\*) to exquisite French furniture, glittering porcelain, and a jaw-dropping armory of medieval and Renaissance weapons, there’s something to captivate everyone! 🗡️🖌️ The grand rooms of Hertford House itself are a masterpiece, offering a glimpse into aristocratic life with their opulent interiors. Whether you’re an art aficionado or just love a good story, the Wallace Collection’s intimate yet dazzling galleries will leave you inspired! **😍** **\- \*\*What’s Happening\*\*:** **\- 🕑 \*\*3:00 PM \- Meet & Mingle\*\*: We’ll gather just inside the museum’s entrance for a lively 15\-minute meet\-up\. Say hello\, make new friends\, and get pumped for the adventure ahead\! 🤝😊** **\- 🖌️ \*\*3:15 PM \- Explore the Collection\*\*: Wander through the museum’s stunning galleries at your own pace\. Marvel at sparkling chandeliers\, intricate Sèvres porcelain\, and paintings that tell tales of love\, war\, and beauty\. Don’t miss the Great Gallery or the quirky armory displays\! 🎨🔍** **\- 🕔 \*\*5:00 PM \- Reconvening\*\*: We’ll regroup outside the museum to share our favorite discoveries and soak up the post\-art buzz\. 🗣️✨** **\- 🚶‍♀️ \*\*5:15 PM \- Stroll to Soho\*\*: Together\, we’ll take a scenic walk to vibrant Soho\, heading to \*\*Waxy O’Connor’s\*\* \(14\-16 Rupert St\, London W1D 6DD\)\. This legendary Irish pub\, with its cozy nooks and lively atmosphere\, is the perfect spot for drinks\, laughs\, and more bonding\! 🍻🎶** **\*\*Why You’ll Love It\*\*:** Immerse yourself in a treasure trove of art and history, connect with fellow culture enthusiasts, and cap it off with a fun evening in one of London’s liveliest spots! Whether you’re geeking out over rococo furniture or just here for the vibes, this day will be packed with inspiration and joy. 😍🎈 **Bring your curiosity, your smile, and let’s make this a dazzling day of art, history, and new friendships! 🌟🎉 #WallaceCollectionAdventure #ArtAndSoul** \*\*\*\*\*\*\* \*\*\*\*\*\*\* \*\*\*\*\*\*\* **Some Tips:** 1. **Let’s all commit to updating our RSVPs if plans change**—it helps us plan better and ensures great attendance for everyone. If you RSVP “yes” but don’t attend and don’t update your RSVP, you may be removed from the group to keep things fair. No stress, though—you can rejoin for a small £10 fee! Just send me a DM, and I’ll share the PayPal details to get you back in. 2. **Turn Up on Time at the start!** This helps the quality of the event and helps you. 3. If you are struggling with the **app**, use the web page instead, that's what I use. 4. **Attendee Numbers & Guest Lists:** We have this event listed at least on two groups and the guest list includes attendees from all. You can see the list of attendees here: [https://www.meetup.com/zensingles/](https://www.meetup.com/zensingles/) [https://www.meetup.com/cityzenlondon/](https://www.meetup.com/cityzenlondon/) [https://www.meetup.com/LoveLife](https://www.meetup.com/LoveLife) 5. Join our **social media**: **Instagram**: [https://www.instagram.com/cityzen.london/](https://www.instagram.com/cityzen.london/) **X:** https://x.com/CityZenLondon 6. **Our WhatsApp group:** [See private comment in the comments section below]. We have a few rules including no ads, no DMs unless recipient is in the "Direct Messaging List" or risk removal and £10 rejoin fee. 7. **Support Our Amazing London Event Hosts! 🙌** Our incredible crew of hosts is the heartbeat of London’s buzzing meetup scene, bringing people together for unforgettable experiences that spark connection, growth, and fun! 🌟 From museum adventures to flirty dating mixers, these rockstar hosts pour their energy, time, and passion into creating events that level up your social and communication skills. But hosting isn’t easy—it takes resources, effort, and heart. 💖 Please consider supporting our hosts with a donation to keep the good vibes flowing and help us make London the ultimate social hub! 🚀 Below, meet our hosts for this event and see how you can chip in to fuel their amazing work. 8. To encourage signing up early to events and regulate the number of attendees a late joiner/overflow fee may be applied to an event for any **additional** people wanting to join the event. This may happen on the day or even an hour before the event. So there may be people who obtained a free RSVP to network with our group and some who had to pay. If you have successfully signed up to our event on meetup paid or not then you are in. Happy networking **Zen & The Meetup Groups** *The Visionary Social Connector* Zen, our AI guru with 25 years in the game, founded these meetups to transform his own social skills and now helps others do the same. From sparking in-person networking to coordinating epic events, Zen’s passion for connection is unstoppable. Help him keep the momentum going! Support Zen: Donate to cover event planning tools, venue bookings, and more. **[Donation Link](https://paypal.me/Zenswalks)** \*\*\*\* **Disclaimer, Liability Waiver & Media Consent** By attending this event, you acknowledge and agree to the following: **Organiser Identity** – The organiser operates under the community name **“ZEN”**, which is used as an alias for privacy and branding purposes. By joining, you understand that “ZEN” refers to the organiser and/or designated hosts of this event. **Assumption of Risk** – You understand and accept that participation in any social, recreational, or group activity involves inherent risks, including but not limited to personal injury, illness, property damage, or other unforeseen incidents. You voluntarily choose to attend at your own sole risk. **Personal Responsibility** – You are solely responsible for your own safety, health, wellbeing, and personal belongings at all times. It is your responsibility to exercise good judgment, act responsibly, and take appropriate precautions before, during, and after the event. **No Organiser Liability** – The organiser, hosts, volunteers, and the community known as **ZEN** accept no responsibility and shall not be held liable for any injury, loss, damage, accident, theft, or any other issue that may arise as a result of your participation. **Guests** – If you bring guests, you accept full responsibility for their conduct, safety, and understanding of this disclaimer. **Independent Event** – This event may be held in conjunction with other social or non-singles meetup groups. ZEN is not responsible for the actions, behaviour, or arrangements of any third parties. **Media Consent** – By attending this event, you consent to being photographed, filmed, or recorded. You grant ZEN and its organisers the irrevocable right to use such images and recordings for promotional, marketing, social media, and community purposes without compensation or further approval. If you do not wish to be photographed or recorded, it is your responsibility to inform the organiser in advance and to remove yourself from areas where filming or photography is taking place. **Acceptance of Terms** – By attending, you confirm that you have read, understood, and accepted this disclaimer. You release ZEN, its organisers, hosts, volunteers, and members from all claims, demands, or causes of action, whether known or unknown, arising out of your participation or the use of photography/videography captured at the event. Your attendance at this event signifies your full acceptance of this policy. If you do not agree, you should not attend.

🔵 THE FIRST 10 TICKETS ARE £4.50 ONLY 🔴 REMAINING TICKETS ONLINE ARE £9.50 ONLY 🟢 TICKETS AT THE DOOR ARE £15.0 CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO BUY TICKETS - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/how-to-initiate-interactions-with-new-people-tickets-1978221821721 In this workshop Ryan explains why people often have emotions blocking them (usually nervousness) in social situations & how to deal with this to not miss out on opportunities. In the 2nd half he explains how to smoothly start a conversation & make it flow. 🔵 - Understand why people get nervous in social situations or have other emotions blocking them from socialising 🟣 - How to reduce & overcome nervousness or other emotions blocking you from socialising 🟠 - How to start a conversation easily in almost any situation 🟢 - How to use positioning & body language to make starting a conversation much easier 🔵 - How to get a conversation flowing after starting it ⚫ - Brain training exercises designed to increase sharpness at this area of social skills 🔴 - A challenge at the end to bring everything from the workshop together Ryan has been coaching people social skills full time for over 10 years. As a quiet & shy person he wanted to work on his own social skills & after making huge improvements plus understanding how social situations work & how to improve he developed a process to help others for every area of social skills. He has helped thousands of people over the years to improve & now has a huge following including over 180000 followers on TikTok. More info on Ryan & Social Shortcuts can be found on the website https://www.socialshortcuts.com 
After workshops we spend time hanging out together, a great opportunity to practice the workshop content & make new friends. Plus Ryan is happy to answer any questions you want to ask one to one. 
🟢Workshop happening after this: 🟠 Assertiveness, Setting Boundaries & Resolving Conflicts In Social Situation Sunday, February 8, 2026 at 5:45 PM GMT Ticket: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1978221829745 In this workshop Ryan explains how to reduce hostility in social situations, then how to set boundaries & defend yourself if necessary while minimising the chances of overreacting or that there is a misunderstanding. Including brain training exercises you can practice to be sharper in this area. 🔵 - How to defend yourself if trying to keep things peaceful isn’t working 🟣 - How to set boundaries in a healthy way 🟠 - Being reasonable so that you’re neither having your boundaries broken but also not overreacting potentially ending up becoming the hostile person 🟢 - How to deal with bullying 🔵 - How to manage emotions related to this area ⚫ - Brain training exercises designed to increase sharpness at this area of social skills In person workshops are at 40 Store St. - Store Street Espresso: London. 
For any questions feel free to contact Ryan or Gabriel. Please don't contact the other group organisers as they are not involved in running the event & won't be able to provide much help:
✉ Ryan: info@socialshortcuts.com
✉ Gabriel: gabrielsocialshortcuts@gmail.com 
OTHER EVENTS LINED UP
🟡 Developing Humor And Quick Thinking In Social Situations
🟢 Persuasion Workshop
🟤 How To Manage Emotions Workshop 
5 minute documentary on our workshops - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rlbCYdeaws 
We have a score of 4.9 out 5 on Trustpilot - https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/socialshortcuts.com 
Our WhatsApp chat where we discuss social skill, give updates about our events & you can ask questions - https://chat.whatsapp.com/FuT9gAwf9oMKACjbWFLmxk 
For one to one coaching on social skills and also our free trial session - [ http://www.socialshortcuts.com 
We have over 180000 followers on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@socialshortcuts.com 
Our video courses - [https://social-shortcuts.teachable.com/p/conversation-course 
DISCLAIMER
This workshop is intended for educational and or entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any medical condition. 
Follow us on the sites below also:
http://www.socialshortcuts.com
http://www.youtube.com/c/socialshortcuts
http://www.facebook.com/socialshortcutsofficial
http://www.Instagram.com/socialshortcuts 
🟣 Ken Robinson
🟤 Up to a point you welcome being interrupted because it is only by interacting with others you get anything interesting done

Whether you're a high flying corporate executive, an aspiring salsa dancer, a visiting american cheerleader, a weekend super model, an olympic swimmer, or living in London from a Sanctioned country with an exotic name, get your training attire out of the closet and join us in Hyde Park with a crew of upbeat and high energy people! https://vimeo.com/229105691 Join us if it’s like minded people you want to meet, If it's a summer beach body you’re after or you simply want to see the amazing sites of Hyde Park. No matter what your reason you will be welcomed by positive energy and open minded individuals. What to expect: an hour of fun and well thought out dynamic body weight exercises. What’s included: following a thorough warmup we begin our short runs and HiiT workouts within desigated areas of Hyde park. What does it really mean: Steady Cardio mixed with explosive sprints, body strength HiiT training, group workouts, followed by a warm down of yoga and mindfulness. By the end of the class you have worked your entire body (and made new friends). You can push yourself according to your fitness level. We never point out any individuals but instead motivate the whole group to push further. We welcome everyone in our group. We run (slow pace) between HiiT stations. We always show options for our exercises from easy option to enhanced and difficult form of the same move. Bring a friend and let’s grow our tribe. Now for the finer details..... When: Every Sunday 11AM Meeting spot: Where: Speaker's Corner - Behind Small Cafe - copy this code in google: GR6R+C7 Exact Location ( click on the link) https://goo.gl/maps/F7sCa5dtjjqZ1J5W7 Closest station: Marble Arch (Central Line) What to bring: light comfortable backpack (to run with): water, hand gloves (for ground workouts), extra top to change into (at the end) make sure there is room for for great attitude and positive vibes :) Note: we are not stationary so you will need to carry what you bring. We run at very comfortable pace. Finish at: Close to Lancaster Gate Station. We then head to Urban Baristas for healthy refreshment and Brunch. They serve the best coffees and super delicious menu. We sometimes finish by Albert Memorial and head to WholeFoods. We post the exercise program on our Facebook and Instagram page. Make sure to check it out: FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/urbantribelife INSTAGRAM: Sunday's Bootcamp: https://www.instagram.com/urbantribe.life/ Our Retreats Page: https://www.instagram.com/utretreats/ We can all achieve more by exercising together. Urban Tribe is about Connecting People Outdoors. Looking forward to see you next Sunday :) Now the boring stuff: Attending any bootcamp session is absolutely at your own risk. We accept no responsibility or liability for any loss, injury or damage arising in any way.

**FOR WHO THIS IS** **This conversation is for you if you feel like:** You’re repeating life patterns you can’t explain, in relationships, self-worth, or emotional triggers. You’ve done therapy, spiritual work, or self-reflection: yet something still feels “unmovable.” There’s a part of you that senses your personal struggles are connected to something larger than you. You’re loyal to family stories or roles that no longer serve you, but you don’t know how to leave them behind. You’re ready to explore healing in a way that reaches beyond the personal ego into the ancestral field : toward peace, clarity, and belonging. **SHAVASTI** Shavasti (also known as John L. Payne) is a globally respected teacher, healer, and Family Constellations facilitator with decades of experience guiding deep healing work. • He’s the author of multiple books on ancestral and transgenerational healing. • He has facilitated hundreds of workshops and thousands of healing sessions across continents. • His work blends Family Constellations with shamanic, energy healing, and soul-centered approaches rooted in compassion and truth. • His approach invites people to see beyond surface symptoms and discover the deeper energetic and ancestral forces shaping their lives. **WHAT YOU CAN LEARN IN THE Q&A** **In this intimate, deep Q&A with Shavasti, you will gain:** \- Clarity about hidden family entanglements ; those unseen loyalties or bonds that repeat through your life and relationships\. \- Insight into the invisible loyalties that shape your patterns and how they may be unconsciously directing your choices\. \- A new perspective on healing : moving beyond “fixing symptoms” to releasing what you’re carrying that didn’t originate with you\. \- Practical understanding of how ancestral healing applies to everyday life: relationships\, identity\, healing blocks\, and emotional freedom\. \- Truth\-rooted reflections that open a doorway to deeper peace\, self\-acceptance\, and connection\.

**On Sunday 1st February, we’re really excited to be heading back to the Tate Modern for our latest fast-paced, Photo Scavenger Hunt.** Yep we'll be returning to London's most famous modern art Gallery for one of our most unique afternoons of social fun. If you've not been to one of these before, our photo hunts are a unique mix of a fast-paced **Scavenger Hunt** and **Where’s Wally?,** set in one of the world’s most famous galleries. We’ve curated a fresh selection of intriguing background characters, unusual objects and eye-catching snippets in the paintings across the gallery. And your team’s mission is to **locate as many of them as you can** within the allotted time. To help you find them, you’ll be armed with clues and photo hints, but they are designed to be easy to miss - so you’ll need to keep your wits about you and your eyes peeled. And that’s not all - there’ll also be extra creative challenges along the way, giving your team the chance to bag valuable bonus points. The team with the most points by the end of the night will be crowned the winners, with **some great prizes up for grabs.** And once the hunt wraps up, we’ll head back to the pub to grab a drink, crown the winners and hand out the prizes. We'll also then be keeping the fun going, by getting out our huge collection of board games for you to enjoy with your new friends! It should be a great night but places are limited and so if you would like to join us for this, please RSVP as soon as possible! **\- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \-** **WHERE/WHEN** Meet Point - Thirsty Bear, 62 Stamford St, London SE1 9LX ([https://goo.gl/maps/35TPL864JuAS1ev39)](https://goo.gl/maps/35TPL864JuAS1ev39) Closest Tube stations: Southwark (5 min walk), Waterloo (10 mins walk) Start Time - 2:00pm Finish time: 7:30pm \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- **JOIN THE COMMUNITY** Set up in November 2021, the project was set up to help Londoners in their 20s and 30s meet, connect and hopefully build lifelong friendships. To help make this happen, we also host all kinds of events from free social walks, games evenings, day trips, social events, activity nights to picnics. To learn more about our community, follow us on social media or buy us a coffee, please follow one of the links below. **Website - [https://friendship-project.co.uk](https://friendship-project.co.uk/)** **Instagram - [https://www.instagram.com/great.friendship/](https://www.instagram.com/great.friendship/)**

Hello lovely girls 💛 We’re hosting another girls-only meetup. The last girls meetup of the season with one simple intention: to offer a safe, comfortable space for girls to mingle, connect, and share—at their own pace. This meetup isn’t about structured activities or forced networking. It’s about being yourself, having real conversations, and maybe even finding a best friend forever ✨ What to Expect: * A relaxed, judgment-free environment * Space to mingle, talk, listen, and connect naturally * No pressure to participate beyond your comfort level * Some easy starters could be: What do you do? What are your passions? What’s been on your mind lately? And if small talk isn’t your thing—feel free to skip it and speak your heart out. Our Approach We may gently shuffle groups only if members are comfortable and open to it. If conversations are flowing naturally, we’ll let them be. Your comfort always comes first. A Note on Respect & Privacy: Everyone joining this meetup is expected to: * Respect each other’s privacy, boundaries, and comfort * Keep shared conversations confidential * Be kind, inclusive, and supportive This is a girls-only safe space, and we take that seriously. A Quick Note About the Venue This is a free meetup, and there’s no participation fee. However, as a small thank-you to the venue for hosting us, we kindly request everyone to order at least one drink, cake, or something to eat—whatever you feel like ☕🍰 Please also be patient and respectful with the staff. If we’re a larger group, there may be slight delays with orders, and we truly appreciate everyone’s understanding and kindness. ✨ Stay Connected with London Social Connect ✨ We share upcoming events, community highlights, and social moments on our Instagram, so give us a follow to stay connected with the group. https://www.instagram.com/lsc.2026?igsh=MTVkenpmZWptZmhldA==

It begins as your typical boy meets boy. Tom and Ming meet on a night out at university and fall hard for each other. It’s not long before they are planning a future and building a life. Then Ming announces her intention to transition. As Tom and Ming both face shifts in their relationship and confront the vastly different shapes their lives have taken, they must both ask if it is worth losing a part of themselves – or each other – to become the people they want to be. ————————————— Join us at Canova Hall to discuss Bellies over a coffee!

**IMPORTANT:** To RSVP you will need to register on the **WeMeet app** [here.](https://www.weroad.com/wemeet/events/london/darts-social-f50393d7-9c1a-44e3-b8f8-b2ca095d7952) The exact Flight Club location will be shared here also! **What’s going down?** Hey WeRoader! Join us for a fun, relaxed **Darts Social** at **Flight Club** (exact Flight Club location shared on WeMeet app). We’ve got a **two oches** and **90 minutes of free darts**, so you can focus on having a laugh, meeting new people, and enjoying the buzzing atmosphere, no experience needed! **How does it work?** 🗓️ **RSVP to secure your spot** – spaces are limited ⏰ **Please arrive on time** to make the most of the session 🎯 **2 oches available**, with teams rotating throughout the evening 💸 **Free to attend** (just pay for your own drinks or food) **Come solo or bring a friend** 👤 Over half of our attendees usually come solo — we’ll mix teams and keep things social, so you’ll be chatting and playing together in no time. **What to expect:** 🎯 Darts games with rotating teams 🍻 Drinks, food & mingling 😄 A relaxed, welcoming vibe 🤝 Easy conversations and new connections ⚠️ **Limited spots** (max 12 people per oche), so make sure to RSVP early. See you on the oche! 🎯

***(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.

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