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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Check out outdoor fitness events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.

Discover all the outdoor fitness events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.

Absolutely! Find outdoor fitness events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.

Outdoor Fitness Events Today

Join in-person Outdoor Fitness events happening right now

đŸŒŒđŸŒŒ Petange - "Giele Botter" (14km) đŸŒŒđŸŒŒ
đŸŒŒđŸŒŒ Petange - "Giele Botter" (14km) đŸŒŒđŸŒŒ
Hello Friends! The natural reserve "Prënzebierg - Giele Botter" near Petange is a great place for a walk at any time of the year. We will see interesting parts of a former mining area and some beautiful forest. There might be some white anemones left, as we saw 2 weeks ago, and loads of blue flowers on a sea of green leaves on the ground! The weather forecast is predicting some light rain, maybe, or maybe not. I suggest wearing something waterproof in any case, but also bring many umbrellas to scare the rain away! There is a great place where we can sit under a roof for our lunch break, "Fond de Gras", where you can see some machinery and trains from the mining era. We will arrive at this place after around 9km, but as usual, we'll do some short water breaks before. Depending on the temperature and the mood, the lunch break/picnic will take between 15 and 30 minutes; the earliest departure is, as usual, when Jörg has finished his lunch :) After the break, it's just 5 km back to the start, but to make it a bit interesting, I'm trying to find some new paths that I spotted on the map and never walked before. No worries, even if we get lost, a detour to get back on known tracks would be less than 1km. **Meeting Point:** We will meet on the parking near the Petange train station, on "the other side of the railway", after arriving by train from Luxembourg. The Google Maps link below shows the parking. If you come by car, please go there. When the train has arrived, we will cross the rails using the tunnel and gather on the parking before starting the hike. https://maps.app.goo.gl/nYsSjwXWc5Jbvxxx6 **Public Transport:** You can take train RB 5059 towards "Petange", leaving "Gare Centrale" at 10.00, arriving at 10:22. **Car Pool:** If you come from a completely different direction or prefer the car for other reasons, you might offer a seat to a friendly co-hiker. https://groupcarpool.com/t/snxe8v Passengers, please get into the cars of your favorite driver or place of departure. Don't forget to remove yourself from the waiting list when you find a seat in a car! **Disclaimer:** The hike is at your own risk, and please make sure to wear proper shoes and bring some water for yourself! Looking forward to hiking with you! Jens.
Luxembourg Shivyog Forum
Luxembourg Shivyog Forum
We are happy to extend our invitation to one and all to join the Luxembourg Shivyog Forum events every Sunday from 9.00 am to 11.15 am. Shivyog Forum is a platform of positive and like-minded people, interested in spiritual growth, self-healing and self-awareness. Every week, through virtual videos, Avdhoot Baba Shivanand ji blesses and shares the Divine sacred secrets and knowledge through discourses, guided sacred meditations, chanting of Mantras and Bhajans for overall life transformation. This helps the Forum members to progress in their spiritual journey, in establishing deeper connection with one’s inner being, in ability to forgive and love others, in improved emotional and physical health, mental peace, healthy relationship leading to the awakening and purification of the body mind and soul. If you wish to get connected with the Avdhoota and practice deep healing meditations, kriyas and bhajans that can change your life, you are warmly welcome to become a member and join us! Yearly membership fee is a nominal US$ 50 to be paid directly to India to the Shivyog Ashram but your are welcome to attend the first Forum event free.
Feng Shui - Level 0
Feng Shui - Level 0
**Ever wondered why some rooms feel peaceful while others feel "off"?** Join us for an introductory session into the world of Feng Shui — the ancient art of spatial harmony. In this 10 session, you'll get a taste of how your environment shapes your energy, mood, and well-being. **By** **the** **end** **of** **the** **full** **programme,** **you** **will** **be** **able** **to:** * Understand the fundamental principles of Qi, Yin-Yang, and the Five Elements * Read the energy of a space using classical Feng Shui methods * Identify the Dragon and Tiger positions in any environment * Assess the Feng Shui quality of a home or building on your own * Apply practical adjustments to improve the harmony of your living space **Your** **instructor:** Yemin YIN — architect (2025 ArchDaily Building of the Year nominee), Daoist cultural practitioner, and artist. She brings 3,000 years of Chinese spatial wisdom into a practical, down-to-earth format. * Trial session: €25 * Full Level 0 programme: €188 / 10 sessions * No prior knowledge needed
Lifestyle & Fashion Portrait Photo Event
Lifestyle & Fashion Portrait Photo Event
*Style:* Elegant **Editorial Lifestyle Portraits** with a modern fashion aesthetic. Timeless portraits focused on feminine beauty, expressive poses, and stylish details. **Soft natural light, cinematic tones**, and a magazine-inspired look. Men are also welcome! *Price:* 180€ per person *Includes:* ‱ **20-minute personal photoshoot** **‱ 5 professionally edited photos** **‱ Guidance with posing** ‱ Selection of the best images after the shoot *Location:* The historic ARBED building in Luxembourg offers elegant architecture and beautiful textures that perfectly complement this sophisticated portrait style. *Recommended outfits:* Elegant dresses, black or neutral tones, minimal patterns, stylish accessories. *Available time slots:* 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 (Only 10 spots available) *Additional photos:* 15€ per photo Delivery time: Photos delivered within 7 days *Booking:* Reservation is confirmed after 50€ deposit. To reserve your spot please send a direct message. Photographer [@nnakoval_photography](https://www.instagram.com/innakoval_photography)
Feng Shui for Modern Living
Feng Shui for Modern Living
Harmony isn’t just a feeling — it’s something you can design. In Feng Shui, your space reflects your energy. When your environment flows, your life flows. ‱ Clear space = clear mind ‱ Strong support behind you = confidence forward ‱ Natural light = vitality ‱ Plants = growth ‱ Water = abundance Small changes. Big energy shift. 25 Euro / person
AI & Coffee - In-Person Meetup in Luxembourg
AI & Coffee - In-Person Meetup in Luxembourg
⚡ **AI & Coffee — Luxembourg's In-Person AI Community** AI is moving faster than any of us can keep up with alone. The best way to make sense of it — and stay ahead of it — is by getting in the same room as people who are just as obsessed with it as you are. That is exactly what AI & Coffee is about. We are bringing together Luxembourg's most curious, creative and driven minds for an afternoon of open, honest and energising conversations about artificial intelligence — not in theory, but in practice. No slides. No pitches. No pressure. Just real people, real ideas and real connections over great coffee. â˜•đŸ€– *** 📅 **Sunday 19 April \| 15:00 – 17:00** 📍 Updown Bar (Downstairs), [28 Mnt du Grund, 1645 Ville-Haute Luxembourg](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x479548cd7e0b9b45:0x5081bbff1793354b?sa=X&ved=1t:8290&ictx=111) *** ☕ **What we will talk about** AI & Coffee is an open conversation — guided by curiosity and driven by the people in the room. Expect discussions around: * What is actually happening in AI right now — the real breakthroughs, the real hype * Tools, projects and experiments people are building and testing * Practical AI use cases across industries — finance, marketing, tech, healthcare and more * Ideas, feedback and fresh perspectives from people at different stages of their AI journey Feel free to bring your laptop if you want to show something you are working on. Some of the best conversations at our last event started with someone sharing their screen. 💡 *** đŸ‘„ **Who is this for?** Developers and engineers building with AI Founders and entrepreneurs exploring AI for their business Investors and mentors looking to understand what is coming Researchers and students at the forefront of AI Creatives experimenting with AI tools Corporate professionals curious about AI's impact on their industry And anyone who simply cannot stop thinking about where AI is heading If AI excites, challenges or intrigues you — you belong here. *** ✹ **What to expect** A warm, welcoming and relaxed atmosphere where everyone has a seat at the table. Our host will kick things off with a few conversation sparks and the latest AI highlights — then the rest is yours. Meet, talk, connect and exchange freely. No commitment. No agenda. No pressure. Just the kind of afternoon that leaves you energised, inspired and already looking forward to the next one. *** 🎉 **The only cost is your own coffee or drink.** Bring your curiosity, your ideas and an open mind — and let's keep building one of the most exciting AI communities in Luxembourg. đŸ‡±đŸ‡ș 👉 Register now — spots are limited and they go fast!
Standing-up to impostor syndrome: mental health in comedy
Standing-up to impostor syndrome: mental health in comedy
**Do you want to step up to the stage with more confidence, and less self-doubt? Are you looking to be in charge of your** **thoughts, emotions and behaviours? This workshop has just the answer.** Going up on stage and exposing yourself (pun intended) can be very scary. But also very empowering. And also triggering. But also liberating. And can for sure bring on some self-doubt: Am I good enough? Why should anyone listen to me? Doesn't everyone else know more than me? Isn’t everyone else funnier? And when you get of the stage, the questions keep popping in your head: “was it good?”, “I should have said it differently”, “what was I thinking?”, “were those pity laughs?” Your inner critic is always hard at work
 A lot of emotions come up when doing stand-up. No matter if you are a beginner or a more experienced comedian, it can still bring about the dread of not being good enough, making a fool of yourself, and confirming your worst fears. But, it can also be a brilliant and almost therapeutic way to overcome self-doubt, self-sabotage, gain confidence and find that sweet spot where masks come off and you find yourself flying! In this workshop, psychologist Alexandra Neves will guide you through the following: * Impostor syndrome: the pattern in which a person doubts their skills, talents and achievements * and is afraid of being unmasked as fraud, an imposter. * Identify and bring into awareness your limiting beliefs and develop practical tools for * overcoming and releasing them. * How you can tame your inner critic, and use it to your advantage, in comedy and in life. * The masks we wear, and why we wear them. * And ultimately how to develop more self-confidence. These are all transferable skills that can positively impact your stage presence, but also your professional and personal life. Participation in this workshop is by advanced registration. Places are limited. [Book your spot here. ](https://fienta.com/mental-health-in-comedy-2026) **About the instructor:** Alexandra is a psychologist and has over 20 years of experience in training, personal development, and coaching. Alexandra specializes on mental health coaching, imposter syndrome, overcoming self- sabotage, and gender equity. A newcomer to the comedy world, she has been doing stand-up for over a year, and discovering the positive effects comedy can have on mental health – and the positive effects mental health can have in comedy! Find out more about [Alexandra here](https://academy-mind-tree-coaching.lu/) **This workshop is part of [Festrogen](http://festrogenfestival.com/), a women-centric, multi-part comedy festival hosted in Luxembourg.** **Have specific needs or questions? We'd love to help make this place as welcoming as possible. Drop an email to [info@festrogenfestival.com](mailto:info@festrogenfestival.com) and tell us how we can do that.**

Outdoor Fitness Events This Week

Discover what is happening in the next few days

Feng Shui - Level 0
Feng Shui - Level 0
**Ever wondered why some rooms feel peaceful while others feel "off"?** Join us for an introductory session into the world of Feng Shui — the ancient art of spatial harmony. In this 10 session, you'll get a taste of how your environment shapes your energy, mood, and well-being. **By** **the** **end** **of** **the** **full** **programme,** **you** **will** **be** **able** **to:** * Understand the fundamental principles of Qi, Yin-Yang, and the Five Elements * Read the energy of a space using classical Feng Shui methods * Identify the Dragon and Tiger positions in any environment * Assess the Feng Shui quality of a home or building on your own * Apply practical adjustments to improve the harmony of your living space **Your** **instructor:** Yemin YIN — architect (2025 ArchDaily Building of the Year nominee), Daoist cultural practitioner, and artist. She brings 3,000 years of Chinese spatial wisdom into a practical, down-to-earth format. * Trial session: €25 * Full Level 0 programme: €188 / 10 sessions * No prior knowledge needed
Lifestyle & Fashion Portrait Photo Event
Lifestyle & Fashion Portrait Photo Event
*Style:* Elegant **Editorial Lifestyle Portraits** with a modern fashion aesthetic. Timeless portraits focused on feminine beauty, expressive poses, and stylish details. **Soft natural light, cinematic tones**, and a magazine-inspired look. Men are also welcome! *Price:* 180€ per person *Includes:* ‱ **20-minute personal photoshoot** **‱ 5 professionally edited photos** **‱ Guidance with posing** ‱ Selection of the best images after the shoot *Location:* The historic ARBED building in Luxembourg offers elegant architecture and beautiful textures that perfectly complement this sophisticated portrait style. *Recommended outfits:* Elegant dresses, black or neutral tones, minimal patterns, stylish accessories. *Available time slots:* 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 (Only 10 spots available) *Additional photos:* 15€ per photo Delivery time: Photos delivered within 7 days *Booking:* Reservation is confirmed after 50€ deposit. To reserve your spot please send a direct message. Photographer [@nnakoval_photography](https://www.instagram.com/innakoval_photography)
Feng Shui for Modern Living
Feng Shui for Modern Living
Harmony isn’t just a feeling — it’s something you can design. In Feng Shui, your space reflects your energy. When your environment flows, your life flows. ‱ Clear space = clear mind ‱ Strong support behind you = confidence forward ‱ Natural light = vitality ‱ Plants = growth ‱ Water = abundance Small changes. Big energy shift. 25 Euro / person
AI & Coffee - In-Person Meetup in Luxembourg
AI & Coffee - In-Person Meetup in Luxembourg
⚡ **AI & Coffee — Luxembourg's In-Person AI Community** AI is moving faster than any of us can keep up with alone. The best way to make sense of it — and stay ahead of it — is by getting in the same room as people who are just as obsessed with it as you are. That is exactly what AI & Coffee is about. We are bringing together Luxembourg's most curious, creative and driven minds for an afternoon of open, honest and energising conversations about artificial intelligence — not in theory, but in practice. No slides. No pitches. No pressure. Just real people, real ideas and real connections over great coffee. â˜•đŸ€– *** 📅 **Sunday 19 April \| 15:00 – 17:00** 📍 Updown Bar (Downstairs), [28 Mnt du Grund, 1645 Ville-Haute Luxembourg](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x479548cd7e0b9b45:0x5081bbff1793354b?sa=X&ved=1t:8290&ictx=111) *** ☕ **What we will talk about** AI & Coffee is an open conversation — guided by curiosity and driven by the people in the room. Expect discussions around: * What is actually happening in AI right now — the real breakthroughs, the real hype * Tools, projects and experiments people are building and testing * Practical AI use cases across industries — finance, marketing, tech, healthcare and more * Ideas, feedback and fresh perspectives from people at different stages of their AI journey Feel free to bring your laptop if you want to show something you are working on. Some of the best conversations at our last event started with someone sharing their screen. 💡 *** đŸ‘„ **Who is this for?** Developers and engineers building with AI Founders and entrepreneurs exploring AI for their business Investors and mentors looking to understand what is coming Researchers and students at the forefront of AI Creatives experimenting with AI tools Corporate professionals curious about AI's impact on their industry And anyone who simply cannot stop thinking about where AI is heading If AI excites, challenges or intrigues you — you belong here. *** ✹ **What to expect** A warm, welcoming and relaxed atmosphere where everyone has a seat at the table. Our host will kick things off with a few conversation sparks and the latest AI highlights — then the rest is yours. Meet, talk, connect and exchange freely. No commitment. No agenda. No pressure. Just the kind of afternoon that leaves you energised, inspired and already looking forward to the next one. *** 🎉 **The only cost is your own coffee or drink.** Bring your curiosity, your ideas and an open mind — and let's keep building one of the most exciting AI communities in Luxembourg. đŸ‡±đŸ‡ș 👉 Register now — spots are limited and they go fast!
Standing-up to impostor syndrome: mental health in comedy
Standing-up to impostor syndrome: mental health in comedy
**Do you want to step up to the stage with more confidence, and less self-doubt? Are you looking to be in charge of your** **thoughts, emotions and behaviours? This workshop has just the answer.** Going up on stage and exposing yourself (pun intended) can be very scary. But also very empowering. And also triggering. But also liberating. And can for sure bring on some self-doubt: Am I good enough? Why should anyone listen to me? Doesn't everyone else know more than me? Isn’t everyone else funnier? And when you get of the stage, the questions keep popping in your head: “was it good?”, “I should have said it differently”, “what was I thinking?”, “were those pity laughs?” Your inner critic is always hard at work
 A lot of emotions come up when doing stand-up. No matter if you are a beginner or a more experienced comedian, it can still bring about the dread of not being good enough, making a fool of yourself, and confirming your worst fears. But, it can also be a brilliant and almost therapeutic way to overcome self-doubt, self-sabotage, gain confidence and find that sweet spot where masks come off and you find yourself flying! In this workshop, psychologist Alexandra Neves will guide you through the following: * Impostor syndrome: the pattern in which a person doubts their skills, talents and achievements * and is afraid of being unmasked as fraud, an imposter. * Identify and bring into awareness your limiting beliefs and develop practical tools for * overcoming and releasing them. * How you can tame your inner critic, and use it to your advantage, in comedy and in life. * The masks we wear, and why we wear them. * And ultimately how to develop more self-confidence. These are all transferable skills that can positively impact your stage presence, but also your professional and personal life. Participation in this workshop is by advanced registration. Places are limited. [Book your spot here. ](https://fienta.com/mental-health-in-comedy-2026) **About the instructor:** Alexandra is a psychologist and has over 20 years of experience in training, personal development, and coaching. Alexandra specializes on mental health coaching, imposter syndrome, overcoming self- sabotage, and gender equity. A newcomer to the comedy world, she has been doing stand-up for over a year, and discovering the positive effects comedy can have on mental health – and the positive effects mental health can have in comedy! Find out more about [Alexandra here](https://academy-mind-tree-coaching.lu/) **This workshop is part of [Festrogen](http://festrogenfestival.com/), a women-centric, multi-part comedy festival hosted in Luxembourg.** **Have specific needs or questions? We'd love to help make this place as welcoming as possible. Drop an email to [info@festrogenfestival.com](mailto:info@festrogenfestival.com) and tell us how we can do that.**
Connectez Ă  votre magie intĂ©rieure đŸȘ„
Connectez Ă  votre magie intĂ©rieure đŸȘ„
**J'ai la joie de vous inviter Ă  l'atelier "CrĂ©ez la magie dans votre vie "** đŸȘ„✚: Dans ce nouvel atelier : ✅ Vous vivez une vĂ©ritable **expĂ©rience, un voyage intĂ©rieur** pour reconnecter Ă  votre magie personnelle puis la transposer dans la matiĂšre, grĂące Ă  votre intuition naturelle. ✅ Vous **connectez Ă  votre part crĂ©atrice** \- souvent bridĂ©e dans un quotidien ronronnant ou calibrĂ© pour tenir toutes les obligations \- et vous autorisez Ă  activer la magie dans votre vie ✅ Vous repartez avec l**a joie au coeur, les yeux qui brillent**, et surtout... avec votre crĂ©ation ! ✹Votre enfant intĂ©rieur sera aux anges, et votre adulte aura senti pousser ses ailes ! 📍**Lieu** : House of Coaching 19 rue des Capucins L1313 Luxembourg Ville 3e etage đŸ•€ **DĂ©roulĂ©** : 9h30 : Accueil, thĂ©, cafĂ© 10h : Atelier 12h : Fin de l'atelier 🖍Tout le matĂ©riel est fourni. Tarif : 40€, Ă  payer par Payconic, virement (ou cash) Votre moment de crĂ©ativitĂ©, rien que pour vous ! đŸ„ł **Ce sont les participants qui en parlent le mieux :** 🌟 "Je ressens un mĂ©lange d'Ă©motions en moi, et en mĂȘme temps la joie d'avoir pu crĂ©er quelque chose. C'est comme un petit bĂ©bĂ©. On part de rien, et puis au final il y a une crĂ©ation, c'est merveilleux !" 🌟 "Je me sens plus lĂ©gĂšre et joyeuse 😊" 🌟 "Ca faisait longtemps que je n'avais pas pris de temps pour moi. Pendant l'atelier, on ne pense qu'Ă  ce qu'on crĂ©e, on est pleinement prĂ©sent, ça fait du bien" ❗Inscriptions jusqu’au 16/04 car je dois anticiper le matĂ©riel. **Pour vous inscrire** : envoyez moi un Message PrivĂ© ici, ou au +352 661 175 598 Au plaisir de vous guider dans la (re)connexion Ă  votre magie intĂ©rieure 😊 **AmĂ©lie Leguay** *Coach en Épanouissement personnel et professionnel* âžĄïž Soyez les CrĂ©ateurs de votre vie !
Sunday Art Brunch + Ink Painting
Sunday Art Brunch + Ink Painting
An ink painting workshop, an ancient art practiced on rice paper or silk, which combines elegance, tradition, and artistic expression through slow and meditative gestures. You will be guided by Yemin Yin, a recognized artist trained in London and Canton. Her ink paintings are found in collections worldwide. This experience includes: ‱ A guided 2-hour workshop to discover the timeless elegance of ink painting in a small group ‱ With all the materials provided (ink, brushes, rice paper) ‱ A premium floral tea served throughout the session ‱ Chinese pastries (light dim sum style) ‱ Your artwork to take home €49 / person No experience required.

Outdoor Fitness Events Near You

Connect with your local Outdoor Fitness community

Columbus Meet Local Singles From Home
Columbus Meet Local Singles From Home
**ïżœ Meet Columbus Singles Tonight – Hosted Speed Dating on Zoom** This online speed dating format leans into the human side: strong hosting, repeat attendees, and a sense that the event is part of a growing community. Genuine conversations with real locals — all from your living room. Each round is a brief one-on-one Zoom chat with a Columbus local paired by age and personality. A host keeps the pace comfortable. **Pick your age group and sign up:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Columbus&groupurlname=refined-journeys-for-local-single-hearts&ar=18-32&face_v=15.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Columbus&groupurlname=refined-journeys-for-local-single-hearts&ar=30-46&face_v=15.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Columbus&groupurlname=refined-journeys-for-local-single-hearts&ar=40-58&face_v=15.0) **⚠ Your RSVP doesn't guarantee a place.** Click your age group link below, register, and take the personality quiz to lock in your spot. Limited places. --- 🎯 **Especially useful for:** - Anyone who likes connecting online before meeting face-to-face - First-timers new to speed dating - People re-entering the dating scene after a break 🧭 **How the session runs** 1. **Sign up** – Tap the link for your age range above. 2. **Fill in the matching quiz** – Helps us find your ideal matches for the evening. 3. **Join on Zoom** – Click the link, jump on, and the host handles the rest. 4. **Speed date** – One-on-one rounds with personality-matched Columbus locals. 🗂 **Quick details** - **Format:** Zoom video session – short timed rounds - đŸ”„ **Location:** Online from home – no need to go anywhere - **Host:** Live host handling rounds and introductions --- ✹ One Zoom call, genuine conversations, real matches. See you there. đŸ«¶ ✹ Lean version: fewer words, same core offer. Concise by design so people can decide quickly. đŸ€ **Community angle** - The host keeps the pace clear and the room welcoming - The atmosphere is guided, social, and easy to join - The community matters as much as the session itself That community angle is deliberate: better conversations, more familiar faces, and stronger momentum over time.
Trails & Ales! Blendon Woods Metro Park / Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery
Trails & Ales! Blendon Woods Metro Park / Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery
**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.
Old School Groove at the Beer Garden!
Old School Groove at the Beer Garden!
[Old School Groove](https://www.facebook.com/OldSchoolGrooveBand/) \- Vintage rock\, southern rock\, blues\, reggae\. Originals mixed with 60s & 70s classics\. Getcha groove on\! **[Flint Station](https://www.theflintstation.com/)** is an old depot venue for drinks and live music. They usually have a **bbq food truck** on location. Feel free to bring your own takeout. I'll bring a basket of snacks. NO COVER *They're planning for a beautiful summer evening performance in the beer garden. However, if the weather doesn't cooperate...they will be upstairs in the old-time dance hall. Either way...it's going to be a night to remember!!* **PARKING**: either near the beer garden or across the street.
Hike High Banks - 9:30 AM START
Hike High Banks - 9:30 AM START
Hike approx 4.0 miles at approx. 17 minute mile pace. Meet in front of the Nature Center.